We're diving deep into the world of meditation, dissecting how it can bring serenity to an active mind, and exploring its tangible effects on your overall well-being. Ariel will help me unravel the mysteries of how Muse works, turning the complex science of brain activity into a device you can hold in your hand. Lastly, we'll venture into the synergy of meditation with supplements, smart drugs, nootropics, and adaptogens - exploring the exciting possibilities of enhancing mental performance. https://bengreenfieldlife.com/muse "A calmer, more relaxed version of you awaits." That's what the makers of my Muse, my favorite new toy, claim on their website - and I have to say, Muse delivers.  https://bengreenfieldlife.com/muse (use code BENGREENFIELD to save 20%) Muse is a "brain-sensing" headband that uses real-time biofeedback to help you refocus during the day and recover overnight. It doesn't merely soothe with nature sounds; it redefines mindfulness by responding to changes in your brain and body activity in real-time. At the heart of this revolutionary device is an app that provides in-depth insights into your progress, offering tangible evidence of your journey toward mental mastery. So, how does Muse work? Here's the basic rundown: Muse connects to your mobile device via Bluetooth. Once connected, you simply start up the Muse Meditation app, put on your headphones, and close your eyes. Once your session is complete, you can review your results and track your progress. My guest on this podcast is Ariel Garten, the founder of InteraXon, maker of Muse. Ariel studied neuroscience at the University of Toronto and worked in labs at Toronto’s Krembil Neuroscience Centre, researching Parkinson’s disease and hippocampal neurogenesis. No mere science nerd, Ariel is a fashion designer whose clothing opened Toronto Fashion Week in 2003 and has had her work displayed at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Ariel’s distinctive combination of science and art is integral to the design of Muse and to InteraXon’s unique approach to brain sensing technology. Ariel was also a therapist in private practice. As well as her full-time position at Muse, Ariel keynotes around the world on technology, mindfulness, and entrepreneurship and supports and advises a variety of start-ups. Having worked with BCI technology since 2003 in the lab of Dr. Steve Mann, Ariel recognized the opportunity to commercialize technology that would fundamentally disrupt multiple markets. She co-founded InteraXon to this end, in 2009. InteraXon debuted with the creation of "Bright Ideas,"​ Ontario's feature showcase at the 2010 Winter Olympics, where visitors in Vancouver got to control the lights on the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, and the Canadian Parliament buildings with their minds, from across the country. Ariel and her team are merging technology, neuroscience, art, and design. Ariel and Muse are regularly lauded in global media: CNN, Forbes, Popular Science, CNET, CNBC, VentureBeat, TechCrunch, Wall Street Journal Tech. The Huffington Post calls it "the beautiful headband that will make you smarter." During our discussion, you'll discover: -Muse and its creator Ariel Garten...01:18 - How meditation helps with a highly active brain...08:05 -More about meditation's effects on the amygdala and prefrontal cortex...18:00 -What does meditation really do?...26:25 -The impact of meditation on the hippocampus and other benefits...39:36 -How does Muse work?...44:36 - Stacking with supplements, smart drugs, nootropics, adaptogens...58:12 -The Mind Monitor app...1:01:04 -Future plans for Muse...1:02:47 Full Show Notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/musepodcast Ben Greenfield Website: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/ Ben Greenfield Podcast: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/ Ben Greenfield Books: https://shopbengreenfieldlife.com/collections/books Twitter https://twitter.com/bengreenfield Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bengreenfieldfitness/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BGFitness TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bengreenfield Youtube handle: @BenGreenfieldLife ​ #Muse #meditation #bengreenfield