A conversation with Dr Lara Boyd - Harnessing Neuroplasticity & Mastering Change in Uncertain Times
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In this powerful episode of 'Don't Quit On Me,' host engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Lara Boyd, a world-renowned neuroscientist and professor at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Boyd, a leading expert in neuroplasticity, motor learning, and brain rehabilitation, demystifies the brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself throughout life. She explains how behavior—especially deliberate practice, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness—is the primary driver of neural change, countering the outdated belief that the brain is 'hardwired' after youth. Drawing from her research and clinical experience, she illustrates how neuroplasticity applies not only to physical recovery from stroke but also to mental health, chronic pain, and cognitive aging. The conversation highlights practical, science-backed strategies such as meditation, loving-kindness practices, social connection, and movement to counteract stress, anxiety, and depression by reshaping brain chemistry, structure, and function. Dr. Boyd emphasizes that individual variation is key—there’s no one-size-fits-all path to change, and progress is possible at any age with consistent, intentional effort.
Your brain is constantly changing—neuroplasticity is lifelong, not limited to childhood.
Behavior is the #1 driver of brain change; practice, sleep, and exercise are non-negotiable for learning and healing.
Chronic stress and cortisol block neuroplasticity; exercise and meditation help reduce cortisol and boost brain health.
Pain and anxiety are not just physical—they’re learned brain patterns that can be remapped through intentional practice.
Meditation, especially loving-kindness and self-compassion, reduces amygdala reactivity and supports healthier memory systems.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Science of Hope: Neuroplasticity as a Lifelong Power
“We are not stuck with the brain that we have. Instead she empowers us to see every intentional action as an opportunity to build a more resilient and more capable mind.”
From Sports Therapy to Brain Science: Lara’s Winding Path
Dr. Boyd shares her personal journey from physical therapy and sports to neuroscience, revealing how a fascination with the brain led her to pursue a PhD and a lifelong research career. She reflects on how technological advances like fMRI and brain stimulation have revolutionized the field.
Debunking the 'Hardwired' Myth: The Reality of Lifelong Change
“We still have the same capacity to change. It just takes a bit more effort and a bit more practice because now we're not just learning. We're also having to unlearn what we're trying to change.”
The Brain’s Three Levels of Change: Chemical, Structural, Functional
“When we first start a movement, those areas, sensory and motor for example, will be really active. Now as we get better at something, we become more efficient. And so we'll see those areas of activation get smaller and smaller.”
Mental Health, Stress, and the Amygdala: Rewiring Fear and Pain
“We don’t want to be living in a world where we're encoding everything through the amygdala, right? Then we're in this kind of constant reactive fight or flight kind of response area.”
“We are not stuck with the brain that we have. Instead she empowers us to see every intentional action as an opportunity to build a more resilient and more capable mind.”
“We don’t want to be living in a world where we're encoding everything through the amygdala, right? Then we're in this kind of constant reactive fight or flight kind of response area.”
“We still have the same capacity to change. It just takes a bit more effort and a bit more practice because now we're not just learning. We're also having to unlearn what we're trying to change.”
Host
Guest
Dr. Lara Boyd
person
cortisol
other
amygdala
other
University of British Columbia
organization
loving-kindness meditation
other
MRI
other
brain-derived neurotrophic factor
other
self-compassion
other
oligodendrocytes
other
hippocampus
other
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