Episode 53: [Recap] "Let's just make it to 2021" - Conversation with Dr Zoë Ayres about Academic Mental Health Part I

In this final Monday Science Live before our summer break, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham wraps up the Black Mirror Season 7 series with an in-depth look at USS Callister: Into Infinity, a bold sequel to the iconic Season 4 episode.We follow Nanette Cole and her crew—digital consciousnesses cloned without consent—as they fight for survival and freedom in a vast online universe controlled by 30 million players.This episode explores:The science and ethics of cloning human consciousness from DNAConsent, autonomy, and digital imprisonmentThe risks of advanced VR and mind uploadingWhat it truly means to be “real” in a virtual worldDr. Bahijja also reflects on key takeaways from the entire season and invites listeners to continue the conversation while the podcast takes a short break.This is the last live episode before Monday Science goes on pause...join us as we end the season!🎧 Follow @DrBahijjaRaimiA and @MondayScience for updates and return dates.

16 Juni 13min

In this emotional and thought-provoking episode, we explore Eulogy — a Black Mirror story that dives deep into the ethics of memory, grief, and technological immortality. Set in a world where people can relive and even edit their most traumatic or treasured memories, Eulogy centers around the use of AI-assisted therapy and memory playback technology.Join us as we unpack the science and ethics of this episode — from digital memory preservation and emotional manipulation to the societal consequences of controlling our past. We explore questions like: Can revisiting pain help us heal, or does it deepen the wound? Who owns our memories once they’re uploaded? And what happens when grief is commodified?We also reflect on:The risks and benefits of using tech for trauma processingThe blurred line between therapy and surveillanceThe impact of nostalgia on mental healthAs the episode builds to its haunting conclusion, we discuss the power of memory to shape identity and the moral implications of letting machines curate our most intimate experiences.Whether you’re a science lover, an ethics enthusiast, or just a Black Mirror fan, this discussion will leave you questioning the future of healing — and the price of remembering.Follow, rate, share, and stay connected on @mondayscience on all social media platforms.

8 Juni 50min

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of consent, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham speaks with Dr. Douglas Zytko, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Oakland University, about how virtual reality is reshaping the landscape of dating and relationships.About the EpisodeAs virtual reality technology becomes more immersive and accessible, new forms of connection are emerging—especially in the realm of dating. This episode explores the rise of VR dating platforms, their similarities and differences compared to in-person interactions, and the psychological and social implications of falling in love in a digital space.Together, Dr. Raimi-Abraham and Dr. Zytko examine the potential benefits—such as accessibility and safety—as well as the challenges, including questions about authenticity, consent, and emotional connection. Could virtual reality enhance our capacity to form meaningful relationships, or is something vital lost when touch and presence are replaced with code and avatars?Tune in for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of technology, intimacy, and the future of human connection.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review. We’d love to hear from you!

22 Maj 31min

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of love, identity, and emotional connection in AI, and briefly references ethical concerns around AI consciousness.In this live episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham dives into the third episode of Black Mirror Season 7, “Hotel Reverie,” starring Issa Rae. This episode blurs the line between simulated affection and human emotion, asking: What if the person you loved only existed in code?Bahijja explores the emotional and ethical implications of falling in love with an AI, the limits of memory and agency in simulated consciousness, and the question of whether virtual intimacy can replace—or enhance—real-life relationships. Drawing connections to real-world examples like emotional AI companions, voice cloning in Hollywood, and the growing phenomenon of love in the metaverse, this conversation is both deeply human and technologically grounded.💬 Topics explored:AI consciousness, memory, and emotional residueVirtual reality love stories and metaverse relationshipsThe creative stagnation in film and scienceEthical dilemmas of sentient AI and identityReal-world case studies: Replica, James Earl Jones’ AI voice, and Peter Scott-Morgan’s journey as a cyborgWhether you’re a Black Mirror fan or just curious about the future of tech and human emotion, this episode will leave you reflecting on what it means to love, remember, and connect.Follow, rate, share, and stay connected on @mondayscience on all podcast platforms.

19 Maj 40min

#ThrowbackThursdayIn Part II of this conversation, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham interviews Professor Joseph Devlin (Joe) on various topics related to psychology and consumer behavior. They discuss Joe's research on the relationship between male genitalia size perception and interest in high-end sports cars, the concept of addressable TV advertising, and the impact of extreme experiences on creativity. They also debunk common brain myths, such as the idea that we only use 10% of our brain and the notion of being left-brained or right-brained. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding human behavior and the role it plays in various aspects of life.🚀 Stay connected: Subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review.🎤 Have questions from this interview? Send them in! Via our website: ⁠https://www.mondaysciencepodcast.com/⁠📧 Reach out via email: ⁠info@mondaysciencepodcast.com

15 Maj 31min

In this Monday Science LIVE episode, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham breaks down Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 2 – Bête Noire, exploring how technology, memory, and perception collide. From the unsettling power of quantum computing to the mystery of the Mandela Effect, Dr Bahijja unpacks the science and ethics behind one of the season’s most psychologically intense episodes.This conversation goes beyond fiction, inviting listeners to reflect on real-world themes of truth, identity, and trauma. Through a mix of science, lived experience, and pop culture, the episode examines how memory can be shaped—and sometimes distorted—by both our past and the technologies around us.🔍 Topics covered include:The Mandela Effect and collective false memoriesQuantum computing and its influence on perceptionRevenge, trauma, and accountabilityMicroaggressions and workplace dynamicsNews narratives and memory manipulationWhat defines reality—and who controls it?💡 Takeaways:The fragile nature of truth is shaped by culture and technologyMemory isn’t fixed—and can be manipulatedChildhood experiences can leave lasting psychological effectsPower, identity, and perception are deeply intertwined📚 Whether you're into neuroscience, ethics, tech, or just love Black Mirror, this episode will challenge your perspective and expand your thinking.📬 Got thoughts? Email: info@mondaysciencepodcast.com📱 Follow and join the discussion: @MondayScience on TikTok & Instagram

12 Maj 44min

#ThrowbackThursday In the first of two episodes, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham interviews Professor Joseph Devlin about his work in consumer neuroscience and neuromarketing. They discuss the importance of understanding consumer behaviour and the ethical considerations surrounding data collection and use. They also touch on the topic of masculinity and its influence on consumer behaviour.🚀 Stay connected: Subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review.🎤 Have questions from this interview? Send them in! Via our website: ⁠https://www.mondaysciencepodcast.com/⁠📧 Reach out via email: ⁠info@mondaysciencepodcast.com

8 Maj 31min

Welcome to the first-ever Monday Science Live! In this lively and unfiltered episode, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham kicks off a new interactive series exploring the real-world science, technology, and ethical questions behind Black Mirror Season 7. This week, we dive into Episode 1 – "Common People", a powerful commentary on healthcare, corporate greed, and consciousness.From chaotic lighting mishaps to deep reflections on subscription-based medicine, Dr Bahijja explores the disturbing implications of Rivermind—a fictional tech company offering life-saving brain implants... for a fee. Topics include:🧠 Brain-computer interfaces and mind uploading🧾 Subscription-based healthcare models📺 Neuromarketing and ads delivered directly to the brain🧍‍♀️ What happens when human dignity is commodifiedWith personal anecdotes, tech news updates, and a healthy dose of laughter, this episode blends sci-fi with real-life science in true Monday Science style.🔊 Join the conversation: Would you pay a monthly subscription to keep a loved one alive? Where should we draw the line between innovation and exploitation?🎧 Subscribe now and don’t miss next week’s breakdown of Episode 2: Bête Noire – even if it wasn’t Bahijja’s favorite…

5 Maj 52min