It's the Brain Stupid

Joanne Lockwood is joined by Dr Lynda Shaw, a cognitive neuroscientist specialising in unconscious emotional processing and behavioural change, to explore how the brain forms shortcuts and why those shortcuts can become bias.

They discuss heuristics, the dominance of unconscious processing, and how deliberate reframing can build new neural pathways. The conversation also challenges popularised neuroscience and over-simplified models, including the risks of turning complex research into neat soundbites.

From there, they connect brain science to real-world inclusion: stereotyping, in-groups and out-groups, recruitment bias, and how organisations can redesign interviewing and assessment to reduce subjectivity. They explore the role of curiosity and dialogue in reducing polarisation, including in debates amplified by social media.

The episode also touches on gender identity and misgendering, focusing on how default patterns and limited exposure can shape behaviour, and how learning, empathy, and thoughtful conversations can help people navigate change more respectfully over time.