Further Expanding on Executive Functions

Episode 10: Further Expanding on Executive Functions

In this episode of Conscious Curiosity, Franck and Matt dive deep once more into the role of executive functions, how they shape our behaviour, and the critical importance of context in understanding and improving them.

Drawing from Phineas Gage’s story and real-life experiences, they explore how changes to the brain, whether through injury, illness, or lifestyle, impact our cognitive control and emotional regulation.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

🔹 Why executive functions are not static, but rather context-dependent abilities we use to achieve goals.

🔹 The link between brain injury and behaviour changes, illustrated by Phineas Gage’s case, and how this reshapes our understanding of cognition.

🔹 The importance of looking after your brain and body to create an environment conducive to executive function – it’s about more than just training, it’s about broad, holistic care.

🔹 The interplay of societal influences, values, and personal experiences in shaping how our brains manage higher-order tasks.

🔹 A mindset shift: improving executive function isn’t about "fixing" yourself, it’s about managing the right context for growth and development.

This episode is a powerful reminder that context, not just effort, can make or break our cognitive performance and that it only takes small shifts to make significant improvements in our daily lives.

🧠 Stay curious. Stay kind. 

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📺 Today’s Source Material: Sabine Doebel’s paper, Rethinking Executive Function and Its Development