Smooth Brain Society

Jack El-Hai, acclaimed journalist and author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist and The Lobotomist, takes us inside Dr. Douglas Kelly's psychological examination of Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg trials. From the lobotomy era to the chilling conclusions about "ordinary" evil, this conversation explores what psychiatry revealed about history's most notorious figures—and what it means for us today.
Key Topics Covered:
🧠 The Lobotomist: How a 1968 lobotomy case in Minnesota led Jack down a 20-year rabbit hole into the history of psychiatric surgery and Walter Freeman's controversial legacy.
⚖️ Douglas Kelly & The Nuremberg Trials The young US Army psychiatrist who had sole access to 22 Nazi defendants—including Hermann Göring—and what he discovered about their psychological profiles.
💡 The Disturbing Conclusions and warnings Kelly's finding that the Nazi leaders were psychologically "normal"—and why that revelation was far more terrifying than finding them insane.
🎬 From Book to Film The 12-year journey from The Nazi and the Psychiatrist to the 2025 film Nuremberg starring Rami Malek—and what changed in adaptation.
Check out Jack El-Hai's work: https://www.el-hai.com/
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Dr. John Kerr, Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago and Science Lead for the Public Health Communication Centre, discusses the psychological roots of belief and disbelief in scientific consensus. He shares his journey from neuroscience to science communication, exploring the complexities of conspiracy theories, misinformation, and the impact of AI on public perception. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological traits that influence belief systems and the need for intellectual humility in navigating these issues.
https://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/publichealth/staff/john-kerr
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Dr. Feryl Badiani, Lecturer at Sophia College, Mumbai, India and Researcher at Masaryk University, Czechia delves into the complexities of Hinduism, exploring its resilience in the face of monotheistic religions, the cultural and linguistic diversity within Hindu practices, and the role of rituals in shaping identity. Feryl shares her journey into studying Hinduism, particularly in the Marathi and Gujrati communities in India. The discussion also touches on the impact of diaspora on religious practices, the intersection of gender and religion, and some of the misconceptions surrounding Hinduism.

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Dr. Adam Feltz of The University of Oklahoma discusses the complexities of ethical decision-making, particularly in relation to animal welfare. He shares his journey from philosophy to psychology, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in shaping moral judgments about animals. The discussion covers various factors influencing animal ethics, including cultural traditions, education, and policy implications. Dr. Feltz also explores the need for informed consumer choices and the potential of lab-grown meat and smaller farms as a solution to animal harm.
The Ethical interactions lab: https://ethicalinteraction.org/meet-the-lab

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This episode features two members of Women in Neuroscience UK, Ginevra Sperandio and Riya Verma, discussing their journeys into neuroscience, the importance of women's health research, and the mission of their organization. They explore the challenges faced by women in neuroscience, the need for better representation, and the significance of patient voices in research. The discussion also highlights innovative ideas for future research and how individuals can get involved with Women in Neuroscience UK.

Check WiNUK out here: https://www.womeninneuroscienceuk.org
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