⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses child sexual exploitation, trafficking, and trauma.

What does the law really say about protecting children — and who does it leave behind? 🚨 This week on Smooth Brain Society, Dr. Pantea Javedan of Stanford University joins host Sahir and co-host Sabrina Page (Founder of the Gender Violence Research and Collaboration Network) to expose the hidden history of child trafficking laws, the shocking contradictions in how minors are criminalized, and why cases like Jeffrey Epstein reveal a system built to protect the powerful, not the vulnerable. We also dive into today’s battles over age of consent, criminal responsibility, and how children’s rights are being trampled in real time.

Dr. Pantea Javidan: https://humanrights.stanford.edu/people/pantea-javidan

News stories mentioned in intro: https://www.democracynow.org/2025/8/13/headlines/state_department_scrubs_reporting_on_human_rights_abuses_committed_by_trumps_allies

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/youth-crime/trump-youth-crime-donald-elon-musk-doge/65-20a65893-4f32-4c12-873b-2d8449deb5e6

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Can autistic adults lie—and detect lies—like everyone else? And what happens when the justice system misreads autism traits as deception?

In this episode, we sit down with Tiegan Blackhurst, a doctoral researcher at Lancaster University, to dive into her research on autism and deceptive communication. Tiegan breaks down how autistic adults navigate truth and lies, and how misunderstanding these behaviors in legal settings can lead to serious consequences.

💡 Topics covered:

• Can autistic people lie? (spoiler: yes!)
• How stereotypes around eye contact and “shifty” behavior hurt autistic individuals
• Real-world impacts: from police interactions to courtroom bias
• Why both police and the public need better training
• The "Prison Houdini" case and what it reveals

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What is creativity, really? In this episode of the Smooth Brain Society, we dive deep with Dr. Keith Sawyer—MIT-trained computer scientist, jazz pianist, and leading creativity researcher and Professor in Educational Innovations at the University of North Carolina—to unravel the psychology of creative thinking. From the neuroscience of flow states to the myth of the lone genius, Dr. Sawyer breaks down how creativity happens in the mind, in collaboration, and in the classroom. We explore his many books on creativity including his 2024 book Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation, known as "the creativity bible," and his latest publication, Learning to See: Inside the World's Leading Art and Design Schools, a groundbreaking account of how nationally known artists and designers teach. Join us as we learn why stepping away from work might be the most productive thing you do.

Oh! and that apple story about Newton? Not quite what you think.

https://keithsawyer.com/

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In this in-studio episode of Smooth Brain Society, Sahir and Neil are joined by Dr. Kate Messenger as they explore the fascinating world of language acquisition. They discuss why children seem to pick up languages effortlessly, the challenges adults face when learning new languages, and even how bilingual brains store and mix languages. Expect a lively discussion about the theories behind language learning, including the critical period hypothesis and the role of environmental input, along with humorous takeaways about accents, passive constructions, and the everyday struggles of translating between languages. Tune in for a blend of scientific insight and casual banter that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening.

Apologies for the audio quality, there were issues with the original file.

Dr. Kate Messenger's profile: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/psychology/about-us/people/katherine-messenger

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Bryant—executive director of Bryant Research and an expert in alternative proteins—to unpack the science, psychology, and politics behind the future of food. From lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives to the social and environmental challenges of industrial farming, we explore Dr. Bryant's research on how the “protein transition” is reshaping everything from policy to plate. Expect sharp insights, dumpster-diving research methods, and a few sausage-related revelations along the way.

Check out Bryant research: https://bryantresearch.co.uk/

Dr. Bryant and Team have published their a lot of their research in Psychology of Human Animal Intergroup Relations: https://phair.psychopen.eu/index.php/phair

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What factors underpin how we treat animals? In this episode, Prof. Dr. Christopher J. Hopwood of the University of Zurich and the Editor-in-Chief of Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations. Talks about his research related to how people perceive, treat, and interact with animals. Join us as we go through some fascinating studies which have been published in his journal and what the future looks like for things like veganism, animal treatment and upcoming food like cultured meat.

https://phair.psychopen.eu/index.php/phair

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Winter, senior lecturer in sociology at Lancaster University and Director of the Centre for Alternatives to Social and Economic Inequalities (CASEI), to unpack the complex rise and normalization of far-right ideologies. From his personal roots in anti-racist activism to his research on racism, terrorism, and structural inequality, Dr. Winter explores how mainstream institutions, media, and political parties have helped legitimize far-right narratives. We discuss the myth of the “white working class” grievance, how race and class are falsely divided, the political misuse of populism, and the dangers of platforming hate under the guise of public discourse. An essential listen for anyone concerned about democracy, justice, and the future of inclusive politics.

Dr. Aaron Winter: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sociology/people/aaron-winter

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What does it take to elevate women's sport? We dive into the unique landscape of women's sports in New Zealand with special guest Erin Roxburgh, Deputy Chair of Women in Sport NZ. Erin, is a current squad member of the New Zealand Women's Indoor and Beach Handball teams and is currently a lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington and future director at Sport NZ, shares her personal journey and expert insights into the funding and governance structures that shape the sporting world down under. We discover the surprising role of gaming funds and how it compares to more commercial models, using basketball and rugby as case studies. We also explore the relatively recent professionalization of sports in Aotearoa and what the future holds. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply curious about the forces behind the game, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the challenges and opportunities in the future of women's sport.

Erin Roxburgh Profile: https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/erin.r.roxburgh

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