Science on the Table

On this episode, we are joined by Jo who guides us through the Neuroscience of Sleep and Consciousness.
What really happens in the brain when we drift off—and where does consciousness go when we’re asleep?
In Between a Yawn and a Hard Place, we unpack the neuroscience of sleep and consciousness, exploring how the brain cycles through different states of awareness. From the rhythms of brain waves to the deeper pull of our biological clocks, we look at how circadian rhythms and biorhythms shape when we feel alert, when we crash, and how well we truly rest.
We also step into more complex territory: how psychoactive substances—from caffeine to more potent compounds—can alter sleep architecture and shift our perception of consciousness itself. What do these disruptions reveal about the fragile balance between wakefulness and rest?
Along the way, we tackle some of neuroscience’s biggest questions:
Why do we dream?
Is consciousness ever truly “off”?
And how do sleep disorders, jet lag, or altered states help us understand the mind?
Blending cutting-edge science with real-world relevance, this episode offers a deeper look at the hidden systems governing your nights—and your waking life.
So whether you’re running on empty, perfectly in sync, or somewhere in between, join us as we explore the space between a yawn… and a hard place.

What happens when you ask thousands of endurance runners to jog a small country’s worth of distance… in the South African sun?

In this episode, we turned the thermostat up with Dr Henno Havenga, environmental scientist, and explored what really happens when ultramarathons meet serious heat. Using a thermal stress index, we map the temperature conditions runners faced along the route—because sometimes it’s not just a race, it’s a slow-motion human braai.

We also look beyond the heat to the air itself, examining pollution levels on race day and asking an uncomfortable question: while runners are pushing their limits, what exactly are their lungs breathing in? From roasting road surfaces to the science of thermal strain, this episode unpacks how heat and air quality shape the ultimate test of human endurance.

This week’s episode dives into the wonderfully chaotic world of ADHD in kids and teens—where attention span isn’t “short” so much as “selective,” executive functioning is like a WiFi signal that keeps dropping, and dopamine is the mischievous chemical running the show. We unpack neurodivergence in real, human language, from high masking (especially in adolescents) to that internalised paralysis that looks like “procrastination” but is really the brain’s spinning wheel of doom. If you’ve ever wondered why a child can hyperfocus on Minecraft for hours but freezes at the sight of homework, this episode finally makes it all make sense.

Even the most resilient plants have their weak spots. In this episode, Professor Jacquie van der Waals delves into the science of Plant Pathology — where microscopic foes meet macro-scale consequences. From the citrus groves battling canker to potatoes facing down late blight, we explore how plant diseases emerge, spread, and reshape agriculture. It’s a story of spores and survival, where each infection tells a tale of evolution, adaptation, and the constant arms race between pathogen and plant.

In this episode, Shane and Caitlin sit down with Sister Jenni Clarence, an experienced midwife and passionate advocate for maternal and newborn health. She shares her journey into midwifery, the challenges and joys of the profession, and the vital role midwives play in supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.