Blossoming Brains podcast

The Hidden World of Unconsciousness: Fainting, Alcohol Blackouts, and Coma Awareness

The Hidden World of Unconsciousness: Fainting, Alcohol Blackouts, and Coma Awareness

The Hidden World of Unconsciousness: Fainting, Alcohol Blackouts, and Coma AwarenessVicki Draeger, Ph.D.
Published on: 13/06/2026

What if someone who appears completely unconscious can still hear your voice? Discover the science of unconsciousness, alcohol blackouts, fainting, hidden awareness in coma patients, and what new research reveals about the human brain.

NeuroscienceAnimalsConsciousness
Do All Dogs Go to Heaven? What Science and Faith Say About Animal Souls

Do All Dogs Go to Heaven? What Science and Faith Say About Animal Souls

Do All Dogs Go to Heaven? What Science and Faith Say About Animal SoulsVicki Draeger, Ph.D.
Published on: 10/06/2026

What if the strongest scientific evidence that animals are conscious is also changing the way people think about heaven? Discover how neuroscience, theology, and animal consciousness research are reshaping one of humanity's oldest questions.

NeuroscienceAnimalsConsciousness
Animal Consciousness: What Kanzi, Alex, and Other Remarkable Animals Reveal About the Mind

Animal Consciousness: What Kanzi, Alex, and Other Remarkable Animals Reveal About the Mind

Animal Consciousness: What Kanzi, Alex, and Other Remarkable Animals Reveal About the MindVicki Draeger, Ph.D.
Published on: 03/06/2026

What if consciousness isn't uniquely human but a shared thread connecting minds across the animal kingdom? Discover what Kanzi, Alex, elephants, dolphins, crows, and octopuses reveal about intelligence, awareness, emotion, and learning.

NeuroscienceAnimalsConsciousness
That Remarkably Bright Creature: Intelligence, Consciousness, and a Truly Alien Mind

That Remarkably Bright Creature: Intelligence, Consciousness, and a Truly Alien Mind

That Remarkably Bright Creature: Intelligence, Consciousness, and a Truly Alien MindVicki Draeger, Ph.D.
Published on: 05/05/2026

Explore octopus intelligence, the distributed octopus brain, tool use, camouflage, dreaming, and ani

NeuroscienceAnimals