The Unstoppable Brain was a really interesting book to listen to and I feel like I learned a lot. I had never heard of the habenula before and I really appreciate that Kyra Bobinet described it and its functions in a way that is easy for everyone to understand.

I've never thought of goal-setting being a negative before and I am the kind of person who loves setting goals, making to-do lists, and constantly being productive and achieving. I've noticed that it becomes harder and harder to become satisfied with myself and that every time I reach a goal, I almost immediate become dissatisfied and need to achieve more. This book really helped me explore that and though it didn't totally help me come up with solutions, I do think self-awareness is a big part of the battle.

I also found Bobinet's exploration of medications like ketamine and psilocybin and their effects on the habenula to be very insightful and I have a feeling we'll be hearing much more about these medications in the future.

Overall, I am very happy I listened to Unstoppable Brain as I feel like I learned a lot and it definitely encouraged me to do a lot of self-exploration!

Immense gratitude to NetGalley for access to this audiobook which I might not have found otherwise.
I wish I could just beam this book into everyone’s brain.
This was Brène Brown level life changing, which is my highest compliment. The information was presented in a way that was easy to understand and to apply in my life, and the book was written in a way that was engaging and authentic and you could just tell the author really wanted to help people and believed in what she was writing about. The beautiful thing about this book and the information presented therein, is that it’s not some super specific, intensive, “you have to do it just this way or it won’t work”, super anxiety-inducing program. It’s something every single person on this planet that is capable of autonomy, can do. And keep doing. Forever. I really appreciated that the author has not played into the hyper-capitalistic mindset of constant productivity, and above all else her message is that failure doesn’t exist and we are all worthy and capable. As someone raised in a high control religion super focused on productivity, and then in an abusive marriage where I was made to feel like a lazy, crazy piece of trash, this book was so healing and validating to me. It will stay with me forever.

I received this as an advanced reader audiobook from NetGalley. It has a lot of interesting points and good research, but it wasn't as eye opening as I had hoped it would be. The beginning of the book talks all about how we live in a very performative culture, constantly making goals then missing the mark and feeling like a failure. The book talks about a part of the brain called the habenula and how feeling like we failed also contributes to a lot of motivation. The solution was iteration, which is basically reframing failure and trying different things. I think that that would've been fine to read, except it seemed very performative after all the talk about trying and failing all the time. Basically, tell yourself it's okay, you didn't fail, then move on trying something new. It did have some good suggestions on how to form habits and I think I will think about some of the research as I try to change a few things.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC (in audiobook format).

“The Unstoppable Brain” by Kyra Bobinet is a compelling exploration into the intricate workings of the human mind, particularly as it relates to our ability to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. Narrated by the author, this book offers a personal touch that adds authenticity and depth to the subject matter.

Kyra Bobinet delivers a masterful narrative that weaves together neuroscience, psychology, and real-life stories to demonstrate how our brains can be trained to tackle challenges.

Her voice brings a sense of intimacy and conviction, making the audiobook experience particularly engaging.

The book stands out for its practical approach. Bobinet doesn’t just dwell on theory; she provides actionable advice and exercises that readers can apply to their daily lives. This hands-on methodology is especially beneficial for professionals in the healthcare sector, like Medicaid and Medicare claims processors, who often face complex problems requiring innovative solutions.

What makes “The Unstoppable Brain” truly unique is its vibrant and creative presentation. The content is intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging, resonating with readers who appreciate a blend of technical expertise and artistic expression.

Overall, “The Unstoppable Brain” is a transformative experience that encourages readers to harness the power of their minds to become unstoppable in their pursuits. Kyra Bobinet’s narration adds a layer of personal guidance that makes the journey through the book a memorable one. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their cognitive abilities. Bold, innovative, and inspiring, this book is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human brain. 🧠✨

Physician and health care executive, Kyra Bobinet debunks the myth of how we are taught to change our behaviors and habits. The initial “dopamine” levels we get from SMART goals don’t stick long term. Instead, the secret to changing lies in the hybanula. Located in the brain’s hypothalmus, this small area activates whenever we experience failure and turns off again when we perceive motivation to try again. Bobinet explains the neuroscience of how this area works and what activities we can use to activate this area. She introduces listeners to the acronym, ITERATES: Inspirations, Time, Environment, Reduce, Add Togetheness, Expectations, and Swaps. Using this acronym, she explains the key to behavioral changes, neuroplasticity, and understanding how the habenula can work to one’s advantage.

Narrating her own book, Kyra brings authenticity and credibility to the book. The information provided is thought-provoking, easy to apply, and easy to understand. The narrative and neuroscience are motivating and empower the listener to change their habits and behaviors. Providing a fresh perspective, this audiobook is perfect for any listeners who are interested in neuroscience, growth mindset, and non-fiction about the brain. Recommend for most library collections

Please Note: A copy of this audiobook was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, No other compensation was received.

This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Kyra Bobinet, Forbes Books and NetGalley.

The narrator is the author, Kyra Bobinet. I actually really enjoyed the narration. The author is excited about sharing her research and it really comes across in her voice. Her excitement was infectious.

I am not not well versed on Neuroscience but understood everything discussed easily. So this was written for the lay user and is accessible to nonprofessionals. This is focused, flows well, is easily engaged with and relatable..

I don't want to ruin the subject matter by poorly explaining it. I will say that I'm already using the techniques in my life right now. This book was quite transformative for me in looking at my own fear responses and how I get mired in them. The system was easily adaptable in my life and I truly appreciate the insight and knowledge.
This is a pathway to healing our inner fears and saboteurs. This isn't the only path and the author includes Indigenous healing from global cultures, including her own.

This focuses on diet research a bit much for my tastes but the findings apply to far wider areas. At there's a bit of an uncomfortable rant about fixing the world and I'm not sure the author really grasps things at the root.

A deep bow of respect and thankfulness for Dr. Bobinet's determination in both this kind of research and making her findings accessible to the masses.

Thank you to Kyra Bobinet, Forbes Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

In this book filled with new neuroscience Kyra Bobinet explores how are usual unhelpful goal setting cycles we get stuck in just leads to failure and offers new techniques into how to achieve what you want in life which doesn't include the outdated binary of pass/fail.

definitely eye-opening and will take a while to change that old way of thinking, but some useful information in how to achieve this, within this book.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this ARC.