In this episode, Dr Sarah McKay, a neuroscientist, author, and mom, joins Yvonne. They talk about a wide range of topics, including the biggest misconception about the female brain, what happens to the brain during pregnancy, PMS, and a range of other fascinating subjects. Dr McKay also explains why the idea that the Reticular Activating System (RAS) is the centre of manifestation is not backed up by neuroscience. KEY TAKEAWAYS Four out of five mothers experience “baby brain.” Dr McKay shares what the research tells us about this. Women´s brains change during pregnancy to prepare for motherhood, Dr McKay explains how and shares what the research tells us. Hormones are not the main driver of the female brain. But they do have an impact and affect some women much more than others. In countries where women do not feel they have a voice, rates of PMS are much higher. When it comes to things like PMS, we need to factor in what society has told us to expect and the impact that has on how we think and in turn how our bodies respond. The words we use and the social narrative we accept have a strong impact on how we think, feel and therefore act. The placenta has a biological sex too. Some of a baby´s cells migrate into the mother´s brain. The RAS potentially plays a role in what you pay attention to, and where your focus goes. But it does not mean you can use it to manifest. Your social networks have the biggest impact on your life. BEST MOMENTS ‘We don't find clear variation of mood based on the day of the month in most women. ´ ‘Be very conscious of what you are telling yourself.’ ‘The loudest voice in the crowd is the people around us and that's the greatest source of strength and resilience that we should be seeking out.’ ‘Our brains do change particularly during our first pregnancy.’   GUEST AND EPISODE RESOURCES RSA article - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wishing-upon-neuron-reticular-activating-system-wont-manifest-mckay-1a2pc/?trackingId=GdUfZDFVQvmUqN1mWYCFvw%3D%3D Placenta sex post - https://www.instagram.com/p/C5l4laCBzE0/  https://drsarahmckay.com/ Microchimerism - https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-discover-childrens-cells-living-in-mothers-brain/ Brain change during pregnancy - https://www.uab.cat/web/newsroom/news-detail/pregnancy-leads-to-changes-in-the-mother-s-brain-1345668003610.html?noticiaid=1345716582270 VALUABLE RESOURCES website: pausepenny.com Instagram: @yvonnetchrakian_manifest @pause.penny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-tchrakian-64257619/ HOST BIO Yvonne started her career as a corporate lawyer for one of Ireland's top law firms. After the loss of a baby during pregnancy, Yvonne founded Pause. Penny - which was created to inspire people to manifest their dream lives. She is also a mom of four. Yvonne is a serial manifester, manifesting everything from her dream jobs (yes, multiple), her soulmate, dream house and even her twins! Podcast Description This podcast is all about manifesting your dream life. Interviews with incredible entrepreneurs who are using manifestation to create successful businesses and solo episodes on how to start manifesting everything you desire. Yvonne teaches you 7 simple steps to manifesting your dream life, shares her own personal manifestation stories and gives practical advice on how to make manifestation a lifestyle. Tune in and I guarantee you will be manifesting your dreams!