How Exercise Primes the Brain: Insights from Dr. John Ratey artwork
Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning

How Exercise Primes the Brain: Insights from Dr. John Ratey

Oct 19, 2025 · 22 min

Season 14, episode 375 reviews episode 116 with Dr. John Ratey, exploring how exercise and lifestyle shape brain health and learning. The episode highlights Naperville’s Zero Hour PE case study, explains how physical activity boosts attention and academic performance, and introduces BDNF (brain-derived neurotropic factor) as “miracle grow” for the brain. Practical takeaways include exercising bef…