← The Big Story
What happened to our attention spans? artwork

What happened to our attention spans?

The Big Story
E202422:39
Play episode

Show notes

Are you constantly checking your phone? Do you find it harder to concentrate for long periods of time? Or plan ahead? Us too. Executive function is the ability we have as humans to suppress basic instincts and desires for long term gain. It's why you can work every day when what you really want to do is stay home. The functions, though, seem to be on the decline more and more these days. Host Maria Kestane is speaking with Adrian Owen, a professor of cognitive neuroscience and imaging at the University of Western Ontario, about the loss of executive function and how it's up to us to claim it back. Read Adrian's article here Executive Function Is in Short Supply - Macleans.ca We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More from this show

More
  1. Big Headlines: Canada-EU summit continues in Montreal as Carney pushes to become an 'associate member' again and businesses want to scrap Daylight Saving Time

    Plus: Canada is still reviewing its F-35 purchase even after receiving its first two fighter jets. Federal ministers won't say much about environment and climate change Canada aban…

    E210207:57
  2. The Nine: Did Danielle Smith get her mandate?

    Now that Question 10 has been put to rest, what about the other 9? Albertans were asked a range of questions regarding the future of the economy, immigration system, and Canada's…

    E209821:13
  3. Big Headlines: EU drops 'associate member' title for Canada as summit begins in Montreal and no Canada-U.S. trade deal coming with American midterms next week

    Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not yet in a position to reach a trade deal with the U.S., even with the congressional midterms just days away. Industry Minister Mé…

    E210006:53
  4. The election that left Israel in limbo

    Israelis showed up in historic numbers to have their voice heard in Tuesday's National election. It's been more than a day since polls closed, and although official results remain…

    E209725:17
  5. Big Headlines: Most Canadians believe Carney is on the right track cozying up to Europe and Ottawa wants to hear from First Nations as it reviews the Indian Act

    Plus: Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says First Nations have offered mixed reactions to Ottawa's plan to review the Indian Act, a Ukraine-based animal rescue group s…

    E209606:26
  6. What's Ukraine's future without the US?

    Since US President Trump took office, he vowed the Russian invasion into Ukraine would end within 'minutes'. Almost two years later, and ceasefire talks remain murky. Within recen…

    E209423:21
Now Playing