Brain on Bikes: What Riding Tells Us About Being Human

What if riding a motorcycle could rewire your brain—and reveal truths about society, risk, and human instinct? Neuroscientist and cognitive theorist Mark Changizi joins the Futures Edge with Jim Iuorio and Bob Iaccino to explore how brain science, cultural evolution, and motorcycle riding intersect. Blending physics with cognitive science, he unpacks mass hysteria during COVID-19, questions the role of experts, and reveals how our responses are shaped more by culture than clinical data. But that’s just the beginning. Drawing from his book The Motorcycle Mind, Changizi shifts gears into the immersive experience of riding motorcycles. From the thrill of countersteering and optic flow to the controversial idea that riding without a helmet can actually heighten sensory awareness, he explains why motorcycles are more than machines—they’re psychological tools for clarity, presence, and personal empowerment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Cangizzi 02:00 The Role of Experts and Data in COVID 05:54 Understanding Data and Its Interpretation 09:05 Mass Hysteria and Public Perception 13:04 Motorcycle Riding: A Unique Experience 17:02 The Science Behind Riding Motorcycles 21:03 The Psychological Aspects of Riding 29:58 Therapeutic Benefits of Riding 30:41 The Transformative Power of Motorcycles 33:09 Riding Without a Helmet: A Physics Perspective 39:11 Safety Improvements in Motorcycles 40:12 The Mindset of Motorcycle Riders 42:27 Engagement and Awareness on Motorcycles 46:39 Risk Assessment: Motorcycles vs. Cars 47:40 The Role of Noise in Motorcycle Culture 54:05 The Electric Bike Experience 55:11 Design and Evolution in Human Psychology