I explain the brain

Complex neuroscience.
Made simple.
For professionals.

Hi, I’m Dr Sarah McKay

I’m an Oxford University-educated neuroscientist, author, speaker and director of Think Brain's suite of online professional training programs in brain health and applied neuroscience.

I live on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Australia, where I write, teach, swim in the ocean year-round, and run programs that translate cutting-edge brain science into practical tools for health and helping professionals around the world.

My first book, The Women's Brain Book: The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones and Happiness was published in 2018.

My second book, Baby Brain: The Surprising Neuroscience of How Pregnancy and Motherhood Sculpt Our Brains and Change Our Minds (for the better) was published in April 2023.

My third book Brain Health For Dummies will was published by the iconic yellow and black "For Dummies" brand in 2025.

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Training courses

c. Baby Brain: The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better)

Around 85% of women become mothers. And most agree that pregnancy and parenthood profoundly change us physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually.

Neuroscientists now believe becoming a mother (a process called matrescence) is a significant neurological transition.

Sadly, mothers’ minds and brains are mainly absent from popular pregnancy books and social media posts... unless that is, there’s a discussion about what could go badly wrong: baby blues, postnatal depression or ditzy ‘baby brain’. It’s as if mothers should expect to lose their minds.

In this book you'll learn the upside of pregnancy and parenting on your brain, and about the new neurobiology of 'mumnesia', nesting, maternal instinct, empathy, attachment, social support, anxiety and sleep.

Baby Brain will change your mind about baby brain!

buy MY BOOKS

d. Keynote Speaker

I am an experienced keynote speaker presenting to audiences including TikTok-Australia, EY, Vogue, Winona School, Business Chicks, CalmBirth and the Resolution Institute.

My talks explore the neurobiology of uncertainty, brain-to-brain synchrony and trust, and the practical application of neuroscience in leadership, HR, and health.

I also have a special interest on women's brain health, covering how the brain changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

For professional audiences, I provide actionable tools and strategies for clinics, classrooms, and corporations. For general audiences, I translate complex brain science into relatable, engaging stories.

I offer tailored keynotes, workshops, book talks and engaging Q&A sessions, delivered either in person or virtually, to meet the specific needs of your audience.

Book me to speak

“I have known Sarah since we were graduate students. She was always an extremely sharp thinker about science; she liked to challenge things but with an openness to possibility. It's hard to maintain sharp-edged curiosity without becoming cynical. Sarah did that as a graduate student, and she does that now.”

Professor Andrew Huberman, Huberman Lab Podcast.

e. Free Micro Training in Neuroscience.

Perfect for people too busy for extensive (and expensive) courses.

This free micro-training in applied neuroscience is quick, entertaining, and immediately applicable.

Learn one neuroscience concept every day including:

The interplay between emotions and thinking.
The importance of social connection and brain health.
Creating and breaking habits.
Neuroplasticity and behaviour change in adulthood.
Using visualisation to master skills and emotions.
Effective goal-setting, even when you're burned out.

Quickly upskill in neuroscience.

Maximum impact with minimal time investment!

Dr. McKay is a vivacious and entertaining guide into the fascinating world of brain science.

- John Mekrut, The Balanced Brain.

f. The Women's Brain Book:

The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones and Happiness

As women, understanding how your brain is sculpted by many factors — including genes and hormones, life experiences, society and culture, thoughts, feelings, and personal beliefs — is key to better health and well-being.

The story begins in the womb and takes a fascinating, informative, and truly eye-opening journey through infancy and girlhood, puberty and the menstrual cycle, the teenage years, mental health, pregnancy and motherhood, menopause, and finally, into old age.

Learn exactly what happens inside your brain and body as you move through all of the important phases of your lives and the unique — and often misunderstood — effects of female biology and hormones.

Fully revised 2nd edition due 2025!

Due to the rapid pace (it was a long time coming!) of women's brain health research, a comprehensive updated 2nd edition of The Women's Brain Book will be released in July 2025.

READ MY BOOKs

g. Sarah's TEDx talk: Neurobiology of Afternoon Naps.

h. View Sarah's ABC Catalyst TV documentary Living Longer: Brain.

In this episode of the ABC's flagship science show, Catalyst, Sarah travels to San Francisco where the worlds of technology and biology collide and explores some of the more out-there anti-aging science, including one doctor’s work on the holy grail of aging medicine.