In this episode of “Ok Now You Know,” Joe Garner delves into the fascinating world of déjà vu. Ever experienced a moment so familiar it feels like you’ve lived it before? That’s déjà vu, and it captivates the minds of scientists and the general public alike.

Joe explains that déjà vu, a sensation affecting 60% to 80% of people, is an enigma yet to be fully understood by scientists. This episode explores several prevailing theories, primarily from neuroscience, that seek to unravel why this brief, fleeting feeling occurs. One theory suggests a glitch in our memory system where new experiences mistakenly enter the brain’s familiar pathway. Another notion speculates that déjà vu may involve resemblance to past memories, triggering familiarity without clear recollection.

Focusing on the involvement of the temporal lobe, the brain’s memory manager, Joe illustrates how excessive electrical activity, like in epilepsy, can prompt spontaneous déjà vu. He further discusses how frequent travelers, vivid dreamers, and stressed individuals are more prone to experiencing this phenomenon, hinting at its links to stress and unusual experiences. A physiological perspective even hints at unconscious dream recall playing a role. By the end of the episode, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the mysterious, complex ways our brains interpret reality.