The Psychology Podcast

After 11 years, 478 episodes, and countless conversations exploring the depths of human potential, this episode marks the final chapter of The Psychology Podcast in its current form. In this deeply meaningful farewell episode for Scott, he sits down with acclaimed science writer Annie Murphy Paul — fittingly, the very first guest ever featured on the show back in 2014. Together, they reflect on the podcast’s evolution, its mission, and the major themes that have shaped more than a decade of inquiry into what it means to be fully human. Scott opens up about why he’s choosing to step away: to recenter, recharge, and make space for his own continued growth. He discusses how the podcast landscape has transformed since he launched the show at a time when psychology podcasts were virtually nonexistent, and shares what he hopes listeners will carry forward from this body of work. This episode explores the seven core insights Scott has gleaned from hosting the show — themes that have come to define its spirit:• Being over doing• Creativity over efficiency• Self-actualization over achievement• Deep fulfillment over temporary happiness• Self-transcendence over self-enhancement… along with lessons about meaning, compassion, and human possibility. With honesty and gratitude, Scott takes a moment to thank the listeners who have supported the show since its inception — a community that made this journey possible week after week, year after year. If you get a chance, please leave a comment telling Scott what the show has meant to you. He would love to hear from you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott sits down with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Alia Crum—one of the world’s leading researchers on the science of mindsets. Dr. Crum’s groundbreaking work investigates how our subjective beliefs and interpretations can produce real, measurable changes in behavior, physiology, and psychological well-being. Drawing inspiration from research on the placebo effect, Dr. Crum explores how mindsets influence everything from health and stress to performance and interpersonal effectiveness. She and Scott discuss the mechanisms through which mindsets shape objective reality, and how deliberately shifting our mental lenses can lead to meaningful transformation in our lives and organizations. This conversation is especially personal for Scott, who first met Dr. Crum during their graduate school days at Yale. They revisit early philosophical chats while highlighting how far her research—and its real-world implications—has come. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott welcomes Dr. Elisabet Lahti—educator, applied psychology researcher, and founder of the Sisu Lab. Dr. Lahti is the world’s leading expert on sisu, a Finnish concept that embodies extraordinary courage, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. Together, they explore the meaning of sisu and how it can help us persevere even when we think we’ve reached our limits. Dr. Lahti shares her own personal experiences of struggle and growth, illustrating how strength and gentleness can coexist and create a more compassionate, resilient world. This heartfelt conversation is a celebration of inner power, perseverance, and the human capacity to overcome hardship with grace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott speaks with RaQuel Hopkins, a certified coach with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. RaQuel shares her personal and professional journey—from mastering the art of coping to discovering the transformative power of growth. Together, they explore how adults can expand their mental and emotional capacity, why many people feel stuck in “survival mode,” and what it really means to thrive. RaQuel opens up about her own evolution and how she now helps others move beyond simply managing life to fully engaging with it.   If you’ve ever felt that there’s more to life than just getting by, this episode will inspire you to embrace your potential and take meaningful steps toward growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott sits down with Dr. Ben Rein, a Stanford neuroscientist and one of today’s most engaging science communicators. Dr. Rein has spent over a decade studying the neuroscience of social interaction, and his new book, Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection, explores how our relationships shape our minds and well-being. Together, they dive into the science of why humans are wired for connection, the growing epidemic of loneliness, and how social interactions influence the brain. They also unpack the neurobiology of empathy—what it is, how it works, and whether we can actually train ourselves to become more empathetic.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott speaks with psychotherapist and writer Joe Nucci, whose work tackles the intersection of mental health, misinformation, and pop psychology. Joe has built a large following by debunking viral myths and bringing nuance to conversations that are too often oversimplified online. Together, they dive into his new book, Psychobabble: Viral Mental Health Myths and the Truths to Set You Free. From the overuse of labels like “narcissist” to the assumption that mindfulness is good for everyone, Joe challenges widely accepted but misleading ideas. They also take on bigger cultural narratives—like whether everyone has trauma or whether everyone should be in therapy. This conversation sheds light on how misinformation spreads, why it matters, and what we can do to ground our understanding of mental health in science and compassion.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott Barry Kaufman sits down with Dr. Alex Auerbach, a licensed counseling and sport performance psychologist who works with some of the world’s top performers—from Olympic champions to NBA, NFL, and MLB athletes, as well as elite military units, Fortune 500 companies, and high-growth startups. Together, they dive into insights from Dr. Auerbach’s book, To Greatness: Your Personal Playbook for the Pursuit of Excellence. The conversation explores the science of resiliency, adaptive capacity, and wellness, along with the role of self-awareness, values, confidence, and belief in reaching one’s highest potential. Dr. Auerbach believes greatness isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s available to anyone willing to answer the call. This episode is filled with practical wisdom and inspiring takeaways for performers in every arena of life.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott sits down with Dr. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Dealing with Feelings: Use Your Emotions to Create the Life You Want. Together, they explore why so many of us struggle to manage our emotions and what we can do about it. Dr. Brackett explains the importance of co-regulation, self-compassion, and learning to work with our feelings rather than against them. As he reminds us, nearly every experience in our lives—good or bad—is shaped by how we respond emotionally. This conversation is full of practical wisdom and science-backed tools to help you better understand your inner world and harness the power of emotions for growth, resilience, and joy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott speaks with author, entrepreneur, and world traveler Chris Guillebeau, best known for The Art of Non-Conformity and his latest book, Time Anxiety: The Illusion of Urgency and a Better Way to Live. Chris unpacks the concept of time anxiety—the persistent feeling that we’re running out of time—and explains why it’s different from FOMO or ADHD. Together, he and Scott explore how cultural pressures toward constant efficiency can leave us feeling perpetually behind, and how to redefine “enough” in our own lives. This conversation offers fresh perspectives on slowing down, finding meaning, and reclaiming your relationship with time. Whether you’re chasing big dreams or simply trying to savor the present, this episode will help you rethink how you spend your most precious resource. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott speaks with journalist and Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan about her latest book, Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga shares her personal journey experimenting with ways to reshape her own personality—armed with insights from the latest psychological research. Together, she and Scott explore whether personality traits like introversion, neuroticism, and even antagonism can truly change over time, and what science says about how we can become better versions of ourselves. This episode dives into the surprising plasticity of personality, why certain traits are harder to shift than others, and the real-life tools that can help spark meaningful, lasting transformation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott sits down with acclaimed journalist and Atlantic staff writer Helen Lewis to explore her latest book, The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea. Together, they examine how society defines—and often distorts—the concept of genius. Helen argues that there’s no universal, objective definition of genius, and that the people we anoint as such often reflect what a culture values, rather than any absolute measure of brilliance. This “genius” label, she suggests, grants select individuals undue latitude and props up misleading narratives about creativity, intelligence, and individual achievement. Scott and Helen also dig into the misuse and limitations of IQ, shared myths about extraordinary minds, and the social consequences of genius worship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott sits down with English comedian, author, and BBC radio host Robin Ince. Known for co-presenting The Infinite Monkey Cage alongside physicist Brian Cox, Robin brings his signature wit and wisdom to a deeply personal and socially relevant conversation. The episode centers around Robin’s new book, Normal Weird and Weirdly Normal: Adventures of Neurodiversity, in which he champions the beauty of embracing one's authentic self. Together, Scott and Robin explore the rigid social norms that often stifle creativity, connection, and individuality—and how celebrating neurodiversity can open the door to a richer, more inclusive world. This episode is a tribute to the magic that happens when we let go of “normal” and celebrate what makes us weirdly wonderful. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott welcomes Dr. Adam Galinsky, Professor at Columbia Business School and author of Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others. Together, they explore what makes a truly inspiring leader—and how anyone, regardless of title or position, can develop the qualities to lead with vision, courage, and impact. Dr. Galinsky shares powerful insights on the "leader amplification effect," the importance of expanding the "status pie," and how leaders can empower others while staying grounded in authenticity. This timely and energizing conversation is packed with research-backed wisdom and practical strategies for cultivating influence and purpose in your personal and professional life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott welcomes Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, senior research scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and Director of the Creativity and Emotions Lab. They dive into Dr. Pringle’s new book, The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas Into Action, which offers research-backed guidance on transforming imagination into reality. The conversation explores the intersection of creativity, emotional intelligence, and motivation, providing actionable insights to help you overcome internal barriers and pursue your goals with clarity and purpose.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott sits down with Sahil Bloom—investor, creator, and New York Times bestselling author of The Five Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life. Sahil shares his powerful philosophy that the most meaningful transformations in life come not from finding the right answers, but from asking the right questions. Together, they explore practical tools, ideas, and frameworks for achieving not just financial success, but a well-rounded life enriched by health, wisdom, time, and relationships. If you’re looking to reframe your understanding of success and take actionable steps toward a more intentional and fulfilling life, this conversation is a must-listen.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott is joined by the multitalented Mayim Bialik and Jonathan Cohen. You might know Mayim as the star of Blossom and The Big Bang Theory, or as the former host of Jeopardy!, but she’s also a neuroscientist with a PhD from UCLA and the creator of the popular mental health podcast Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown. Jonathan Cohen, her co-host and co-creator, is a writer, poet, and futurist with a passion for storytelling, technology, and mindfulness. Together, they share a deep commitment to shifting the conversation around mental health and emotional well-being. The three explore their shared journey, the power of authentic storytelling, and their mission to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. This conversation dives into everything from neuroscience to pop culture, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to thrive in today’s world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a special role-reversal episode of The Psychology Podcast, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is interviewed by renowned social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt to discuss Scott’s brand-new book, Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. This powerful conversation explores how modern culture can reinforce limiting beliefs and emotional fragility, and how we can instead reclaim agency, resilience, and meaning in our lives. Scott opens up about the myths of self-esteem, the emotional toll of victimhood culture, and the surprising strengths that come from sensitivity. Together, Scott and Jonathan unpack the cultural narratives that hold us back and offer practical strategies for developing emotional strength and personal empowerment in an age of anxiety. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Robert Biswas-Diener and Christian van Nieuwerburgh, pioneers in positive psychology coaching and co-authors of the new book Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection. Together, they share powerful insights on how to deepen our conversations and relationships through the transformative practice of radical listening. Robert and Christian explore their framework for truly listening, which includes the practices of noticing, quieting, accepting, acknowledging, questioning, and interjecting. This conversation is a masterclass in co-creating meaning and cultivating empathy in our interactions. They also provide guidance through the science and art of connection—something the world deeply needs right now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode, Scott welcomes the legendary Dr. Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist and professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Best known for his groundbreaking Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Dr. Gardner’s 1983 book Frames of Mind challenged the traditional view of intelligence as a singular ability measured by IQ tests. Scott and Dr. Gardner explore the impact of his theory on education and psychology, discussing its strengths, limitations, and evolution over time. This conversation is both a deep dive into human intelligence and a personal one as Scott shares how Dr. Gardner’s work shaped his own journey into psychology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott is joined by Dr. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist renowned for his work on magic, illusion, deception, luck, and self-development. As the UK's only Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, Dr. Wiseman has published over 100 academic papers and authored bestselling books such as The Luck Factor, Paranormality, Quirkology, and Rip It Up. Dr. Wiseman’s research bridges science and everyday life, offering insights into success, well-being, and the quirks of human perception. In this episode Scott and Dr. Wiseman explore the fascinating psychology behind magic, and his attempts to scientifically study what appears to be psychic phenomenon. We also discuss the secrets of self-transformation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott is joined by Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell—an integrative medical doctor, neuropsychiatrist, and researcher of extraordinary states of consciousness. Dr. Powell's research explores the neuroscience behind psychic phenomena, telepathy, and the incredible abilities of autistic savants. She is the author of "The ESP Enigma: The Scientific Case for Psychic Phenomena" and has been featured in "The Telepathy Tapes" podcast for her groundbreaking work with children who appear to demonstrate mind-reading abilities. Scott and Dr. Powell dive into the scientific challenges of studying telepathy, the mysteries of prophetic dreams, and Dr. Powell’s theories of consciousness. This conversation explores the limits of human potential and what it means to be an open skeptic in the search for truth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode, Scott is joined by two legendary figures in social psychology: Dr. Elliot Aronson and his son, Dr. Joshua Aronson. At 93, Elliot Aronson remains a towering influence in psychology, known for pioneering the Jigsaw Classroom—a groundbreaking cooperative learning technique that reduces interethnic hostility and enhances learning. He is the only person in American Psychological Association history to receive all three of its major awards for research, teaching, and writing, including the prestigious William James Award for Lifetime Achievement. His son, Dr. Joshua Aronson, is a distinguished social psychologist and Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at NYU. His pioneering research on stereotype threat has reshaped our understanding of learning and performance under stress. As the director of the Mindful Education Lab, he leads efforts to improve psychological resilience and learning environments. Together, Elliot and Joshua co-authored The Social Animal, a seminal textbook in psychology. In this conversation, Scott, Elliot and Joshua explore this groundbreaking work, their personal journeys, and the lasting impact of their research on education, social behavior, and human psychology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Barnard College Professor Dr. Tovah Klein. Scott and Dr. Klein discuss her groundbreaking research on child development including the importance of being a safe anchor for your children by providing them safety in their worst moments, accepting them for who they are, and being there for them no matter what.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Stanford Psychiatrist and addiction expert, Dr. Anna Lembke. Scott and Dr. Lembke discuss how to reset your dopamine system to take back control of your life and turn the things that you really want into their own reward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy New Year! As we prepare for the new season of the Psychology Podcast, here's one of our favorites to get you through the holidays.  This week Scott is joined by happiness researcher and best selling author, Dr. Emma Seppala. Scott and Dr,. Seppala discuss the concept of “sovereign", an emancipation from all the ways you subjugate yourself in your own existence. Emma teaches us all how to reconnect with yourself in a healthy way.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy New Year! As we prepare for the new season of the Psychology Podcast, here's one of our favorites to get you through the holidays.  This week Scott is joined by sociologist and psychologist, Corey Keyes. Scott and Corey discuss the pervasiveness of languishing in our society today and how to feel alive again. Dr. Keyes explains the 5 psychological vitamins we should all be taking to live life to avoid depression and live life to the fullest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author, speaker and pioneer in the global happiness movement, Karen Guggenheim. Scott and Karen discuss overcoming trauma with happiness, how happiness can be learned by making small daily changes, and how to use compassion to overcome diversity.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author, philosopher, and professor at Durham University, Philip Goff. Scott and Philip discuss evidence for the existence of god, whether the universe has any purpose, and the function of religion in society. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author, businessman and public speaker, Stedman Graham. Scott and Stedman discuss the importance of identity leadership, centering your worth around your own strengths and talents, and self actualization.    Stedman's Book--> https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Leadership-Others-First-Yourself/dp/1546083375   Stedman's Website--> stedmangraham.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by one of Australia's foremost practitioners of acceptance and commitment therapy, Dr. Russ Harris. Scott and Russ discuss Dr. Harris'' "Happiness Trap” cards, which are designed to invigorate one's mental health with ideas to boost self-esteem and challenge intrusive thoughts among other mental health practices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by best-selling author and former dating coach Mark Manson about what women really want in a man. In addition to writing multiple bestselling books such as “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k” and “Everything is F****d”, Mark put a lot of his insights into dating and seduction in his 2011 book “Models: Attract Women through Honesty”. In this episode Scott and Mark discuss whether nice guys really finish last and the importance of authenticity in attracting a mate. From dating to seduction and more, Scott and Mark cover it all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For this special 10th anniversary episode of The Psychology Podcast, Scott draws on science to answer the age-old question: Do nice guys really finish last? First, Scott pinpoints exactly what women mean when they use terms such as “bad boy” and “nice guy.” Then he discusses the psychology of individuals who are primarily driven by selfish desires, and how they go about obtaining their mating goals. Then, Scott looks at what women actually want, including what some women want, and what some women want some of the time. Finally, Scott presents what he thinks are the most reasonable conclusions based on all of the current evidence and he offers advice for nice guys, women, and bad boys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author and professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Kurt Gray. Scott and Dr. Gray discuss why Americans seem so divided at this point in time, the psychology of self-righteous indignation, how we all share harm-based moral minds, and what we can do to find common ground. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Jodi Wellman. Jodi is an author, executive coach, and expert on resiliency. Scott and Jodi discuss living well with no regrets, and learning to embrace the bright side of your limited time on Earth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author, speaker and therapist, Israa Nasir. Scott and Israa discuss toxic productivity, the connection between productivity and self-worth, and how to transform shame into curiosity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author and professor of leadership at the Columbia Business School, Dr. Michael Morris. Scott and Dr. Morris discuss the upsides of tribalism—  from uniting different tribes to practical implications for workplace inclusion to how tribal psychology may be our best hope for social change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this solo episode of The Human Potential Lab, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman shines a light in the intersection of personality, well-being, and creativity. After describing each of the major personality traits on offer among humans, he then discusses how personality is related to creative achievement and which traits are related to which forms of well-being. He concludes with a hopeful message about the important of accepting your traits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by "The World's Greatest Mind Reader", Banachek. Scott and Banachek discuss criticisms of self-described psychics, the link between psychology and magic, and Banachek's successful attempts to fool professional paranormal psychologists.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by activist, podcaster and author, Wallo 267. Scott and Wallo discuss Wallo's early life of crime and incarceration, what he did after his release to change his path in life for the better, his impact on the youth and hip hop community, and his mission to show the world that there are no straight lines to healing.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott has a chat with clinical psychologist Michael Alcee, where they have a humanistic discussion about obsessive compulsive disorder. Michael is critical of the standard medical model of OCD and points out the upsides of OCD. He argues that people with OCD have a unique temperament, which includes heightened existential sensitivity and a richer imagination. While people with OCD certainly have their struggles, and tend to be obsessed about causing harm or receiving harm, Michael also points us to all the ways that OCD have historically been channeled into some of the greatest works of art and literature, and how everyone with OCD can have a healthier relationship with their OCD. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott is joined by The Cosmic Romantics— the husband and wife magic team consisting of Eric Thirsting and Elizabeth Messick! Scott talks to the couple about balancing a romantic and professional relationship, Elizabeth’s own struggles with mental health, and the different kind of magic archetypes. They even do magic for each other!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author and professor of psychology at Stanford University, Dr. Jamil Zaki. Scott and Dr. Zaki discuss tribal cynicism, how hopeful skepticism is different from naive optimism, and the importance of countering “social shark attacks”.   Dr. Zaki's website- https://www.jamil-zaki.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Kim Shapira, a celebrity dietician, author and nutritional therapist. Scott and Kim discuss the rules of the “Kim Shapira Method”, the psychology behind losing weight (and keeping it off) as well as the fact that a craving is not a hunger. Kim shows how changing your relationship to food can truly change your entire life.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author and cultural critic, Ruth Whippman. Scott and Ruth discuss what it's like being a mother raising boys in modern society, the role of "masculinity influencers”, and what healthy masculinity looks like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by true crime and morbid curiosity psychologist, Dr. Coltan Scrivner. Scott and Dr. Scrivner discuss how to determine your level of interest in morbid curiosity, why some people have a higher level of tolerance (and even attraction) to scary things, and how to spot a “bleeding-heart" horror fan.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by NYU professor and expert on social identity, Dr. Jay Van Bavel. Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Van Bavel discuss how to escape your echo chambers and overcome your biases, the role social media plays in creating a funhouse mirror, and how to make connections with fellow humans even if they're in your out-group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by consultant, coach, speaker, and author Africa Brooke. In this lively conversation, Scott and Africa discuss the importance of diversity of thought, expressing yourself in an age of intolerance, and why sometimes it's important to listen to people that you don't necessarily agree with. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by NYU professor and author Dr. Tessa West. Scott and Dr. West discuss how to find a fulfilling job, how to deal with jerks in the workplace, five common sources of career frustration, and how to make a resume more appealing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by evolutionary biologist and author, Dr. Marc Hauser. Scott and Marc discuss adverse child experiences and why it's important to distinguish them from trauma. They also discuss Marc's framework for thinking about childhood adversity and how to help all kinds of vulnerable minds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author and social health expert Kasley Killam. Scott and Kasley discuss the importance of prioritizing social health and why cultivating relationships is as important as diet, exercise and sleep.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by NYU social psychologist and author Dr. Jonathan Haidt. Scott and Jonathan discuss the "great rewiring of childhood" and how it is negatively affecting the mental health of teenagers. They also discuss why a return to play based childhoods are better for kids in the long run and review the criticism of his research with an eye toward nuance and the recommendation of better studies to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined  by author and podcaster, Cory Allen. Scott and Cory discuss how to live better through teachings on mindfulness, mental clarity, facing reality, and personal growth through the lens of Buddhism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by standup comedian and co-host of the critically acclaimed "Guys We F**ed: The Anti Slut Shaming Podcast", Krystyna Hutchinson. Scott and Krystyna discuss the psychology of standup comedy, psychological theory about relationships, and what to do when you find out your father isn't actually your father. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author, former monk, spiritual mindfulness guide, and friend Cory Muscara. Scott and Cory discuss the value of self-connection, whether or not there is a "true self", and the role of mindfulness in the self actualization journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author and neuroscientist, Dr. James Doty. Scott and James discuss whether there is any science behind the law of attraction, the importance of "value tagging", and the neuroscience behind manifestation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by clinical psychologist and author Dr. Ramani Durvasula. Dr. Durvasula is one of the world’s leading experts on narcissism. In this episode, they the common myths about narcissism, the warning signs of narcissism to look for when a new person enters your life, and how to heal and move on with your life after you've been hurt by a narcissistic person. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Dr. Agnieszka Golec, the world’s expert on collective narcissism. Scott and Agnieszka dive deep into this relevant and rich topic, touching on the effects that this thinking has on broader society, how it has fanned the flames of populism around the world, and how it can be curbed to bring people closer together and foster more peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by developmental psychologist Ellen Winner. Scott and Ellen discuss Ellen's views on IQ and giftedness, the myth that gifted children are gifted in all subject areas, and the importance of artistic giftedness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by NY Times bestselling author, A.J Jacobs, who spent a year living his life living like a founding father down to every single detail— quill pens and all. A.J. reveals what he learned using his adopted colonial mindset, how the constitution affects our lives as well as ways we can interpret it, and the best ways to pursue happiness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by happiness researcher and best selling author, Dr. Emma Seppala. Scott and Dr,. Seppala discuss the concept of “sovereign", an emancipation from all the ways you subjugate yourself in your own existence. Emma teaches us all how to reconnect with yourself in a healthy way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by sociologist and psychologist, Corey Keyes. Scott and Corey discuss the pervasiveness of languishing in our society today and how to feel alive again. Dr. Keyes explains the 5 psychological vitamins we should all be taking to live life to avoid depression and live life to the fullest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by clinical psychologist Lisa Damour where they have a nuance and compassionate discussion about the emotional and social lives of teenagers. In this episode they dispel many myths, including the idea that emotional means fragile. Lisa also offers the best evidence-based ways to support teens through their emotional and social journeys and help them thrive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning reporter and best selling author, Charles Duhigg. Scott and Charles discuss why some conversations succeed while others fail, the 3 main types of conversations, and how to be a supercommunicator.  Timestamps 2:15- How’d Charles Think of The Cover of his book? 3:33- Are there super communicator prodigies 6:40- When did Charles get interested in this topic? 8:29- What are the three types of conversations? 10:50- How can we apply super communication to politics? 18:23- People who disagree historically come together 20:36- Common mistakes people make when talking with each other 23:12- Are great therapists great super communicators? 25:01- What’s going on in “The Big Bang Theory” writer’s room? 33:51- How can you improve connection if you’re shy? 37:25- How can people who have trouble with social cues improve connection? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by one of the world's foremost sports psychologists, Michael Gervais. Scott and Michael discuss FOPO (Fear of People's Opinions), the importance of grounding your actions in authenticity, and the dangers of performance-based identities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Assistant Principal Cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Yumi Kendall. They discuss classical music's role in human flourishing and human transcendence, how life changes once you're a mother, and the sublime coincidence of Yumi occupying the same chair as Scott's grandfather in the Philadelphia Orchestra.  2:01-The Suzuki Method 7:53-What Is A Waldorf Education? 12:19-Yumi's Crystalizing Experience With The Cello 15:59-What Does Talent Mean? 25:33-What Are The Characteristics Of A Creative Musician? 32:28-What Are Tiers Of Transcendence? 40:32-The Importance of Self Compassion 42:12-How Can We Cultivate Healthy Organizations? 48:59-How Motherhood Has Enriched Yumi's LifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined Modern Elder Academy Founder and best selling author, Chip Conley. Scott and Chip discuss the joys of living in midlife, the importance of being a part of something bigger than yourself, and why life gets better with age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author and creator of Farnham Street blog Shane Parrish. Scott and Shane discuss mastering the skill of clear thinking, taming emotions and one's ego, and practical tips for strength and resilience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Columbia business professor Dr. Shena Lyengar on how we make choices and innovate. Scott and Sheena discuss the essential tools of becoming a good chooser, the neuroscience of creativity and innovation, and how outsiders can come into a field and become an expert in it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by author of "The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well". Scott and Amy discuss the encouragement of taking smart risks, reframing one's thinking to expect and accept more failure to gain greater success, and how to have a little fun when something doesn't work out.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by “The Holistic Psychologist ”, Dr. Nicole LePera, author of the new book "How To Be The Love You Seek". They discuss the importance of being emotionally connected to yourself, healing personal traumas, and expressing your emotions authentically to others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by authors of the new book "The Cancelling of The American Mind", Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott. The three discuss cancel culture's effect on human psychology and how to course correct a society intent on cancelling itself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by therapist and creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Richard Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz offers his latest thoughts on IFS, personal burdens, and the 8 C's of Self-Energy. He even helps Scott make contact with a part of himself that's been buried since childhood summer camp during an impromptu therapy session. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Scott is joined by Author and American Mountain climbing legend, Alison Levine, to discuss pushing through fatigue to find your inner strength, turning personal moments of “no” into moments of “yes”, and tapping into your fullest potential whatever mountain you are climbing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Scott is joined by Psychiatrist and Author of "The Matter with Things", Iain McGilchrist, for a wide-ranging conversation spanning the main differences between left brain and right brain functions, the creative brain, intelligence, the source of truth, and the metaphysical realm of human existence.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy 2024 Psychology Podcast listeners. It's a new year and it's time to finally change your personality. Forget the fluff-- Scott is here to bring you some science-backed tips to actually become a new you.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy 2024 listeners! A heads up that we'll be dark to start the year but will be back and better than ever in 2 weeks! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s a real honor to have Carol Dweck on the podcast. Dr. Dweck is a leading researcher in the field of motivation and is the Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology at Stanford. Her research examines the role of mindsets in personal achievement and organizational effectiveness. Dr. Dweck has also held professorships at Columbia and Harvard Universities, has lectured to education, business, and sports groups around the world, has addressed the United Nations, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, and has won 12 lifetime achievement awards for her research. Her best-selling book Mindset has been widely influential and has been translated into over 25 languages.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Antonio Damasio. He is an internationally recognized neuroscientist whose extensive research has shaped the understanding of neural systems and consciousness. With over a hundred journal articles and book chapters, he has earned many prestigious awards throughout his career. Currently, he serves as University Professor, the David Dornsife Professor of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Philosophy, and director of the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California. His books Descartes’ Error, Looking for Spinoza, Self Comes to Mind, The Strange Order of Things, and Feeling & Knowing, have been published in translation and are taught in universities throughout the world. In this episode, I talk to Antonio Damasio about consciousness. People often think that the mind and consciousness are the same thing, but Dr. Damasio disputes this notion. He argues that it’s the complex relationship of both our brains and bodies that makes sentient thought possible. Homeostatic feelings like hunger and pain developed before emotions; and along with it came consciousness. We also touch on the topics of perception, mental illness, evolution, panpsychism, AI and machine learning. Website: dornsife.usc.edu/bc Twitter: @damasiousc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to have the legendary Noam Chomsky on the podcast. Noam is a public intellectual, linguist, and political activist. He’s the author of many influential books, including Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media, and his latest book with Robert Pollin called Climate Crisis and The Green New Deal: The Political Economy of Saving The Planet. Chomsky is also known for helping to initiate and sustain the cognitive revolution. He’s the Laureate Professor of Linguistics at The University of Arizona and Institute Professor Emeritus at MIT. Topics [02:06] The cognitive revolution of the ‘50s and ‘60s [03:49] Noam’s first encounter with behaviorism [12:41] What it was like to be part of the cognitive revolution [17:49] Implicit learning and artificial grammar [26:30] Noam’s view on modern-day behavioral genetics [28:05] Noam's thoughts on intelligence [32:02] Noam’s take on creativity [38:41] Chomsky's view vs. Foucault's view [42:49] Noam’s thoughts on modern-day social justice movements [45:50] Is there such a thing as human nature? [49:06] Identity vs. human nature [54:54] Noam’s views on race consciousness in America [59:16] Why Noam thinks Trump is the worst criminal in human history [1:00:34] How can democrats appeal to Trump supporters? [1:03:47] Cancel culture [1:05:10] The complexities of the slogan "defund the police" [1:08:36] Noam reflects on his life regrets [1:10:17] Chomsky's life advice See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome David Epstein, the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, and of the bestseller The Sports Gene, both of which have been translated in more than 20 languages. His TED Talks on performance science have been viewed more than 11 million times. He has master's degrees in environmental science and journalism and has worked as an investigative reporter for ProPublica and a senior writer for Sports Illustrated. In this episode, I talked to David Epstein about greatness. If there's one thing we know for sure about greatness, it's that there is no linear path to it. David and I discuss the complex relationship of talent and hard work in specific domains. Although there is no formula, we can both agree that persistent effort and fierce determination are necessary ingredients—but so is talent. We have a nuanced discussion of the dance between nature and nurture on the path to talent. It’s a very delicate dance. We also touch on the topics of self-actualization, creativity, fulfillment and moral greatness. Website: davidepstein.com Twitter: @DavidEpstein See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to George Bonanno about trauma and resiliency. We start off by discussing what people get wrong about trauma and how this led to the invention of the PTSD diagnosis. George defines what resilience is, how it’s different from growth, and its paradoxical correlation to individual differences. Finally, he elaborates on how the flexibility mindset and sequence help us get through personal traumatic events or global tragedies like 9/11 or the COVID-19 pandemic.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode of The Psychology Podcast, we continue the "Best of Series" with Angela Duckworth. Angela Duckworth researches self-control and grit, which is defined as passion and perseverance for long term goals. Her research has demonstrated that there are factors that can be more predictive of success than IQ. In this episode we cover some of her findings on grit, including academic and popular misconceptions of this work. We also discuss research on standardized testing, self-control and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode of The Psychology Podcast, we continue the "Best of Series" with Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman.Our conversation revolves around judgment and decision-making. According to Kahneman, noise and bias are everywhere but we don't tend to notice it. We talk about how to reduce noise and bias, and what it means to think fast and slow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to renowned neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett about emotions and the brain. She reveals what the true function of the brain is⎯and it’s not for thinking. We also discuss the impact of past experiences on our cognition and what we can do to overcome our own detrimental patterns. Further into our discussion, Dr. Lisa challenges the traditionally held view that emotions are universal. In her own theory of constructed emotion, she argues that variability in emotional expression exists due to socialization and language differences. We also touch on the topics of hallucinogens, culture, education, relationships, and authoritarianism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Robert Waldinger to the podcast. Robert is a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and Zen priest. He is Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where he directs the Harvard Study of Adult Development. His TEDx talk on this subject has received nearly 44 million views, and is the 9th most watched TED talk of all time. He is the co-author of The Good Life with Dr. Marc Schulz.In this episode, I talk to Robert Waldinger about the secret to a happy life. Robert shares with us the recent findings of The Grant Study, which is the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted. It’s been ongoing for more than 80 years now, and has had high profile participants like US President John F. Kennedy. Robert and I get into the details of how they continue to conduct research and how to make sense of both the new and old data. Sure enough, what the study has found consistent is the power of connection. We also touch on the topics of psychodynamic therapy, defense mechanisms, attachment, and psychological research. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Orin Davis to the podcast. Orin Davis earned the first doctorate in positive psychology, and is a self-actualization engineer who enables people to do and be their best. As the Principal Investigator of the Quality of Life Laboratory, he conducts research on flow, creativity, hypnosis, and mentoring. Dr. Davis consults for companies from startups to multinationals on hiring strategies, culture, innovation, and employee well-being. He is the author of Team Flow: The psychology of optimal collaboration.  In this episode, I talk to Orin Davis about the new science of flow. A lot of people are familiar with the concept of flow, but according to Dr. Davis, the experience of it is not very common. We discuss Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s work and how Dr. Davis is expanding the research of flow by studying it at a group level. He talks about how we can increase the chances of experiencing flow for both individuals and teams. We also touch on the topics of microflow, hypnosis, absorption, positive psychology, and self-actualization.  Website: https://qllab.org/ Twitter: @DrOrinDavis   Topics 02:11 Orin’s dissertation 03:18 What is the flow experience? 09:01 Neuroscience of flow 11:57 Team flow 18:53 The whole team needs to be in flow 20:32 Flow is rare 22:07 How to increase flow 28:42 Democratizing flow 31:00 Microflow  35:14 How to spark team flow 36:43 Hypnosis and absorption 44:59 The autotelic personality 47:03 Modern-day positive psychology 51:44 Know thyself  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Michael Slepian to the podcast. Michael is the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Associate Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia University. A recipient of the Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science, he is the leading expert on the psychology of secrets. He’s authored more than fifty articles on secrecy, truth, and deception. Michael’s research has been covered by The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, BBC, The Wall Street Journal and more. He is the author of The Secret Life of Secrets.  In this episode, I talk to Michael Slepian about the psychology of secrets. Everyone has secrets that they keep from others—how does this affect our relationships and well-being? According to Michael, maintaining privacy is not the most burdensome aspect. Carrying a secret all by ourselves is what weighs us down. Michael and I explore the different categories of secrets and we talk about when to reveal the deepest parts of ourselves and who to reveal them to. We also touch on the topics of personality, morality, trauma, developmental psychology and communication.  Website: michaelslepian.com Twitter: @michaelslepian   Topics 02:04 Michael’s family secret 05:38 Defining secrecy 11:12 Correlation of personality with secret keeping 13:01 Revealing secrets 18:56 Categories of secrets 24:31 Healthy communication with children 29:50 Morality of secret keeping 34:20 Jamie Kunz and Dale Coventry's secret 36:27 Journaling and emotional support 40:25 Three dimensions of secrets 44:09 How to deflect direct questions 46:05 Sharing secrets anonymously 47:46 Secret joys See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Monica Parker to the podcast. Monica is the founder of global human analytics and change consultancy HATCH, whose clients include blue-chip companies such as LinkedIn, Google, Prudential, and LEGO. Her career has been nothing short of colorful, having been an opera singer, a museum exhibition designer, a policy director, a Chamber of Commerce CEO, and a homicide investigator. She is also a world-renowned speaker, writer, and the author of The Power of Wonder. In this episode, I talk to Monica Parker about the power of wonder. In today’s fast-paced world, most people fail to notice the richness of life. To become more wonder-prone, Monica encourages us all to slow down and pursue meaningful exploration. When we pay more careful attention to the world, we become more empathetic, resilient, and exuberant. Monica shares with us her cycle of wonder framework and how we can be more open and present in our daily lives. We also touch on the topics of personality, post-traumatic growth, mindfulness, and education.  Website: www.monica-parker.com Instagram: @monicacparker   Topics 02:06 Monica’s background and expertise 03:26 The Power of Wonder 06:41 Cycle of Wonder 17:22 The wandering mind 22:18 Wonder shifts our perception 27:15 Slow thought and quality sleep 30:21 Wonder-prone mindset 32:28 Wonderstruck during crisis 36:26 Wonder bringers 39:14 Teaching wonder in schools 45:29 There’s more to life 47:37 Take a daily wonder walk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Robert Sapolsky to the podcast. ​​Robert is professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and a research associate with the Institute of Primate Research at the National Museum of Kenya. His research has been featured in the National Geographic documentary "Stress: Portrait of a Killer". At age 30, Robert received the MacArthur Foundation's "genius" grant. He is author of Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, A Primate's Memoir, The Trouble with Testosterone and Monkeyluv. His latest book is called Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will. In this episode, I talk to Robert Sapolsky about life without free will. Humans like the idea of having control over their lives, but Robert asserts that free will is just an illusion. Life beyond free will may sound unpleasant, but Robert explains the profound consequences of this belief in reforming the justice system, meritocracy, and education. We also touch on the topics of philosophy, quantum physics, mindfulness, grit, and responsibility. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robertsapolsky/   Topics 02:38 Robert’s background and upbringing 05:43 Life without free will 13:16 Believing in free will 24:05 Responsibility and punishment 33:14 The future cannot be determined 43:45 Mindfulness - a form of free will? 48:37 The human experience 53:41 Abolish the justice system and meritocracy 1:04:03 Statistical guilt 1:07:21 Effort, grit and taking credit 1:16:40 Nobody is more “worthy”  1:23:29 Life is worth living See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Bob Mankoff to the podcast. For over 40 years, Bob Mankoff has been the driving force of comedy and satire at some of the most honored publications in America, including The New Yorker and Esquire. He is the founder of Cartoon Collections, parent company to CartoonStock.com, the world’s most successful cartoon licensing platform. For twenty years as Cartoon Editor for The New Yorker,  Bob pored over thousands of submissions each week, analyzing, critiquing, and selecting each cartoon. In 2005, he helped start the “New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest.” Bob is the author of numerous books, including his New York Times bestselling memoir, How About Never – Is Never Good For You?: My Life In Cartoons. In this episode, I talk to Bob Mankoff about the psychology of humor. Looking back at his illustrious career as a cartoonist, Bob talks about his early beginnings and the people he's mentored in the field. He explains the anatomy of a joke and reveals his all-time favorite cartoons. While humans are creative creatures, Bob believes that using AI and technology can further augment our intelligence and humor by opening up worlds of possibilities.  Website: www.bobmankoff.com/ Twitter: @BobMankoff   Topics 02:14 Bob’s childhood & upbringing 10:42 Personality of cartoonists and comedians 19:54 Types of humor 23:44 The grand scheme of time 26:28 Augmenting intelligence and creativity 38:30 Cartoon Bank 44:24 All-time favorite cartoons 52:17 Theory of humor 57:49 Censorship & cancel culture 01:01:24 Bob Mankoff’s legacy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Joseph Goldstein to the podcast. Joseph is a co-founder and the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) along with Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg. He is one of the first American vipassana teachers and has been teaching Buddhist meditation worldwide since 1974. A contemporary author of numerous popular books on Buddhism, his publications include Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening, One Dharma, Insight Meditation and others. In this episode, I talk to Joseph Goldstein about Buddhism and the impermanence of life. Being too attached to the self can bring suffering. However, this doesn’t mean that we need to forego our identities or self-care. Joseph explains that enlightenment can be achieved when the mind is free from clinging. He talks about the different states that can help us realize the insight of impermanence and selflessness. We also touch on the topics of mindfulness, compassion, creativity, and wisdom. Website: www.dharma.org/ Twitter: @onedharma   Topics 03:01 Joseph’s background and expertise 09:31 Enlightenment 15:11 Balance of mind 24:15 Noticing per minute 31:02 Mindfulness and flow 35:38 Wisdom is insight 38:00 Creativity 41:20 Different mind states 49:51 The tales of Sisyphus and Icarus 55:29 Skillful means 58:53 Flow of being 1:02:04 Unprompted mindfulness  1:04:42 Equanimity 1:09:24 Compassion and connection See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dan Siegel to the podcast. Dr. Siegel is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. Dr. Siegel is also the Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute. He’s authored numerous articles, chapters, and books including the New York Times bestsellers Mind: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human and Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence. His latest book is called IntraConnected: MWe (Me + We) as the Integration of Self, Identity, and Belonging. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Dan Siegel about expanding the notion of the self. Modern culture has taught us that the self is all about individual identity and personal experiences. But Dr. Siegel posits that who we are is not limited to the brain or body. He argues that the self is not isolated, it’s composed of our relationships to other living beings and to the natural world. This expanded view of the self has important implications for the trajectory of humanity. We also touch on the topics of consciousness, neuroscience, quantum physics, and the flow state. Website: drdansiegel.com Instagram: @DrDanSiegel   Topics 02:20 Me + We 06:08 Expand your self  12:58 The self, the mind, and consciousness 42:15 Integrating all brain networks 59:43 Different styles of daydreaming 1:02:08 Wheel of awareness  1:08:38 We’re IntraConnected 1:11:21 Widening the window of tolerance See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Nick Holton to the podcast. Nick is an international speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. His work focuses on helping individuals become better versions of themselves through the application of the cutting-edge science of human flourishing, a synergistic development of both peak performance and overall well-being and fulfillment. He works with individuals, teams, businesses, and organizations ranging from professional athletes, NCAA programs, educational institutions, first responders and Fortune 100 executives. He is co-founder of The Antifragile Academy and he also co-hosts the podcast, FlourishFM which is sponsored by the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard and the Department of Education at Oxford. Nick has worked with clients, given talks, and delivered training across the U.S., Europe, India, Australia, Uganda, Singapore, Mexico, and South America. In this episode, I talk to Nick Holton about human flourishing. Our current education system is primarily concerned with teaching academic subjects. While building knowledge is essential, this  is not enough to allow students to self-actualize. Nick points out that young people’s need to matter should be addressed as well. To facilitate human flourishing, we need to embed the different principles of positive psychology both inside and outside of the classroom. Nick and I believe that education can transform society for the better, and we exchange ideas on how we can build an ecosystem that fosters holistic development.  Website: www.nickholton.com Twitter: @dr_nickholton   Topics 02:23 Nick’s background and expertise 11:16 Coaching each individual  13:35 The need for mattering 21:49 What is human flourishing? 25:21 Education can transform society 29:56 Positive education 38:59 The Shipley School  42:40 Holistic development 51:38 FlourishFM 55:41 Flourishing outside the classroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Jeffrey Hull to the podcast. Jeffrey is a highly sought-after facilitator, keynote speaker and executive coach to both nonprofit and for-profit global organizations.  He is the Executive Director of the Institute of Coaching, based at McLean Hospital. Jeffrey is also a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and an adjunct professor of leadership at New York University. His latest book is called Flex: The Art and Science of Leadership in a Changing World.  In this episode, I talk to Jeffrey Hull about the new landscape of leadership. The world is changing, and alpha leadership is not the only way to manage a team. Jeffrey highlights the importance of beta leadership, a style that values emotion and collaboration. According to him, the most effective leaders know which style to lead with, depending on the situation. In addition to learning other ways of being, Jeffrey believes we need to leverage perspectives from the indigenous and neurodiverse communities. We also touch on the topics of emotional intelligence, coaching, creativity, and authenticity. Website: www.jeffreyhull.com Twitter: @JeffreyHullPhD Topics 02:18 The beta boss 09:07 Inclusivity in all ways 12:50 Flexible communication 18:29 Emotional intelligence and vulnerability 25:48 Physical energy of being 28:27 Engagement: productivity or creativity 30:35 Collaboration occurs in safe spaces 33:01 Self-coaching 37:49 The future of coaching 43:46  We all have unique gifts 46:40 Dialogue, not disagreement 49:08 Age of convergence See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome back Arthur Brooks to the podcast. ​​Arthur is the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. He is also a columnist at The Atlantic, where he writes the popular weekly “How to Build a Life” column. A world-renowned speaker, he talks about human happiness, and works to raise well-being within private companies, universities, public agencies, and community organizations. His latest book, which he co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, is called Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier.  In this episode, I talk to Arthur Brooks about building the life you want. People often think that happiness is a static end goal. But in reality, life will always have its ups and downs. According to Arthur, we can make choices that can improve our well-being despite the presence of challenges. He talks about how to find satisfaction through family, friends, meaningful work, and faith. Arthur also shares actionable steps around managing emotions and habits that can help us create a better life. We also touch on the topics of neuroscience, transcendence, evolutionary psychology, and love. Website: arthurbrooks.com Twitter: @arthurbrooks   Topics 02:50 Build the Life You Want 03:55 Writing the book with Oprah 10:14 Extremes are unhealthy 15:35 Unhappiness is not your enemy 17:38 Faith and transcendental experiences 21:22 Look for real friends, not deal friends  25:09 Work is love made visible 27:27 Love your enemies 37:28 Conflict is not hatred 39:59 Patterns of happiness vs individual variation 44:04 Family as a source of growth 47:36 The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) 49:07 Emotional substitution 51:13 Overcoming the negativity bias 55:40 Keep it simple See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Troy Carter to the podcast. Troy is the co-founder and CEO of Venice Music, a technology and media company focused on powering the business of music via distribution, services, and data analytics. Formerly, Troy was the founder and CEO of Atom Factory, where he rose to prominence, nurturing the careers of global superstars including Lady Gaga and John Legend. He most recently served at Spotify as its Global Head of Creator Services, overseeing the company's growth strategy for artists and record labels. In this episode, I talk to Troy Carter about spotting creative potential. Working in the entertainment industry has given Troy an eye for talent, but that’s not all it takes to become successful. Hard work, determination, and letting your personality shine through are also key components. Troy and I talk about musical geniuses and the future of the music industry with the advent of sophisticated AI tools.  Website: www.venicemusic.co/ Twitter: @justcallmetroy   Topics 02:21 The golden age of hip hop 06:50 Spotting creative potential 13:26 East coast VS West coast hip hop 19:16 Discovering Lady Gaga  26:35 Be willing to bet on yourself 29:50 Musical geniuses  36:00 The creative process 41:59 How AI is changing music 49:36 Discovering new artists 53:19 Helping independent labels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Maya Shankar to the podcast. Maya is a cognitive scientist and the creator and host of the podcast, “A Slight Change of Plans”. It was awarded as the Best Show of 2021 by Apple and received an Ambie award from the Podcast Academy in 2022. Maya has a postdoctoral fellowship in cognitive neuroscience from Stanford and a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Oxford. She's a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music's pre-college program, where she was a private violin student of Itzhak Perlman. In this episode, I talk to Maya Shankar about change. Humans have a desire to attach roles to identities. But when events disrupt that, we may feel unsure of who we are. Having gone through huge shifts herself, Maya shares with us ways in which we can reconfigure our identities and pivot to pursue our goals in different ways. Change can be disorienting, but it affords us a deeper understanding of ourselves. Maya also believes it’s also an opportunity to re-examine our long held beliefs and values. We also touch on the topics of cognitive science, mindfulness, awe, and hope. Website: mayashankar.com Twitter: @MayaUmaShankar   Topics 02:43 Maya as a violinist 06:00 Identity paralysis 13:02 Reconfiguring identity 18:08 A blind cook becomes a master chef 21:10 Post ecstatic growth 24:07 It’s okay to change values 28:38 Mindfulness and awe  34:15 Re-examining our values  38:29 Embracing a flexible mindset 40:49 Cognitive closure 44:51 Maya’s Slight Change of Plans 48:31 Pivot your goals See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Seth Gillihan to the podcast. Seth is a licensed psychologist who specializes in mindful cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Seth is also a therapy advisor with the self-therapy app Bloom, a medical reviewer for Everyday Health, and host of the Think Act Be podcast. Over the years, he’s authored multiple books on mindfulness and CBT. His latest book is called Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simple Path to Healing, Hope, and Peace. In this episode, I talk to Seth Gillihan about mindful CBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to address mental health issues. Although proven to be helpful, Seth Gillihan believes that adding the component of mindfulness will not only improve our well-being, but can also help us find meaning, purpose, and peace. He shares with us the Think Act Be paradigm and ways we can be more in tune with ourselves. We also touch on the topics of alignment, spirituality, suffering, and openness to experience. Website: https://sethgillihan.com/ Instagram: @sethjgillihan   Topics 02:30 Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 11:11 Finding spiritual peace 17:17 Think Act Be paradigm 21:56 Connect with yourself 28:06 Saying yes to life 34:59 Work in alignment 40:53 Alignment practice 44:50 Coming home to yourself See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Robert L. Leahy, the Director of The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy NYC and clinical professor of psychology in psychiatry at Weill-Cornell University Medical School. Dr. Leahy serves on a number of scientific committees for international conferences on cognitive behavioral therapy and is a frequent keynote speaker throughout the world. He has authored 27 books about CBT, depression, worry, anxiety, and emotion regulation, which have been translated in 20 languages. His latest book is called If Only...: Finding Freedom from Regret. In this episode, I talked to Dr. Robert Leahy about finding freedom from regret. Regret is an unpleasant emotion that can motivate us to learn and grow, but there are times when it can keep us frozen in place. According to Dr. Leahy, this is why it’s important to make a distinction between productive and unproductive rumination. He shares the cognitive biases we have about loss and opportunity as well as strategies on how to let go of regret when it no longer serves us.  Website: cognitivetherapynyc.com LinkedIn: Robert Leahy   Topics 02:12 Why do we feel regret? 07:30 Regret is tied to expectations 12:57 Affective forecasting, coping, resilience 18:31 Existential perfectionism 20:45 The free lunch myth 24:19 Inaction inertia 26:58 Hindsight bias 28:32 Adaptive humility 32:39 Letting go of regret 36:36 The boredom technique 40:01 Productive guilt 43:45 The 8 habits of highly regretful people See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Caroline Leaf to the podcast. Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist with a Masters and PhD in Communication Pathology and Logopaedics. Since the early 1980s, she has researched the mind-brain connection, the nature of mental health and the formation of memory. Dr. Leaf is also the bestselling author of Switch on Your Brain, Think Learn Succeed, and Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess. Her latest book is called How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess.  In this episode, I talk to Dr. Caroline Leaf about managing the mind. The world is a crazy place and our minds can get disorderly trying to keep up with it! But according to Dr. Leaf, to have a messy mind is to be human. We don’t have to pathologize our emotions and thoughts. Instead, we can embrace them and implement strategies that allow us to better direct ourselves. Dr. Leaf shows us how to make sense of the messy mind and the scientific research behind those steps. We also touch on the topics of self-compassion, consciousness, trauma, and neuroplasticity.  Website: drleaf.com & mentallyresilientkids.com Instagram: @drcarolineleaf   Topics 02:10 Dr. Leaf’s background and expertise 08:23 Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess 16:14 Managing the mind 23:47 Emotions are warning signals  30:26 Intrusive rumination 34:40 Detox from trauma 42:24 The Neurocycle  46:22 Where CBT works best  49:13 Dr. Leaf’s research  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Gabe Howard to the podcast. Gabe is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after speaker. He hosts the Inside Mental Health podcast and is the author of Mental Illness is an A*****e and Other Observations. He’s been featured in numerous publications including Bipolar Magazine, WebMD, Healthline.com, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America’s Norman Guitry Award and received a resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.”  In this episode, I talk to Gabe Howard about living with bipolar disorder, an illness that is characterized by emotional highs and lows. Gabe shares what phases of mania and depression are really like and how the sudden shifts feel so jarring. Even though the disorder has its own set of challenges, Gabe is a staunch believer in taking responsibility for his actions. He opens up about his journey of recovery and the coping strategies that have benefited him. We also talk about the common misconceptions about people with bipolar disorder and public figures who may have had this mental illness. Website: gabehoward.com Twitter: @gabehoward29   Topics 03:22 Gabe’s childhood and diagnosis 05:36 Experiencing a wide range of moods 11:31 True mania is not productive  14:47 Bipolar disorder does not control me 22:03 Hypersexuality  30:28 Feeling dead inside 32:49 Mania changes what you see 36:07 Working on coping skills 39:53 Everyday mindfulness 42:03 Perception is reality 45:09 The dangers of bipolar disorder 48:01 Public figures with bipolar disorder See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Eric Zimmer to the podcast. Eric works as a behavior coach and has done so for the past 20 years. He has coached hundreds of people from around the world on how to make significant life changes that serve them well in achieving the goals they’ve set for themselves. He also hosts the award-winning podcast, The One You Feed. With over 30 million downloads, the show features conversations with experts across many fields of study about how to create a life that has less suffering and more fulfillment and meaning. His story and his work have been featured in the media including TedX, Mind Body Green, Elephant Journal, the BBC and Brain Pickings. In this episode, I talk to Eric Zimmer about how to have a meaningful engagement with life. When we feel connected to what matters, it becomes easier to create an action plan that gets us moving in the right direction. At times, our emotions can get in the way but Eric believes that focusing on behavior changes can help us re-train our thoughts while leading us to our desired outcomes. Eric combines principles from religion, philosophy, and psychology to give us tips on how we can live out our values more mindfully day by day. We also touch on the topics of spirituality, agency, self-love, addiction, and emotions.  Website: oneyoufeed.net Twitter: @oneyoufeed   Topics 02:35 Eric’s background and expertise 06:25 Behavioral activation 11:47 Be on your own side 17:54 Recovering from addiction 21:15 Spirituality is connection 26:02 Victimhood and agency 33:43 The Middle Way 40:00 The emotional storm model 45:06 Creating feels spiritual 49:00 Kenshō awakening 51:44 Spiritual direction  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Niall Breslin to the podcast. Niall is one of Ireland’s most formidable and inspiring mental health advocates and public speakers. He is the lead singer and songwriter for “The Blizzards”, and was a coach on “The Voice of Ireland”. His award-winning mental health charity “A Lust for Life” teaches young people to be effective guardians of their own minds. He works with a diverse range of clients, including Apple, Google, international NGOs, and The European Parliament. Niall hosts the ‘Where Is My Mind’ and “Wake Up Wind Down” podcasts, both of which are regularly in the UK and Ireland’s top podcast charts.  In this episode I talk to Niall Breslin about mental health. During his early days as an entertainer and athlete, Niall has always tried to put his best foot forward. But behind this confident exterior, he was silently suffering. It was only after he came forward about his struggles that he sought the help he needed. Instead of avoiding negative emotions, Niall encourages us to face them bravely, either through therapy or mindfulness. We also touch on the topics of education, introspection, resilience, community, and empowerment. Website: niallbreslin.com Instagram: @bressie   Topics 02:07 Niall’s background and upbringing  09:12 Surviving a panic attack on TV  14:41 Opening up about mental health 18:40 You can run, but you can't outrun 27:36 Buddhist meditation practice 33:57 Re-conceptualizing masculinity  39:09 Community values 42:31 Living bravely with mindfulness 50:33 Vitamin P 54:01 The Chill Skill 58:44 Where is My Mind? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris to the podcast.  Daniel Simons is a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois where he heads the Visual Cognition Laboratory. His research explores the limits of awareness and memory, the reasons why we often are unaware of those limits, and the implications for our personal and professional lives. Christopher Chabris is professor and co-director of the Behavioral and Decision Sciences Program at Geisinger Health System. He is also faculty co-director of Geisinger's Behavioral Insights Team. From 2014 to 2017, he wrote a monthly column called GAME ON for The Wall Street Journal. His essays have been published in several media outlets. Daniel and Christopher met at Harvard University in 1997, where they began to collaborate on research. In 2004 they shared the Ig Nobel Prize in Psychology, awarded for The Invisible Gorilla experiment. Together, they co-authored the New York Times bestselling book of the same name. Their latest book is called Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do About It. In this episode I talk to Daniel and Christopher about scams and how NOT to get scammed! With enough information and persuasion, anybody can fall for a scheme. According to Daniel and Christopher, certain cognitive biases can make us vulnerable to deception. To help us outsmart con artists, they elaborate the different types of scams and how they work, all the while giving us tools to navigate shady situations.  Website: dansimons.com & chabris.com Twitter: @profsimons & @cfchabris   Topics 03:20 Nobody’s Fool 07:54 Using AI for deception 10:13 The truth bias 12:42 Fixed belief bias 16:40 The possibility grid 22:27 Scamming through social media 24:21 The Nigerian email scam 27:19 Scam baiting 29:01 Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme  35:16 Are mediums scammers? 36:47 Why do people ignore red flags? 38:59 The Tinder Swindler and romance scams 44:05 Highly successful people get scammed too 47:17 When to be skeptical 54:37 Accept less, check more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome George Mumford to the podcast. George is a globally recognized speaker, teacher, and coach. Since 1989, he’s been honing his gentle, but groundbreaking mindfulness techniques with people from locker rooms to boardrooms. Michael Jordan credits George with transforming his on-court leadership, helping the Bulls to six NBA championships. George has also worked with Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and countless other NBA players, Olympians, executives, and artists. He is the author of The Mindful Athlete and Unlocked.  In this episode, I talk to George Mumford about peak performance. How does one consistently perform at a high level? Whether it be work, sports, art or any other craft, George believes that everyone has the potential to excel. To unlock greatness, we must cultivate mental toughness, love, and learn to stay in the flow state. George talks about his experience coaching the Chicago Bulls, helping the team thrive on and off the court. We also touch on the topics of mindfulness, resilience, forgiveness, and joy. Website: georgemumford.com Twitter: @gtmumford   Topics 01:47 George’s background & expertise 06:53 Basketball with Julius Erving  09:36 Performance whisperer 14:01 Being unlocked 23:55 Coaching the Chicago Bulls  31:01 Staying in the flow state 35:04 Mental toughness, love, forgiveness 36:56 The Mamba Mentality 41:02 Being breathed 45:37 No struggle, no swag 49:58 Recover your true self See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Jean Twenge to the podcast. Jean is professor of psychology at San Diego State University. She frequently gives talks and seminars on generational differences and technology based on a dataset of 39 million people. Her audiences have included college faculty and staff, parent groups, military personnel, camp directors, and corporate executives. Her work has been repeatedly featured by the media. She has authored more than 180 scientific publications and books including iGen, Generation Me, and The Narcissism Epidemic. Her latest book is called Generations.  In this episode, I talk to Jean Twenge about the real differences between the generations. Did you know that our current time has the most number of living generations to co-exist? Unfortunately, there is often conflict and miscommunication between them. According to Jean, this is largely due to how the advancement of tech has shaped major life experiences. She shares interesting statistics about each cohort and debunks common misconceptions about baby boomers, millennials, gen z, and others. We also touch on the topics of narcissism, polarization, mental health, gender identity, and compassion.  Website: jeantwenge.com Twitter: @jean_twenge   Topics 01:38 The real differences between generations 05:50 The silent generation 09:08 Conflict between cohorts 13:33 Narcissism in different generations 21:09 Generation Z 27:34 The income inequality between boomers and millennials 30:42 Are we coddling students? 36:38 The political trajectory of generations 42:10 The Greatest Generation  43:49 Generation Alpha 45:05 Uniting all generations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Ken Wilber to the podcast. Ken is the developer of Integral Theory. He is also the founder of the Integral Institute, which was formed in collaboration with over 200 scholars and experts, specializing in education, politics, business, medicine, psychology, spirituality, law and criminal justice. His 25 books have been translated into 30 foreign languages, making Ken one of the most widely translated academic writers in America. At age 74, he is still very much active as a philosopher, author, and teacher, with all of his major publications still in print. In this episode, I talk to Ken Wilber about his Integral Theory. Instead of trying to tackle it in all its complexity, Ken hones in on the application of his theory to intelligence, consciousness and transcendence. He believes that development in these areas follows a predictable path, such as in the case of enlightenment. Borrowing from Zen Buddhism, Ken talks about what it’s like to awaken to the truth of reality. We also touch on the topics of psychological research, diversity, artificial intelligence, and social media.  Website: https://integrallife.com/ Twitter: @TheKenWilber   Topics 03:17 Integral Theory and its applications 09:50 Components of spiritual intelligence 17:41 Maslow’s influence on Ken 21:41 Critique of stage theories  30:49 Spiritual narcissism 44:12 The process of enlightenment 48:42 Individual differences in unitive consciousness 58:09 Integral Theory research 1:03:44 Is society progressing? 1:09:39 Diversity beyond physical attributes 1:13:03 Improving modern-day psychology research 1:18:06 Is life just a test run? 1:22:22 What would an integral social media look like? 1:26:36 Addressing Integral Theory critiques 1:33:00 Does objective reality exist? 1:38:52 Development of artificial intelligence 1:43:08 Awakening to reality See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Alisa Cohn to the podcast. Alisa is an executive coach who has worked with C-suite executives at prominent startups such as Venmo, Etsy, and The Wirecutter, as well as Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, Google and Pfizer. Her clientele also includes leaders from around the world, including the first female minister of the transition state of Afghanistan and the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. She is the author of From Start-up to Grown-up, which won the 2022 Independent Press Award, and the creator and host of a podcast of the same name.  In this episode, I talk to Alisa Cohn about the journey of leadership. Before we can guide others, Alisa believes we need to lead ourselves first. There are days when we don’t feel up to the task, but Alisa gives us practical advice on how to show up on those difficult days. Drawing on her coaching experience with executives, she shares with us that even the most successful entrepreneurs experience imposter syndrome and negative self-talk—but these can be overcome with the right management tools.    Website: www.alisacohn.com/ Twitter: @AlisaCohn   Topics 02:59 What is executive coaching? 06:17 What makes a great master coach? 09:45 Managing your self  15:33 Combat negative self-talk 18:12 Deal with imposter syndrome 26:33 Leadership is an unnatural act 30:59 The co-founder prenup 33:23 The journey of entrepreneurship 36:42 Three questions for productive meetings 39:17 From Start-up to Grown-up Podcast 42:25 Lead yourself 45:18 The experiences of different leaders 53:04 Alisa’s leadership journey See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Hal Hershfield to the podcast. Hal is a Professor of Marketing, Behavioral Decision Making, and Psychology at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. The recipient of numerous teaching awards, Hal was named one of “The 40 Most Outstanding B-School Profs Under 40 In The World” by business education website Poets & Quants. He publishes in top academic journals and also contributes op-eds to the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal, and other outlets.  His latest book is called Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today. In this episode I talk to Hal Hershfield about meeting your future self. Decisions are trade-offs between the present and the future. Oftentimes, it's easier to choose what feels gratifying now, than to choose what's more beneficial in the years to come. Hal believes this is because we feel disconnected to our future selves. Hal shows us the mental mistakes we commit when thinking about the future. He shares with us how to visualize who we want to become, so we can make choices that are better for us now and later.  Website: www.halhershfield.com Twitter: @HalHershfield   Topics 03:21 Hal’s expertise and background 05:40 Your Future Self 13:12 How much do we change over time? 17:25 Mental mistakes when thinking about the future  24:20 Productive prospection  28:48 Why do we fail in our long-term goals? 34:33 Time travel mistakes 40:35 Visualizing your future self 42:53 Making present sacrifices feel easier 45:42 How to get people to follow through  47:37 The future selves of organizations 50:17 Facing an uncertain future  54:03 The collective self See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dan Lerner to the podcast. As an in-demand speaker, author, strengths-based performance coach and instructor of one of the most popular undergraduate courses at New York University, Dan’s expertise in positive psychology helps people lead thriving, successful lives. He works with students, artists, athletes and numerous Fortune 500 companies and executives around the world. Whether it is speaking, coaching, teaching or writing, Dan injects intellect with motivation, science with compassion and makes change both exciting and fun.   In this episode, Dan and I talked about several topics that were of mutual interest. As positive psychologists, we both have a deep interest and appreciation for human potential and how we can cultivate it through education. We also discussed the important components for long-lasting friendship, and how to find a healthy community in this day and age of echo chambers. We hope you enjoy the conversation about personality, leadership, self-help, and mental health as much as we did. Website: daniellerner.com Twitter: @DanLernerTweets   Topics 03:02 Dan’s assertiveness and enthusiasm 08:50 Cultivating unique human potential 16:02 Redefining intelligence 22:01 Helping people thrive 24:30 Are students today more fragile? 33:30 The need for empathetic leadership 37:08 The secret to long-lasting friendship 42:16 How to find your community 48:13 The problem with the self-help industry 52:55 Real change is hard See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome back Ken Sheldon to the podcast. Ken is a Curator's Distinguished Professor of Psychological Science at the University of Columbia, Missouri. He has written and edited over 200 academic books, scholarly articles, and book chapters. Among these, some of his most notable work include Optimal Human Being and Self-determination Theory in the Clinic. His latest book is called Freely Determined: What the New Psychology of the Self Teaches Us About How to Live. In this episode, I talk to Ken Sheldon about free will. Instead of questioning its existence, Ken is concerned with how we might use free will to help us reach our goals. Each person has the capacity to make good and bad choices, and to learn from the past. Although we are unable to know everything about ourselves, we can still make informed decisions. Believing that we have the ability to choose directly affects our well-being and values. We also touch on the topics of neuroscience, self-determination, and responsibility.   Website: sheldonk.mufaculty.umsystem.edu/home   Topics 03:09 Freely Determined 07:23 System 1 and System 2  09:02 Cybernetic freewill 12:12 Choices are not predetermined 17:36 Self-determination theory 20:20 The feeling of freedom  24:57 The evolution of the symbolic self 32:47 The default mode network in goal setting 40:57 The “Rewind the tape” argument 45:05 The problem of too much freedom 46:51 Determinism is detrimental 50:45 Living well together  53:28 Free will is an adaptation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, and T.K. Coleman, known collectively as The Minimalists. Joshua and Ryan are Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times–bestselling authors. Alongside their podcast co-host, T.K., they help millions of people live meaningful lives with less. The Minimalists have been featured in Time, Architectural Digest, and GQ, and they have spoken at Harvard, Apple, and Google. Their podcast has more than 100 million downloads, making it one of the most popular podcasts in the world. In this episode I talk to Joshua, Ryan, and T.K. about minimalism. All too often, we are preoccupied with amassing wealth and possessions in an attempt to fill the void. Soon, we find that accumulating stuff doesn’t make us feel whole. Instead of turning to objects, the minimalists ask us to ponder “How do we live more with less?” When we can get rid of clutter in our homes, digital spaces, and relationships, we make room for what’s truly important. Joshua, Ryan, and T.K. talk about how minimalism has changed their lives, allowing them to feel more content, mindful, and generous.   Website: www.theminimalists.com Twitter: @TheMinimalists   Topics 01:46 Why minimalism? 08:27 Integrity and hypocrisy 13:05 Abundance begins from within 19:55 Minimalistic being 23:17 The “hell yes!” rule 27:20 Slow down to go faster 30:59 Confronting the void 42:38 Advertisements suck 48:21 Keep what brings joy and value 53:55 The secret to organization 1:01:03 The spontaneous combustion rule See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome John Vervaeke. John is an award-winning professor at the University of Toronto in Psychology, Cognitive Science and Buddhist Psychology. His academic interests include wisdom, mindfulness, meditation, relevance realization, general intelligence, and rationality. He is the author of Awakening from the Meaning Crisis Youtube series and co-author of Zombies in Western Culture: A 21st Century Crisis. In this episode I talk to John Vaervaeke about the meaning crisis. There is a growing number of people who are struggling to find purpose in life. Society seems to be losing touch of its humanity. John argues that we can address the meaning crisis by appreciating and grounding ourselves in reality. We can find relevance by deepening our relationship with the world and the people around us. In turn, this reverence affords us peace of mind, while recognizing the interconnection of all things. We also touch on the topics of transcendence, mattering, narcissism, spirituality and artificial intelligence.    Website: patreon.com/johnvervaeke Twitter: @vervaeke_john   Topics 03:30 Meaning and mattering 07:25 Relevance realization 13:33 Grounding and peace of mind 17:30 Horizontal and vertical transcendence 25:45 Wisdom is overcoming dichotomy 29:42 Measuring rationality 34:17 Zen Neoplatonism and Daoism 41:16 Spirituality is what remains 45:43 Care is essential to being human 49:20 The next Buddha is the Sangha 51:33 Reverence realization 58:45 The meaning crisis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Dacher Keltner, one of the world’s foremost emotion scientists. He is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. Fun fact: he was the scientific advisor behind the beloved Pixar movie, Inside Out! He has over 200 scientific publications and six books, including Born to Be Good, The Compassionate Instinct, and The Power Paradox. His latest book is called Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. In this episode I talk to Dacher Keltner about the new science of awe. Emotions like fear and disgust have been extensively researched because of their roles in human survival. But Dr. Keltner argues that awe is also essential for well-being and community. Music, art, and nature are some of the antecedents that can induce a sense of wonder, inspiring us to be better by recognizing that we’re parts of a greater whole. We also touch on the topics of transcendence, neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, and creativity. Website: dacherkeltner.com Twitter: @GreaterGoodSC   Topics 02:19 The science of awe 09:59 What triggers awe? 12:31 The neuroscience and physiology of awe 17:06 The essential features of awe 19:26 A prosocial approach to evolutionary psychology 25:16 Dr. Keltner’s personal search for awe 32:24 Nature and connectivity 36:16 Are we depriving children of awe? 38:20 Awe is a life detector 40:54 Awe and creativity 42:44 The dark side of awe 45:09 Cultivating the awe mindset 53:41 The unifying purpose of awe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to The Human Potential Lab! In this special series of The Psychology Podcast, I will be doing solo episodes answering your burning questions about the mind, brain, human behavior, and human potential. In the second episode of this series, I will be talking about creativity and how it differs from intelligence. Creativity can come in many different forms. It can be expressed through artistic compositions, through ingenious solutions to problems, or even through the combination of seemingly paradoxical ideas. Over the years, there’s been a large number of scientific studies which have sought to measure creativity. Not only that, but researchers have been able to identify what predicts divergent thinking and its association with certain personality traits. Other fascinating areas of investigation include the link between mental illness and creativity and the neuroscience behind the creative process. Today we will touch on all of these exciting areas.  Website: scottbarrykaufman.com Twitter: @psychpodcast & @sbkaufman   Topics 01:57 Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking 08:24 “Beyonder” characteristics 12:39 Personality traits associated with creativity 18:07 Ego strength of creative individuals  22:06 Creative people have messy minds 25:53 Neuroscience of creativity 32:39 The link between creativity and mental illness 34:59 Flow and the creative process 37:55 Combining originality and relevance See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Gretchen Rubin, one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s a highly acclaimed writer, having sold millions of copies of her New York Times bestselling books. Her podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, has more than 220 million downloads. As the founder of The Happiness Project, Gretchen has helped create an ecosystem of imaginative products and tools to help people become happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. Her latest book is called Life in Five Senses. In this episode I talk to Gretchen Rubin about connecting to the world through our five senses. Our fast-paced, modern world keeps us constantly moving, making us feel disconnected from other people and our surroundings. Gretchen shares unconventional ways we can re-experience the world through seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and touching. She believes that tuning into life’s simple pleasures allows us to live each day with more appreciation and vitality. We also touch on the topics of mindfulness, creativity, learning, and individual differences. Website: gretchenrubin.com Twitter: @gretchenrubin   Topics 01:57 The Five-Senses Quiz 08:25 The more we know, the more we notice 11:09 Life in Five Senses 14:34 We all have unique sensory worlds 19:21 Gretchen’s daily visits to the MET  24:40 The longing for immersive experiences 27:50 COVID has taught us to value our senses 32:10 The magic of ketchup 36:50 Connecting through sensory experiences 40:04 What is your ideal sensory surrounding? 50:21 The muse machine 55:19 Different ways of being and sensing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Sharon Salzberg, who is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is the co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed six million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. Her latest book is called Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom.  In this episode, I talk to Sharon Salzberg about navigating real life. When we are faced with trials and tribulations, it feels as if we're alone. On top of that, our underlying assumptions about the world and ourselves can make us feel worse. Sharon shares with us useful tips that can help us deal with overwhelming emotions and pain. She believes that by cultivating these loving-kindness practices, it can help us feel more open and free, allowing our inner lights to shine forth. Website: www.sharonsalzberg.com Twitter: @SharonSalzberg   Topics 02:17 From isolation to openness and freedom 05:36 Suffering from our unexamined assumptions 07:33 “Shaking hands” with our emotions 11:35 Looking within with love 15:38 Guilt, shame, and remorse 19:23 Loving-kindness exercises 23:33 “When we connect with others, we find ourselves” 27:07 The light within us all 30:34 The Dalai Lama’s visit to insight meditation society 33:15 Widening our window of tolerance 39:11 Allow yourself to feel joy 40:57 Dealing with illness and physical pain 48:00 Aspiration powers our journey See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Anil Seth. He is the Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, where he is also Co-Director of the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science. His research has been supported by the European Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. Dr. Seth’s 2017 main-stage TED talk is one of the most popular science TED talks, with more than 13 million views. His latest book, which has received numerous accolades, is called Being You: A New Science of Consciousness. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Anil Seth about the new science of consciousness. Although we don’t exactly know how or why consciousness exists, Dr. Seth thinks this shouldn’t stop us from exploring its properties. One of the things he explores in his research is the conditions for consciousness. Everyone has their own way of perceiving the world. Perceptual diversity exists and we would be misguided to try and standardize consciousness on a single dimension. We also touch on the topics of intelligence, panpsychism, free will, AI technology, and the after life.  Website: www.anilseth.com Twitter: @anilkseth   Topics 02:08 The hard problem of consciousness 07:02 The value of inner experiences 12:22 Experiencing is consciousness 15:51 Panpsychism  19:01 The condition for consciousness 21:38 Neuroscience of consciousness 27:32 Perceptual diversity 37:09 Perception Census 43:00 Can we measure consciousness? 49:13 Individual differences in experiencing  56:40 Experience of free will is not an illusion 1:09:24 Cybernetic free will 1:12:55 Can artificial intelligence produce consciousness?  1:24:24 The desire to persist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Kenneth Play and Madison Sloane Holland. Kenneth Play is an international sex expert and sex educator. Named “the world’s greatest sex hacker” by GQ, he has been featured by more than one hundred media outlets, including The New York Times, Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and Huffington Post. He is the creator of the Sex Hacker Pro Series, and author of Beyond Satisfied. His work has helped millions of men gain lasting confidence and competence.  Madison Sloane Holland is a sex and empowerment coach, intimacy expert, and co-host of the top-rated sex podcast, Pleasure Positive Living.  In this episode, I talked to Kenneth and Madison about how to increase sexual pleasure. Most people fail to realize their full sexual potential, partly because sex education in America is fear and shame driven. As a result, people turn to different forms of media, which can create unrealistic expectations and insecurities. Kenneth and Madison dispel the most common sex myths and talk about how we can empower both men and women to take charge of their own pleasure. Websites: kennethplay.com & www.pleasurepositiveliving.com/guide Instagram: @Kenneth_Play & @sugar.sloane_madison Kenneth’s E-book: https://bit.ly/ScottKennethPodcast Kenneth’s free training on VICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA3iQ1aR5IY   Topics 04:22 What is sex hacking? 06:05 Shortcomings of American sex education 09:37 How block ourselves from pleasure 13:05 Transcendent sexuality and peak experiences 22:27 Pleasure for healing and intimacy 26:04 The orgasm gap 32:33 Erotic context matters 37:48 Male sexual empowerment 45:52 Myths about sexual pleasure 54:36 Going after our deepest desires See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Anne Fausto-Sterling. She is the Nancy Duke Lewis Professor Emerita of Biology and Gender Studies in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry at Brown University. Her books and scholarly articles are referenced widely in feminist and scientific inquiry. She has received grants and fellowships in both the sciences and the humanities. In 2020, she re-released Sexing the Body: Gender Politics and the Construction of Sexuality with updated research. In this episode, I talked to Anne Fausto-Sterling about gender/sex and the body. During the sixties, the term “gender” was introduced to make a distinction between a person’s biology and psychology. But Dr. Fausto-Sterling believes that these can never really be separate. Biology influences gender—and the opposite is also true. Culture and context can influence our hormones and body systems. We also touch on the topics of gender dysphoria, feminism, intersexuality, trans issues, and child development. Website: annefaustosterling.com Twitter: @Fausto_Sterling   Topics 02:52 Dr. Fausto-Sterling’s background and expertise 07:58 Sexual invert, eonist, & transvestite 14:42 Gender identity disorder in the DSM 19:47 Transgenderism and non-binaries 21:49 The Five Sexes 25:27 “Gender is always changing the biology” 30:08 Redefining sex  34:54 Intersex inclusivity 40:29 Feminists labeled as TERFs 43:39 Sex should be functional 45:45 Moral panic about bathrooms, sports, jail 50:00 Addressing issues in context 55:50 Dynamic Systems Framework for Gender/Sex Development 57:54 Dr. Fausto-Sterling’s call to end sex differences research See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Debra Soh, Marco Del Giudice, and Buck Angel. Dr. Debra Soh is a neuroscientist who specializes in gender, sex, and sexual orientation. She holds a PhD in neuroscience with scientific expertise in paraphilias, hypersexuality, and child sexual abuse prevention. As a journalist, her writing has appeared in several publications like the New York Post, the Wall Street Journal, and many more. In 2020, she published her first book called “The End of Gender”. Dr. Marco Del Giudice is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. He received his bachelors in psychology and doctorate in cognitive science from the University of Turin in Italy. He has over a hundred scientific publications on personality, motivation, attachment styles, psychopathology, sex differences, and other topics. In 2016 he was granted the Early Career Award of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society (HBES). Buck Angel is an adult-film producer, performer and motivational speaker who also works as an advocate, educator, lecturer and writer. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance from 2010 to 2016. Born as a biological female, Buck conquered a lifetime of adversity to undergo his transformation to become the healthy, happy, self-confident man that he is today. Buck created the first FTM adult website in 2003, and became the first FTM adult entertainer and film producer. In 2007, Buck made history again as the first transexual man to ever win the AVN transexual performer of the year award.  In this episode, I talk to Debra, Marco, and Buck about the scientific realities of biological sex. There is considerable opposition against the idea that sex is binary. But denying science because it doesn’t seem to fit our gender beliefs can be dangerous. As ironic as it seems, when we acknowledge biology, we can accommodate more variation better than our preconceived, rigid social norms. Website: drdebrasoh.com , marcodg.net , buckangel.com Twitter: @DrDebraSoh & @BuckAngel   Topics 04:08 Dr. Marco’s background and expertise  06:41 Dr. Debra’s background and expertise 07:48 Buck’s background and expertise 10:02 Shift from ‘transexual’ to ‘transgender’  12:35 The separation of sex and gender 21:33 Why feminists reject biology 27:27 “It is transphobic to deny biology” 30:51 Extreme trans activism  40:00 Transgenders vs TERFs 43:07 Being gender fluid is trendy 44:18 Losing the nuances in gender 47:49 The evolutionary perspective of traits 55:05 Dismantling the definition of woman 58:46 De-transitioning and safe healthcare 1:07:03 The construction of gender identity 1:14:25 Social transitioning through pronouns 1:22:32 Non-binary and non-specific labels 1:28:42 Prioritizing truth over feelings See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Carole Hooven. For the past six years, she served as a lecturer and co-director of undergraduate studies at Harvard’s department of Human Evolutionary Biology. She has received numerous teaching awards, and her popular Hormones and Behavior class was named one of the Harvard Crimson’s “top ten tried and true.” Currently, Dr. Hooven has moved to the Psychology department where she works as an associate at Steven Pinker’s lab. Her latest book is called T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us. In this episode, I talked to Dr. Carole Hooven about the science of testosterone. Why do males have higher rates of physical violence, take on more risk, and desire more sexual partners? Dr. Hooven’s research points to testosterone as the answer. Although sex differences may stem from biology, variations in behavior may be better explained by genetics interacting with culture. We also touch on the topics of evolutionary biology, gender dysphoria, gender-affirming care, and academic freedom. Website: carolehooven.com Twitter: @hoovlet   Topics 02:49 Dr. Carole’s background and expertise 09:26 Sex differences in mental rotation 21:38 How hormones work 24:47 The uses and effects of testosterone 28:00 Testosterone, risk, and violence 31:23 Genetic and cultural differences 35:33 Trans women’s athletic advantages 38:51 Let scientists conduct research 44:22 Side effects of puberty blockers 49:31 Evidence-informed view of transitioning 56:30 There is no trans phenotype 59:22 The TERFs vs trans debates 1:03:28 Suppression of academic freedom 1:06:48 Untangle science from politics 1:09:15 Can we modify our chromosomes? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Aaron Rabinowitz and Callie Wright.  Aaron is a lecturer in philosophy at Rutgers University. He hosts the Embrace The Void and Philosophers in Space podcast. He specializes in ethics, metaethics, and problems surrounding AI and personhood. He earned his M.A. in Philosophy from Colorado State University. Callie is a freelance audio producer and the host of the Queersplaining podcast. They are non-binary trans person. In this episode, I talk to Aaron and Callie about gender and trans issues. When it comes to transgendered folk, we tend to focus on extreme examples that are far removed from reality. Some people think being transgender is a social contagion, while others reject the reality of gender altogether. Callie shares how transitioning has allowed them to become their most authentic self. Aaron sheds light on the issues of consent, autonomy, identity, and medical ethics. Both Callie and Aaron recognize that specific topics can negatively skew public opinion, which is why addressing misconceptions and highlighting the lived experiences of trans men, women, and non-binary individuals are crucial to the conversation. Website: voidpod.com & queersplaining.com Twitter: @ETVPod & @calliegetsit   Topics 03:15 Introducing Callie 05:14 Introducing Aaron 08:27 Callie coming out as trans 17:06 Ideology over science  23:32 Transphobia is real 25:28 Social contagion and moral panic 33:29 Pushing the anti-trans agenda  35:56 “Have a trans child or a dead child” 41:13 Extreme trans activists 47:13 The gender critical movement 44:47 The world operates on gender, not sex 51:29 What does it feel like to be a trans woman? 55:50 Subjectivity of gender and identity 1:02:06 Why we gatekeep identities 1:06:30 Trans people in sports 1:23:58 Sex and gender differences 1:32:47 Gender-affirming care 1:39:44 Puberty blockers and transitioning  1:42:38 Medical ethics and barriers to access 1:49:21 Parental consent vs child autonomy 1:52:17 There is harm in waiting and seeing 2:07:55 Irreversible changes in puberty 2:11:43 Teaching gender in school 2:15:26 Wokeness is misappropriated 2:17:42 Final thoughts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Steven Kotler, the Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective. He is an award-winning journalist and one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. Steven is the author of eleven bestsellers including The Art of Impossible, The Rise of Superman, Bold, and Abundance. His work has been nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over 50 languages, and has appeared in over 100 publications. His latest book is called Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad. Our moderator for this live discussion was Dr. Torrie Higgins, the Head Coach of the Flow Research Collective. Dr. Higgins is a deeply passionate, empathetic peak performance coach, consultant and educator whose coaching philosophy is rooted in the deep-seated belief that everyone has the potential to achieve success and growth. In her private practice, she has had the opportunity to coach a diverse range of clientele, from mountaineers preparing to summit Mount Everest and K2 to business leaders of Fortune 500 companies. In this live discussion, I talked to Steven Kotler about creativity, skill-mastery, and aging. Our society views aging as a process of decline, with our physical and mental capabilities worsening over time. Steve Kotler invites us to challenge our preconceived notions about aging by engaging in “impossible” activities that cultivate mastery and creativity. When we are able to incrementally push past our limits, we change our mindset about growing old which ultimately prolongs our longevity.  We also touch on the topics of exploration, play, social connection, flow, neuroscience, wisdom, and embodied cognition. Website: stevenkotler.com Twitter: @steven_kotler   Topics 04:55 Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad 10:46 Challenging our limiting beliefs 16:12 Narcissism vs mastery 19:40 Curiosity and exploration as motivators 22:24 Approach fear incrementally 27:18 Why we need “replacement friends” 38:44 Finding a training partner 42:54 Creativity and Aging: What We Can Make With What We Have Left 49:38 Intelligence, expertise, giftedness 52:31 “The pursuit of wisdom thrives on joy” 1:02:13 Dynamic deliberate play 1:11:25 Learning through embodied cognition 1:17:06 Flow and peak experiences 1:23:45 Creativity as a way of being See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Eli Finkel. He is a professor at Northwestern University, where he has appointments in the psychology department and the Kellogg School of Management. In his role as director of Northwestern’s Relationships and Motivation Lab (RAMLAB), he has published more than 160 scientific papers and is a guest essayist for The New York Times. The Economist declared him “one of the leading lights in the realm of relationship psychology.” His latest book is called The All-Or-Nothing Marriage. In this episode, I talked to Eli Finkel about how the best marriages work. The institution of marriage has evolved throughout the decades. People used to tie the knot for socioeconomic purposes, but nowadays we seek to fulfill our higher need for self-actualization in relationships. According to Eli, higher expectations are not necessarily bad for marriages if people can use them strategically. Eli also shares love hacks we can implement to improve our relationships with our partners.  Website: elifinkel.com Twitter: @EliJFinkel   Topics 02:54 Pleasure vs meaning in romance 05:49 There’s no rule for marriages 08:15 The pre-industrial mindset of marriage 10:39 Vertical integration of needs in a relationship 13:55 Expectations, goals, & fulfillment 17:53 The evolution of marriage  22:30 The All or Nothing Theory of Marriage 25:21 Mate evaluation theory and other studies 34:48 The value of love hacks 38:21 Positive attribution bias  39:36 Third-party reappraisal on conflict See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this live recording from The Comedy Cellar, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman has a discussion with Jonathan Haidt, Greg Lukianoff, and Rikki Schlott about why so much in America seems to be so messed up: Things like Gen Z, universities, social media, American democracy, and our sense of humor, grace, and decency. How can we lighten up, toughen up, and get less stupid? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to The Human Potential Lab! In this special series of The Psychology Podcast, I will be doing solo episodes answering your burning questions about the mind, brain, human behavior, and human potential. In the first episode of this series, I will be tackling a question I’ve been obsessed with virtually my entire life: What is Intelligence? Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wondered what it means to be smart. Does it simply mean high IQ? Are there other ways of being intelligent? Do multiple intelligences exist? What does it mean to be generally intelligent? As a kid I was placed into special education due to an auditory learning disability which I eventually outgrew. I would look around and see greater potential among all my friends in special ed than other people gave them credit for.  This ignited my passion for understanding intelligence, which carried me through to college where I started to scientifically study this fascinating topic, and I have been studying this topic ever since. I understand that the science of intelligence can be a controversial topic, but in today’s episode I’m just going to focus on the facts and the science, and attempt to show you why this topic is so fascinating and so important to study for a broader understanding of how to unlock the potential of all people. Website: scottbarrykaufman.com Twitter: @psychpodcast & @sbkaufman   Topics 01:28 What is intelligence? 02:43 History of IQ tests 05:06 The g factor 11:40 IQ and academic achievement 15:21 Theory of Multiple Intelligences 27:17 Theory of Successful Intelligence 30:06 Talent or intelligence? 32:46 Emotional intelligence 39:26 External factors affecting achievement 40:31 Gifted education 41:29 Theory of Personal Intelligence 45:45 There are infinite intelligences See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome the Shadow Expert, Dr. Connie Zweig. She is a retired therapist, writer, Climate Reality Leader, and Citizens Climate Lobbyist. She is the co-author of Meeting the Shadow and Romancing the Shadow and the author of Meeting the Shadow of Spirituality. Her latest book is called The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul, which has won both the 2021 American Book Fest Award and the 2021 Best Indie Book Award for best inspirational non-fiction. In this episode, I talked to Dr. Connie Zweig about embracing the shadow. We often associate the shadow with negativity, but it’s not necessarily bad or sinister. The shadow is composed of repressed feelings and messages in our unconscious, which can erupt out of control. According to Dr. Zweig, we must develop a conscious relationship with our shadow by doing inner work - especially as we age. As we near the end of our lives, it’s crucial that we conduct a life review to help us repair emotionally and spiritually. Website: conniezweig.com Twitter: @innerworkofage   Topics 02:33 Dr. Connie’s interest and expertise  06:17 What is “the shadow”?  12:54 How to confront the shadow 14:22 The inner ageist 18:44 Letting go of “doing”  24:01 Elder is a stage, not an age 28:00 The purpose of a life review 32:09 Emotional repair 34:37 Depth psychology 39:50 Spiritual repair 47:12 From role to soul See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Gabriella Kellerman, the chief innovation officer at BetterUp and the head of BetterUp Labs. She is also a Harvard-trained physician with expertise in behavioral and organizational change, digital health, well-being, and AI. As a thought leader, Gabriella has been published in The Atlantic, Scientific American Mind, JAMA, and the Harvard Business Review. Her first book is Tomorrowmind, which she co-authored with Professor Martin Seligman. In this episode, I talked to Gabriella Kellerman about prospection and future-proofing the workplace in the 21st century. According to Gabriella, the world is always changing. She argues that we can plan for uncertainty by cultivating creative leadership, building rapid rapport, and learning resilience. We also touch on the topics of imagination, kindness, and positive behavioral science. Website: gabriellarosenkellerman.com Twitter: @grkellerman   Topics 01:44 Collaborating with Martin Seligman 03:54 What is prospection?  08:00 Creativity: ways of being divergent 10:36 Creativity hygiene 14:05 Creative strength spotting 16:42 The safety to matter and to innovate 23:59 Positive behavioral science 27:21 Key drivers of resilience 30:48 Instill resilience in the workplace 34:38 Gabriella’s background and expertise 38:37 Building rapid rapport 43:05 Positivity resonance 46:24 Accepting and coping with change  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Perry Zurn and Dani Bassett.  Dr. Perry Zurn is Associate Professor of Philosophy at American University. He is the author or coauthor of more than 75 publications in philosophy, political theory, trans studies, and network science and has given hundreds of talks at local, national, and international venues. His work has been generously funded by organizations like the American Philosophical Association, the Center for Curiosity, the Lee Somers Fund and more.  Dr. Dani S. Bassett is the J. Peter Skirkanich Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, with appointments in the Departments of Bioengineering, Electrical & Systems Engineering, Physics & Astronomy, Neurology, and Psychiatry. They authored more than 390 peer-reviewed publications, which have garnered over 38,000 citations. Dr. Bassett has received multiple prestigious awards from the American Psychological Association, Sloan Foundation, and MacArthur Foundation among others.  They often collaborate on research about neuroscience, curiosity, and the humanities. Recently, they co-wrote Curious Minds: The Power of Connection. In this episode, I talk to Perry Zurn and Dani Bassett about curiosity. For them, curiosity is not just about gaining knowledge, it’s about connecting to the world and to each other. Each individual has their own style of connecting - they can be busybodies, hunters, or dancers at any given time. Perry and Dani also weigh in on how social media affects curiosity and how their network model of curiosity can improve education. Website: perryzurn.com & danisbassett.com Twitter: @perryzurn & @danisbassett   Topics 02:27 Perry and Dani’s interest in curiosity 06:26 Curiosity is connection 12:45 Network science  15:18 Archetypes of curiosity 20:22 Deprivation vs interest-based curiosity  23:56 Social curiosity 29:47 Cycling through the different styles of curiosity  37:25 Is social media making us more curious?  40:51 Consciously practicing curiosity  42:32 Curiosity and learning  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome David Epstein, the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, and of the bestseller The Sports Gene, both of which have been translated in more than 20 languages. His TED Talks on performance science have been viewed more than 11 million times. He has master's degrees in environmental science and journalism and has worked as an investigative reporter for ProPublica and a senior writer for Sports Illustrated.  In this episode, I talked to David Epstein about greatness. If there's one thing we know for sure about greatness, it's that there is no linear path to it. David and I discuss the complex relationship of talent and hard work in specific domains. Although there is no formula, we can both agree that persistent effort and fierce determination are necessary ingredients—but so is talent. We have a nuanced discussion of the dance between nature and nurture on the path to talent. It’s a very delicate dance. We also touch on the topics of self-actualization, creativity, fulfillment and moral greatness.  Website: davidepstein.com Twitter: @DavidEpstein   Topics 02:13 Talent: Is it nature or nurture?  05:16 Does the 10,000 hour rule apply to creativity?  10:14 Genetics and the rage to master  16:46 Immediate feedback for growth  22:04 Progress is not linear  26:50 Self-actualization is where you “fit”  39:06 The equal odds rule 41:11 Restriction of range  47:55 Creativity and mental illness  56:27 Incentivizing good vs great scientists  1:00:13 Moral greatness  1:06:10 The constraints of creativity  1:12:25 The criteria of genius  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Roland Griffiths and David Yaden.  Dr. Roland Griffiths is a professor of neuroscience, psychiatry, and behavioral science, and director of the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has authored over 400 scientific publications and has trained more than 60 postdoctoral research fellows. His initial 2006 publication on psilocybin is often attributed as the catalyst for the re-initiation of psychedelic research after decades of halted drug research. Dr. David Yaden is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine working in The Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. His research focus is on transformative experiences that can result in long-term changes and how they temporarily alter consciousness and self. His work has been covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, and NPR. In this episode, I talk to Roland Griffiths and David Yaden about the latest research on psychedelics. They answer some of my burning questions such as: What are the common characteristics of a mystical experience? Are hallucinations necessary for a transformative experience? How do psychedelics affect our brain? We also touch on the topics of mindfulness, religion, mental illness, and creativity as they share about the latest developments in the field.  Website: griffithsfund.org Twitter: @ExistWell   Topics 02:36 Roland’s background in psychopharmacology  09:44 Roland’s meditation practice 13:57 David’s mystical experience 18:35 Roland’s mystical experience 22:02 Common characteristics of mystical experiences 27:48 Transformative experience or mental illness? 39:15 Was Timothy Leary right about psychedelics? 46:05 The future of psychedelic research  48:39 The neuroscience of psychedelics 53:14 Creativity and therapeutic use of psychedelics 56:33 Are hallucinations needed for transformation? 1:02:50 Roland’s cancer diagnosis 1:13:41 The Griffiths Professorship Fund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Ali Smith, Andrés González, and Atman Smith. Brothers Ali and Atman met Andrés at the University of Maryland College Park. During their last semester, the trio spent a lot of time reading books on spirituality, philosophy, history, politics, and other related topics. At the same time, they began their yoga practice and developed it under the guidance of Ali and Atman’s godfather. Months of hard work and planning ensued before they finally co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation. Together, they tell their story of how yoga and mindfulness have transformed countless communities in Let Your Light Shine. In this episode, I talk to Ali Smith, Andrés González, and Atman Smith about mindfulness in education. For 20 years, they have been teaching yoga and wellness to underserved kids, resulting in a decrease in suspensions and fights and an increase in attendance and grades. But it’s not just about the numbers. For Ali, Andrés, and Atman, what matters even more is changing the school’s culture to become a loving and empathetic space for all by teaching stillness and introspection. Website: letyourlightshinebook.com Twitter: @HLFINC   Topics 2:31 Introducing Ali Smith 4:24 Introducing Atman Smith 7:31 Introducing Andrés González 12:45 Hope through mindfulness 17:05 Creating an oasis in schools  20:39 The impact of the Mindful Moment Program 26:16 Reciprocal teaching model 28:00 Involution: tapping into our universal centers 33:37 Sharon Salzberg’s and Rhonda Magee’s work 36:52 Bringing fun and humor to learning  38:11 Making yoga and mindfulness accessible 45:46 Love and empathy need to be consistent and reliable See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Neil Pasricha who is an author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and public speaker characterized by his advocacy of positivity and simple pleasures. He is best known for his The Book of Awesome series, and "The Happiness Equation" which are international bestsellers. His first TED talk “The 3 A’s of Awesome” is ranked one of the 10 Most Inspiring of all time. Neil hosts an Apple “Best of” award-winning podcast called 3 Books. His most recent book is called Our Book of Awesome. In this episode, I talk to Neil Pasricha about how to live an awesome life. The levels of depression and anxiety are its highest today. Now, more than ever, is when we need hope and positivity. According to Neil, the key to living a happier life is appreciating the little things. Awe and gratitude should not be reserved for big moments, but they should be cultivated in the everyday. We also touch on the topics of social media, motivation, confidence, and authenticity.  Website: www.neil.blog Twitter: @NeilPasricha   Topics [02:51] Neil’s life and background  [06:49] The Book of Awesome [11:42] Noticing tiny pleasures [17:23] The infinite scroll  [22:14] The confidence matrix [24:57] The Nature of the Fun [27:44] The Happiness Equation [32:22] Never retire [35:59] Overvalue you [37:16] Create space [42:24] Have everything [45:03] Don’t take advice [50:35] Our Book of Awesome [55:44] Savoring and healthy selfishness See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year with Lisa Feldman Barrett. Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is among the top one percent most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior. Her books include Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made. She has published over 240 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals. Dr. Barrett has been called “the most important affective scientist of our time”.  In this episode, I talk to renowned neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett about emotions and the brain. She reveals what the true function of the brain is⎯and it’s not for thinking. We also discuss the impact of past experiences on our cognition and what we can do to overcome our own detrimental patterns. Further into our discussion, Dr. Lisa challenges the traditionally held view that emotions are universal. In her own theory of constructed emotion, she argues that variability in emotional expression exists due to socialization and language differences. We also touch on the topics of hallucinogens, culture, education, relationships, and authoritarianism.  Website: lisafeldmanbarrett.com Twitter: @LFeldmanBarrett   Topics 00:01:42 Lisa’s interest in clinical psychology 00:03:53 A biological approach to emotions 00:06:29 Why do we have a neocortex?  00:14:49 The default mode network 00:21:47 The brain is not for thinking 00:25:06 Authoritarianism during economic hardship 00:32:04 Psychological entropy 00:35:33 The brain weather forecast 00:44:16 The mind-brain problem 00:47:37 Relationships are reflexive 00:51:46 Emotional expression isn’t universal 00:58:35 Why you shouldn’t trust psychology textbooks / 6 universal emotions? 01:03:03 Reaching out to Paul Ekman  01:10:42 The theory of constructed emotion 01:16:49 The role of socialization and language in emotions  01:23:43 The never-ending domain-general vs domain-specific debate in cognitive science See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome David McRaney. He is a science journalist fascinated with brains, minds, and culture. In 2012, he created the podcast You Are Not So Smart based on his 2009 internationally bestselling book of the same name and its follow-up, You Are Now Less Dumb. David is also an editor, photographer, voiceover artist, television host, journalism teacher, lecturer, and tornado survivor. His most recent book is called How Minds Change. In this episode, I talk to David McRaney about the science of belief and persuasion. In this day and age of online tribes and echo chambers, changing people’s opinions seems like an impossible task. Instead of arguing over facts, David encourages us to use empathy to understand why we disagree. He explains Piaget's framework behind knowledge building and shares the use of technique rebuttal for sincere conversations. Website: www.davidmcraney.com Twitter: @davidmcraney   Topics 02:12 David’s interest in how minds change 08:41 Piaget's Genetic Epistemology 13:49 Focus on motivations, not conclusions 16:35 Why do people see the viral 2015 dress differently?  23:44 How we produce and evaluate arguments 28:36 We’re living in a post trust world 32:32 How to change minds in large groups 44:33 Cults and conspiratorial communities 52:57 Technique rebuttal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Neal Brennan. He is a director, writer, actor, and comedian most known for co-creating and co-writing the Comedy Central series Chappelle's Show with Dave Chappelle and cult movie classic Half Baked.   Neal received three Emmy nominations for Chappelle’s Show; one for directing, and the other two for writing and producing. He has also performed stand-up on Last Call with Carson Daly, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Lopez Tonight, and Conan. Recently, his comedy special called Blocks was released on Netflix.  In this episode, I talk to Neal Brennan about his comedy and upbringing. As early as 8 years old, Neal has been interested in comedy for its “fairness”. He reveals who his early influences were and what it was like working with Dave Chappelle. In this episode I gave Neal some impromptu psychological tests to help us both understand more about his unique mind. We also touch on the topics of relationships, mindfulness, cognitive distortions, and neurodiversity. Website: www.nealbrennan.com Twitter: @nealbrennan   Topics 02:31 Neal’s family background 09:44 When Neal discovered comedy  15:48 Meeting Dave Chappelle 18:00 The aftermath of Half Baked 21:26 The highs and lows of  Chappelle’s Show 26:06 “We contain multitudes” 28:20 Neal’s relationships and reality dysmorphia 36:04 Vulnerable narcissism test 44:46 How vulnerable narcissism develops 48:16 Cognitive distortions 55:46 Mindfulness, drugs, and therapy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Becky Kennedy. She is a clinical psychologist and mom of three, recently named “The Millennial Parenting Whisperer” by TIME Magazine. She specializes in parenting and child development, with an emphasis on anxiety and resilience. Dr. Becky received her BA in Psychology and Human Development from Duke University and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. Her latest book is called Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be. In this episode, I talk to Becky Kennedy about good parenting. Raising children is no easy task. As a mom herself, Dr. Becky knows what that’s like. Her parenting philosophy revolves around seeing the good inside every child and seeing the sturdy leader in every parent. She shares actionable advice on how to repair emotional connection after conflict, how to reduce shame, and how we can break unhealthy generational patterns. We also touch on the topics of genetics, resilience, attachment, and self-care. Website: www.goodinside.com Instagram: @drbeckyatgoodinside   Topics 02:20 Dr. Becky’s interest in parenting 06:00 The Good Inside Approach 10:22 Maximizing for attachment safety 17:32 Raising children with empathy  23:18 The most generous interpretation 28:49 “Two things are true” mode  33:34 How to make up with our kids after a fight 38:21 Dr. Becky’s recommended resources  39:27 Prioritize resilience over happiness 43:49 How to detect and reduce shame 48:04 Self-care for exhausted parents 50:25 Tips for cycle breakers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Whitney Johnson, CEO and co-founder of the tech-enabled talent development company Disruption Advisors. Whitney is a globally recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, executive coach, and consultant. She is a frequent lecturer at Harvard Business Publishing’s Corporate Learning division. She is also the bestselling author of Disrupt Yourself and Build an A Team. Her latest book is called Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company. In this episode, I talk to Whitney Johnson about business growth. According to Whitney, the development of the individual comes first before the company’s. Growth can be better understood using the S Curve of Learning which has three phases: the Launch Point, the Sweet Spot, and Mastery. By comprehending the cycle of growth, we can find ways to move forward when we feel stuck in both our professional and personal lives. We also touch on the topics of flow, creativity, transcendence, success, and leadership. Website: www.whitneyjohnson.com Twitter: @johnsonwhitney   Topics 01:35 Disruption Advisors 07:55 The S Curve of Learning 11:13 Optimize your team for growth 14:23 Mastery and transcendence 16:18 Peak experience and peak performance 21:26 The S Curve as a retention tool 25:00 Excavating your shadow values 28:13 Grow your people to grow your company 33:53 Create the conditions for growth 37:19 The S Curve is a dopamine management exercise 40:20 When to quit and change careers  42:51 Changing the metrics of success 47:16 Disrupt yourself a little bit everyday See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dan Tomasulo who is a counseling psychologist, professor, and the Academic Director at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute (SMBI), Teachers College, Columbia University. He holds a Ph.D. in psychology, an MFA in writing, and a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Dan is also the author of several books, including American Snake Pit and Confessions of a Former Child: A Therapist's Memoir. His latest book is called Learned Hopefulness. In this episode, I talk to Dan Tomasulo about psychodrama and learned hopefulness. Interventions have always focused on helping people recover from trauma but Dan believes we can do more than that through psychodrama. When we re-enact difficult experiences, we can process and integrate trauma in a way that facilitates growth. It also teaches us to perceive obstacles differently, which is integral to learning hopefulness.  Website: www.dantomasulo.com Twitter: @drdantomasulo   Topics 01:27 Dan as a stand-up comedian 04:58 Meeting Andy Kaufman 08:33 Dan’s interest in psychology 14:36 American Snake Pit  21:35 Interactive Behavioral Therapy (IBT) 27:10 What is psychodrama? 34:15 Learned Hopefulness 41:00 Hope activating exercises 45:49 Spiritual psychology 51:55 Hope, optimism, faith See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Sonja Lyubomirsky who is a distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. Originally from Russia, she received her A.B., summa cum laude, from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in Social/Personality Psychology from Stanford University. Her research has been featured in hundreds of magazines, newspapers, shows and documentaries in North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Dr. Lyubomirsky’s best-selling books The How of Happiness and The Myths of Happiness have been published and translated in over 16 countries. In this episode, I talk to Sonja Lyubomirsky about happiness. Across all of her research, Dr. Lyubomirsky has found that connection is what makes people happy. So then, how do we form high-quality connections? Dr. Lyubomirsky gives us insight on how to use kindness, reciprocity, and gratitude to maintain and strengthen our relationships. We also touch on the topics of psychedelics, interpersonal chemistry, and social media. Website: drsonja.net Twitter: @slyubomirsky   Topics 01:38 Sonja’s interest in happiness research 03:56 The Happiness Pie Chart 07:55 The Set-point Theory of Happiness 10:42 Connection is the key to happiness 15:19 Are extroverts happier?  20:12 Psychedelic social psychology 25:25 The Happiness Boomerang Effect 29:58 What makes for great conversation? 34:16 High-quality connections 36:47 How to create interpersonal chemistry 42:44 Can you count too many blessings? 45:27 Apps that make us happy and unhappy  51:39 Kindness boosts immunity See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Martha Beck, who is a New York Times bestselling author, life coach, and speaker. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science. Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha is a passionate and engaging teacher, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality. Her newest book is called The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self. In this episode, I talk to Martha Beck about integrity. According to her, we are all born true to ourselves, with our integrity intact. But then we lose sight of who we are because we try so hard to fit into our society. Martha shares advice on how to live authentically in a culture that doesn't necessarily share the same values as you. We also touch on the topics of neurodiversity, emotions, coaching, and transcendence. Website: marthabeck.com Twitter: @TheMarthaBeck   Topics 02:38 Martha’s interest in coaching 04:17 Martha’s Harvard degrees 06:55 Science and eastern philosophy 13:31 Writing for Oprah’s magazine 15:13 Regaining our wildness 20:19 The Way of Integrity 25:08 Duplicity is people pleasing 31:32 Inspiration from Dante’s Divine Comedy 34:55 Enlightenment through surrender 39:25 Personal effectiveness 47:11 Suffering is a guidance mechanism  52:27 How Martha left the LDS Mormon Church 56:27 Hold true to your integrity See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Laurie Santos, psychology professor and Head of Silliman College at Yale University. Her course, “Psychology and the Good Life,”is Yale’s most popular course in over 300 years and has been adapted into a free Coursera program that has been taken by over 3.3 million people to date. Dr. Santos is a winner of numerous awards both for her science and teaching from institutions such as Yale and the American Psychological Association. She is also the podcast host of The Happiness Lab. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Laurie Santos about happiness. People are unhappy not for lack of trying, but it’s because they’re applying ineffective strategies. Dr. Santos identifies some of the cognitive biases that can hinder our happiness. There is no magical antidote to our problems, but there are ways to boost well-being in small but significant ways. We also discuss resilience, social justice and mindfulness. Website: drlauriesantos.com Twitter: @lauriesantos   Topics 03:04 Laurie’s interest in well-being 06:54 Our expectations about happiness  09:44 Defining and measuring happiness 13:59 Predictors of resilience  15:43 Laurie’s happiness score 17:39 “Self-care is a political act” 22:39 The Feel Good, Do Good Effect 24:11 The role of culture, environment, genes 27:55 Contributions to the science of happiness 32:13 The impact of Laurie’s research 35:19 Cognitive biases that influence happiness 38:16 Do mindfulness interventions work? 44:37 The Happiness Lab’s new season See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In celebration of our first year anniversary with Stitcher, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year with Esther Perel. Esther Perel is a psychotherapist and a New York Times bestselling author, recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she hones a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her best-selling books Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs have been translated into nearly 30 languages. Esther is also an executive producer and host of the popular podcast Where Should We Begin? and How’s Work? Her latest project is Where Should We Begin − A Game of Stories with Esther Perel.  In this episode, I talk to renowned psychotherapist and author Esther Perel about love and relationships. We tackle the true essence of the words “eros” and “freedom”. Esther offers her perspective on marriage and affairs, getting to the root cause of why people cheat. We also touch on the topics of soulmates, masculinity, how to keep passion alive during a global pandemic, and Esther’s practice as a cross-cultural therapist.   Website: www.estherperel.com Instagram: @estherperelofficial   Topics 02:02 Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic 04:33 Social connection during the pandemic  10:04 “The erotic is the antidote to death” 17:02 True freedom in relationships 22:05 Soulmates don’t exist  26:38 Why people in happy marriages cheat 29:46 Can an affair be good for a marriage? 34:54 Where Should We Begin? 39:00 Redefining marriage, fidelity, and sexuality 46:25 Esther’s cross-cultural approach to therapy 49:31 Esther’s interest in cultural transitions, identity, and relationships 54:56 The masculine obsession with power  01:00:08 The Great Adaptation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Jim Fadiman. Jim is a psychologist, writer, and lecturer who has been pioneering psychedelic research since the 1960s. He is recognized as “America’s wisest and most respected authority on psychedelics and their use.” Jim received his bachelor and doctorate degrees from Harvard and Stanford respectively. Apart from psychedelics, he has also been involved in researching healthy multiplicity for over 20 years. His newest book with Jordan Gruber is called Your Symphony of Selves: Discover and Understand More of Who We Are. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Jim Fadiman about multiple selves. The DSM says that having multiple personalities is a disorder, but Dr. Fadiman challenges this notion. In fact, he believes that the opposite is true: the multiplicity of selves is both normal and healthy. It’s not about having one “super self”, but unifying the different parts of who we are. We also discuss psychedelics, its effects on mental health, and how Abraham Maslow would have viewed these mind-altering substances. Website: jamesfadiman.com Twitter: @jfadiman   Topics 04:54 Modern microdosing 06:49 Microdosing for physical and mental health  10:00 Healthy vs pathological multiplicity 14:14 What would Maslow think of psychedelics? 23:24 No single self  26:42 Taking responsibility for all yourselves 30:13 Harmonizing selves 34:28 Is it possible to create a super self? 37:58 All your parts are you 42:07 Unified self is healthy  44:08 Being in the right mind at the right time 51:17 Practice selves work See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Gabor Maté. A physician, renowned speaker, and bestselling author, Gabor is highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, stress, and childhood development. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing, he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction. He is also a co-developer of Compassionate Inquiry, a therapeutic approach for deep healing and transformation. His newest book is called The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture. In this episode, I talk to Gabor Maté about The Myth of Normal. Healthcare in Western societies tend to focus on physical health, without accounting for an individual’s lived experience. The tension between authenticity and attachment and the pressures of a capitalist culture puts undue stress on our minds and bodies. Dr. Maté invites us to rethink trauma and disease, by emphasizing holistic well-being and the role of agency. We also touch on the topics of early childhood, epigenetics, and self-improvement.  Website: drgabormate.com Twitter: @drgabormate   Topics 02:36 The Myth of Normal 06:14 Maslow’s Metagrumbles 10:25 From individual to global well-being 13:25 Authenticity vs attachment 20:48 No separation of psyche and soma 28:05 Trauma is what happens inside you 33:34 Dr. Gabor Maté’s early childhood  37:20 Trauma denial and victimhood mentality 41:05 Disease is a long term process 45:21 Epigenetics and the role of environment 50:24 Screening for special and gifted education 52:45 Pathways to wholeness 58:01 The four A’s of healing  1:06:44 Compassionate Inquiry 1:10:16 Authentic satisfaction See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome to the show Jordyn Feingold, resident physician in psychiatry, co-founder of the Positive Medicine Program, and co-author with me of the new book Choose Growth! Jordyn graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with her BA and Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP). At present, she is a psychiatry resident at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Jordyn is deeply involved in research, curriculum development, and advocacy work pertaining to clinician well-being, locally, nationally, and globally. Together, we wrote Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt. In this episode, I talk to Jordyn Feingold about positive medicine and the importance of choosing growth. As a physician and positive psychology practitioner, Jordyn is on a mission to shift the focus of medicine from treatment to well-being. As much as our physical health can influence our mental health, the reverse is also true. She talks about the impact and practical applications of positive psychology in healthcare. We also touch on the topics of resilience, relationships, communication, growth, and transcendence. Website: positivepsychologyforphysicians.com Twitter: @jordynfeingold   Topics  04:52 Positive Medicine 12:08 Embodied cognition 14:06 The REVAMP model of well-being 18:10 Positive interventions 21:39 Choose Growth 28:28 Who’s in your boat? 32:08 Active vs passive constructive responding 35:53 High-quality connections  40:01 Jordyn as chief extrovert 42:41 “Yes, and” transcendence 48:34 Integrate your dark side See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Tara Well, who is an associate professor of psychology at Barnard College of Columbia University where she has taught Personality Psychology, Health Psychology, and Psychology of Leadership for over 20 years. Her research on motivation, perception, and cognition has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She outlines the research and benefits of her meditation program in her latest book Mirror Meditation. In this episode, I talk to Tara Well about mirror meditation. What is the first thing you think of when you look in the mirror? For a lot of us, our initial instinct is to nitpick at our flaws. Using mirror meditation, Tara teaches people how to use one’s reflection to promote self-acceptance and inner knowing. The mirror can help us become kinder not just to ourselves, but to the people around us as well. We also touch on the topics of narcissism, compassion, and attachment.  Website: mirrormeditation.com Twitter: @tarawell88   Topics 01:36 Tara’s expertise in psychology  05:33 Mirror Meditation  12:22 Reflecting on identities 14:39 Sit with yourself 18:59 Unfreeze yourself 21:28 Neuroscience of narcissists  26:08 Compassion for narcissists 32:42 Anxious and avoidant self-attachment 36:31 Be there for yourself 39:20 Look at others in the eyes of love 42:07 Reclaiming your projections 43:28 How to see the best in others 45:45 Self-talk in third person 46:51 Meditation practice See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Eric Barker, the author of The Wall Street Journal bestseller Barking Up the Wrong Tree. His book has sold over half a million copies and has been translated into 19 languages. It was even the subject of a question on “Jeopardy!” Eric is also a sought-after speaker, having given talks at MIT, the Aspen Ideas Festival, Google, the United States Military Central Command (CENTCOM), and the Olympic Training Center. His newest book is called Plays Well with Others. In this episode, I talk to Eric Barker about relationships. We tackle the misconceptions on loneliness, marriage, and body language. Eric shares practical tips that we can apply in our own relationships such as how to keep passionate love alive and how to catch liars. We also touch on the topics of communication, vulnerability, community and health.  Website: bakadesuyo.com Twitter: @bakadesuyo   Topics 02:18 Plays Well with Others 05:11 Loneliness is perception 08:38 Marriage requires crazy love and work  10:57 Gottman’s Four Horsemen of Divorce 15:26 Keeping passionate love alive  19:02 Emotional endings and love maps  24:28 The Scary Rule  28:14 Dunbar’s number 30:49 Parasocial relationships  35:32 Body language is overrated 39:04 How to catch a liar 42:11 Story of connection See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome philosopher Skye Cleary. She is a lecturer at Columbia University and the City College of New York. Skye is the author of Existentialism and Romantic Love and co-editor of How to Live a Good Life. Her writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Aeon, Business Insider, TED-Ed, and The Los Angeles Review of Books, among other outlets. In 2021, she was a MacDowell Fellow and In 2017, she won the New Philosopher Writers’ Award. Her latest book is called How to Be Authentic.  In this episode, I talk to Skye Cleary about Simone de Beauvoir’s life and how it has informed her existentialist philosophy. As a feminist during the forties, Simone was passionate about freedom of choice. It's not a surprise then that her definition of authenticity also revolves around self-determination. Authenticity is not about finding a true self, but rather a process of creating who we want to be. We also touch on the topics of gender, power, social justice, narcissism, and fulfillment. Website: skyecleary.com Twitter: @Skye_Cleary   Topics 01:54 French existentialist philosophy 04:05 “One is not born, but rather becomes, woman” 09:58 Creating our essence 12:46 Transcending our impulses 18:01 Creative rebellion 22:19 Skye’s Critique of Simone de Beauvoir 24:03 Authenticity is responsible freedom 27:33 Power and freedom 32:00 Skye’s background in philosophy 33:15 Intersubjectivity: the foundation of ethical relations 34:48 Inauthenticity, social media, narcissism 38:37 Windows of freedom, genetics, motherhood 41:38 Fulfillment is embracing life  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Colin Seale, the founder and CEO of thinkLaw. Colin was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where his struggles gave birth to his passion for educational equity. Using lessons from his experience as a math teacher, attorney, and keynote speaker, he helps educators teach critical thinking to all students, regardless of race or achievement through his award-winning organization thinkLaw. Colin is also the author of Thinking Like a Lawyer. His latest book is called Tangible Equity.  In this episode, I talk to Colin Seale about tangible equity in education. For Colin, real equity work should help reduce the predictive power of demographics on outcomes. In order to do that, we need to teach kids how to think for themselves, so they learn to question instead of comply with unfair systems. Colin shares concrete actions that educators can take to contribute towards tangible equity. We also touch on the topics of privilege, race, bias, and gifted education.  Website: thinklaw.us Twitter: @ColinESeale   Topics 02:55 What is tangible equity? 05:28 Reforming the pathways to success 09:33 Why equity has become a challenge  16:42 The pressure of success and compliance 18:56 Critical race theory in schools 25:01 Understanding race and privilege  30:53 Colin as a keynote speaker  35:15 Leveraging privilege for equity 36:39 We all have power  41:50 Disrupting gifted education 49:24 Shatter the ceiling of education See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Josh Szeps who is a television, radio and podcast host who shakes up the status quo with his fierce intellect and infectious sense of humor. Josh's interviews with prominent figures and celebrities like Jane Goodall, Ron Howard, Russel Brand, and Neil Patrick Harris have attracted billions of online views and sold out event tickets. Currently, he can be heard on ABC Radio Sydney and on his award-winning podcast Uncomfortable Conversations. In this episode, I talk to Josh Szeps about what it means to think freely. In this social media age, it's become increasingly challenging to become an independent thinker. Our tribal nature and online echo chambers tend to reinforce ideologies we already believe in. Even the way we talk sounds scripted! Josh and I discuss how to genuinely search for truth so we can broaden our worldviews. We also touch on the topics of intersectionality, wokeism, ethics, and racism. Website: linktr.ee/joshszeps Twitter: @joshzepps   Topics 02:35 Are we living in a simulation? 10:39 The clique of provocateurs 16:58 Compromise through conversation 23:27 The excess of wokeism 27:01 Moral foundations and disgust 31:36 Racism in the gay community 35:11 Reverse racism 37:00 Respecting individual identity over group identity 43:16 Should we be proud of intrinsic attributes?  49:08 Scripted ideologies 51:40 How to overcome binary thinking  58:01 Pushing limits through radical curiosity See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Hitendra Wadhwa, Professor of Practice at Columbia Business School where he teaches Columbia’s most popular leadership course, the award-winning “Personal Leadership & Success.” Hitendra is also the founder of Mentora Institute, which is at the forefront of creating a new model of leadership that is agile, authentic, and attainable. Hitendra’s research and teaching on personal leadership have been covered by Forbes, Fortune, CNN, Psychology Today, Wall Street Journal and others. He is the author of Inner Mastery, Outer Impact. In this episode, I talk to Hitendra Wadhwa about personal development. Growth is often associated with the mastery of skills. But Hitendra reminds us that inner work is also growth. The internal battles we face lead us to become more attuned to our most authentic selves. In order to unlock our full potential, Hitendra shares with us Five Core Energies and how to activate them. We also touch on the topics of leadership, service, purpose, and transcendence.  Website: www.hitendra.com Twitter: @HitendraWadhwa   Topics 02:31 Hitendra’s background and upbringing  06:16 Personal leadership 09:23 Public leadership 13:44 Ashoka the Great 18:01 Dominion over yourself 21:30 Authenticity and our real selves 27:05 Core Energy: Purpose 29:33 Core Energy: Wisdom 30:48 Core Energy: Growth 32:04 Core Energy: Love 33:33 Core Energy: Self-Realization 37:34 Conceptualizing the Five Core Energies 39:50 Living vs leading  43:41 The mystic in all of us 48:22 From inner dominance to inner surrender See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Kristi Nelson, the executive director of A Network for Grateful Living. Her life’s work in the non-profit sector has focused on leading, inspiring, and strengthening organizations committed to progressive social and spiritual change. Being a long-time stage IV cancer survivor moves her every day to support others in living and loving with great fullness of heart. She is the author of Wake Up Grateful: The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted.  In this episode, I talk to Kristi Nelson about gratefulness. She differentiates gratefulness from gratitude by describing the former as an orientation towards life, without being dependent on internal or external circumstances. Kristi shares with us the practice of Stop, Look, Go and her five guiding principles that can inspire you to live a life of gratefulness. We also touch on the topics of positive psychology, mindfulness, play, and self-compassion. Website: gratefulness.org   Topics 03:01 Kristi’s cancer diagnosis  04:17 Gratitude vs gratefulness 08:50 Gratefulness during hard times 12:37 Reclaim play, curiosity, courage 15:58 Life is a gift 18:08 Everything is a surprise 20:41 The ordinary is extraordinary 23:48 Appreciation is generative 26:55 Say yes to your life 32:46 Love is transformative 34:35 Stop, Look, Go 38:18 Befriending our full selves 40:43 Leaving a grateful legacy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome three-time #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Manson. Before becoming an author, he was a blogger. His blog started in 2007 and within a few years it was being read by more than a million people each month. Today, his site is read by more than 15 million people each year. Mark’s books have sold over 14 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 65 languages. According to Amazon Charts, his book The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck was the most-read non-fiction book worldwide in 2017.  For this episode, we did something a little different. Mark Manson and I had an unstructured chat about issues that we both care deeply about. We tackled all sorts of questions like: What makes social media so polarizing? Why are self-help quotes so cheesy? Are all pick-up artists narcissists? Does free will exist? We hope you enjoy the conversation about relationships, politics, self-esteem, and neurodiversity as much as we did.   Website: markmanson.net Twitter: @IAmMarkManson   Topics 02:03 Mark and Scott as adolescents  04:30 Online discourse in a hyper-connected world    11:36 Troll behavior and non-verbal cues 17:18 Extreme curiosity and criticism of politics 25:00 Mark hates Tiny Buddha? 29:59 The self-help industry  33:24 Neurodiversity and empathy  39:30 Are all traits double-edged swords?  46:26 Co-dependency of grandiose and vulnerable narcissists 54:48 Scott’s unique value proposition 57:08 The bachelor life vs the married life 1:04:22 Co-writing Will Smith’s biography 1:08:53 Free will, law and punishment 1:12:53 Overrated or underrated: meditation 1:15:49 Overrated or underrated: twin studies 1:18:31 Overrated or underrated: self-esteem 1:21:22 Overrated or underrated: social media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Michael Bungay Stanier, the Founder of Box of Crayons. He is the author of the best-selling book The Coaching Habit, with over a million copies sold. He was a Rhodes Scholar and in 2019 was named the #1 thought leader in coaching. Michael has a masters degree in Philosophy from Oxford, a law degree and a BA with highest honors from the Australian National University. His latest book is called How to Begin.  In this episode, I talk to Michael Bungay Stanier about how to begin. When we set goals, the most popular framework that often comes to mind is the idea of SMART goals. Instead of starting with what’s measurable, Michael urges us to start with what’s important. He shares his criteria for identifying what a worthy goal is, as well as advice on how to stay committed to that worthy goal. We also touch on the topics of coaching, empathy, change, and community.   Website: www.mbs.works Twitter: @mbs_works   Topics 02:22 About Box of Crayons 03:20 Michael’s interest and expertise in coaching 07:15 The Coaching Habit 12:20 “SMART goals are dumb” 16:32 What is a worthy goal? 23:19 The magic is in the drafting 25:50 Before action, learn to commit 30:27 Adaptive change vs technical change 33:01 Calling in the directions 37:51 Stick with the journey 43:20 Celebrate the journey See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome back Steve Magness who is a world-renowned expert on high performance. He has been a consultant on mental skills development for professional sports teams, including some of the top teams in the NBA. Steve is the co-author of Peak Performance, The Passion Paradox, and the author of The Science of Running. Collectively, his books have sold more than a quarter-million copies in print, ebook, and audio formats. His latest book is called Do Hard Things.  In this episode, I talk to Steve Magness about real toughness. The prevailing narrative around achievement extols the merits of unrelenting resolve. To show vulnerability is to show weakness. According to Steve, the hyperfocus on external bravado is detrimental to performance and mental health. He outlines his four core pillars of resilience to replace our broken model of toughness. We also touch on the topics of stoicism, self-esteem, emotions, mindfulness, and sports psychology. Website: stevemagness.com Twitter: @stevemagness   Topics 04:49 Why machismo is so popular  08:47 UFC vs artistic swimming  14:15 Ditch the facade, embrace reality 19:31 Accept what you’re capable of 24:24 Know when to grit and when to quit 26:38 Listen to your body 31:34 Do hard things more efficiently 35:17 Steve’s 4 minute mile 39:42 Personal wins 43:12 Respond, instead of react 47:12 Transcend discomfort See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Alexi Robichaux who is the co-founder and CEO of BetterUp, a mobile platform that brings together world-class coaching, AI technology, and behavioral science to deliver sustainable positive change. Alexi is also the Chairman of Youth Leadership America (YLA). They have collaborated with leading companies including Disney, Google, and Hilton Hotels to coach and mentor future leaders. Alexi holds a B.A. in political science and non-profit management with summa cum laude distinction from the University of Southern California. In this episode, I talk to Alexi Robichaux about the future of coaching. There are countless ways to practice coaching, but Alexi believes coaching must be rooted in science-backed techniques for reliable outcomes—which is precisely what they do at BetterUp. Coaching is not a replacement for therapy, but it can help individuals become more resilient and purposeful in their daily lives. We also touch on the topics of self-actualization, flow, languishing, imagination, and Alexi’s vision for the future of coaching. Website: www.betterup.com Twitter: @arobichaux   Topics 04:06 What is coaching? 07:30 Better Up’s coaching model 10:26 Coaching vs therapy  14:37 What good coaching looks like  19:40 Peak experiences and dichotomy transcendence 25:22 Research and innovation as a for-profit business 30:39 Humanistic coaching philosophy 32:45 How to overcome languishing 37:10 Better Up Labs 41:40 Alexi’s current coaching practice 44:30 The future of coaching See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Christine Robinson who is an executive coach, consultant, facilitator, and strategist whose expertise lies in building pathways to policy and systems change. She has worked as a consultant to the White House, the Ford Foundation, Harvard Medical School, the Lumina Foundation and other notable organizations. Christine studied at Vassar College, Brandeis University, and the University of Pennsylvania, and is trained as a developmental and community psychologist. In this episode, I talk to Christine Robinson about community psychology. In order to nurture a culture of well-being, Christine says it’s crucial to acknowledge the multifaceted identities of individuals. Instead of seeing marginalized groups as “others”, she encourages us to view diversity as a valuable asset to society. We need to listen to everyone’s perspective before we can bring forth social change and co-create an inclusive and equitable community.  Website: christinerobinsonconsulting.com   Topics 02:44 What is community psychology? 06:59 Urie Brofenbenner’s ecological systems theory 13:58 Community well-being and collective efficacy 18:24 Intersectionality of social identities  24:41 Socialization and meaning making 27:30 Othering - a barrier to well being 34:25 Intersectional equity 40:53 The paradox of differences 50:20 Inclusive society psychology  55:28 Co-creation and capacity building 58:41 Negative impacts of discrimination 1:01:56 Cultural intelligence and competence See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Jim Tucker who is a child psychiatrist and the Bonner-Lowry Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia. He is Director of the UVA Division of Perceptual Studies, where he is continuing the work of Dr. Ian Stevenson on reincarnation. He has been invited to speak about his research on Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and CBS Sunday Morning. He recently published BEFORE: Children's Memories of Previous Lives, a 2-in-1 edition of his previous books. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Jim Tucker about the science of reincarnation. We delve into his research findings and methodology on children who claim to remember their previous lives. Dr. Tucker notes that these children don’t just recall biographical details of their past, but they also retain feelings and emotions. His findings have important implications for how we understand consciousness. We also touch on the topics of mortality, trauma, quantum physics, and panpsychism.  Website: www.uvadops.org Facebook: /jimbtuckermd   Topics 02:15 Dr. Ian Stevenson’s research 04:59 Psychophore 06:39 Dr. Jim Tucker’s interest in reincarnation  10:01 Past life statements and unusual play 18:34 Announcing dreams, predictions, birthmarks 25:13 Fraud, self-deception, fantasy 30:18 Genetic memory  34:21 Transfer of consciousness  39:07 Why are past memories so fleeting? 41:10 Are we all reincarnated? 42:20 Death, trauma, and growth across lifetimes 48:08 Panpsychism and multiverses See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Whitney Goodman, the radically honest psychotherapist behind the hugely popular Instagram account Sit With Whit. She is the owner of The Collaborative Counseling Center, a private therapy practice in Miami. Whitney has her own column in Psychology Today and has been featured in The New York Times, Teen Vogue, NY Magazine, Instyle, Good Morning America, and other publications. Her most recent book is called Toxic Positivity: Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy. In this episode, I talk to Whitney Goodman about toxic positivity. A happy outlook in life is a strength; but when taken too far, it can backfire and work against us. Positivity stops becoming helpful when we deny the realities of hardship and trauma. Whitney believes positivity is not the panacea to our problems—it needs to be applied in the right time, place, and purpose. She shares with us ways on how to be supportive without being dismissive of our own well-being and of others. We also touch on the topics of authenticity, gratitude, hope, relationships, and work. Website: sitwithwhit.com Instagram: @SitWithWhit   Topics 03:14 When positivity becomes toxic  04:36 Pretending to be happy 08:20 Do positive people always succeed? 11:53 Changing toxic positivity 15:33 Well-being > positive thinking 21:31 Stop shaming yourself 23:19 Realistic affirmations and organic gratitude  27:11 How to complain effectively 29:15 Ingredients of communication 31:28 Discrimination with a smile 35:10 A value-driven life 40:20 It’s okay to just be 41:18 Positive fantasy can be helpful See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Mollie West Duffy who is an expert in organizational design, development, and leadership coaching. She’s helped advise and coach leaders and founders at companies including Casper, Google, LinkedIn, Bungalow, and Slack. She’s experienced in designing talent processes and systems, as well as organizational structures and behaviors, cultural values, and learning and development programs. Mollie is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book No Hard Feelings. Her most recent book with Liz Fosslien is called Big Feelings: How To Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay. In this episode, I talk to Mollie West Duffy about how to navigate big feelings. Our emotion-phobic society has a lot of misconceptions about dealing with difficult emotions and what they mean. According to Mollie, big feelings can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves if we sit with our emotions and work through them. Mollie and I share our personal experiences with depression and anxiety and how we coped. We also touch on the topics of anger, perfectionism, social comparison, burn out, and uncertainty. Website: molliewestduffy.com Twitter: @molliewest   Topics 01:43 Mollie and Liz’s collaborations 05:08 How Big Feelings was published 08:31 Our emotion-phobic society  12:26 Illustrating emotions 15:13 Myths about big feelings 18:32 Emotional labor 21:14 Anxiety, uncertainty, resilience 25:03 Scott’s tips to manage anxiety 29:48 Separate the “withins” from the “beyonds” 32:14 Assess your tolerance of uncertainty 36:26 Embrace comparison  43:00 Mollie’s tips to manage depression 48:30 Translate your anger 50:43 Perfectionism isn’t as helpful as we think  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome John Kaag, the Chair and Professor of philosophy at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He received his Masters in Philosophy from Pennsylvania State University and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Oregon. His writing has been published in The Paris Review, The New York Times, and Harper’s Magazine. He is the author of Hiking with Nietzsche, American Philosophy: A Love Story, and his most recent book is Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life. In this episode, my conversation with John Kaag revolves around the existential question we’ve all had: is life worth living? John expounds on William James’ answer of “maybe”. He shares about his near-death experience and how vulnerable moments in his life have led him to a more nuanced understanding of philosophy. We also touch on the topics of metaphysics, determinism, suffering, religion, and transcendence.  Website: johnkaag.com Twitter: @JohnKaag   Topics 03:53 Existential anxiety, fear, freedom 08:50 Is life worth living?  11:14 Seizing control over existence 14:23 Metaphysical chance is real 17:36 The unseen order and human blindness 25:43 “Living unnecessarily near our surface” 30:18 Pragmatism, zest, authenticity 33:26 Resignation or hope in the face of mortality  38:10 Dissolution of the self 42:26 Spiritual narcissism 44:24 Companions in misery 49:28 Melancholy among philosophers 52:13 Life is for living  53:41 The loving cup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Frans de Waal, a Dutch American biologist and primatologist known for his work on the behavior and social intelligence of primates. He is a professor in Emory University's psychology department and the Director of the Living Links Center at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center. Chimpanzee Politics, The Age of Empathy, The Bonobo and the Atheist, and Mama's Last Hug are among his most popular books that have been translated in over 20 languages. His latest book is called Different: Gender Through the Eyes of a Primatologist. In this episode, I talk to Frans de Waal about sex and gender. As a primatologist, he shares his research findings on the biological differences between male and female primates. Despite obvious distinctions between masculine and feminine behavior, great apes have no trouble accepting non-binary individuals—a behavior we humans need to practice more of. Dr. Frans clears up what alpha male really means and debunks the “natural order” of male supremacy. We also touch on the topics of socialization, power, altruism, reproduction, and equality.  Website: www.emory.edu/LIVING_LINKS Facebook: /franspublic   Topics 03:11 What is a primatologist?  04:15 Biology in the gender debate 08:42 Donna: the non-binary chimpanzee 13:08 Dominance, power, and prestige 17:12 Alpha males and alpha females  20:50 Sex differences in play and aggression 24:45 Gender identity and self socialization 31:30 The Selfish Gene  35:11 The evolution of the clitoris 40:26 The stigma of female sexuality 45:35 Extra-pair copulation and paternity testing 50:35 Competition, rivalry, and conflict resolution 54:54 Maternal instinct and xenophobia among primates 59:03 Embodied cognition See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Todd Rose, the co-founder and president of Populace, a nonprofit think tank that works to find solutions to redistribute opportunity, so all people have the chance to live fulfilling lives in a thriving society. Prior to Populace, he was a faculty member at Harvard University where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and directed the Mind, Brain, and Education program. Todd is the best-selling author of Dark Horse and The End of Average. and his most recent book is called Collective Illusions. For part two of our interview, I talk to Todd Rose about collective illusions. Humans are a tribal species, prone to conformity. In a lot of instances, we will act according to what our in-group wants rather than what we want as individuals. Ironically, Todd's research shows that we make poor inferences about the majority consensus. Failing to recognize collective illusions can have negative consequences on our identities, relationships, values, and society. To avoid falling into conformity traps, Todd encourages us to live congruent private and public lives that adhere to our personal convictions. Website: www.toddrose.com Twitter: @ltoddrose   Topics 03:10 What is a collective illusion? 06:16 Social media and perceived consensus 13:38 Self-fulfilling political polarization 19:10 Socializing the concept of collective illusions 20:49 Gender bias in politics 22:59 Conformity traps in groups and relationships 28:15 Do republicans think the 2020 elections were rigged? 31:32 Preference falsification and manipulation 36:22 The need for belonging and self-expression 38:26 False expectations distort relationships 39:48 Congruence, positive deviance, and authentic responsibility 46:54 Norms as checking mechanisms See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Todd Rose, the co-founder, and president of Populace, a nonprofit think tank that works to find solutions to redistribute opportunity, so all people have the chance to live fulfilling lives in a thriving society. Prior to Populace, he was a faculty member at Harvard University where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and directed the Mind, Brain, and Education program. Todd is the best-selling author of Dark Horse, The End of Average, and his most recent book is called Collective Illusions. For part one of our interview, I talk to Todd Rose about intelligence. From both history and research, we know that standardized tests made the false assumption that an average baseline of intelligence can be captured through IQ. Until today, our education system continues to value general cognitive ability over more specific skills. Instead of focusing on test scores, Todd asks us to look at jagged profiles so we can create environments where everyone can thrive. To truly cultivate human potential, Todd asserts that we need to rethink our traditional frameworks about intelligence. Website: www.toddrose.com Twitter: @ltoddrose   Topics 01:50 Dropping out of high school 04:20 Kurt Fischer’s Dynamic Skill Theory 09:33The problem with standardized testing 12:00 Jagged profiles matter more than IQ scores 15:26 There is no aptitude without strategy 22:54 Everybody is capable of excellence 23:58 Changes to improve our school system 28:23 Education transforms lives  33:59 How Todd got into an honors program 40:46 The bell curve of intelligence 43:22 Stop pathologizing natural human variation  47:40 IQ limits our view of human potential 58:43 Individual contribution over cognitive ability See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dan Pink who is the New York Times bestselling author of When, Drive, A Whole New Mind, and To Sell is Human. Dan’s books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 42 languages, and have sold millions of copies around the world. His articles and essays have also appeared in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, Slate, and other publications. His most recent book is called The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward.  In this episode, I talk to Dan Pink about regret. Dan collected regrets from over 15,000 people across different countries and sorted them into four major categories. He shares insights from his research and shows us how to reframe regret so we can live out the rest of our lives with more authenticity and purpose. We also touch on the topics of happiness, mortality, philosophy, post-traumatic growth, and personality. Website: www.danpink.com Twitter: @DanielPink   Topics 02:52 The universality of regret 05:40 Demographic differences in regrets 11:53 Free will and fatalism 15:47 What could have beens 19:13 Action vs inaction 24:12 The four core regrets 28:40 Regret done right 36:04 Debunking “No regrets” 37:59 We don’t talk enough about mortality 41:20 Deathbed regrets 42:38 Regret and gratefulness 45:40 Treat yourself with kindness 47:30 Shame, guilt, remorse  48:21 Do public figures experience more regret? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Lisa Miller, the founder and director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain. In this episode, I talk to Lisa Miller about the new science of spirituality. Despite what skeptics might believe, science and spirituality don’t necessarily contradict each other. Lisa’s research has found that humans are born with a natural capacity to connect with the spiritual. By being open to the transcendent, our brains can reap the benefits of resiliency, creativity, and more. We also touch on the topics of neuroscience, existentialism, mindfulness, and empiricism. Website: www.lisamillerphd.com Twitter: @lisamillerphd   Topics 01:34 The Awakened Brain 06:14 Conversations with Martin Seligman 13:20 The spiritual child 15:16 Science augments spirituality  17:26 Defining spirituality and devotion 25:04 Personality correlations with spirituality 27:25 A monism approach to consciousness  31:27 Searching for life’s meaning 37:08 Schumann resonances  39:56 Religious war is outdated 43:34 Transcendence is a process 46:57 Meditation practice with Lisa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Carl Hart. He is the Ziff Professor of Psychology in the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry at Columbia University. He is known for his research on neuropsychopharmacology and his advocacy for the decriminalization of recreational drugs. Carl is the author of High Price and has co-authored the introductory textbook Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior with Charles Ksir. His most recent book is called Drug Use for Grown-Ups. In this episode, I talk to Carl Hart about drug use and addiction. Society is quick to judge all drug users as addicts but Carl’s research found that the majority of drug users do not meet the criteria for pathology. Recreational drugs, when used responsibly, can have positive effects on people.  Instead of waging a war on drugs, Carl advocates for laws that better regulate the production and sale of substances. We also touch on the topics of health, law, racism, cognition, and sociology. Website: drcarlhart.com Twitter: @drcarlhart   Topics 02:32 Carl’s interest in neuropsychopharmacology 06:12 The brain disease model of addiction 11:22 Should we talk about drugs with kids? 13:47 Responsible drug use for grown-ups 17:08 Drugs in pursuit of happiness 22:54 The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act  29:28 Scott’s experience with edibles 33:21 Why we need drug checking facilities 37:01 The drug user tropes in media  41:59 Predictors of drug abuse and addiction  46:42 Drug overdose and safety 50:09 Personal responsibility in drug addiction 52:45 Our moralism is killing us 55:06 Coming out as a heroin user 57:52 Bob Marley and James Baldwin  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Susan Cain. She is the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, which spent eight years on The New York Times bestseller list, and has been translated into 40 languages. Susan’s TED talk has been viewed over 40 million times and was named by Bill Gates as one of his all-time favorite talks. Her new masterpiece is called Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole. In this episode, I talk to Susan Cain about the complex emotion of bittersweet. We explore melancholy and how the intertwined recognition of beauty and impermanence can be tapped for creative pursuits. Susan also talks about how existential longing is a natural part of the human condition, allowing us to form deeper connections with one another. We also touch on the topics of creativity, spirituality, relationships, grief, and mortality.  Website: susancain.net Twitter: @susancain   Topics 02:31 The spectrum of bittersweet 06:10 The paradox of tragedy 07:41 Melancholy is not always depression 11:16 Longing for Eden 16:22 Spirituality is a manifestation of longing 18:30 Existential longing, awe, and wonder 23:25 Reaching through acts of love 30:30 The new science of transcendence 35:59 Mortality and transhumanism  39:44 Maslow’s plateau experiences  43:17 The epigenetics of inherited trauma 48:30 Follow your existential longing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Tim Urban. He is the writer and illustrator of the blog Wait But Why, which he co-founded with Andrew Finn in 2013. With wry stick-figure illustrations and occasionally epic prose, Wait But Why has garnered millions of unique page views, thousands of patrons and famous fans like Elon Musk. His long-form blog covers a range of subjects including artificial intelligence, outer space, and procrastination. Tim earned his A.B. from Harvard University, graduating cum laude with a major in Government.  In this episode, I talk to Tim Urban about the complex relationship between identity and critical thinking. Tim cautions against blind loyalty to specific ideologies for it can lead to an echo chamber of tribal minds. Instead of dogmatic maxims, he suggests we uphold basic core principles that guide our thoughts and behavior. In this way, Tim believes we engage in high rung thinking all the while cultivating “idea labs” within our culture. We also touch on the topics of dating, education, politics, writing, morality, and tech.   Website: waitbutwhy.com Twitter: @waitbutwhy   Topics 02:21 Intellectual ADHD 06:14 Detached truth seeking  08:40 Pitfalls of low rung thinking 16:15 Tim’s upbringing and education 21:01 Dating is kind of like Grand Theft Auto 37:50 “Your ego is a backpack” 44:35 The world needs your spaghetti brain 51:38 Idea labs and echo chambers 57:42 The spectrum of opposing views 1:01:13 Repressing science for ideology 1:09:24 Life, death, and cryonics 1:25:05 Learning in analogies and metaphors 1:29:44 Evaluating high quality ideas 1:36:23 Choosing what to read 1:39:35 Tim’s life altering idea 1:42:28 Mars, capitalism, neurolinks  1:47:02 Lightning round 1:53:07 But why wait? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Jane McGonigal. She is a world-renowned game designer who challenges players to tackle real-world problems such as poverty, depression, and climate change through collaboration. Jane is also a future forecaster, serving as the current Director of Games Research & Development at the Institute for the Future. Her games and forecasting work have been featured in The New York Times, Wired, The Economist, CNN, NPR and more. As a two-time New York Times bestselling author, she has recently published her third book called Imaginable.  In this episode, I talk to Jane McGonigal about the intersection of gaming and future forecasting. Jane asserts that games are not just for escapist entertainment; they could also be used to help prepare us for what’s to come. Imagining fictional simulations can inspire us to make present changes which can influence our personal and collective futures for the better. We also touch on the topics of creativity, psychotherapy, forecasting, hope, and tech.  Website: janemcgonigal.com Twitter: @avantgame   Topics 02:08 Futurist game design 05:44 Imagination and the psychological safety of games 09:17 Forecasting and psychotherapy  15:54 Urgent optimism 21:10 Predicting the COVID-19 pandemic in 2010 23:52 Can we predict our own futures? 27:50 Affective vs behavioral forecasting 34:05 The Institute for the Future 36:52 Future scenarios change present behavior 41:41 The perils and promise of facial recognition 47:24 Assessment and benefits of futurist imagination 52:45 The need for more longitudinal studies  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we welcome Dr. Antonio Damasio. He is an internationally recognized neuroscientist whose extensive research has shaped the understanding of neural systems and consciousness. With over a hundred journal articles and book chapters, he has earned many prestigious awards throughout his career. Currently, he serves as University Professor, the David Dornsife Professor of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Philosophy, and director of the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California. His books Descartes’ Error, Looking for Spinoza, Self Comes to Mind, The Strange Order of Things, and Feeling & Knowing, have been published in translation and are taught in universities throughout the world. In this episode, I talk to Antonio Damasio about consciousness. People often think that the mind and consciousness are the same thing, but Dr. Damasio disputes this notion. He argues that it’s the complex relationship of both our brains and bodies that makes sentient thought possible. Homeostatic feelings like hunger and pain developed before emotions; and along with it came consciousness. We also touch on the topics of perception, mental illness, evolution, panpsychism, AI and machine learning.  Website: dornsife.usc.edu/bc Twitter: @damasiousc   Topics 02:17 Time-locked multiregional retroactivation 11:32 The difference between the mind, intelligence, and consciousness 18:37 Panpsychism is an escape 22:50 AIs can replicate minds but not consciousness  25:42 Feeling gave way to consciousness 30:59 The purpose of emotions 33:25 The evolution of feelings and emotions 38:28 The interoceptive nervous system 44:23 Does mental illness disrupt consciousness? 49:51 Creativity as a bottom-up process 54:38 Consciousness can hinder creativity 58:09 Scott’s interest in panpsychism 59:18 Can we ever make feeling machines? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, my guest is Charles Koch. Charles G. Koch is chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held American companies. During his tenure with the company, the estimated value has grown from $21 million to more than $100 billion. Charles has published several books detailing his business philosophy: The Science of Success, Good Profit, and Believe in People. As an influential philanthropist, he supports education, a community of organizations addressing persistent poverty, and public-policy research focused on developing effective solutions to societal problems. He has founded numerous organizations, including Stand Together and the Cato Institute. He holds two master’s degrees in nuclear and chemical engineering from MIT and lives in Wichita, Kansas, with his wife, Liz. In this episode, I talk to Charles Koch about his bottom-up approach to social change. Charles recognizes that each individual has a gift; schools and organizations should cultivate these unique strengths instead of trying to force people into molds. Charles asserts that institutions can create more meaningful value this way, by truly believing in people. We also touch on the topics of multiple intelligences, self-actualization, education, innovation, and philanthropy. Website: charleskoch.com Twitter: @KochIndustries   Topics 04:02 Multiple intelligence theories 07:44 Finding consistent principles of human progress 10:08 Transforming Koch Industries 14:38 Virtuous Cycles of Mutual Benefit 20:07 Bottom-Up Solutions for a Top-Down World 23:51 Empowering contribution-motivated individuals 31:27 Supervisors as self-actualization coaches 37:16 From partisanship to partnership 42:35 Charles’ vision for a self-actualizing society 44:18 Eupsychian Management by Maslow 47:50 Frederick Douglass and Viktok Frankl 51:41 #GiveTogetherNow  53:00 A society that rewards synergy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to law professor and mindfulness leader Rhonda Magee about her book The Inner Work of Racial Justice. We discuss her innovative approach to healing racial divides using mindfulness. Rhonda argues that when we bring awareness and compassion to ourselves, relationships, and the environment, we invite healing and connection. We also touch on the topics of education, spirituality, liberation, democracy, and community. Bio Rhonda V. Magee (M.A. Sociology, J.D.) is a Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco and an internationally-recognized thought and practice leader focused on integrating mindfulness into higher education, law and social change work. Rhonda’s teaching and writing support compassionate conflict engagement and management; holistic problem-solving to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable and injured; presence-based leadership in a diverse world, and humanizing approaches to education. Her book, The Inner Work of Racial Justice, advocates for a mindfulness and compassion-based approach to confront racial injustice and work towards healing. Website: www.rhondavmagee.com Twitter: @rvmagee   Topics 01:45 Rhonda’s childhood and upbringing 06:48 Personal vs systemic racism  09:43 Education during desegregation  16:55 Rhonda’s interest in mindfulness 25:12 Bridge racial divides with mindfulness 32:51 Liberating practices grounded in being 42:59 Listen for understanding and connection 46:28 The ecology for justice 51:47 Find a collective consensus  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to social philosopher Daniel Schmachtenberger about exponential technology and its effects on our current world. According to Daniel, organizations that harness the power of modern tech rarely use it for good–like how social media companies boost polarizing content to maximize user engagement–leading to a distrust of science and destabilized democracies. To overcome humanity’s current existential threat, Daniel argues we all need to work towards a radical cultural enlightenment. We also touch on the topics of collective intelligence, human development, power, responsibility, and civilization. Bio Daniel Schmachtenberger is a founding member of The Consilience Project, aimed at improving public sensemaking and dialogue. The throughline of his interests has to do with ways of improving the health and development of individuals and society, with a virtuous relationship between the two as a goal. Motivated by the belief that advancing collective intelligence and capacity is foundational to the integrity of any civilization, and necessary to address the unique risks we currently face given the intersection of globalization and exponential technology, he has spoken publicly on many of these topics, hoping to popularize and deepen important conversations and engage more people in working towards their solutions. Website: consilienceproject.org   Topics 02:52 Techno-optimism vs techno-pessimism  04:28 Definition of exponential technology 08:39 Is the world getting better from tech? 10:37 The radical asymmetry of power 13:58 Decoupling rewards from development 25:19 A new social media algorithm  28:56 Tribal politics, certainty, and perspective taking  33:55 Developing better cognitive capacities 42:06 Rights and responsibilities in a liquid democracy 46:23 The next phase of open societies 49:26 The Consilience Project 52:23 The need for cultural enlightenment  56:13 Creating an antifragile world 58:49 Collective intelligence 1:00:39 Establish expertise and credibility in institutions 1:05:24 The unique existential threat of the 21st Century  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to esteemed psychologist Todd Kashdan about the art of insubordination. As creatures of habit, humans seek familiarity in thoughts, behaviors, and interactions. But Todd argues that deviating from norms isn’t always a bad thing—especially if it’s in pursuit of positive change. To enact principled dissent effectively, Todd teaches us how to persuade the majority and how to embrace unconventional solutions. We also touch on the topics of conformity, intimacy, influence, victimhood, and curiosity. Bio Todd Kashdan is among the world’s top experts on the psychology of well-being, psychological strengths, mental agility, and social relationships. His research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets, including multiple articles in the Harvard Business Review, New York Times, and Forbes. In 2010, he received the Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year Award at George Mason University and in 2013, he received the Distinguished Early Career Researcher Award by the American Psychological Association. Todd is the author of Curious?, The Upside of Your Darkside, and Designing Positive Psychology. His latest book is The Art of Insubordination.  Website: toddkashdan.com Twitter: @toddkashdan   Topics 01:34 The elements of principled insubordination 05:07 Why do people conform? 08:57 Social change by principled rebels  14:21 Win responsibly 19:02 Extract wisdom from weirdos 24:22 Do cartwheels in the library 29:06 Self-care for rebels 31:25 How to win over the majority 36:13 Spark curiosity not fear 42:03 Build stronger alliances during conflict 48:23 Boredom, polarization, and insight See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's important to recognize that when we're dealing with a very new or rapidly changing phenomenon, like we have been with the pandemic, even the "scientific consensus" can easily be wrong because there's not been much time for the rigorous replicability studies to be conducted or even sometimes to accurately measure the proper effect sizes.  However, I also believe it's important that we don't create a false equivalency between very fringe ideas that are unsupported by the current evidence base and a scientific consensus that is grounded in rigorous methodology.  This is why I sought out the counsel of Dr. Eric Topol on today's show. Despite being one of the top 10 most cited researchers in medicine and being extremely well regarded in his field of cardiology, he's also been a bright light on social media, shining a light on the best available evidence in the pandemic. He thoughtfully considered all my questions and was very careful to make clear what the current evidence base says without ruling out alternative possibilities in the future in light of new evidence.  In this episode, we cover a number of hot button issues surrounding the pandemic including the potential use of ivermectin to end the pandemic, the potential for increased risk of myocarditis among certain populations after vaccination. We even discuss the role human psychology and human behavior have played in this pandemic. Ultimately, Dr. Topol is optimistic about the future of the pandemic and outlines things coming down the horizon that should give us hope. But as we discussed, the major problems tend to be human problems.  Bio Eric Topol is a cardiologist, scientist, and author. He is the Founder and Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, Professor of Molecular Medicine, and Executive Vice-President of Scripps Research. As a researcher, he has published over 1200 peer-reviewed articles, with more than 290,000 citations, elected to the National Academy of Medicine, and is one of the top 10 most cited researchers in medicine. Dr. Topol has been voted as the #1 most Influential physician leader in the United States in a national poll conducted by Modern Healthcare. Besides editing several textbooks, he has published 3 bestseller books on the future of medicine: The Creative Destruction of Medicine, The Patient Will See You Now, and Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again. Website: drerictopol.com Twitter: @EricTopol   Topics 05:51 What is Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)? 08:21 COVID-19 vaccines are humanity’s greatest medical achievement 12:05 Infection acquired immunity 13:47 Vaccine and COVID induced myocarditis  16:56 The efficacy of booster shots  20:20 Ivermectin studies: what does the data say?  25:15 How to improve pandemic response 30:02 Hope for the future of the pandemic   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to prolific author and social scientist Arthur Brooks about finding meaning in the second curve of life. According to Arthur, the world and our biology urge us to relentlessly chase after the next win. This flawed formula for satisfaction ultimately leaves us unfulfilled. To find true purpose, we must break our addiction to success and confront life’s hard truths. We also touch on the topics of motivation, relationships, aging, transcendence, and love. Bio Arthur C. Brooks is the Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. Before joining the Harvard faculty in July of 2019, he served for ten years as president of the Washington, D.C.-based American Enterprise Institute (AEI), one of the world’s leading think tanks. He is also a columnist for The Atlantic, host of the podcast “How to Build a Happy Life with Arthur Brooks,” and subject of the 2019 documentary film “The Pursuit”. Arthur has written 12 books, including the national bestsellers “Love Your Enemies” and “The Conservative Heart”. His most recent book is “From Strength to Strength”, available this February 2022..  Website: arthurbrooks.com Twitter: @arthurbrooks   Topics 02:18 The plane ride that changed Arthur’s life 08:46 Transcendence as the reward of life 13:11 The addiction to success 17:52 Motivated by why 21:20 From success to freedom  28:45 Arthur and Scott’s shared values  33:18 The Harvard Grant Study 36:33 Love, worship, and commitment 41:24 Vanaprastha: retire to the forest 45:01 What it means to be fully alive 52:42 The Dalai Lama’s pen 56:59 Liminality and the magic of transitions 1:01:25 Being happy vs. the need to feel special See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to Forward Party’s founder Andrew Yang about the future of American democracy. Andrew shares the insights he’s learned from his presidential and mayoral campaigns. His major realization is that America’s two-party system is designed for polarization and dysfunction. With the media and the internet further inciting division, polarization may eventually escalate into violence. In order to shift towards a human-centered economy, Andrew believes we need to change our political dynamics and incentives. We also touch on the topics of tribalism, rationality, automation, education, leadership, and governance.  Bio Andrew Yang is an entrepreneur, attorney, and political candidate. He was a candidate in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries and the 2021 New York City Democratic mayoral primary. His signature policy was a universal basic income of $1,000 a month as a response to job displacement by automation. After his campaigns ended, he left the Democratic Party and founded Forward Party, a political action committee that seeks to alleviate political polarization and reform the U.S. political and economic systems. Andrew is also an author and has published several books including Smart People Should Build Things, The War on Normal People, and most recently, Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy.  Website: www.andrewyang.com Twitter: @AndrewYang   Topics 01:34 Andrew’s childhood and early ventures  09:04 Andrew’s desire to humanize the economy  11:28 The presidential and mayoral candidacy experience 19:51 Society’s current incentive structures 22:57 “The duopoly is designed for polarization” 29:49 How do we reward grace and tolerance in politics? 33:18 Fact-based governance and a shared objective reality 39:59 New measures for well-being 46:26 Politics is tribal 51:44 United by universal human values 55:28 Fulfilling the need to matter 1:00:36 Human-centered education See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to award-winning psychologist Ayelet Fishbach about the science of motivation. How do we motivate ourselves to do anything? From her extensive research, Ayelet shares with us four crucial strategies for successful behavior change: identify the right goals, avoid the “middle”, resist temptations, and seek social support. And equally important, she gives tips on how to sustain motivation for longer periods of time. We also touch on the topics of reinforcement, flow, deliberate practice, self-control, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  Bio Dr. Ayelet Fishbach is the Jeffrey Breakenridge Keller Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and the past president of the Society for the Study of Motivation and the International Social Cognition Network (ISCON). She is an expert on motivation and decision making and the author of Get it Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation. Dr. Ayelet’s groundbreaking research on human motivation has won her several international awards, including the Society of Experimental Social Psychology’s Best Dissertation Award and Career Trajectory Award, and the Fulbright Educational Foundation Award. Website: www.ayeletfishbach.com Twitter: @ayeletfishbach   Topics 01:28 What is motivation science? 03:15 Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as motivation 07:07 Choosing the right goals  12:42 Goals aren't chores 14:42 Quantify the goal-setting process  17:40 The effect of incentives on motivation 20:41 Ayelet’s view on SMART Goals 22:53 Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation 27:26 Flow, deliberate practice, and discomfort  30:58 Sustain motivation with feedback 34:21 Overcome the “middle problem” 38:00 Learn to balance multiple goals 43:17 Identify and resist temptation  48:39 The glass half-empty mindset 51:50 How to learn from negative feedback 56:54 Do relationships affect our pursuit of goals? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to bestselling author Oliver Burkeman about his latest book Four Thousand Weeks. On the surface, it’s easy to mistake it for another self-help book on time management. But instead of enthusing about productivity hacks, Oliver challenges his readers to confront the finite nature of humanity. By doing so, he argues  we can live fuller lives—without having to always carry the fear of missing out. We also touch on the topics of procrastination, positive psychology, flow, realism, deep time, and patience. Bio Oliver Burkeman is a journalist for The Guardian. From 2006 to 2020, he wrote the popular weekly column on psychology called “This Column Will Change Your Life”. He is the author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking and Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done. In 2015, he won the Foreign Press Association’s Young Journalist of the Year award, and has been short-listed for the Orwell Prize. His most recent book is Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. Website: www.oliverburkeman.com Twitter: @oliverburkeman   Topics 00:02:03 The efficiency trap 00:05:34 Accepting human limitations 00:08:35 Why we handicap ourselves 00:13:07 How to be a better procrastinator 00:18:32 Each activity is paid for with your life 00:20:55 The joy of missing out 00:23:55 Harness more deep time 00:27:57 The common theme of Oliver’s books  00:32:02 Realism and doing the impossible 00:37:29 Productivity and self-worth 00:40:53 Embracing boredom instead of acceleration 00:46:14 Developing a taste for problems 00:50:21 Radical incrementalism 00:57:30 “Originality lies on the far side of unoriginality” 01:01:06 How time management distracts us from wonder 01:03:50 Oliver’s approach to new year resolutions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to bestselling author Ryan Holiday about his newest book Courage is Calling. We discuss his unique definition of courage, and how people can practice it in their daily lives. Upon a closer examination of history, Ryan and I question whether the stories of American heroism are as honorable as we’ve been led to believe. We also touch on the topics of social justice, hope, stoicism, resilience, and virtues.  Bio Ryan Holiday is the bestselling author of Trust Me, I’m Lying; The Obstacle Is the Way; Ego Is the Enemy; Conspiracy and other books about marketing, culture, and the human condition. His work has been translated into over 30 languages and has appeared everywhere from the New York Times to Fast Company. His company, Brass Check, has advised companies such as Google, TASER, and Complex, as well as multi-platinum musicians and some of the biggest authors in the world. He lives in Austin, Texas. Website: ryanholiday.net Twitter: @RyanHoliday   Topics 06:21 Ryan’s definition of courage 10:06 Speaking truth to power 14:02 History’s competing narratives  17:50 Taking down Confederate monuments 20:12 Social justice, politics, and virtues  25:35 Staying true to the ethical frameworks of philosophy 32:57 Stoicism and Ryan’s values 38:08 Heroism vs courage 42:47 Silence is violence 46:58 Fearlessness can inspire 50:28 No hero is perfect 52:22 Hope is the most courageous thing 53:10 How to practice courage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to international bestselling author Robert Greene about strategy, seduction, and the sublime. Robert implores us to get comfortable with the dark side of human nature and society. He argues that by acknowledging the reality of human interactions, we can use certain strategies to help us effectively navigate the workplace, our relationships, and daily life. We also touch on the topics of empathy, imagination, charisma, power, and his upcoming book on transcendence and the sublime. Chatting with Robert is always such a delight as we have many mutual areas of interest. I have been a long-time admirer of his books, and remember reading them in college and thinking that he seems to just get it. I hope you enjoyed this high-level discussion as much as I did. Bio Robert Greene is an author and speaker known for his books on strategy, power and seduction. He graduated from U.C. Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a degree in classical studies. He has written six international bestsellers: The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law, Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature. Recently, he published The Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery. Greene’s books are hailed by everyone from war historians to the biggest musicians in the industry including Jay-Z, Drake, and 50 Cent. Website: powerseductionandwar.com Twitter: @RobertGreene   Topics 02:12 Robert’s health  03:43 The Daily Laws  04:58 What is a radical realist?  10:10 Empathy is like a telepathic connection 14:59 The human desire for fantasy 18:50 Etiquette is deception 22:17 How to live with the harsh truths of reality 28:03 Poeticize your presence 31:16 Channel pain into charisma 35:36 Stop being so nice all the time 39:08 Mix harshness and kindness 42:36 The primary law of human nature  46:08 Embrace your dark side 50:33 Schadenfreude vs mitfreude 53:46 The Pygmalion Effect 56:17 The integration of the shadow 01:02:05 The Law of the Sublime 01:08:14 The “post-mortem life” 01:10:03 The sublime is in the everyday See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to Joy Lawson Davis and Deb Douglas about gifted education. Specifically, we identify the underrepresented population of gifted students and the unique cultural barriers they face. Joy and Deb share their definition of what self-advocacy is and why it’s a skill everyone should have. They give helpful tips and resources for educators, parents, and advocates on how to find and nurture gifted potential. We also touch on the topics of equity, test preparation, IQ, special education, and intersectionality. Bio Dr. Joy Lawson Davis is a career educator with over 40 years of experience as a practitioner, scholar, and consultant in gifted education.She holds both master’s and doctorate degrees in gifted education. Dr. Davis has conducted workshops, been a long-term program consultant, and served as a keynote speaker and distinguished guest lecturer in several countries. In 2019 she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted organization (SENG). She is also the author of numerous articles, technical reports, book chapters, and the award-winning book: Bright, Talented & Black. Deb Douglas has spent her professional career as an educator, first as a high school English teacher, then K-12 gifted resource teacher, director of gifted programming, and International Baccalaureate coordinator. She holds master’s degrees in professional development and curriculum and instruction for gifted learners. She served as president of the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted and member of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Parent Advisory Board. Deb is a contributor to the quarterly magazine Parenting for High Potential, and is a frequent presenter at state, national, and international conferences. Together, Joy and Deb co-authored Empowering Underrepresented Gifted Students: Perspectives from the Field.  Website: drjoylawsondavis.com  & www.gtcarpediem.com Twitter: @davis_joy   Topics 01:15 The underrepresented gifted population 04:43 Equity and excellence can co-exist 07:20 How Deb and Joy met   09:00 Test preparation and IQ 12:42 Expanding the definition of giftedness   17:10 Is it possible to become gifted? 20:45 Identifying potential in underrepresented communities 25:33 Education often prioritizes limitations over ability 27:45 What is self-advocacy? 30:34 Normalize giftedness in all communities 41:12 Cultural barriers to self-advocacy 43:22 How to be advocates for gifted students 46:47 Scott’s experience of self-advocacy   48:56 Everyone needs to be a part of the process   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to Kelly Carlin about the human path to wholeness. We delve into Kelly's childhood and what it was like growing up with the influential comedian George Carlin. Recently, she started her own coaching program called Women on The Verge. With a master's degree in Jungian psychology and a coaching certification, Kelly helps women step out of their expected societal roles by empowering them to reclaim their true selves. She finds great joy in seeing others live fuller, authentic lives. We also touch on the topics of parenting, depth psychology, social justice, interconnectivity, and comedy. Bio Kelly Carlin is an actress, producer, screenwriter, podcast host, and the only daughter of the late comedian George Carlin. Her fascinations range from discovering how to live a true and deep life, to freedom of expression, to the evolution of consciousness and the American psyche. She’s a practitioner of Zen Buddhism, has a master's in Jungian psychology, and comes from a family steeped in comedy, big ideas, and warm hearts. She is also the founder of Women on The Verge, a coaching practice that encourages women to make deep, long-lasting changes within so that they can finally be valued, paid, and recognized. Website: thekellycarlinsite.com Twitter: @kelly_carlin   Topics 00:01:19 Kelly’s childhood and upbringing 00:10:13 The family of comedy 00:15:50 Kelly’s interest in Jungian depth psychology  00:19:05 Unlearning childhood experiences  00:22:22 Women on the Verge 00:27:01 Embodying new identities 00:31:23 Dismantling the “tyrannical shoulds” 00:35:07 Authenticity is congruence 00:38:48 Social justice and the evolution of consciousness  00:41:41 The need to matter 00:48:40 The emerging recognition of interdependence 00:52:08 Kelly’s future projects 00:58:17 What would irk George Carlin the most about current society? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to The Psychology Podcast! In this episode, I talk to Amanda Knox about her wrongful conviction for the murder of Meredith Kercher. Her experience revealed dark truths about the media’s inclination to over sensationalize stories about young women and the glaring human errors in the criminal justice system. We also touch on the topics of trauma, cancel culture, cognitive biases, law, and forensic science. Throughout this episode, I try my best to show the audience the real Amanda Knox, not the version of her that the media has depicted. Along those lines, I give her some of my psychological tests to take, including my test on self-actualization as well as my psychopath test! You won't want to miss this episode. Bio Amanda Knox is a journalist, public speaker, and podcaster. From 2007 to 2015, she spent nearly four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial for a murder she didn’t commit. The controversy over Amanda’s case made international headlines for nearly a decade and thrust her into the spotlight, where she was vilified and shamed, a story told in the 2016 Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary and her New York Times best-selling memoir, Waiting to Be Heard. She now works to shed light on the issues of wrongful conviction, criminal justice reform, truth-seeking, and public shaming, and to inspire people towards empathy and perspective.  Website: www.amandaknox.com Twitter: @amandaknox   Topics 00:00:37 Amanda’s pregnancy and privacy 00:02:14 Stories don’t equate to reality 00:06:05 Self-talk as a coping strategy 00:08:51 The true origin of the “Foxy Knoxy” nickname 00:11:05 The intrigue and aversion towards female sexuality 00:18:45 The arrest of Rudy Guede  00:20:50 Amanda before the tragedy 00:23:37 The infamous kiss between Amanda and Raffaele  00:26:42 Why do people love scandals? 00:30:26 The misrepresentation of BDSM  00:33:05 Amanda’s sources of self-actualization 00:42:30 Amanda’s Light Triad Score 00:45:38 Moral Luck 00:49:05 Amanda’s Dark Triad Score 00:51:55 Vulnerable narcissism, imposter syndrome, and healing 00:58:42 The “single victim fallacy” 01:01:29 Innocence puts innocents at risk 01:04:45 The psychology of prosecutor Giuliano Mignini 01:08:56 Itiel Dror’s critique of forensic science 01:15:24 Amanda’s post-traumatic growth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to world-renowned biologist David Sinclair about aging and longevity. David rejects the notion that the deterioration of health is a natural part of growing old and asserts that aging is a disease itself that we need to reverse. But how will a reset of our biological clocks affect our interactions, responses to adversity, morality, and how we live our lives? We discuss the ethical implications of limitless lifespans and also touch on the topics of death, evolution, genetics, medicine, and data tracking. Bio Dr. David Sinclair is a professor in the department of genetics and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of the scientific journal Aging. He is best known for his work on understanding why we age and how to slow its effects. In addition to being a co-founder of several biotechnology companies, he's the author of the book Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don't Have To. Dr. Sinclair was listed by TIME magazine as one of the “100 most influential people in the world”. Website: sinclair.hms.harvard.edu Twitter: @davidasinclair   Topics 00:02:26 David’s “sticky beak” personality 00:05:08 David’s childhood and upbringing 00:10:21 The torment of inevitable death  00:15:13 David’s life purpose 00:22:06 Intergenerational interactions  00:28:59 Aging is a disease we can reverse  00:32:20 Accelerating human evolution  00:36:24 The SIR2 gene and the NMN+ pill 00:40:04 Reverse brain aging and Alzheimer’s 00:42:50 Gene therapy in pills 00:48:45 Will we be happier with longer lifespans?  00:52:49 Inside Tracker 00:55:31 The future of data tracking and medicine 01:00:47 The Information Theory of Aging 01:09:08 Is there a biological limit to our lifespans? 01:14:21 Mental states can produce epigenetic changes 01:20:39 David’s future projects See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to renowned neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett about emotions and the brain. She reveals what the true function of the brain is⎯and it’s not for thinking. We also discuss the impact of past experiences on our cognition and what we can do to overcome our own detrimental patterns. Further into our discussion, Dr. Lisa challenges the traditionally held view that emotions are universal. In her own theory of constructed emotion, she argues that variability in emotional expression exists due to socialization and language differences. We also touch on the topics of hallucinogens, culture, education, relationships, and authoritarianism. BioDr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is among the top one percent most-cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior. Her books include Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made. She has published over 240 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals. Dr. Barrett has been called “the most important affective scientist of our time”. Website: lisafeldmanbarrett.comTwitter: @LFeldmanBarrett Topics00:00:27 Lisa’s interest in clinical psychology 00:03:14 A biological approach to emotions 00:05:32 Why do we have a neocortex?  00:14:01 The default mode network 00:19:27 The brain is not for thinking 00:22:48 The rise of authoritarianism during chaos 00:29:52 Psychological entropy 00:33:26 Predictions are based from past experiences  00:42:23 The mind-brain problem 00:44:36 Relationships are reflexive 00:50:02 Emotional expression isn’t universal 00:56:53 Why you shouldn’t trust psychology textbooks  01:01:20 Reaching out to Paul Ekman  01:08:53 The theory of constructed emotion 01:15:43 The role of socialization and language in emotions  01:20:13 The never-ending domain-general vs domain-specific debate in cognitive science See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to renowned developmental psychologist Paul Bloom about the pleasures of suffering. We start by discussing the value of suffering in pursuit of meaning and make the distinction between unforeseen tragedy and chosen suffering. Paul also elaborates on BDSM and horror as examples of benign masochism⎯activities that people find comfort and enjoyment in despite the experience of fear. We also touch on the topics of meditation, Buddhism, attachment, parenting, and empathy. BioPaul Bloom is professor of psychology at the University of Toronto and the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen professor emeritus of psychology at Yale University. His research explores the psychology of morality, identity, and pleasure. Dr. Bloom is the recipient of multiple awards and honors including most recently the million-dollar Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize. He has written for scientific journals such as Nature and Science and for the New York Times, The New Yorker, and Atlantic Monthly. He’s the author or editor of eight books including Just Babies, How Pleasure Works, Descartes’ Baby, Against Empathy, and most recently, The Sweet Spot.  Website: paulbloom.net/Twitter: @paulbloomatyale Topics00:01:57 The Sweet Spot 00:03:57 Suffering is necessary to pursue purpose 00:05:31 Why we choose to suffer  00:08:43 The post-traumatic growth debate  00:18:48 Using religion to cope with suffering  00:24:05 Heredity, morals, and responsibility in parenting 00:28:51 The multiplicity of human motivation  00:33:26 Benign masochism in BDSM  00:38:49 The calculus of pain and pleasure 00:48:40 Do relationships demand bias?  00:53:18 Is every bias zero sum?  00:57:28 The value of suffering, pain, and horror in imagination See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to renowned psychotherapist and author Esther Perel about love and relationships. We tackle the true essence of the word “eros” and “freedom” in the context of romantic relationships. Esther offers her perspective on marriage and affairs, getting to the root cause of why people cheat. With the redefinition of fidelity and sexuality, our current society is still learning how to navigate new patterns of relationships. We also touch on the topics of soulmates, masculinity, how to keep passion alive during a global pandemic, and Esther’s practice as a cross-cultural therapist.  Bio Esther Perel is a psychotherapist and a New York Times bestselling author, recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she hones a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered more than 30 million views and her best-selling books Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs are global phenomena translated into nearly 30 languages. Esther is also an executive producer and host of the popular podcast Where Should We Begin? And How’s Work? Her latest project is Where Should we Begin − A Game of Stories with Esther Perel.  Website: www.estherperel.com/  Instagram: @estherperelofficial  Topics  00:02:14 Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic  00:05:04 Social connection during the pandemic  00:10:41 “The erotic is an antidote to death”  00:16:02 True freedom in relationships  00:21:05 Soulmates don’t exist  00:25:38 Why people in happy marriages cheat  00:33:54 Where Should We Begin?  00:38:00 Redefining marriage, fidelity, and sexuality  00:45:30 Esther’s cross-cultural approach to therapy  00:48:35 Esther’s interest in cultural transitions, identity, and relationships  00:54:01 The masculine obsession with power  00:59:13 The Great Adaptation   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to Richard Tedeschi about post-traumatic growth (PTG). We dive into how Richard became interested in PTG and the findings from his many years of research. As a clinical psychologist, Richard emphasizes the lived experiences of individuals⎯acknowledging that trauma and transformative change are very context-specific. We also touch on the topics of cultural differences, personality, and Boulder Institute’s post-traumatic growth program.  Bio Dr. Richard Tedeschi is professor emeritus of psychology at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He’s a licensed psychologist specializing in bereavement and trauma, and has led support groups for bereaved parents for over 20 years. With his colleague Lawrence Calhoun, he published books on post-traumatic growth, an area of research that they have developed that examines personal transformations in the aftermath of traumatic life events. Their books include Trauma and Transformation, Posttraumatic Growth, Facilitating Posttraumatic Growth, Helping Bereaved Parents: A Clinician’s Guide, and the Handbook of Posttraumatic Growth.  Website: https://pages.charlotte.edu/richtedeschi/  Topics  00:00:54 Richard’s interest in post-traumatic growth  00:04:05 Definition of post-traumatic growth (PTG)  00:06:01 Domains of PTG  00:10:02  Perceived change VS actual change  00:16:27 PTG as positive personality changes  00:20:42  Boulder Crest Institute’s post-traumatic growth program  00:26:01 Trauma as a disruption in the psyche  00:29:16 Richard’s roots in humanistic therapy  00:31:08 The subjective experience and response to trauma  00:36:43 Cultural differences in posttraumatic growth  00:40:24 Can posttraumatic growth and PTSD co-exist?  00:38:42 Post-ecstatic growth  00:44:50Catastrophe theory  00:46:07 The pandemic as a potential catalyst for growth  00:48:28 How to facilitate post-traumatic growth  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hi everyone, today is a very special episode of The Psychology Podcast. A few nights ago, the legendary psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Temkin Beck passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 100. Tim, as his friends and family affectionally called him, lived an exemplary, full life well lived. Personally, he was a dear mentor and friend of mine. I used to live in the building next door to him in Philadelphia and we'd have tuna sandwiches together on Sundays at his place and discuss humanistic psychology and how to treat patients as humans first. He was always so encouraging of my work, and I enjoyed our discussions about his life and work immensely. I will miss his bow tie, fist bumps, and a sharp mind, which lasted all the way until the end. In my last in-person meeting with him just before the pandemic hit, I handed him a microphone and asked if he would talk about what research he was most excited about these days and whether he could give any advice to young psychologists. That recording is what you will hear today on the podcast. Remarkably, Tim worked all the way up until his death. To many, he is most known for his work in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which is a time-sensitive, structured, present-oriented psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective in more than 2,000 studies for the treatment of many different health and mental health conditions. When implemented correctly, CBT can help individuals get better and stay better. However, not many people know this, but Tim’s work was much more than the seminal work he did pioneering CBT. Tim was recently working on a new form of psychotherapy with his colleagues Ellen Inverso and Paul Grant called "Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy”, which deeply humanizes psychiatric patients.  Guided by Tim’s cognitive model, Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) is an evidence-based practice that provides concrete, actionable steps to promote recovery and resiliency. Originally developed to empower individuals given a diagnosis of schizophrenia, Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy applies broadly to individuals experiencing extensive behavioral, social, and physical health challenges. It is a highly collaborative, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, as it is focused on developing and strengthening positive beliefs of purpose, hope, efficacy, empowerment and belonging. The approach is specially formulated and effective for individuals (i) who have a history of feeling disconnected and distrustful of service providers, (ii) who are not help-seeking, or (iii) who experience challenges that impede action towards aspirations. The reach of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy extends to mental health professionals across all disciplines, families and loved ones, and peers with lived experience. One other thing I’d like to mention before we get to today’s episode is the Beck Institute. In 1994, Tim and his daughter, Dr. Judith S. Beck, founded Beck Institute as a 501(c)3 nonprofit with the mission of improving lives worldwide through excellence and innovation in Cognitive Behavior Therapy training, practice, and research. In 2019, Beck Institute opened the Beck Institute Center for Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy to train professionals and staff who work with individuals given a diagnosis of a serious mental health condition, such as schizophrenia.  Beck Institute honors the legacy of Dr. Aaron Beck by providing training and resources in both CBT and CT-R to people around the world. In the nonprofit’s 27-year history, over 28,000 health and mental health professionals have received training in CBT or CT-R through a variety of programs.  You can help honor Dr. Aaron Beck’s legacy by making a gift to the Aaron T. Beck Fund at Beck Institute. This enables the organization to continue Dr. Beck’s latest work with the Center for CT-R at Beck Institute, develop programs, fund scholarships for trainees, and everything in between. The Beck Institute website can be found at beckinstitute.org.  OK, now without further ado, I bring you our guest today, Dr. Aaron Beck.   RIP,  Tim.               See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to Isaac Prilleltensky about well-being and happiness. We start our discussion by highlighting the environment and community’s role in well-being instead of conceptualizing it as a purely individualistic construct. Isaac further elaborates on the dangers of mattering “too much” and why we need to balance personal and collective wellness. We also touch on the topics of fairness, social justice, humanistic psychology, and Isaac’s works as a humor writer.  Bio Isaac Prilleltensky holds the inaugural Erwin and Barbara Mautner Chair in Community Well-Being at the University of Miami. He’s published 12 books and over 140 articles and chapters. His interests are in the promotion of well-being in individuals, organizations, and communities; and in the integration of wellness and fairness. His most recent book is How People Matter: Why It Affects Health, Happiness, Love, Work, and Society, co-authored with his wife, Dr. Ora Prilleltensky.  Website: www.professorisaac.com/  Topics  00:01:10 Isaac’s definition of well-being  00:04:55 Predictors of well-being and happiness  00:06:58 The need to matter  00:09:48 Corrective justice to achieve equality  00:19:31 Me vs. We Culture  00:25:44 Fairness is a prerequisite for mattering  00:28:18 Risks of glorifying grit and resilience  00:32:16 Balancing liberty, fraternity, and equality for a self-actualized society  00:39:27 Democratize happiness  00:43:29 The right and responsibility to matter  00:51:27 Psychology and the status quo  00:53:44 Isaac as a humor writer: smarter through laughter  00:56:21 Fun for Wellness  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I talk to George Bonanno about trauma and resiliency. We start off by discussing what people get wrong about trauma and how this led to the invention of the PTSD diagnosis. George defines what resilience is, how it’s different from growth, and its paradoxical correlation to individual differences. Finally, he elaborates on how the flexibility mindset and sequence help us get through personal traumatic events or global tragedies like 9/11 or the COVID-19 pandemic.  Bio  Dr. George Bonanno is a professor of psychology, chair of the department of counseling in clinical psychology, and director of the Loss, Trauma, and Emotion Lab at Teachers College Columbia University. He’s the author of The Other Side of Sadness and The End of Trauma.  Website: www.tc.columbia.edu/LTElab/  Twitter: @giorgiobee  Topics  00:01:41 Jerome L. Singer’s influence on George  00:05:42 Society’s skewed view of trauma  00:08:15 Explaining the PTSD diagnosis  00:10:38 People are more resilient than you think  00:14:23 Resilience VS growth  00:19:50 The resilience paradox  00:24:44 The flexibility mindset  00:29:58 The flexibility sequence  00:34:50 How to be more flexible  00:38:11 Goal-directed self-talk  00:47:50 The resilience blind spot  00:50:06 What 9/11 teaches us about resilience  00:53:10 We’ll overcome the COVID-19 pandemic   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to have Steven Pinker on the podcast. Dr. Pinker is the Johnstone professor of psychology at Harvard University. A two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and the winner of many awards for his research, teaching, and books. He’s been elected to the National Academy of Science, and named as one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People”, and one of Foreign Policy’s “100 Leading Global Thinkers”. His books include How the Mind Works, The Blank State, The Stuff of Thought, The Better Angels of Our Nature, The Sense of Style, Enlightenment Now, and most recently, Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters.  In this episode, I talk to Steven about the definition of rationality, how it relates to truth, and how it’s different from logic. We also discuss the trade-offs in decision making, the limited usefulness of strategic irrationality, the boundaries of socially acceptable fiction, and why people have weird beliefs among other things. Website: stevenpinker.comTwitter: @sapinker   Topics 01:02 Must we always follow reason?  03:34 Steven’s definition of rationality  05:24 Tension between conflicting goals  08:31 What is truth?  13:12 When to apply logic or rationality  23:14 There can be no trade-off between rationality and justice  25:35 Politicizing knowledge and research  29:24 Strategic irrationality has limits  36:13 Taboo trade-offs, heretical counterfactuals, and forbidden base rates  42:04 The changing norms of acceptable fiction  45:56 Why rationality is cool  49:39 The costs of decision making  55:54 Progress came from utilitarian reasoning  57:52 "The pandemic of poppycock"  01:01:23 Expressive rationality: morally empowering beliefs  01:05:26 Bayesian reasoning   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to have Annie Murphy Paul on the podcast. Annie writes about how the findings of cognitive science and psychology could help us to think and act more intelligently. Annie contributes to the New York Times Magazine and the New York Times Book Review, Slate, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among many other publications. She’s also the author of a number of books including The Cult of Personality, Origins, and most recently, The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain.  In this episode, I talk to Annie about the research and concepts in her new book The Extended Mind. We debunk the notion that intelligence is only in the brain by discussing how our bodies, spaces, and relationships all contribute to thought processes. Finally, we also touch on how to build knowledge and expertise through productive cognitive loops, cognitive unloading, and imitation.    Topics  01:05 Thinking outside the brain  03:54 Individual differences in interception  09:51 Annie’s definition of intelligence  13:30 Cognitive loops enhance intelligence  15:31 Is the mind always extended?  17:10 The brain’s dynamic role in thinking  21:14 COVID-19 has turned us into “brains in front of screens”  24:57 Information overload  28:11 Using intuition to think rationally  30:22 Expertise is not brain bound  31:37 The best relationship hack: eat spicy food together  33:50 The research behind The Extended Mind  38:32 Cognitive unloading  40:51 Mastery through imitation  43:00 Scott’s theories about shared expertise  45:39 Reminiscing about Annie’s first episode on The Psychology Podcast  46:22 Embracing the extended heart Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to have Paige Harden on the podcast. Dr. Harden is a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, where is the director of the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab and co-director of the Texas Twin Project. Her new book is called The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality.   Topics · Heritability does not imply determinism · What is the value of the heritability coefficient? · Nature and nurture are always intertwined · Genes, giftedness, and responsibility · Separating individual differences from hierarchy · Genetics as a tool for social policy · Can we systematically improve general intelligence? · Prioritizing self-actualization in education · Group differences data, racism, inequality · Anti-eugenics and the great synthesis · Polygenic scores: evaluations, correlations, and applications See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to have Nick Gillespie on the podcast. Nick is a libertarian journalist who is currently an editor at large at Reason. A two-time finalist for digital National Magazine Awards, Gillespie’s work has appeared in the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Post, Slate, Salon, Time.com, Marketplace, and basically any other publication that you’re ever going to read. The Daily Beast named Nick one of “The Right’s Top 25 Journalists”, calling him “clear headed, brainy…among the foremost libertarians in America.”   Topics · Reason: “free minds and free markets” · What does being a libertarian mean? · A critique of American’s intervention in Afghanistan · Nick’s childhood and upbringing · The values of libertarianism · Parallels between Maslow and libertarianism · Nick’s pseudonym Mr. Myxzptlk · Child-proofing the world · How parenting styles and expectations shape children · The millennial experience of pressure and self-actualization · The paradox of marginalization and acceptance in current society · The purpose of cancel culture · Canceling people in positions of power See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to have Richard Ryan on the podcast. Dr. Ryan is a professor at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University in North Sydney and professor emeritus in psychology at the University of Rochester. Dr. Ryan is a clinical psychologist and co-developer of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), one of the leading theories of human motivation. He’s among the most cited researchers in psychology and social sciences today, ranking among the top 1% of researchers in the field. Dr. Ryan has been recognized as one of the eminent psychologists of the modern era, listed among the top 20 most influential industrial organizational psychologists and has been honored with many distinguished career awards. He’s co-author with Edward Deci of the book Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness.   Topics · Dr. Ryan’s interest in psychology · Dr. Ryan’s influences in psychology and philosophy · What is self-determination? · The continuum of motivation · The underdog narrative as a motivating force · Self-Determination Theory’s Basic Needs · Is benevolence a basic need? · Ego involvement in exploration and self-esteem · Dr. Ryan’s attempt to meet Maslow · Transcendence, mindfulness, and integration · Self-Determination Theory in relationships · Changing organization culture through motivationWorks · How do we fix the current education system? · Dr. Ryan’s view of positive psychology · SDT as a criterion to improve social policy · Dr. Ryan’s upcoming projects See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.