The Psychology Podcast

Today it’s great to have Jud Brewer on the podcast. Dr. Brewer is a New York Times best-selling author, addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He is an associate professor and the Director of Research and Innovation at the Center for Mindfulness at Brown University and the Executive Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Sharecare Inc. He has developed clinically proven app-based mindfulness trainings including those to help people with quitting smoking, emotional eating and anxiety. He is the author of The Craving Mind: from cigarettes to smartphones to love, why we get hooked and how we can break bad habits (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2017) and Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind (Avery/Penguin Random House, 2021). Topics · Why Jud practices mindfulness · How to break unhealthy habits and addictions · What “everyday addictions” are · Can addictions be reversed? · Why we prefer cake to broccoli · The shortcomings of willpower · Jud di

Today it’s great to chat with Arthur Brooks on the podcast. Arthur is the William Henry Bloomberg 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. Topics · Arthur’s relationship to music · Arthur’s experience with silent meditation retreats · Arthur’s unique spin on the science of happiness · The importance of suffering · Arthur’s conversation with the Dalai Lama · How to treat people like assets instead of liabilities · Being needed vs. objectifying oneself · How to cultivate dignity · The importance of having “useless” friends · Why fear is the opposite of love · The difference between empathy and compassion · How religion and spirituality impact human happiness · How creativity contributes to happiness Support this p

Today it’s great to chat with Noreena Hertz on the podcast. Noreena Hertz is a renowned thought leader, academic, and broadcaster, named by The Observer “one of the world’s leading thinkers” and by Vogue “one of the world’s most inspiring women.” Her previous bestsellers — The Silent Takeover, The Debt Threat, and Eyes Wide Open — have been published in more than twenty countries, and her opinion pieces have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Financial Times. She has hosted her own show on SiriusXM and spoken at TED, the World Economic Forum in Davos, and Google Zeitgeist. Topics · The impact of technology on our social lives · How to boost the health of our society · The importance of local communities · “The loneliness economy” · The healthcare burden of loneliness · Combating loneliness in the workplace · How to give and receive care · “Blue zones" · How creating community helps our wellbeing · How to create communities for the elderly · Innovati

Today it’s great to chat with Christian Jarrett on the podcast. A cognitive neuroscientist by training, Christian is Deputy Editor of Psyche, a global digital magazine that illuminates the human condition. Christian has written about psychology and neuroscience for publications across the world, including BBC Future, WIRED, New York magazine, New Scientist, GQ Italia and The Guardian. He was the founding editor and creator of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, presenter of their PsychCrunch podcast, and an award-winning journalist on The Psychologist magazine. His books include The Rough Guide to Psychology and Great Myths of The Brain. His latest book is Be Who You Want: Unlocking The Science of Personality Change. Topics [1:48] How Christian burst out of his shell [4:32] The role of biology in temperament [6:52] How working on your physical health can influence your personality [8:11] How changing job roles can shape our personality [10:07] How our peers shape our personalities [12:

Today it’s great to have Tim Grover on the podcast. Tim is the CEO of Attack Athletics Inc. which he founded in 1989 and author of the international bestseller Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable. World renowned for his work with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and thousands of athletes and business professionals. He appears around the world as a keynote speaker and consultant to business leaders, athletes, and lead achievers in every field. His latest book is called Winning: The Unforgivable Race to Greatness. Topics [00:01:58] Tim’s childhood and upbringing [00:09:08] Choosing to become a professional trainer [00:11:50] From "fat kid" to competitive basketball player [00:16:26] "The most successful are the most coachable" [00:19:30] Victim Mentality vs. Victory Mentality [00:22:51] The early days of Tim’s career [00:25:46] Meeting and working with Michael Jordan [00:30:55] Michael Jordan’s feedback about Tim [00:33:54] Being a part of the Chicago Bulls Dynasty [00:41:50] Meeti

Bridget Phetasy is a writer and stand-up comedian. Bridget has contributed to a wide variety of publications such as SpectatorUSA, Huffington Post, Playboy, Tablet Magazine, The Washington Examiner, and more. As the owner and operator of Phetasy, Inc., she has built a digital media cul-de-sac, leveraging existing platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, and Locals to deliver insightful and compelling commentary and observations on current events. Her YouTube show Dumpster Fire is a satirical commentary on the ridiculousness of the 24-hour news cycle. Her weekly podcast, Walk-Ins Welcome, has become staple listening for many influencers in the social media space. Topics [5:16] The power and utility of humor [12:26] The usefulness of self-deprecating humor [14:22] Bridget’s thoughts on social media [21:21] Bridget discusses politics and values [28:00] Bridget’s thoughts on being “politically homeless” [31:31] The link between "commodified outrage" and histrionics [34:33] The issue of online "trauma-dumping" [36:21]

Katy Milkman is an award-winning behavioral scientist and the James G. Dinan Professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She hosts Charles Schwab’s popular behavioral economics podcast Choiceology, and is the co-founder and co-director of The Behavior Change for Good Initiative. She has worked with or advised dozens of organizations on how to spur positive change, including Google, the U.S. Department of Defense, the American Red Cross, 24 Hour Fitness, Walmart and Morningstar. Her research is regularly featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and NPR. Topics [1:33] What it means to align one’s actions with their goals and dreams [2:41] Why change is difficult [6:51] Katy’s thoughts on the barrier of conformity [8:37] Katy discusses laziness [12:20] The power of elastic habits [21:09] How to avoid flaking out [29:01] How to create a fresh start [39:21] Why a fresh start can be a setback to some [45:06] What “temptation-bundling” is

Today it’s great to chat with Ed Catmull. Ed is the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios and former president of Pixar Animation and Disney Animation. He has been honored with five Academy Awards, including the Gordon E. Sawyer Award for lifetime achievement in the field of computer graphics. He received his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Utah and is the author of Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and children. Topics [1:04] Ed’s childhood growing up in Utah in the 50s [3:57] Ed’s entry point into the field of animation [7:30] The evolution of computer graphics [12:20] How Ed broke barriers in his field [15:21] Ed’s encounters with Silicon Valley and emerging technologies [20:29] Ed’s interactions with Steve Jobs [34:36] How to create a sustainable creative culture [43:22] Ed describes his leadership style [46:01] How to protect the creative process and handle internal conflict [56:33] What it me

Today it’s great to chat with Dave Asprey, Founder & Chairman of Bulletproof. Dave is a three-time New York Times bestselling science author, host of the Webby award-winning podcast Bulletproof Radio, and has been featured on the Today Show, CNN, The New York Times, Dr. Oz, and more. His latest book is called Fast This Way: Burn Fat, Heal Inflammation, and Eat Like the High-Performing Human You Were Mean to Be. Topics [2:13] Dave shares his vision quest experience [9:50] Why Dave started Bulletproof [15:12] Dave explains the science behind MCT [18:10] Dave’s rules for fasting [21:09] Working fast vs. spiritual fast [23:01] Cravings vs. hunger [27:51] The science of the keto diet [32:30] The science and mentality behind cravings [36:16] How to develop sustainable food habits [40:39] Dave shares the impact of fasting on his body and mind [44:25] Why Dave thinks he can live to 180 [51:32] Dave explains the “16:8 Fast” [56:42] Dave discusses the dangers of over-fasting Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm

Today it’s great to chat with Julie Lythcott-Haims on the show. Julie believes in humans and is deeply interested in what gets in our way. She is a former corporate lawyer and Stanford dean. She serves on the board of Common Sense Media, and on the advisory board of LeanIn.Org, and she is a former board member at Foundation for a College Education, Global Citizen Year, The Writers Grotto, and Challenge Success. Julie is the New York Times bestselling author of the anti-helicopter parenting manifesto How to Raise an Adult. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American. Her third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, will be out in April 2021. Topics [1:32] How Julie defines “adulting” [3:07] How the way we define adulthood has changed over time [5:59] What is the “adult mindset”? [8:00] Why Julie challenges the “right track” concept of adulthood [15:07] Julie’s advice to those who want to take an unconventional path [18:57] Julie’s advice to those struggling wi

Today it’s great to chat with Daniel Kahneman, one of the most influential psychologists of all time. Kahneman is known for his work on the psychology of judgment and decision-making as well as behavioral economics, for which he was awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. He is author of the bestselling book Thinking, Fast and Slow and co-author of the recent book Noise: A Flaw in Judgment. In 2013, Kahneman received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. Topics [1:11] Daniel’s early childhood [4:11] Daniel’s experiences in Nazi-occupied France [6:38] Daniel’s escape from Nazi-occupied France [10:59] Daniel’s recollection of the birth of Israel [14:39] How Daniel’s work in the army influenced his work [20:50] Daniel’s work at UC Berkeley [23:02] Daniel’s shift in focus from perception & attention to judgment & decision-making [28:18] The importance of "adversarial collaboration" [34:52] The development of Daniel’s ambitions in psychology [37:23] The difference between

Jesse Singal is a contributing writer at New York and the former editor of the magazine’s Science of Us online vertical, as well as the cohost of the podcast Blocked and Reported. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Slate, The Boston Globe, The Daily Beast, and other publications. He was a Bosch Fellow in Berlin and holds a master’s degree from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. His book The Quick Fix: Why Fad Psychology Can't Cure Our Social Ills will be published in April. Topics [1:45] How Jesse caught on to the issue of junk science [5:18] What is "fad psychology"? [10:30] Jesse’s critique of mindset interventions [19:03] The challenges that scientists face [20:10] Why do we hold scientists to a higher standard than self-help gurus? [24:46] How valid is the Implicit Association Test (IAT)? [29:00] Jesse’s thoughts on implicit bias [31:39] Jesse and Scott discuss Angela Duckworth’s research on grit [40:34] What does

Today it’s great to have Ayaan Hirsi Ali on the podcast. Ayaan is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and founder of the AHA Foundation. She has written several books including Infidel (2007), Nomad: from Islam to America, a Personal Journey through the Clash of Civilizations (2010), Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now (2015) and The Challenge of Dawa (2017). Her latest book Prey was published by Harper Collins in 2020. In 2005, Ayaan was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world Topics [1:58] Ayaan’s early childhood experiences [4:47] Ayaan’s personal experience with female genital mutilation [7:39] Which values are moving humanity in a better or worse direction? [14:02] Ayaan’s relationship with Islam and why she left [18:41] Ayaan’s current feelings about religion in general [20:29] Ayaan’s response to critics who doubt her story [22:19] Ayaan’s conceptualization of Islam and the classifications of Muslims [28:43] Ayaan’s thoughts on

Today it’s great to have Michael Murphy on the podcast. Michael is co-founder of Esalen Institute, a pioneer of the Human Potential Movement, and author of many influential books on extraordinary human potential. Topics [1:38] Michael’s early life [4:09] Michael’s connection with religion [8:00] How Michael and Dick Price met and founded the Esalen Institute [14:34] Michael’s connection to Abraham Maslow [19:07] Michael’s guest list for Esalen [27:12] How Michael built Esalen [33:00] Michael’s thoughts on black-white encounter groups [40:53] How Esalen Institute's geography informs its practices [43:59] Integral Transformative Practice (ITP) [47:40] How Michael defines heart & soul [53:48] What is our deepest birthright? [56:28] Where Michael sees humanity going [1:06:14] How to carry on the Human Potential Movement Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today it’s great to chat with Nedra Glover Tawwab. Nedra is a licensed therapist and sought-after relationship expert. She has practiced relationship therapy for 13 years and is the founder and owner of the group therapy practice, Kaleidoscope Counseling. Nedra has been featured recently in The New York Times, The Guardian, Psychology Today, Self, and Vice, and has appeared on numerous podcasts. She runs a popular Instagram account where she shares practices, tools, and reflections for mental health and hosts weekly Q&As. Topics [2:20] Why Nedra wrote a book on boundaries [3:24] What is a boundary? [4:22] What is “enmeshment”? [5:55] Signs you need to set boundaries [8:52] Why we’re afraid of setting boundaries [11:16] Is there hope for chronic people-pleasers? [12:07] Nedra’s personal journey with boundaries [21:23] How to set professional boundaries [27:34] Nedra’s experiences with setting professional boundaries [34:43] The benefits of having healthy boundaries [36:36] How mental health impacts your ph

Today the tables are turned on The Psychology Podcast as Andrew Yang interviews Scott Barry Kaufman! This is a really meaningful episode for Scott, as he was a big supporter of Andrew's presidential campaign, and is now a big supporter of his Mayoral NYC campaign. Andrew and Scott share a humanistic viewpoint, and it was great to finally get them together in a discussion. Andrew is the founder of Venture for America, a non-profit organization aiming to create economic opportunities in American cities. He is a former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and is currently running for mayor of New York City on a Democrat ticket. In 2012, the Obama administration selected Andrew as a "Champion for Change" and later as a "Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship" in 2015. This episode originally appeared on Andrew's podcast, Yang Speaks. In this eagerly anticipated episode, Andrew and Scott discuss: [02:48] Scott’s journey into and out of special-education [05:45] Why Scott signed up for dance classes

Today it’s great to have Sam Harris on the podcast. Sam is the author of five New York Timesbest sellers, including The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, and Waking Up. The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction. His writing and public lectures cover a wide range of topics—neuroscience, moral philosophy,religion, meditation practice, human violence, rationality—but generally focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live. He also hosts the Making Sense Podcast, which was selected by Apple as one of the “iTunes Best” and has won a Webby Award for best podcast in the Science & Education category. Topics [0:17] Sam and Scott discuss materialism and consciousness [2:59] Sam makes his case for determinism [11:08] Sam and Scott discuss “the self” and free will [24:50] Sam’s take on why determinism eases human suffering [29:23] Sam’s thoughts on the "responsibility paradox" [36:30] The link b

Today it’s great to have Sam Harris on the podcast. Sam is the author of five New York Times best sellers, including The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, and Waking Up. The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction. His writing and public lectures cover a wide range of topics—neuroscience, moral philosophy,religion, meditation practice, human violence, rationality—but generally focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live. He also hosts the Making Sense Podcast, which was selected by Apple as one of the “iTunes Best” and has won a Webby Award for best podcast in the Science & Education category. Topics [1:57] Sam’s reflections on his childhood [7:18] Sam’s interest in martial arts [8:04] Sam’s experience with MDMA [12:09] How Sam ended up on the Dalai Lama’s security detail [16:39] Sam’s experience with meditation teacher Sayadaw U Pandita [23:12] Dualistic vs Nondualistic mindfulness

Today it’s great to chat with Simon Baron-Cohen. Simon is professor of psychology and psychiatry and director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University. He is the author of six hundred scientific articles and four books, including The Science of Evil and The Essential Difference. [2:47] Simon’s evolution of thought on autism [5:19] How the social realm of autism has evolved [8:12] The difference between autism and psychopathy [10:26] The role of affective vs cognitive empathy [12:37] How to navigate autism amidst cancel culture [14:18] Having autistic traits vs being on the autism spectrum [17:52] How autism drives human invention [22:11] The “systemizing mechanism” of the brain [24:03] The role of “if-and-then patterns” in autistic individuals [26:41] Simon’s thoughts on language acquisition [27:48] “The empathy circuit” [37:28] The role of creativity in autism [41:19] The Brain Types Study [42:43] The biological basis of creativity and autism [45:24] Why monkeys don’t skateboard [48:12] Why lang

Today it’s great to chat with Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas on the podcast. Dr. Jennifer Aaker is the General Atlantic Professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a leading expert on how purpose and meaning shape individual choices and how technology can positively impact both human well-being and company growth. Her work has been widely published in lead in scientific journals and featured in The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and Science. A recipient of the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award and the MBA Professor of the Year, Aaker counts winning a dance-off in the early 1980s among her greatest feats. Naomi Bagdonas is a Lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and an Executive Coach. She helps leaders be more creative, flexible and resilient in the face of change by facilitating interactive sessions for Fortune 100 companies and coaching executives and celebrities for appearances ranging from Saturday Night Live to the Today Show