In 'Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are', Robert Plomin discusses the impact of genetics on psychological traits, suggesting that genetic factors account for about half of the variation in these traits. The book challenges traditional views on nature vs. nurture, emphasizing the role of genetics in personality and behavior. It also explores the implications of genetic research for society and individual development.
Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption. The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period[3][4][5].
Training Without Conflict™ Podcast Episode Five: Dr. Doug Lisle & Dr. Jen Howk
In this episode of the Training Without Conflict™ Podcast, Ivan Balabanov interviews two of his biggest inspirations, Dr. Doug Lisle and Dr. Jen Howk.
Dr. Lisle and Dr. Howk are the hosts of the very popular Beat Your Genes Podcast.
Dr. Doug Lisle received his undergraduate education from the University of California, San Diego (summa cum laude). He completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Virginia, where he was awarded the Presidents Fellowship and was a DuPont Scholar. He was then appointed Lecturer in Psychology at Stanford University, and worked on the research staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs at the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Palo Alto, California. His research and clinical interests have broadened to include health and wellness, self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression, and optimizing achievement motivation. In addition to his work with Esteem Dynamics, he is currently the Director of Research for the TrueNorth Health Center and also serves as the psychologist for the McDougall Wellness Program, both located in Santa Rosa, California.
Dr. Jen Howk earned her B.A. with honors from the University of Washington, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University.
Her academic research explores how state-society relations shape vulnerability, resilience, and social well-being. Her Ph.D. dissertation, “Too Dysfunctional to Govern: Trauma Capital and State Retreat in Rural Alaska,” explains how claims of historical and ongoing trauma, distress, and vulnerability in communities that lack alternative markers of status and success can become a stable source of social capital that paradoxically reinforces underdevelopment and inequality.
Dr. Lisle and Dr. Howk are now in the process of co-authoring a book based on Dr. Lisle's new method of approaching human psychology and wellbeing. He describes this approach as Esteem Dynamics – its core insights adapted from a revolutionary biological approach to psychology. Central figures having major influence on Dr. Lisle’s thinking include Richard Dawkins, John Tooby and Leda Cosmides, David Buss, Steven Pinker, and Geoffrey Miller. All of these individuals are considered academic A-list thinkers in evolutionary theory and human psychology. Somewhat surprisingly, insights from these trailblazers has yet to reach mainstream clinical psychology, and thus major advances stemming from some of the world’s greatest thinkers have yet to be systematically applied to problems of helping people improve their lives. Esteem Dynamics is the first such effort – born of Dr. Lisle’s 25-years of clinical experience wedded to the deep insights into human nature now available via evolutionary psychology.
Check out Dr. Lisle and Jen Howk's Esteem Dynamics
Check out the Beat Your Genes Podcast
Dr. Jen Howk's Podcast Howk Blocked Podcast
Dr. Lisle's TedX Talk about The Pleasure Trap
Dr. Lisle's Book "The Pleasure Trap: Mastering the Hidden Force that Undermines Health & Happiness"
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World...
Training Without Conflict Podcast 
