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Abigail Marsh

Professor of psychology and neuroscience at Georgetown University. Author of the book, The Fear Factor, and the co-founder of the Society for the Prevention of Disorders of Aggression.

Top 10 podcasts with Abigail Marsh

Ranked by the Snipd community
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53 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 17min

Abigail Marsh on Psychopaths

In this insightful discussion, Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University professor specializing in psychopathy and empathy, delves into the intriguing traits of psychopathy. She explains the core traits of boldness, meanness, and disinhibition, and how they manifest in antisocial behavior. Marsh highlights early warning signs in children and effective parenting strategies to intervene. The conversation also touches on the surprising link between psychopathy and success in certain professions, while emphasizing the importance of understanding and support for affected families.
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49 snips
May 12, 2025 • 43min

How to see the humanity in everyone — even people you don’t like (w/ Abigail Marsh)

Abigail Marsh, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Georgetown University and author of *The Fear Factor*, dives into the intriguing world of psychopathy and altruism. She discusses why extreme altruists, like organ donors, exist alongside the morally ambiguous traits of some highly successful individuals. Marsh unpacks the brain differences between these groups and critiques American culture's obsession with psychopathy. Plus, she shares parent strategies for navigating children's behavioral challenges, advocating for a blend of discipline and empathy.
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10 snips
Apr 27, 2020 • 30min

Psychopaths and Superheroes

In this discussion, Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown psychology professor and expert on altruism, reveals the inspiring world of super altruists—those who risk their own well-being to help others. She shares her personal story of being saved by a stranger, sparking her passion for exploring the brain's role in compassion. The conversation dives into how selfless actions can lead to greater happiness and how understanding altruism can transform our lives. Listeners are encouraged to embrace generosity for a more fulfilling existence.
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9 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 20min

Anyone can be an altruist

In this engaging discussion, Abigail Marsh, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Georgetown University, dives into the fascinating world of extreme altruism. She shares how a near-death experience spurred her research on why individuals are willing to give away kidneys to strangers. Marsh discusses key brain differences in altruists, such as a larger amygdala, and highlights personality traits like humility and unselfishness. Plus, she offers practical tips on cultivating altruism, emphasizing the importance of starting small and making concrete plans.
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Nov 18, 2025 • 14min

Psychopathy can be treated—but here’s why it rarely is | Prof. Abigail Marsh

Joining the discussion is Professor Abigail Marsh from Georgetown University, an expert in psychology and neuroscience. She delves into the spectrum of psychopathy, highlighting how empathy levels vary and how this impacts behavior. Marsh describes the role of the amygdala in emotional recognition and shares insights on the evolutionary origins of altruism. She also discusses the challenges and possibilities of treating psychopathy, emphasizing the need for accountability and the potential for growth in individuals willing to develop empathy.
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Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 33min

You 2.0: Stop Spiraling!

Greg Walton, a Stanford psychologist, dives into the traps of negative thought spirals and self-fulfilling prophecies, using personal anecdotes to illuminate how our expectations shape reality. He discusses interventions that pivot downward spirals into upward momentum, emphasizing the power of belonging. Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown psychologist, explores extreme altruism, sharing insights on why some people value strangers equally to friends and how witnessing acts of kindness fosters a contagion of generosity. Together, they unpack the intricate psychology of resilience and giving.
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Dec 24, 2025 • 21min

Try This: Anyone can be an altruist

Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University professor known for her groundbreaking research on altruism, dives into the fascinating world of giving. She reveals why some people are driven to help strangers, even donating organs like kidneys. Marsh discusses key brain differences in altruists and highlights their personality traits, such as humility and positive views of others. With practical tips, she encourages everyone to cultivate altruism in their lives through small, enjoyable acts and planned volunteering, ultimately strengthening community bonds.
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Dec 6, 2025 • 21min

How to be an altruist with 'Try This'

In this engaging discussion, Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University psychologist known for her research on extreme altruism, reveals the fascinating inner workings of altruists' brains. She explains how individuals with larger amygdalae tend to exhibit heightened empathy. Marsh also shares practical tips on how anyone can cultivate altruistic behavior through small acts, such as picking up trash or volunteering. Tailoring giving to personal interests makes it more enjoyable, demonstrating that even the smallest gestures can significantly boost community trust and connection.
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Oct 24, 2025 • 16min

She studied extreme psychopaths. Here’s what it taught her about human nature | Abigail Marsh

In this enlightening discussion, Abigail Marsh, a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Georgetown University, delves into the fascinating worlds of psychopathy and altruism. She reveals how psychopaths differ in brain development from a young age, impacting their empathy. Marsh highlights the rising trend of extraordinary altruists—those who risk personal safety to help others. She emphasizes that altruistic behaviors can be nurtured and suggests tests for assessing one's own level of kindness, advocating for small acts to foster a more compassionate society.
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Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 4min

Radical Kindness

In this discussion, psychologist Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University expert on altruism, delves into why some individuals risk their lives to help strangers. She highlights fascinating stories of selfless acts, such as a stranger saving a driver in distress and kidney donors giving without expectation. Marsh explores the innate human drive for kindness, revealing how extraordinary altruism can emerge even in crises. Listeners are encouraged to foster their own altruistic tendencies, bridging fear and courage into meaningful actions.

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