Vivian Zayas

Vivian Zayas, a psychologist from Cornell University, and Stephanie Johnson, from the University of Colorado Boulder, dive deep into the complexities of beauty bias. They explore how our judgments of competence and character are often skewed by appearance, with personal anecdotes revealing the pitfalls of first impressions. The conversation touches on how celebrity endorsements influence consumer culture and the paradox of beauty in the workplace, highlighting the delicate balance between attractiveness and professional success.

David O. Sears, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Political Science at UCLA, joins fellow psychologist Vivian Zayas from Cornell to dive into the psychology behind political beliefs. They discuss how implicit and explicit attitudes shape opinions, especially among marginalized groups. The conversation reveals the complex interplay of class, race, and status on political identity. They also highlight the evolving role of data and social media in analyzing public sentiment and political polarization, offering fresh insights into modern political dynamics.