Speaking of Psychology

Niobe Way, PhD, is a Professor of developmental psychology at NYU and the director of the Science of Human Connection Lab. In this conversation, she explores the decline of deep friendships among boys as they transition to adolescence. Way discusses the detrimental effects of 'boy culture,' emphasizing emotional intelligence and the need for boys to express their feelings. She introduces the idea of 'listening with curiosity' as a crucial tool for fostering stronger connections and combatting loneliness, and shares insights on the unique experiences of boys and men of color.

Ellen Peters, PhD, is the Director of the Center for Science Communication Research at the University of Oregon, specializing in psychology and journalism. She dives deep into the importance of numeracy in daily life, from health decisions to financial choices. The discussion covers common misinterpretations of numbers, and how emotional responses can cloud judgment. Peters offers practical strategies to boost numerical confidence and improve decision-making, stressing the crucial role that effective communication of statistics plays in fostering trust and understanding.

Katy Milkman, a Professor at the Wharton School and author of "How to Change," shares insights into behavior change. She explains how identifying personal roadblocks is crucial for transformation. Strategies like "temptation bundling" can link enjoyable activities with chores, boosting motivation. Katy also discusses the impact of fresh starts and how setting smart defaults can leverage our natural tendencies for laziness to facilitate positive changes. Tune in for actionable tips that can help you move closer to your goals!

In this engaging discussion, Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto and author of 'The Sweet Spot,' delves into the curious allure of suffering. He explores why we willingly embrace pain through activities like marathons and scary movies, highlighting the paradox of pleasure and hardship. Bloom distinguishes between chosen and unchosen suffering, questioning the societal belief in trauma leading to growth. He also discusses the moral implications of enduring struggle for a greater purpose and introduces a new book aimed at simplifying psychology.

Marisa Franco, PhD, is a psychologist and friendship expert as well as the author of 'Platonic'. In this discussion, she highlights why adults struggle to form and maintain friendships and offers strategies to overcome loneliness. The conversation delves into the complexities of adult friendships, including the impact of ghosting and societal pressures on emotional vulnerability. Franco also explores how friendship dynamics differ between men and women, the health implications of shrinking social networks, and ways to build meaningful connections in a divided world.

In this episode, Paul Eastwick, a relationship expert at UC Davis, and Eli Finkel, a social psychologist from Northwestern University, dive into how romantic comedies shape our views on love. They explore popular myths like love at first sight and soulmates, critiquing how these narratives can distort real-life expectations. The duo analyzes key films such as 'When Harry Met Sally' and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,' discussing the impact of negativity in relationships and the importance of authenticity in portraying love.

Vaile Wright, PhD, a licensed psychologist and senior director of the Office of Healthcare Innovation at APA, discusses the transformative power of AI in mental health care. She explores the rise of chatbots, emphasizing their role in expanding accessibility while addressing ethical concerns. Wright dives into the balance of AI support versus human empathy in therapy, the distinctions between digital therapeutics and wellness apps, and the evolving landscape of mental health care as AI tools become integrated into treatment models.

Nicholas Turk-Browne, PhD, a psychology professor at Yale University, explores the enigma of childhood amnesia. He discusses groundbreaking research indicating that babies form memories, yet adults struggle to recall them. The conversation delves into the science of how infant brains process experiences and the role of advanced brain imaging techniques in this understanding. Listeners learn about the implications of early memory formation on identity, behavior, and the lifelong impact of early experiences.

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a distinguished psychology professor, shares remarkable insights on how we can enhance our happiness. She discusses the balance between genetics and our active choices in fostering joy. The impact of social media on young adults' happiness is alarming, revealing a significant decline in well-being. Sonja also explores the role of emotional connections, even with AI companions, and dispels myths about hedonic adaptation, emphasizing that experiences trumps material possessions when it comes to lasting fulfillment.

Dr. Paul Piff, an Associate Professor at UC Irvine, delves into how wealth shapes behavior and relationships. He discusses the striking findings from a Monopoly experiment showing that money can lead to increased entitlement and dominance. The conversation explores the connection between wealth and happiness, asserting that true satisfaction comes from experiences, not material goods. Piff also touches on philanthropy, questioning whether wealthy individuals give out of genuine altruism or social obligation, illuminating the complex psychology of economic disparity.