Speaking of Psychology

In this engaging conversation, Daniel Freeman, PhD, a professor at the University of Oxford and a leading expert on paranoia, delves into the complex nature of mistrust. He explores the commonality of paranoid thoughts and distinguishes between healthy skepticism and excessive fear. The discussion highlights innovative therapeutic approaches, including the use of virtual reality to confront social fears. Freeman also addresses how substance use and the pandemic have exacerbated paranoia, providing fresh insights on treatment and management strategies.

Andrew Brodsky, a management professor at the McCombs School of Business and author of "Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication," dives into the complexities of modern workplace communication. He discusses the pros and cons of using video in meetings, the phenomena of Zoom fatigue, and the balance between professionalism and personal connection. Brodsky also explores the role of AI in enhancing or hindering authentic communication and shares strategies for mastering virtual interactions, including the nuanced use of emojis and maintaining engagement.

In this fascinating discussion, Dr. Suzanne Bell, an industrial organizational psychologist leading NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance Lab, delves into the psychological hurdles astronauts will face during extended missions to Mars. She highlights the effects of confinement, limited communication, and the importance of resilience and teamwork. Dr. Bell also shares insights from a Mars mission simulation, emphasizing support systems for mental health and the critical role of family connections during long journeys in space.

Russell Ramsay, PhD, a leading clinician and researcher in ADHD, unveils the rising trend of adult diagnoses. He discusses how heightened awareness and unique symptom presentations, especially in women, contribute to this surge. The impact of ADHD on work and relationships is examined, along with the effectiveness of treatment options like medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Ramsay also emphasizes the importance of professional evaluations over self-diagnosis, stressing the need for guidelines in adult ADHD assessments.

Paul Rozin, PhD, is a psychology professor emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania and a leading expert on disgust. He discusses the origins and evolution of disgust as a protective mechanism, highlighting cultural variations in food aversions. Rozin explains how humor can stem from disgust, showcasing the lighter side of this complex emotion. He also explores the psychological barriers related to dietary choices and the intricate relationships between disgust, morality, and societal norms.

Sunita Sah, PhD, an organizational psychologist and author, dives into the challenges of saying 'no' in a world that pressures us to comply. She explores the empowering nature of defiance and its alignment with personal values. Topics include the critical differences between consent and compliance, and practical techniques to resist social pressures. Sah also discusses the 'voice empathy gap' in nursing, shedding light on the need for better communication across hierarchical structures. An insightful conversation on standing firm and asserting oneself!

Rachel V. Aaron, PhD, is an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins, specializing in chronic pain. She discusses the complex interplay between chronic pain and mental health, revealing that nearly 40% of chronic pain sufferers also face mental health challenges. The conversation explores innovative treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, as well as the potential of acupuncture and other alternative therapies. Aaron emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and the collaboration between patients and healthcare providers in effective pain management.

Adam Galinsky, PhD, a social psychologist and Paul Colello Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia Business School, shares insights from his book, "Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others." He discusses the stark contrast between inspiring and infuriating leaders. Listeners learn about the leader amplification effect and the importance of mindful communication. Galinsky emphasizes that traits like optimism can be cultivated, enhancing leadership abilities in both personal and professional spheres. Reflection and personal values also play a key role in inspiring success.

Dewey Cornell, PhD, a forensic clinical psychologist and expert in school violence prevention, shares valuable insights on how to improve safety in schools. He emphasizes the need for effective threat assessment protocols and collaboration among students, teachers, and law enforcement. Cornell discusses the rarity of school shootings compared to other violence in public spaces and advocates for supportive, non-punitive approaches to handling threats. He also highlights the importance of understanding student behavior and the role of technology in fostering a safe school environment.

Terrie Moffitt, PhD, a renowned psychology professor at Duke University and leader of the Dunedin study, dives deep into the remarkable findings on aging from this long-term research tracking over 1,000 New Zealanders since 1972. She discusses how genetics and life experiences shape not just physical but mental health as well. Moffitt highlights the innovative Dunedin-PACE test for measuring biological aging, the significance of early life circumstances, and potential lifestyle interventions that could align biological and chronological ages.