Psychologist and novelist, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, discusses the psychology of fandom, writing bestsellers, and the intersection of psychology and fiction. She explores why we're drawn to fictional worlds, how analyzing one's work shapes writing style, and children's preferences for real vs. fantasy stories.

Expert Arline Bronzaft discusses the impact of noise pollution on health, including children's learning, cardiovascular disorders, and mental distress. She shares unique noise complaints and solutions, advocating for noise reduction measures.

Psychologist Kim Meidenbauer and public health researcher Amruta Nori-Sarma discuss the impacts of heat on mental health, emotions, and cognitive abilities, including the correlation between heat, violence, and aggression. They delve into the relationship between heatwaves and mental health, exploring how extreme heat can affect different demographics and the importance of green space infrastructure. The podcast also addresses the challenges in providing cooling solutions for vulnerable populations and the impact of uncomfortable temperatures on mental health.

Experts Wendy Grolnick, PhD, and Frank Worrell, PhD debunk motivation myths, emphasizing the impact of internal motives and autonomy over rewards. They discuss the role of competition, praise, and visualization in enhancing motivation, highlighting the importance of structure and addressing societal inequalities to foster inclusivity and belonging.

Psychologists Thuy-vy Nguyen and Netta Weinstein discuss the benefits and challenges of solitude, including its impact on emotions and stress levels. They explore the difference between solitude and loneliness, why some people crave solitude more than others, and the stigma against being alone.

Psychology professor Lara Aknin, PhD, editor of the World Happiness Report, discusses the factors affecting global happiness levels, including the decline in young Americans' happiness. She explores the correlation between generosity and happiness, the impact of financial security on well-being, and the importance of social relationships in shaping happiness levels across different countries.

Jennifer Watling Neal, a researcher at Michigan State University, discusses why 1 in 5 adults are choosing to be child-free in the U.S., the stigma they face, the impact of legal rulings on their identification, and the satisfaction levels of child-free adults compared to parents in neighborhoods. The podcast also explores the need for inclusive policies for both parents and child-free individuals worldwide.

Psychologist Brett Q. Ford, PhD, and political scientist Kevin Smith, PhD, discuss the impact of political stress on individuals' well-being, historical and contemporary political stress, balancing political engagement and emotional health, genetic influence on political ideology, and strategies for managing election-related stress.

Rosemarie Truglio, PhD discusses how Sesame Street prioritizes kids' emotional well-being with research-backed strategies, focuses on executive function & STEM education, and normalizes therapy for children. The show's enduring impact resonates with viewers, blending reality & fantasy to address evolving needs.

Researcher Chris Moulin, PhD, explores the mysteries of déjà vu and jamais vu, revealing why they happen, how they relate to memory, and their prevalence in young people. He discusses lab studies on these phenomena, their ties to memory, and the potential educational implications of understanding them.