Psychologists Off the Clock

Peter H. Kim, a professor at USC Marshall School of Business, dives deep into the intricacies of trust based on his two decades of research. He reveals why trust is vital despite vulnerability, distinguishing between true trust and mere appearances of trustworthiness. Kim outlines how trust violations can stem from competence or integrity issues and discusses the significance of effective apologies. He emphasizes the importance of exploring context in trust breaches and highlights the role of shared values in rebuilding connections.

Ash Brandin, also known as The Gamer Educator, shares her expertise as an educator and author of Power On. She discusses the importance of viewing screen time through a lens of moral neutrality, encouraging parents to focus on purpose rather than guilt. Brandin critiques outdated guidelines, advocating for personalized family media plans. She explores how gaming can fulfill psychological needs and emphasizes the societal factors influencing screen use. With practical strategies, Ash aims to guide families towards a balanced approach to screen time.

Goldie Chan, a personal branding expert and author of *Personal Branding for Introverts*, joins to discuss the art of showcasing your personal brand. She clarifies the difference between reputation and branding, emphasizing that personal branding is about intentional communication. Goldie shares practical tips on choosing the right platforms, creating authentic content, and maintaining boundaries. Discover why consistency matters and learn how to engage meaningfully with your audience, especially as an introvert or small business owner.

In this engaging conversation, Gregory Walton, a Stanford psychologist and author of Ordinary Magic, explores how small perspective shifts can lead to significant change. He reveals how brief social-psychological interventions help individuals navigate tough moments, from self-doubt to relationship conflicts. Walton discusses the power of listening and compassion in fostering connections, and shares transformative stories that illustrate how tiny acts can shift our mindset. The discussion emphasizes the importance of addressing belonging and support for marginalized individuals, highlighting practical strategies that can impact lives.

Have you ever found yourself holding onto feelings of guilt or shame long after a difficult experience or mistake? In this episode, Jill sits down with Dr. Carolyn Allard, a leading voice in trauma-focused psychology and research. Together, they unpack the complex nature of guilt and shame, especially when these emotions become non-adaptive in the face of trauma or hardship. Carolyn, who is also the author of Transform Your Guilt and Shame: Evidence-Based Strategies to Heal from Trauma and Adversity, shares how to recognize the difference between guilt and shame and introduces the idea of “non-adaptive guilt and shame” (NAGS). You’ll gain insight into how these emotions link to moral injury and other trauma responses, and walk away with actionable tools such as hindsight bias and justification analysis to better understand, challenge, and manage them.Listen and Learn: How guilt and shame differ lies in focus, as guilt is about actions and shame is about identity, and why they matterHow moral injury can emerge from situations where individuals face impossible choices that conflict with their values, leading to lasting feelings of guilt and shameWhy we feel non-adaptive guilt and shame often comes down to distorted beliefs about responsibility, justification, and values, and how understanding these patterns helps us break free from self-blame and move toward self-compassionHow hindsight bias can trick us into unfair self-judgment, and by reflecting on our choices and context at the time, we can gain a clearer, kinder perspectiveUnderstanding the difference between accountability (being answerable) and responsibility (having control or intention) and how this helps us untangle guilt and shame, process mistakes effectively, and break the self-reinforcing cycles of trauma that impair our ability to act according to our valuesResources: Transform Your Guilt and Shame: Evidence-Based Strategies to Heal from Trauma and Adversity: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781433843419 Carolyn’s Website: https://www.carolynallardphd.com/Connect with Carolyn on Social Media: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/carolynallardphd.bsky.social Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/p/Carolyn-Allard-PhD  LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-allard-99749155/About Carolyn B. AllardCarolyn B. Allard ,PhD, ABPP, is internationally recognized for her trauma-focused research and clinical expertise. She is a licensed, board-certified clinical psychologist, Distinguished Professor and Program Director of the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at Alliant International University. Before that, she directed a trauma clinic at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and served as clinical faculty at the University of California San Diego. Carolyn also serves on the executive council of the American Psychological Association’s Trauma Division and its scientific journal’s editorial board, and has over 200 scientific publications and presentations. For over 20 years, she has been providing therapy, training and consultation in empirically supported therapy for posttraumatic distress; and conducting research focused on socio-cultural and contextual predictors of posttraumatic distress and treatment outcomes. She co-developed Trauma Informed Guilt Reduction (TrIGR), the evidence-based therapy that is the basis of her latest book, Transform Your Guilt and Shame, a self-guided workbook. Besides making psychology accessible, Carolyn is passionate about traveling and promoting compassion. Visit CarolynAllardPhD.com for more information.Related Episodes:118. Moral Injury and Shame with Lauren Borges and Jacob Farnsworth416. Trauma and PTSD Treatment with Robyn Walser383. What My Bones Know: C-PTSD with Stephanie Foo417. Busting Trauma Treatment Myths with Emi Nietfeld405. Taming the Inner Critic with Holly Yates and Shawn Whooley341. Self-Forgiveness with Grant Dewar279. ACT for Healing Black Racial Trauma with Jennifer Shepard PayneSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

These days, it feels like we’re bombarded with information from every direction, and figuring out what’s true can be overwhelming. Yael sits down with Alex Edmans, author of May Contain Lies, for a fascinating conversation about how misinformation shapes the way we see the world. They talk about why even fact-checking has its limits and how common biases, such as wanting to confirm what we already believe or seeing things in black and white, can cloud our judgment. Using everyday examples, from the Atkins diet to debates about breastfeeding, Alex shows how data can be bent to tell almost any story. We invite you to stay curious but skeptical, with practical strategies for navigating opposing views and creating more thoughtful, respectful conversations.Listen to POTC ad-free for just $5 a month by becoming a Mega Supporter on Patreon! Or, support the podcast with a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee!Listen and Learn:Why simply “checking the facts” isn’t enough and how even accurate data can mislead when context, updates, or evolving evidence are ignoredHow confirmation bias subtly shapes our judgments, even among experts and leadersWhy we’re drawn to simple, black-and-white explanations and how applying scientific thinking and questioning our own biases helps us see nuance, challenge popular myths, and make more informed decisionsThe danger of oversimplified advice and the lasting impact of misinformation, and why real progress and understanding come from embracing complexity and questioning easy answersBeing “data-driven” isn’t enough, and true understanding comes from distinguishing data from evidenceHow reframing conflict through curiosity and focusing on shared goals, rather than opposition, can transform disagreements into opportunities for collaboration, deeper understanding, and personal growthManaging disagreements by calming their initial reactions, focusing on shared goals, and giving others the benefit of the doubt, turning conflict into an opportunity for understanding and growthResources: May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases--And What We Can Do about It https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780520405851 Alex’s Website: https://alexedmans.com/ Connect with Alex on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/aedmanshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aedmans/https://twitter.com/aedmans About Alex Edmans: Alex Edmans is a Professor of Finance at London Business School, where his ability to translate complex ideas has earned him 28 teaching awards and the title of Poets & Quants Professor of the Year in 2021. His journey has taken him from Oxford to Wall Street (Morgan Stanley), then to MIT as a Fulbright Scholar for his PhD, followed by tenure at Wharton before joining LBS.Alex moves fluidly between academia and the real world—he's testified in Parliament, spoken at Davos, and somehow convinced 3 million people to watch his TED talks. His latest book, May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases—And What We Can Do About It, arrives at exactly the right moment for our post-truth era, where everyone's an expert and every statistic can be bent to tell the story you want to hear.Related Episodes:245. Family Firm with Emily Oster311. Nobody’s Fool with Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris382. The Anxious Generations? The Conversation We Should be Having About Kids, Technology, and Mental HealthSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging conversation, journalist and applied behavioral scientist Elizabeth Weingarten shares insights from her book on embracing uncertainty. She introduces the intriguing concept of a 'question tree', categorizing inquiries that help us grow versus those that stifle us. Elizabeth discusses the importance of asking better, open-ended questions to navigate life's complexities and encourages listeners to find freedom in living with uncertainty. Her thoughts on community, curiosity, and authenticity provide a fresh perspective on truth-seeking.

If you’re a parent navigating the ups and downs of your child’s food allergies, you know firsthand how anxiety can sneak in, whether it’s worrying about safety at school, birthday parties, or just trying to give your child some independence. In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, Tamara Hubbard joins Emily to talk about her new book, May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies.Their conversation doesn’t just stop at allergies, though; they dive into the bigger picture of parenting with anxiety and uncertainty and explore how anxiety, while a completely normal human experience, can sometimes take over if we don’t keep it in check. Tune in with us for practical strategies to help parents move away from over-controlling tendencies and toward building skills and confidence in their kids.Listen and Learn: Understanding the medical and emotional side of food allergies from what actually happens in the body, why they create such high anxiety for parents, and how uncertainty around reactions fuels guilt and fearBalancing fear with perspective and the difference between everyday vigilance and anxiety that takes overThe “certainty trap” many allergy parents fall into, why control seeking feels protective but actually creates burnout, conflict, and limits a child’s growth, and how shifting from control to skill building can better support both parents and kidsThe “over-avoidance trap” food allergy parents can fall into, how anxiety can push families to restrict more than is medically necessary, and why finding a realistic, personalized sense of “safe enough” (with support from an allergist) is key to breaking free from constant fearPractical strategies for allergy parents to balance safety with living fully by shifting from fear-driven "what if" thinking to action-focused "if then" plansThe “Goldilocks principle” for food allergy parenting and finding the just right balance of caution and calm that keeps kids safe without overwhelming anxietyHow parents can start building confidence and safety skills in young children with food allergies (or other health conditions) from an early age, setting the foundation for independence and calm navigation as they growWhy the middle childhood years can help kids build self-advocacy and take ownership of their allergy care, so they are ready for adolescenceHow parents balance safety with flexibility can shape teens’ confidence and independence in managing food allergies while keeping anxiety in checkResources: Tamara’s Book, May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781421449579 Tamara’s Websites: https://www.foodallergycounselor.com/ and https://www.tamarahubbardlcpc.com/ Connect with Tamara on Socials: @FoodAllergyCounselor and @TherapistTamara.About Tamara HubbardWith more than 20 years of experience and a marriage and family therapy degree, Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor helping women and parents of children with food allergies find their “just right” balance between feeling overwhelmed and living fully. Tamara created The Food Allergy Counselor in 2018 to fill a much needed resource gap by offering evidence-based food allergy anxiety management, mindset, and parenting content. She also founded the Academy of Food Allergy Counseling and its Food Allergy Counseling Directory, and currently serves as its Chief Advisor. An active allied health member of professional allergy and immunology organizations, Tamara is a national speaker and holds advisory roles within the allergy community. Finally, her first book, May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies with Johns Hopkins University Press comes out September 30th, 2025. Related Episodes:424. Modern Anxiety with Noelle McWard Aquino319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with the AMAZING Emily Edlynn266. Future Tense with Tracy Dennis-Tiwary260. Health Anxiety with Karen Lynn Cassiday253. Free Range Kids with Lenore Skenazy222. Living With Food Allergies with Tamara Hubbard94. Parenthood in the Age of Fear with Kim BrooksSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

College life can be exciting, but it’s also full of unique challenges that can really take a toll on mental health. In this episode, Debbie sits down with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison West to break down what’s really going on with students’ mental well-being. They talk about the ups and downs of transitions, gaining independence, and handling academic pressure, all while navigating bigger societal stressors like the pandemic. The conversation highlights why it’s so important to have mental health support built right into academic departments, and the guests share practical tips that both students and faculty can use. You’ll also hear about topics like college culture expectations, the Dunning-Kruger effect, imposter feelings, and why showing yourself self-compassion and understanding your emotions matters. By the end, you’ll come away with insights that can help anyone in a college community foster better mental health and overall well-being.Listen and Learn: Why college is such a challenging transition for students, who must create structure, discover their values, and learn through mistakes while adapting to new freedoms and pressuresUnderstanding individual stress matters in college counseling, which can help normalize challenges and guide appropriate mental health supportHow young adulthood is a powerful time for growthEmbracing uncertainty and connecting through shared human experiences helps us navigate overwhelming and unpredictable timesEmbedding mental health clinicians directly in university departments helps faculty support students effectively, bridging academic and emotional needsUnderstanding and “decompiling” your thoughts and emotions helps you work with them instead of against themWhy the imposter phenomenon is widespread, especially among high achievers and those stepping outside their comfort zone, and how comparing your inner doubts to others’ outward confidence can intensify itTrue growth comes from building competence, not chasing confidence, and feeling uncomfortable is part of the learning processTips for navigating college, including managing your expectations, giving yourself grace for mistakes, seeking support when needed, and starting small with healthy habitsResources: Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions: https://www.amazon.com/Decompile-Your-Mind-Engineers-Thoughts/dp/B0DPXB17MV  Connect with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison Westhttps://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/colleen-ehrnstrom https://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/audrey-gilfillanhttps://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/alison-westImposter No More: Overcome Self-Doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781538724804 About Dr. Colleen EhrnstromDr. Colleen Ehrnstrom, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and one of the managers of the Embedded Program at the Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at the University of Colorado Boulder. She specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and enjoys working with college students, supporting their mental health during a critical time of personal and academic development. She is the co-author of End the Insomnia Struggle: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help You Get to Sleep and Stay Asleep and regularly presents and trains on ACT and behavioral sleep strategies. Dr. Ehrnstrom is dedicated to supporting mental health through evidence-based, mindfulness-informed care.About Audrey GilfillanAudrey Gilfillan is a licensed professional counselor and works as an Embedded Therapist in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado at Boulder. With a background in academic coaching, career counseling, and college mental health, Audrey specializes supporting college students as they navigate the intersection of their academic goals and mental health. Audrey co-authored Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions. She co-founded Applied Wellness Initiatives to help educators and managers effectively support mental health and performance in the workplace.About Alison WestAlison West is a licensed professional counselor and addiction specialist who works as an Embedded Therapist in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder. Prior to working in higher education, Alison worked in community mental health, providing direct support through ongoing therapy, crisis response, and case management. Alison is passionate about supporting young adults as they navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world. She is the co-author of Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions and the co-founder of Applied Wellness Initiatives. She finds fulfillment in helping professionals bring mental health awareness and practices into their work and academic communities.Related Episodes: 7. Insomnia: Strategies to Stop Struggling with Sleep with Alisha Brosse189. Imposter Syndrome with Jill and Debbie321. Imposter No More with Jill Stoddard274. Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood with Satya Doyle Byock – Psychologists Off the Clock324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace  303. Both/And Thinking with Marianne LewisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can you truly change your personality in ways that make your life feel fuller and more in line with who you want to be? In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, Jill sits down with Olga Khazan, author of Me But Better, to explore that question in a way that feels relatable and inspiring. Olga shares her journey of becoming more outgoing and less anxious, mixing scientific insights with honest reflections on the challenges she faced, showing that real change is possible and something you can actively pursue.They also explore the Big Five personality traits and how intentional shifts in your personality can boost your happiness and overall well-being. Olga offers practical strategies you can start using right away and reminds you that the goal is not to impress anyone else but to create a version of yourself that feels healthier, more authentic, and more satisfying to live with every day.Listen and Learn: How personality, once thought to be fixed, can actually change over time How personality is shaped by both genetics and environmentThe Big Five personality model—what each trait means, how factors like conscientiousness overlap with neurodivergence such as ADHD, cultural caveats to the model, and how personality can shift over time through intentional habits and mindsetHow practicing new behaviors, like being more extroverted, can expand your authentic self rather than diminish itWhy stepping outside of your comfort zone, even if it feels “inauthentic” at first, is actually part of growth, showing how personality is fluidHow mindfulness, meditation, and acceptance practices can reduce anxiety and neuroticismThe Personality Assessor Test and why results can sometimes surprise us, and how to embrace both strengths and limitations while exploring change or acceptance through openness, flexibility, and valuesResources:Olga’s Book, Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781668012543 Olga’s Website: Olgakhazan.com;  https://olgakhazan.com/Connect with Olga on Social Media: Instagram: @olganator, https://www.instagram.com/olganator/X: https://x.com/olgakhazanOlga’s Substack: https://olgakhazan.substack.com/Find More of Olga’s Writing at https://www.theatlantic.com/ Free Personality Test: https://www.personalityassessor.com/ About Olga KhazanOlga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the author of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World and ME, BUT BETTER: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. She has also written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Vox, and other publications. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project’s Journalism Fellowship and winner of the 2017 National Headliner Award for Magazine Online Writing. She lives with her husband and son in Northern Virginia.Related Episodes:77. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Jill Stoddard102. A Liberated Mind with Steven Hayes112. Nature vs. Nurture: Why Temperament Matters with Debbie and Yael343. Heartbreak with Florence Williams347. Job Changes & Career Pivots with Paula Brand363. Worrying Is Optional with Ben Eckstein385. Oliver Burkeman on Embracing Your LimitationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.