

Psychologists Off the Clock
Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Yael Schonbrun, Michael Herold & Emily Edlynn
We are five experts in psychology, bringing you science-backed ideas that can help you flourish in your work, relationships, and health.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 7, 2021 • 1h 3min
205. Thrivers with Michele Borba
Children and their parents have struggled mightily with mental health during the pandemic. Now, in this new phase of the pandemic, we are beginning to rebuild and re-envision our lives with bravery and resilience. Michele Borba, Ed.D. is an internationally renowned educator, award-winning author, and parenting child expert recognized for her solution-based strategies to strengthen children’s character, resilience, and reduce peer cruelty. In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, Yael and Michele discuss Thriving and the character strengths it takes to be one. Join us to learn practical strategies proven to help children build those character strengths and thrive in their lives. Listen and Learn: Yael and Jill’s personal experiences with thriving and how they approach this topic with their kiddosMichele’s expert-based definition of what it means to be a ThriverThe character strengths of Thrivers How to thrive in real life (warts and weaknesses in tow!)Practical advice to foster bravery and resilience in childrenOn-the-ground, proven strategies parents can apply to help ALL kids develop the characteristics of thriving (read: even those with hormonal imbalances or de-stabilizing life experiences)Michele and Yael’s thoughts on creating environments where your children might most easily thriveFollowing your kids’ passions and allowing them to develop hobbies and how to set up useful boundaries in the meantime (we see you, Fortnite and Minecraft parents!)The usefulness of cutting one thing out of your activity list for the weekEverything you need to know about the important differences between self-confidence and self-esteemMichele’s expert tips on praising your kids in ways that support the development of self-confidence rather than inflating their egoPractical strategies for what to do in real-life, tricky situations where you must balance fostering perseverance or “bubble-wrapping” How to best support thriving and the development of resilience in children who have experienced varying forms of traumaMichele’s (surprising!) favorite movie and book recommendations for inspiring your kids Resources: Michele’s book, Thrivers: Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine Alison Gopnik’s book, The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us about the Relationship Between Parents and Children and its accompanying workbookMichele’s book recommendation, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DayAttend Debbie’s webinar on ACT for Burnout!Grab your copy of all our favorite books at bookshop.org/shop/offtheclockpsych.Check out Debbie, Diana, Yael, and Jill’s websites to access their offerings, sign up for their newsletters, buy their books, and more! About Dr. Michele Borba: Michele Borba, Ed.D. is an internationally renowned educator, award-winning author, and parenting child expert recognized for her solution-based strategies to strengthen children’s character, resilience, and reduce peer cruelty. A sought-after motivational speaker, she has spoken in 19 countries and five continents, and served as a consultant to hundreds of schools and corporations. She offers realistic, research-based advice culled from a career working with over one million parents and educators worldwide. Dr. Borba is an NBC contributor who has appeared over 150 times on the TODAY show and countless others. Michele is recognized globally for her work in bullying and youth violence prevention and is currently a media spokesperson for several major corporations. She is the award-winning author of 24 books translated into 19 languages including her latest book (spring 2021) Thrivers: Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine and its accompanying workbook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 30, 2021 • 1h 5min
204. Ageless with Andrew Steele
In 2020, the global market for anti-aging products was estimated at US$52.5 Billion and is projected to reach US$83.2 Billion by 2027. Some of this market is certainly due to ageism, pseudoscience, and harmful marketing practices. However, ideas around aging (and the way it’s portrayed in media and marketing) seem to be changing for the better, and some anti-aging techniques are showing great promise. Dr. Andrew Steele, author of Ageless, has dedicated his professional career to identifying factors that age us. In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, he and Diana discuss the science behind why we grow old and the evidence-based approaches individuals of all ages can use to target those aging factors. Join us in this episode to learn basic strategies you can implement to inhibit the aging process and enhance your quality of life today!
Listen and Learn:
Diana and Debbie’s thoughts on the pseudoscience and fear that typically fosters ageism and the evidence-based approaches to healthy agingAndrew’s expert description of the humanitarian science of aging (and why it’s so important we study this right now!)Ten key factors that contribute to aging and evidence-based ways to target themWhat evolutionary neglect is and why we have evolved to grow oldAndrew’s expert explanation of senescent cells and practical advice for targeting them Basic strategies you can implement today to inhibit the aging process and enhance your quality of lifeNew and incoming interventions designed to increase telomere lengthThe psychological impacts of living longer The values underlying Andrew’s mission of building respectful, supportive communities for the elderlyEasy anti-aging practices young people can implement into their daily routine
Resources:
Andrew’s book, Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old Elizabeth Blackburn and Elissa Epel’s book, The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer Attend Debbie’s webinar on ACT for Burnout!Grab your copy of all our favorite books at bookshop.org/shop/offtheclockpsych.Check out Debbie, Diana, Yael, and Jill’s websites to access their offerings, sign up for their newsletters, buy their books, and more!
Dr. Andrew Steele
About Andrew Steele:
After obtaining a PhD in physics from the University of Oxford, Dr. Andrew Steele decided that ageing was the most important scientific challenge of our time, and switched fields to computational biology. He worked at the Francis Crick Institute, using machine learning to decode our DNA and predict heart attacks using patients' medical records. He is now a full-time science writer and presenter based in London. He has appeared on Discovery and the BBC. Follow him on instagram @andrewjsteele, twitter @statto, and facebook @DrAndrewSteele. Read his Psychology Today interview, and check out his Today Show appearance
Related Episodes:
Episode 125. Why We Age and the Science of Longevity with David SinclairEpisode 13. Healthy Aging and the Brain Episode 194. How to Be (and raise) an Adult with Julie Lythcott-HaimsEpisode 174. How to Work and Parent Mindfully with Lori Mihalich-Levin
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Jun 23, 2021 • 1h 5min
203. The Unbreakable Student with Nic Hooper
For many years now, college students have been experiencing a mental health crisis. The events of the past year have only worsened this crisis, and according to experts, it’s not getting better. Transitioning from adolescence into adulthood while simultaneously transitioning from high-school to university living is never going to be easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be meaningful and worthwhile. Dr. Nic Hooper, an expert in clinical psychology, wrote The Unbreakable Student as a guide to help students navigate these transitions in meaningful, value-informed ways. On this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, Nic and Debbie discuss the unique challenges university students face and how values can help students overcome those challenges. Join us for practical advice on embracing your university adventure today! Listen and Learn: Debbie and Diana's thoughts about the unique challenges of the college student phase of lifeThe sweet story behind Nic’s book, The Unbreakable StudentNic’s evidence-informed list of the unique challenges that arise during the transition from adolescence to adulthoodSix areas of wellbeing and how they impact university studentsPractical, evidence-based, advice for overcoming common university hurdles like procrastination, test anxiety, and more!Self-care strategies for the high-achieving student and how to talk about self-care to the beloved high-achievers in your lifePractical, expert-approved, advice on how to fully embrace your university adventureThe one piece of insightful advice Nic would give to his younger self Resources: Buy Nic’s books, The Unbreakable Student: 6 Rules for Staying Sane at University, The Acceptance and Commitment Diary (published annually), and The Research Journey of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.Check out Nic’s website nichooper.co.uk, and follow him on twitter @nichooper7!Attend Debbie’s webinar on ACT for Burnout!Grab your copy of all our favorite books at bookshop.org/shop/offtheclockpsych.Check out Debbie, Diana, Yael, and Jill’s websites to access their offerings, sign up for their newsletters, buy their books, and more! About Nic Hooper: Dr. Nic Hooper is an expert in clinical psychology and a senior lecturer at the University of the West of England in Bristol. He has authored many scientific articles, book chapters and books, including The Acceptance and Commitment Diary (published annually) and The Research Journey of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Nic is also a co-director of Connect, which is an organization that offers a psychological wellbeing curriculum for primary school children. In 2017, inspired by his students, Nic began to write a book of life advice to his son, Max, which was to be given to him on his eighteenth birthday. Over time, that book slowly transformed into The Unbreakable Student. Visit his website, nichooper.co.uk, and follow him on twitter @nichooper7 for updates, resources, and more! Related Episodes: Episode 189. Imposter Syndrome with Jill and DebbieEpisode 193. Heal Unhealthy Striving with Diana and YaelEpisode 182. Do More With Less: How to Stretch in Work and Life with Scott SonensheinEpisode 172. Performing Under Pressure with Sian BeilockEpisode 65. Self-care, Kindness, and Living Well with Kelly Wilson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 16, 2021 • 1h 1min
202. The Addiction Inoculation with Jess Lahey
A psychology podcast episode about reducing the risk of addiction in kids and teens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 9, 2021 • 1h
201. Fierce Compassion with Kristin Neff
Kristin Neff is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, teaching us that compassion involves kindness, mindfulness and common humanity. In her new book, Fierce Self-Compassion, Kristin explores the balance between tender self-compassion and action oriented self-compassion.
“Sometimes compassion means standing up, saying, ‘no, you are treating me unfairly’ and setting boundaries.”Kristin Neff
In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, Diana and Kristin discuss the duality of self-compassion, women and anger, and the inner power needed to stand up and protect what you care about. Listen in and harness your kindness, claim your power, and thrive today!
Listen and Learn:
A breakdown for beginners - Diana defines “Yin”, “Yang”, “Kali”, and “Durga” and discuss their metaphors for self-compassionKristin Neff’s expert description of the yin and yang of self-compassionThe role the feminist movement has played in racism and oppression and what this has to do with fierce self-compassionNuances of feminine energy and how those nuances are embodied in different goddesses How to access and embrace your feminine energy (read: how to balance your yin and yang and why it’s important to do so!)Kristin’s personal experience finding wholeness and developing self-compassion amidst divorce, single parenthood, and tumultuous work experiencesWhen and why emotions traditionally dissociated from femininity (e.g., anger) are usefulThe functionality of fierce self-compassion and practical advice for embracing it in your own lifeKristin and her friend, Angela Duckworth’s (check out our episode with her where we discuss Grit) thoughts on the bind women find themselves in when it comes to likeability and competenceKristin’s expert, research-based definition of self-compassionWhy self-compassion is so difficult to achieve How Kristin’s personal experiences have informed her perspective on women, relationships, compassion, and wholenessPractical advice on how to use your values to inform your balancing behaviorWhat it means to be a compassionate mess and why it should be your goal
Resources:
Kristin’s book, Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and ThriveLearn more about goddesses who embrace feminine energy: Kali, Durga, Sekhmet, and Diana The Origins and Nature of Compassion Focused Therapy by Paul GilbertDiana and Debbie’s book, ACT Daily Journal Diana will be hosting a workshop on Compassion and ACT: Acceptance, Allowing, & Making Space where you will learn to use journaling, meditation & embodied yoga practice to explore Acceptance through compassion
Dr. Kristin Neff
About Kristin Neff:
Kristin Neff is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the first empirical studies on self-compassion almost twenty years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals. Her newest work focuses on how to balance self-acceptance with the courage to make needed change. In June 2021, she will publish Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive.
For more information on Kristin Neff please visit her website,
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Jun 2, 2021 • 1h 4min
200. Growing Grit with Angela Duckworth
As co-hosts, this podcast has provided many opportunities to interview incredibly high-achieving people. Our line-up has included authors, designers, artists, academics, scientists, doctors, lawyers, CEO’s, and more! We’ve had these individuals on the show to discuss topics such as humans' yearning to belong, steps we can take to begin mending racial trauma, and femininity in the modern world, and throughout these interviews, a common question arises: What does it take to become the kind of high-achieving individual we frequently interview? In this special 200th episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, Angela Duckworth, founder and CEO of Character Lab and author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, and Yael discuss grit and how it’s associated with high achievement. By combining passion and perseverance in the pursuit of a singular goal, many have found success. Join us in this episode to learn more about what it takes to succeed and how you can grow grit in your own life today! Listen and Learn: The joy we feel in reaching our 200th episode and the passion and perseverance (read: Grit) it took to get hereDiana’s personal experience using her values to guide her grit (and when and how you can do the same!)The values that continue to guide our podcast’s growthA peek inside Angela and Stephen’s podcast, No Stupid QuestionsAngela’s expert definition of grit and how it is associated with achievementHow grit and parenthood can build upon and strengthen one anotherThe importance of values in your relationship with perseverance Some differences between how interpersonal skills, likeability, and grit each lend themselves to successPractical advice for knowing “when to grit” and “when to quit”Yael’s expert break-down of how grit works with principles of ACTAngela’s simple, evidence-based recommendations for growing grit Resources: Angela’s book, Grit: The Power of Passion and PerseveranceAngela’s TED talk (one of the most-viewed TED talks of all time!)Angela and Stephen Dubner’s podcast, No Stupid QuestionsKaty Milkman’s book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to BeRobert Cialdini’s book, Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of PersuasionAdam Grant’s book, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't KnowDaniel Kahneman’s book, Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment Elizabeth Nyamayaro’s book, I Am a Girl from Africa Esther Wojcicki’s book, How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results About Dr. Angela Duckworth: Angela Duckworth, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Character Lab, a nonprofit whose mission is to advance scientific insights that help children thrive. She is also the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, faculty co-director of the Penn-Wharton Behavior Change for Good Initiative, and faculty co-director of Wharton People Analytics. Angela completed her undergraduate degree in Advanced Studies Neurobiology at Harvard, graduating magna cum laude. With the support of a Marshall Scholarship, she completed an MSc with Distinction in Neuroscience from Oxford University. She completed her PhD in Psychology as a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. A 2013 MacArthur Fellow, Angela has advised the World Bank, NBA and NFL teams, and Fortune 500 CEOs. Prior to her career in research, Angela founded a summer school for underserved children that was profiled as a Harvard Kennedy School case study and, in 2018, celebrated its 25th anniversary. She has also been a McKinsey management consultant and a math and science teacher at public schools in New York City, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 27, 2021 • 1h 10min
199. Belonging From the Inside Out with Meg McKelvie
When our innate yearning for belongingness is unmet or mismanaged, we might question or worthiness or act inconsistently with our values. Dr. Meg McKelvie talks to us about how to cultivate a sense of belonging from the inside out, and outside in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 25, 2021 • 24min
Mending Racial Trauma with Carynne Williams and Jennifer Shepard Payne (Special Bonus Episode)
On the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, we share a powerful poem by Dr. Jennifer Shepard Payne, and Carynne Williams tells the story of her mission to help clinicians of color access trauma trainings.
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May 19, 2021 • 1h 4min
198. Break the Good Girl Myth with Majo Molfino
For generations, girls have been taught a certain set of rules. These rules are rooted in harmful, patriarchal ideas about what it means to be feminine. Followers of these rules may be referred to as “Good Girls,” and though following these rules makes us more palatable for society, it makes us quieter, less powerful members of society as well. In fact, inflexibly following these rules can prevent women from engaging with the full extent of their feminine power. Join Jill and Majo Molfino, women’s leadership expert and author of Breaking the Good Girl Myth, as they talk about five “Good Girl” myths, why we continue engaging in them, and how to break them today! Listen and Learn: What Jill and Debbie were like as little girls before society’s rules and myths impacted their behaviorWhy and how Jill and Debbie have re-embraced some of the behaviors they engaged in as little girlsWhat Majo was like as a little girl and why she asks each of her podcast guests what they were like as little girlsThe “Good Girl” Myths, how they’re rooted in the patriarchy, and how they impact girls and womenWhich “Good Girl” Myth might be impacting your behavior right nowMajo’s expert explanation of the spectrum of “Good Girl” MythsHow to recognize and break behavioral cycles rooted in myths about being a “Good Girl”Why the edge of vulnerability is the sweet spot for growthPractical advice for breaking preconceived, gender-related rules that are no longer serving you (read: stepping into your feminine power)The complex web of relations between imposter syndrome, capitalism, and the patriarchyHow Majo uses design principles to influence change in people’s livesSome big rules Jill and Majo have broken that have changed their lives for the betterThe positive aspects and strengths related to the “Good Girl” Myths and how to use them for your benefit Resources: Check out Majo’s podcast, Heroine where she interviews top female leaders, creatives, and visionariesTake Jill’s imposter quiz to find out exactly what kind of imposter YOU areBuy Majo’s book, Break the Good Girl Myth: How to Dismantle Outdated Rules, Unleash Your Power, and Design a More Purposeful Life Buy Jill’s book, Be Mighty Participate in Majo's meditations here. About Majo Molfino: Majo Molfino is an Argentine American author, designer, and women's leadership expert. She's the host of the Heroine Podcast, featuring top female leaders, creatives, and visionaries. Her leadership program, Ignite, guides women to design and share a creative dream with the world. With a master’s in Design from Stanford University and a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in cultural studies from McGill University, she supports women in designing their creative purpose without quitting their day jobs. She lives in California with her husband. Buy her book, Breaking the Good Girl Myth, take her free feminine power quiz, and take advantage of her free meditations through her website, majomolfino.com. Related Episodes: Episode 121. Be Mighty: An Episode for Stressed Out, Worried Women with Jill StoddardEpisode 163. The Likeability Trap with Alicia Menendez Episode 185. Good Guys: Allies in the Workplace with Brad Johnson and David SmithEpisode 176. Fair Play with Eve Rodsky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 11, 2021 • 59min
197. Influence and Adventure with Jon Levy
Debbie talks with behavioral scientist Jon Levy about his new book You're Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.