
Psychologists Off the Clock
We are five experts in psychology, bringing you science-backed ideas that can help you flourish in your work, relationships, and health.
Latest episodes

Sep 25, 2024 • 1h 4min
374. Developing and Deepening Connections with Adam Dorsay
In this insightful conversation, Adam Dorsay, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, shares his expertise on cultivating deeper connections. He discusses the vital importance of self-awareness and emotional bonding in relationships. Adam introduces the 'Driveway Test' to evaluate interactions and reflect on emotional satisfaction. He highlights the impact of FOMO and social media on our connections and emphasizes the power of shared experiences to strengthen relationships. Expect practical tips on fostering vulnerability and building joy-filled connections.

6 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 9min
373. How to Stop Freaking Out with Carla Naumburg
Join Carla Naumburg, a licensed clinical social worker and author of bestselling parenting books, as she dives into her latest work crafted for kids. She discusses the importance of acknowledging emotional freakouts and how they foster development. With her memorable FART acronym, she breaks down coping mechanisms and introduces the playful 'Safety Squirrel' to explain emotional responses. Carla shares mindfulness tips parents can use to help their children navigate feelings and highlights the magic of compassion and humor in family dynamics.

4 snips
Sep 11, 2024 • 1h 6min
372. The Art of the Interesting with Lorraine Besser
Lorraine Besser, a professor of philosophy at Middlebury College and author of 'The Art of the Interesting,' challenges our views on happiness and fulfillment. She argues that the relentless pursuit of joy can lead to emptiness, advocating instead for a psychologically rich life filled with novel and challenging experiences. Lorraine emphasizes cultivating curiosity and appreciating everyday moments, urging us to rethink our definitions of purpose and connection. Embracing psychological richness, she suggests, can lead to more profound meaning in our lives.

Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 12min
371. Uniting Toward a Better Future with Diana McLain Smith
What if the key to healing our fractured society lies not in silencing our differences, but in harnessing them?In this conversation with Diana M. Smith, a renowned thought leader in conflict resolution and organizational change, we're not just talking about the pressing issue of political divisiveness—we're talking about the power to reshape our society by rethinking how we engage with one another and transform conflicts into constructive forces for societal progress. Drawing from her extensive career, including her newest book, 'Remaking the Space Between Us,' Diana touches on compelling insights on how collaboration across groups can solve today's complex problems. Tune in to explore practical steps individuals and communities can take to foster understanding and unity in a polarized world and learn about the importance of shifting from an outrage mindset to an engaged mindset.Listen and Learn:
How Diana’s journey from grassroots political activism and organizational learning led to groundbreaking insights on resolving lateral conflicts and preventing the rise of authoritarianism in a rapidly changing world
How the media's focus on extremes distorts our perceptions and fuels division and what we can do to transform our fractured democracy
The rise of solutions-focused journalism and how the shift from outrage to engagement can reshape the way we consume news and empower communities to tackle real-world problems
The evolutionary history of in-group cooperation and out-group competition and how it has shaped today's divisive world
The inspiring groups leading us towards a new evolutionary step in building a multi-group democracy—one that could finally bridge our divides and meet the challenges of the 21st century
America's deep-rooted identity crisis, shaped by the historic tension between equality and liberty
Actionable steps to bridge divides and foster meaningful connections across groups, overcome isolation, challenge biases, and collaboratively address societal issues
Focusing on changing patterns rather than blaming individuals to transform adversaries into partners
Resources: Diane’s books:
Remaking the Space Between Us: How Citizens Work Together to Build a Better Future For All
Action Science
Elephant in the Room
Divide or Conquer
Find Diana online:
https://www.remakingthespace.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-smith-bb8b505/
https://www.instagram.com/dianamclainsmith
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555850530104
Referenced in this episode:
The Old Man Who Saved American Democracy. Twice by Jonathan V. Last: https://substack.com/@jvlast/p-147892467
Solutions Journalism Network: https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/
https://onestepinc.org/
https://startswith.us/
https://storycorps.org/
https://braverangels.org/
https://citizenconnect.us/
About Diana McLain SmithDiana McLain Smith is a renowned thought leader who has led change efforts for thirty-five years in some of America’s most iconic businesses and cutting-edge non-profits. A former partner at the Monitor Group and a former chief executive partner at New Profit, Smith developed an approach to conflict and change called Leading Through Relationships (LTR)TM.Related episodes:
262. Hope and Values in Dark Times with Us
51. The Psychology of Political Division with Yael and Debbie
281. Belonging Uncertainty and Bridging Divides with Geoffrey Cohen
234. The Power of Us with Dominic Packer
353. Ask Great Questions with Jeff Wetzler
96. Effective Conversations About Diversity with Anatasia Kim and Alicia del Prado
116. Building a Meaningful, Values-based Life with Jenna LeJeune
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Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 3min
370. Freedom, Energy, and Power with Emma Seppälä
Dr. Emma Seppälä, a renowned psychologist and Yale lecturer, invites listeners to explore true personal sovereignty beyond political definitions. She discusses how self-imposed barriers and emotional traps can hinder fulfillment. Key topics include self-compassion, transforming negative emotions into creative energy, and the importance of recognizing life imprints from trauma. Emma shares powerful meditation techniques that aided her personal journey and emphasizes the connection between intuition, relationships, and overall well-being for a more authentic life.

4 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 5min
369. Good News About Adolescence with Ellen Galinsky
Imagine seeing teenagers not as a bundle of challenges but as a wellspring of untapped potential. That's exactly what our guest Ellen Galinsky, President of Families and Work Institute, invites you to do in this episode, through her book 'The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens ' which challenges the negative cultural narratives about teenagers by presenting a new scientific framework that underscores teens' strengths and capabilities. Guiding us in understanding adolescent brain development, Ellen talks about the advantages of positive risk-taking, the role of executive function skills and offers a fresh perspective on adopting an approach to problem-solving that promotes autonomy. You’ll also hear how to navigate the turbulent waters of social media. Curious about how you can make the most of your teen’s toughest years? Tune in to learn some game-changing wisdom that could totally shift your perspective—and theirs!Listen and Learn:
Challenging the negative stereotypes of teenagers
Insights from the "Breakthrough Years" study on teens’ voices and development
Why risk-taking in adolescence is crucial for growth
How risk-seeking in teens fosters bravery and examples of how you can encourage positive risk-taking
Using autonomy-supportive caregiving to transform parenting and problem-solving with teens
Why shifting from an adversity mindset to a possibilities mindset can transform your parenting
How executive functioning—focus, working memory, reflection, and self-control—shapes success
Finding a balance of autonomy and structure in social media use and how this can support healthy teen development
Resources:
The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens
Ellen Galinsky: https://ellengalinsky.com/
The Great Rewiring of Our Lives: Have We Ruined Childhood Forever? https://iai.tv/video/the-great-rewiring-of-our-lives?time=420
Connect with Ellen on Social:
https://www.facebook.com/ellen.galinsky/
https://twitter.com/ellengalinsky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-galinsky-2512a95
About Ellen GalinskyEllen Galinsky is President of Families and Work Institute. She’s conducted research on child-care, parent-professional relationship, parental development, work-family issues and youth voice. She also serves as senior science advisor to AASA, the School Superintendent Organization and as senior advisor to the Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary of Youth Mental Health at the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ellen is the author of the best-selling Mind in the Making, more than 100 books/reports and 300 articles. Other highlights include serving as a parent expert in the Mister Rogers Talks to Parents TV series; as child care expert on Dr. T. Berry Brazelton’s TV series What Every Baby Knows; being the elected President of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); and being elected to the National Academy of Human Resources. In 2018, the Work and Family Researchers Network established the ongoing Ellen Galinsky Generative Researcher Award. She holds a Master of Science degree in child development and education from Bank Street College of Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in child study from Vassar College. Related Episodes:
342. Youth Sports and Raising Athletes with Kirsten Jones
337. Puberty Is Awkward with Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett
332. Middle School Superpowers with Phyllis Fagell
324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace
319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with the AMAZING Emily Edlynn
317. Growing Up in Public with Devorah Heitner
304. The Emotional Lives of Teenagers with Lisa Damour
253. Free Range Kids with Lenore Skenazy
240. Talking to Kids and Teens with Big Feelings with Adele LaFrance (EFFT Part 1 of 2)
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13 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 5min
368. Get Better at Anthing with Scott Young
In this insightful discussion, Scott Young, an author and educator renowned for his expertise in self-directed learning, shares his journey of self-studying MIT's computer science curriculum. He dives into the critical steps of mastering any skill through seeing, doing, and receiving feedback. Scott debunks common learning myths, explores the learning process for adults versus children, and offers strategies for overcoming fears in skill acquisition. Don't miss his practical tips for creating effective learning experiences and resources!

16 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 1h 2min
367. ADHD in Adulthood with Michaela Thomas
Michaela Thomas, a clinical psychologist and expert in ADHD, sheds light on the often overlooked challenges of adults with ADHD, especially women. She shares her personal journey of diagnosis, illustrating how it has empowered her to live authentically. The discussion tackles myths surrounding ADHD, the complexity of its diagnosis, and the unique challenges mothers face. Michaela also emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and supportive relationships, urging listeners to embrace their neurodivergent brains.

Jul 31, 2024 • 54min
366. Psychologists ON the Clock: Getting Experiential with Us
If you’re unsure about life's big decisions and tired of making endless pros and cons lists, we’ve got a bonus co-host episode just for you! We’re helping you break down complex decisions into easy-to-follow exercises that you can do right along with us or on your own time. From understanding your comfort zone to making tough choices based on values rather than fear or external pressures, we've got it all covered. It's like having your very own therapist in your earbuds. So join us, grab a pen and paper, and let us guide you in living a more purposeful life!Resources:
Jill’s Newsletter archive:https://jillstoddard.com/newsletter-archives
Go with Your Gut:
https://jillstoddard.mykajabi.com/e/BAh7BjoWZW1haWxfZGVsaXZlcnlfaWRsKwhzfBVgAwA%3D--474f34703358236832a89a99e3d07f24cb493f21?skip_click_tracking=true
Decision-Making:https://jillstoddard.mykajabi.com/e/BAh7BjoWZW1haWxfZGVsaXZlcnlfaWRsKwiOXf2cAgA%3D--fe7bdba30eb4f5f3cf33c61f944ca6a6fc5b1458?skip_click_tracking=true
Related Episodes:
77. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Jill Stoddard
285. What Do You Want Out of Life? Values Fulfillment Theory with Valerie Tiberius
262. Hope and Values in Dark Times with Us
238. Values During Times of Transition (with Us)
218. Off the Clock with Us
116. Building a Meaningful, Values-based Life with Jenna LeJeune
313. ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety with Brian Pilecki and Brian Thompson
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Jul 24, 2024 • 58min
365. Tightwads and Spendthrifts with Scott Rick
Money talk can be a real minefield in relationships, especially if you and your partner or spouse have totally different spending habits. If this sounds familiar then you’ve got to check out our latest episode with Dr. Scott Rick, a behavioral scientist and the author of Tightwads and Spendthrifts. We tackle questions like whether tightwads and spendthrifts can actually find harmony together and uncover insights from his original research on the psychology of money management in relationships. Tune in to discover how your financial mindset could be impacting your love life and get actionable tips to transform your money management anxieties!Listen and Learn:
How our psychology not only influences how we handle money, but the way we handle money also influences our psychology
Defining tightwads, spendthrifts, and unconflicted consumers
Does research suggest who is more likely to be a tightwad or spendthrift, and are there differences beyond how much money they make?
The most harmonious versus more conflictual pairings among Tightwads and Spenthroots
Are couples with joint accounts and some financial translucency more likely to have higher marital satisfaction than full transparency?
Scott’s strategies for both tightwads and spendthrifts to manage their spending anxieties
Why letting the tightwad parent handle toy purchases and the spendthrift plan vacations can lead to lasting family happiness
How to teach your kids about money and responsibility while balancing their hobbies and preparing them for real-life financial decisions
Resources:
scottrick.com
Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships
https://www.instagram.com/likelyshopping/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottianrick/
https://twitter.com/scottianrick
About Scott RickScott Rick is a marketing professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He holds a PhD in Behavioral Decision Research from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a National Science Foundation graduate research fellow. He has published research in premier journals spanning marketing, psychology, economics, and neuroscience. At the University of Michigan, he has won awards for both research and teaching. Rick's research has been covered extensively in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and NPR. His first book, Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships, was published in January 2024 by St. Martin’s Press.Related Episodes:
182. Do More With Less: How to Stretch in Work and Life with Scott Sonenshein
142. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) with Patrick McGinnis
217. Redefining Rich with Shannon Hayes
291. Finding Freedom From Regret with Robert Leahy
284. Things We Love with Aaron Ahuvia
296. Money and Love with Abby Davisson
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