Breaking beliefism

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Joanna Moncrieff, Professor of Critical and Social Psychiatry at University College London. They question the long-held belief that depression is caused by a serotonin deficit. They discuss the behavioural interventions that could prove to be much more effective than medication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan chats to his long-time collaborator, Dr Laura Kudrna. They reflect on their collaboration on his happiness books, the importance of social connection, and how making mistakes is an important part of learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee Willows, founder of Community Care Gaming and a passionate advocate for gambling education, shares his journey from a casual gambler to recovering from a severe addiction. He discusses the hidden struggles of debt and concealment that strained his relationships. Lee emphasizes the importance of support networks and how he turned his pain into purpose by founding the Young Gamblers Education Trust. The conversation delves into the role of technology in gambling, parental influence, and the need for responsible conversations about betting.

Professor Anil Seth, a cognitive and computational neuroscience expert from the University of Sussex and author of "Being You," dives into the complexities of consciousness. He breaks down how our perception shapes our experiences, exploring everything from the consciousness of different species to the construction of the self by the brain. Seth challenges the conventional notions of free will and highlights how perceptual differences can lead to belief echo chambers, suggesting that understanding perception can foster humility and dialogue.

Elaine Lin Hering, a negotiation expert and author of Unlearning Silence, shares insights on the importance of speaking up in decision-making. She discusses how learned silence hinders effective dialogue and explores the power dynamics affecting who gets heard in organizations. Elaine advocates for designing inclusive environments that encourage diverse perspectives, emphasizing cognitive diversity in the workplace. She highlights the need for leaders to promote open communication and the value of embracing disagreements as opportunities for growth.

Karthik Ramanna, a Professor at Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government and author of The Age of Outrage, dives into the issue of societal outrage and polarization. He discusses the need for new managerial skills to effectively handle public anger and the decline of civility in workplaces. Karthik identifies key drivers of modern outrage, including fear and low trust in institutions, and presents a five-step framework to manage responses. He emphasizes the importance of respectful dialogue and listening to dissent as crucial leadership qualities.

Leor Zmigrod, a political psychologist and neuroscientist, explores how neuroscience illuminates the roots of our beliefs and ideologies. She argues that ideologies can limit our freedom, prompting a provocative debate with host Paul Dolan. They discuss how cognitive flexibility influences ideological rigidity and the role of neuroplasticity under stress. Leor advocates for re-evaluating ideologies to protect democratic values while addressing the paradox of tolerance. Their conversation is a deep dive into the intersection of belief, identity, and cognitive science.

In a captivating discussion, Sami Timimi, a seasoned child and adolescent psychiatrist and author of "Searching for Normal," dives into his bicultural upbringing and its influence on his journey into psychiatry. He critiques the rising trend of diagnostic labels like ADHD, highlighting their commercialization and questioning their validity. Sami emphasizes the importance of relational care over technical fixes in mental health, linking the societal shift towards individualism to the commodification of distress. His insights challenge listeners to reconsider the complexities of mental health.

Dan Ariely, a behavioral economics professor at Duke University, shares his unique insights shaped by his recovery from severe burns. He discusses how pain management informs his research and the need for better healthcare practices for terminally ill patients. The conversation delves into the meaning of living fully amidst illness, self-acceptance, and the ethical dilemmas of assisted dying. Ariely also challenges traditional views on legacy, urging a focus on present connections and the importance of dialogue in understanding diverse beliefs.

Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East and former Government minister, shares her journey from academia to politics, highlighting her focus on fairness and autonomy. She discusses the challenges of nuanced political discourse in an age of performative politics and why wellbeing metrics often take a backseat to GDP-focused policy. Dodds also reflects on her controversial resignation over defense funding, the importance of cross-party collaboration, and the impact of social media on serious political debates.