The Psychology Podcast

Annie Murphy Paul, a renowned science writer focusing on learning and cognitive science, steps in as a guest interviewer, reflecting on over a decade of insightful conversations. They discuss the transformative journey of the podcast, emphasizing the redefinition of intelligence beyond traditional metrics. Key themes include valuing creativity, self-actualization, and the importance of human connection. Scott shares personal insights on emotional intelligence and the necessity of vulnerability for growth, closing with heartfelt gratitude for the supportive community.

Dr. Alia Crum, a leading researcher on mindsets, dives into how our beliefs can fundamentally alter our health and behaviors. She discusses her innovative studies, such as the hotel housekeepers whose mindsets changed their physical outcomes. Alia also explores how perceptions of stress can either enhance or debilitate us, emphasizing the power of mindset in managing challenges like cancer. By reshaping our interpretations, we can foster resilience and improve our quality of life. This riveting conversation highlights the transformative potential of mindsets in our everyday experiences.

Dr. Elisabet Lahti, an applied psychology researcher and founder of the Sisu Lab, dives deep into the Finnish concept of sisu—an embodiment of resilience and courage. She shares her personal journey, detailing how adversity shaped her research. Lahti highlights the everyday moments of choosing courage, contrasting sisu with grit, and discussing the concept of 'gentle power.' She provides a framework to develop one's sisu muscles and advocates for integrating strength with compassion, emphasizing how this can bolster mental health and societal well-being.

RaQuel Hopkins, a certified coach and clinical mental health counselor, shares her journey from coping to growth. They delve into how identity can limit development and the importance of expanding mental and emotional capacity. RaQuel discusses her evolution towards helping others thrive, the dangers of performative vulnerability, and the significance of community in shaping our identities. She emphasizes shifting from short-term coping strategies to long-term growth, urging listeners to embrace their potential and engage fully with life.

Dr. Ben Rein, a Stanford neuroscientist and author of *Why Brains Need Friends*, joins to explore the neurobiology of social interaction. He discusses the epidemic of loneliness and why our brains crave connection. Ben highlights the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin in making socializing rewarding. They dive into empathy training, explaining how we can increase cognitive empathy and the factors affecting our likability. Plus, he examines the downsides of virtual interactions and the impact of social media on mental health.

Joe Nucci, a psychotherapist and author of *Psychobabble*, joins to challenge viral mental health myths. He argues that not everyone needs therapy and that emotional expression isn't always beneficial. Nucci explains why mindfulness can be harmful without proper skills and critiques the misconception that everyone has trauma. He also discusses the complexities of labels like 'narcissist' and the risks of over-diagnosing ADHD. This conversation sheds light on mental health misinformation and emphasizes a compassionate, nuanced understanding.

Dr. Alex Auerbach, a licensed counseling and sport performance psychologist, shares insights into achieving athletic excellence. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and the power of rest over relentless training. The conversation highlights how strong relationships enhance performance and the need for balance in training and recovery. Auerbach also discusses strategies for cultivating a growth mindset and emotional regulation, asserting that greatness is within everyone’s reach if they embrace their potential.

Join Dr. Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of 'Dealing with Feelings', as he unpacks the complexities of emotional management. He emphasizes the vital role of co-regulation and self-compassion in navigating life's ups and downs. Discover how feelings mentors can greatly influence self-esteem and emotional well-being. The conversation is filled with practical strategies for harnessing emotional power, enhancing resilience, and promoting personal growth through effective emotional intelligence.

Chris Guillebeau, author and entrepreneur known for his work on non-conformity and time anxiety, dives into the concept of time anxiety and its distinction from FOMO. He discusses how societal pressures for efficiency create a sense of urgency that affects our well-being. Together with Scott, they explore redefining 'enough' to promote mindfulness, encourage a more fulfilling life, and challenge the conventional views on time management. Guillebeau also reflects on the joys of travel while emphasizing the importance of being present.

Olga Khazan, a Staff writer for The Atlantic and author of 'Me, But Better,' dives into the intriguing realm of personality change based on her year-long experiment. She discusses the surprising plasticity of traits like introversion and neuroticism, examining what psychological research reveals about our ability to transform. Khazan shares insights on using mindfulness, improvisation, and meditation to foster emotional stability and enhance well-being. Tune in for practical advice on reshaping your personality and becoming a better version of yourself.