The Psychology Podcast

We’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year with Lisa Feldman Barrett.Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is among the top one percent most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior.Her books include Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made. She has published over 240 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals. Dr. Barrett has been called “the most important affective scientist of our time”. In this episode, I talk to renowned neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett about emotions and the brain. She reveals what the true function of the brain is⎯and it’s not for thinking. We also discuss the impact of past experiences on our cognition and what we can do to overcome our own detrimental patterns. Further into our discussion, Dr. Lisa challenges the traditionally held view that emotions are universal. In her own theory of constructed emotion, she argues that variability in emotional expression exists due to socialization and language differences. We also touch on the topics of hallucinogens, culture, education, relationships, and authoritarianism. Website: lisafeldmanbarrett.comTwitter: @LFeldmanBarrett Topics00:01:42 Lisa’s interest in clinical psychology00:03:53 A biological approach to emotions00:06:29 Why do we have a neocortex? 00:14:49 The default mode network00:21:47 The brain is not for thinking00:25:06 Authoritarianism during economic hardship00:32:04 Psychological entropy00:35:33 The brain weather forecast00:44:16 The mind-brain problem00:47:37 Relationships are reflexive00:51:46 Emotional expression isn’t universal00:58:35 Why you shouldn’t trust psychology textbooks / 6 universal emotions?01:03:03 Reaching out to Paul Ekman 01:10:42 The theory of constructed emotion01:16:49 The role of socialization and language in emotions 01:23:43 The never-ending domain-general vs domain-specific debate in cognitive scienceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome David McRaney. He is a science journalist fascinated with brains, minds, and culture. In 2012, he created the podcast You Are Not So Smart based on his 2009 internationally bestselling book of the same name and its follow-up, You Are Now Less Dumb. David is also an editor, photographer, voiceover artist, television host, journalism teacher, lecturer, and tornado survivor. His most recent book is called How Minds Change.In this episode, I talk to David McRaney about the science of belief and persuasion. In this day and age of online tribes and echo chambers, changing people’s opinions seems like an impossible task. Instead of arguing over facts, David encourages us to use empathy to understand why we disagree. He explains Piaget's framework behind knowledge building and shares the use of technique rebuttal for sincere conversations.Website: www.davidmcraney.comTwitter: @davidmcraney Topics02:12 David’s interest in how minds change08:41 Piaget's Genetic Epistemology13:49 Focus on motivations, not conclusions16:35 Why do people see the viral 2015 dress differently? 23:44 How we produce and evaluate arguments28:36 We’re living in a post trust world32:32 How to change minds in large groups44:33 Cults and conspiratorial communities52:57 Technique rebuttalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Neal Brennan. He is a director, writer, actor, and comedian most known for co-creating and co-writing the Comedy Central series Chappelle's Show with Dave Chappelle and cult movie classic Half Baked.  Neal received three Emmy nominations for Chappelle’s Show; one for directing, and the other two for writing and producing. He has also performed stand-up on Last Call with Carson Daly, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Lopez Tonight, and Conan. Recently, his comedy special called Blocks was released on Netflix. In this episode, I talk to Neal Brennan about his comedy and upbringing. As early as 8 years old, Neal has been interested in comedy for its “fairness”. He reveals who his early influences were and what it was like working with Dave Chappelle. In this episode I gave Neal some impromptu psychological tests to help us both understand more about his unique mind. We also touch on the topics of relationships, mindfulness, cognitive distortions, and neurodiversity.Website: www.nealbrennan.comTwitter: @nealbrennan Topics02:31 Neal’s family background09:44 When Neal discovered comedy 15:48 Meeting Dave Chappelle18:00 The aftermath of Half Baked21:26 The highs and lows of  Chappelle’s Show26:06 “We contain multitudes”28:20 Neal’s relationships and reality dysmorphia36:04 Vulnerable narcissism test44:46 How vulnerable narcissism develops48:16 Cognitive distortions55:46 Mindfulness, drugs, and therapySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Dr. Becky Kennedy. She is a clinical psychologist and mom of three, recently named “The Millennial Parenting Whisperer” by TIME Magazine. She specializes in parenting and child development, with an emphasis on anxiety and resilience. Dr. Becky received her BA in Psychology and Human Development from Duke University and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. Her latest book is called Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be.In this episode, I talk to Becky Kennedy about good parenting. Raising children is no easy task. As a mom herself, Dr. Becky knows what that’s like. Her parenting philosophy revolves around seeing the good inside every child and seeing the sturdy leader in every parent. She shares actionable advice on how to repair emotional connection after conflict, how to reduce shame, and how we can break unhealthy generational patterns. We also touch on the topics of genetics, resilience, attachment, and self-care.Website: www.goodinside.comInstagram: @drbeckyatgoodinside Topics02:20 Dr. Becky’s interest in parenting06:00 The Good Inside Approach10:22 Maximizing for attachment safety17:32 Raising children with empathy 23:18 The most generous interpretation28:49 “Two things are true” mode 33:34 How to make up with our kids after a fight38:21 Dr. Becky’s recommended resources 39:27 Prioritize resilience over happiness43:49 How to detect and reduce shame48:04 Self-care for exhausted parents50:25 Tips for cycle breakersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Whitney Johnson, CEO and co-founder of the tech-enabled talent development company Disruption Advisors. Whitney is a globally recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, executive coach, and consultant. She is a frequent lecturer at Harvard Business Publishing’s Corporate Learning division. She is also the bestselling author of Disrupt Yourself and Build an A Team. Her latest book is called Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company.In this episode, I talk to Whitney Johnson about business growth. According to Whitney, the development of the individual comes first before the company’s. Growth can be better understood using the S Curve of Learning which has three phases: the Launch Point, the Sweet Spot, and Mastery. By comprehending the cycle of growth, we can find ways to move forward when we feel stuck in both our professional and personal lives. We also touch on the topics of flow, creativity, transcendence, success, and leadership.Website: www.whitneyjohnson.comTwitter: @johnsonwhitney Topics01:35 Disruption Advisors07:55 The S Curve of Learning11:13 Optimize your team for growth14:23 Mastery and transcendence16:18 Peak experience and peak performance21:26 The S Curve as a retention tool25:00 Excavating your shadow values28:13 Grow your people to grow your company33:53 Create the conditions for growth37:19 The S Curve is a dopamine management exercise40:20 When to quit and change careers 42:51 Changing the metrics of success47:16 Disrupt yourself a little bit everydaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Dan Tomasulo who is a counseling psychologist, professor, and the Academic Director at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute (SMBI), Teachers College, Columbia University. He holds a Ph.D. in psychology, an MFA in writing, and a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Dan is also the author of several books, including American Snake Pit and Confessions of a Former Child: A Therapist's Memoir. His latest book is called Learned Hopefulness.In this episode, I talk to Dan Tomasulo about psychodrama and learned hopefulness. Interventions have always focused on helping people recover from trauma but Dan believes we can do more than that through psychodrama. When we re-enact difficult experiences, we can process and integrate trauma in a way that facilitates growth. It also teaches us to perceive obstacles differently, which is integral to learning hopefulness. Website: www.dantomasulo.comTwitter: @drdantomasulo Topics01:27 Dan as a stand-up comedian04:58 Meeting Andy Kaufman08:33 Dan’s interest in psychology14:36 American Snake Pit 21:35 Interactive Behavioral Therapy (IBT)27:10 What is psychodrama?34:15 Learned Hopefulness41:00 Hope activating exercises45:49 Spiritual psychology51:55 Hope, optimism, faithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Sonja Lyubomirsky who is a distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. Originally from Russia, she received her A.B., summa cum laude, from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in Social/Personality Psychology from Stanford University. Her research has been featured in hundreds of magazines, newspapers, shows and documentaries in North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Dr. Lyubomirsky’s best-selling books The How of Happiness and The Myths of Happiness have been published and translated in over 16 countries.In this episode, I talk to Sonja Lyubomirsky about happiness. Across all of her research, Dr. Lyubomirsky has found that connection is what makes people happy. So then, how do we form high-quality connections? Dr. Lyubomirsky gives us insight on how to use kindness, reciprocity, and gratitude to maintain and strengthen our relationships. We also touch on the topics of psychedelics, interpersonal chemistry, and social media.Website: drsonja.netTwitter: @slyubomirsky Topics01:38 Sonja’s interest in happiness research03:56 The Happiness Pie Chart07:55 The Set-point Theory of Happiness10:42 Connection is the key to happiness15:19 Are extroverts happier? 20:12 Psychedelic social psychology25:25 The Happiness Boomerang Effect29:58 What makes for great conversation?34:16 High-quality connections36:47 How to create interpersonal chemistry42:44 Can you count too many blessings?45:27 Apps that make us happy and unhappy 51:39 Kindness boosts immunitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Martha Beck, who is a New York Times bestselling author, life coach, and speaker. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science. Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha is a passionate and engaging teacher, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality. Her newest book is called The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self.In this episode, I talk to Martha Beck about integrity. According to her, we are all born true to ourselves, with our integrity intact. But then we lose sight of who we are because we try so hard to fit into our society. Martha shares advice on how to live authentically in a culture that doesn't necessarily share the same values as you. We also touch on the topics of neurodiversity, emotions, coaching, and transcendence.Website: marthabeck.comTwitter: @TheMarthaBeck Topics02:38 Martha’s interest in coaching04:17 Martha’s Harvard degrees06:55 Science and eastern philosophy13:31 Writing for Oprah’s magazine15:13 Regaining our wildness20:19 The Way of Integrity25:08 Duplicity is people pleasing31:32 Inspiration from Dante’s Divine Comedy34:55 Enlightenment through surrender39:25 Personal effectiveness47:11 Suffering is a guidance mechanism 52:27 How Martha left the LDS Mormon Church56:27 Hold true to your integritySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Dr. Laurie Santos, psychology professor and Head of Silliman College at Yale University. Her course, “Psychology and the Good Life,”is Yale’s most popular course in over 300 years and has been adapted into a free Coursera program that has been taken by over 3.3 million people to date. Dr. Santos is a winner of numerous awards both for her science and teaching from institutions such as Yale and the American Psychological Association. She is also the podcast host of The Happiness Lab.In this episode, I talk to Dr. Laurie Santos about happiness. People are unhappy not for lack of trying, but it’s because they’re applying ineffective strategies. Dr. Santos identifies some of the cognitive biases that can hinder our happiness. There is no magical antidote to our problems, but there are ways to boost well-being in small but significant ways. We also discuss resilience, social justice and mindfulness.Website: drlauriesantos.comTwitter: @lauriesantos Topics03:04 Laurie’s interest in well-being06:54 Our expectations about happiness 09:44 Defining and measuring happiness13:59 Predictors of resilience 15:43 Laurie’s happiness score17:39 “Self-care is a political act”22:39 The Feel Good, Do Good Effect24:11 The role of culture, environment, genes27:55 Contributions to the science of happiness32:13 The impact of Laurie’s research35:19 Cognitive biases that influence happiness38:16 Do mindfulness interventions work?44:37 The Happiness Lab’s new seasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In celebration of our first year anniversary with Stitcher, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year with Esther Perel.Esther Perel is a psychotherapist and a New York Times bestselling author, recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she hones a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her best-selling books Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs have been translated into nearly 30 languages. Esther is also an executive producer and host of the popular podcast Where Should We Begin? and How’s Work? Her latest project is Where Should We Begin − A Game of Stories with Esther Perel. In this episode, I talk to renowned psychotherapist and author Esther Perel about love and relationships. We tackle the true essence of the words “eros” and “freedom”. Esther offers her perspective on marriage and affairs, getting to the root cause of why people cheat. We also touch on the topics of soulmates, masculinity, how to keep passion alive during a global pandemic, and Esther’s practice as a cross-cultural therapist. Website: www.estherperel.comInstagram: @estherperelofficial Topics02:02 Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic04:33 Social connection during the pandemic 10:04 “The erotic is the antidote to death”17:02 True freedom in relationships22:05 Soulmates don’t exist 26:38 Why people in happy marriages cheat29:46 Can an affair be good for a marriage?34:54 Where Should We Begin?39:00 Redefining marriage, fidelity, and sexuality46:25 Esther’s cross-cultural approach to therapy49:31 Esther’s interest in cultural transitions, identity, and relationships54:56 The masculine obsession with power 01:00:08 The Great AdaptationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.