The Psychology Podcast

George Bonanno, a professor of psychology and expert on trauma, shares his insights on resilience and its misconceptions. He discusses how societal views on trauma influenced the development of the PTSD diagnosis. Bonanno reveals that people are often more resilient than they believe, highlighting the difference between resilience and growth. He introduces the flexibility mindset, emphasizing its importance in coping with crises like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers practical strategies for enhancing personal resilience.

In a captivating discussion, Steven Pinker, a renowned Harvard psychologist and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, explores the essence of rationality. He dives into its connection to truth and the trade-offs in decision-making. The conversation reveals the limits of strategic irrationality and the challenge of navigating societal beliefs. Pinker also highlights the critical relationship between rationality and social justice, urging listeners to adapt rational tools for greater good, while pondering the meanings of acceptable fiction in our changing times.

Annie Murphy Paul, an acclaimed author and cognitive science writer, joins to unravel the fascinating concept of 'the extended mind.' She explores how our intelligence extends beyond just the brain, involving our bodies, environments, and social interactions. Delving into themes like cognitive unloading and the benefits of synchronous activities, she reveals how knowledge and expertise thrive in collaboration. Plus, she discusses the impact of information overload and how nurturing relationships can enhance our cognitive processes. A thought-provoking conversation that redefines intelligence!

Paige Harden, a clinical psychology professor and author of "The Genetic Lottery," discusses the complex interplay between genetics and social equality. She dives into how heritability should not be mistaken for determinism and critiques IQ testing's historical links to eugenics. Harden advocates for educational policies that embrace individual differences while promoting collective growth. Additionally, she explores the societal implications of genetic research, highlighting the need for nuanced understanding in addressing racism and inequality.

Nick Gillespie, a prominent libertarian journalist and editor at Reason Magazine, dives into the essence of libertarianism and its relationship with soft parenting and cancel culture. He critiques America’s foreign interventions while sharing insights on childhood influences and the pressures faced by millennials. Gillespie discusses the complexities of cancel culture and its effects on free speech. He humorously reflects on the evolution of parenting styles and the importance of individual acceptance, urging a dialogue on societal norms and personal freedoms.

Richard Ryan, a renowned psychologist and co-developer of Self-Determination Theory, delves into the intricacies of human motivation. He discusses the vital role of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in driving intrinsic motivation. The conversation explores the significance of benevolence, the importance of supportive environments, and how narratives like the underdog story can inspire growth. Ryan also critiques the education system, advocating for approaches that foster individuality and creativity, tying it all back to the essential psychological needs for a flourishing life.

Ron Friedman, an award-winning social psychologist and author of 'Decoding Greatness', shares insights on reverse engineering success. He explains how analyzing the achievements of others can enhance creativity more than relying on raw talent. The discussion covers the Ritz-Carlton's 'scoreboard principle' for customer satisfaction, the balance between originality and imitation, and the role of deliberate practice in mastering skills. Friedman emphasizes that courageous risk-taking and strategic learning pave the way for personal growth and achievement.

In this engaging conversation, Brad Stulberg, an expert on human performance and well-being, shares insights from his work with executives and athletes. He discusses the concept of 'groundedness' as essential for mental health and contrasts it with heroic individualism that often leads to isolation. Brad emphasizes the importance of community, vulnerability, and a process-oriented mindset for personal growth. He also highlights the mental health benefits of movement, calling for a shift away from hustle culture to nurture deeper connections and acceptance.

In this conversation, Irvin D. Yalom, renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author, shares his profound insights on existential psychotherapy. He reflects on his childhood experiences and the impact of racial segregation, alongside his passion for literature and chess. Yalom delves into death anxiety and regret, exploring how these emotions shape our relationships. He shares personal tales of love, loss, and acceptance, emphasizing the vital role of interpersonal connections as we confront life’s inevitable end. His wisdom offers therapists and listeners alike guidance on living meaningfully.

Today we have Heather McGhee on the podcast. Heather is an expert in economic and social policy. The former president of the inequality-focused thinktank “Demos” McGhee has drafted a legislation testified before Congress and contributed regularly in news shows including MBC’s “Meet the Press”. She now chairs the board of “Color of Change”, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. McGhee holds a BA in American Studies from Yale University and a JD from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. Her latest book is called “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together”. Topics · Disconnect between policy makers and working families · Heather’s hope for America · Zero-sum racial competition in White and Black People · The true definition of “White Privilege” · Racist policy-making in determining economic opportunity · How the Subprime Mortgage Crisis was fueled by racism · Heather meeting a white supremacist-turned-anti-racist advocate · “The Big Lie” in election results · Trump’s “Populist” Agenda · Black and White people on environmentalism · Systems in America as the biggest barrier in racial education Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.