The Psychology Podcast

Judson Brewer, a neuroscientist and addiction psychiatrist, talks about mindfulness, breaking unhealthy habits, everyday addictions, reversal of addictions, preferences for cake over broccoli, shortcomings of willpower, discipline, anxiety's role in habit formation, science of curiosity, understanding cravings, and anxiety sobriety.

Today it’s great to chat with Arthur Brooks on the podcast. Arthur is the William Henry Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. Before joining the Harvard faculty in July of 2019, he served for ten years as president of the Washington, D.C.-based American Enterprise Institute (AEI), one of the world’s leading think tanks. Topics · Arthur’s relationship to music · Arthur’s experience with silent meditation retreats · Arthur’s unique spin on the science of happiness · The importance of suffering · Arthur’s conversation with the Dalai Lama · How to treat people like assets instead of liabilities · Being needed vs. objectifying oneself · How to cultivate dignity · The importance of having “useless” friends · Why fear is the opposite of love · The difference between empathy and compassion · How religion and spirituality impact human happiness · How creativity contributes to happiness Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Noreena Hertz, a renowned thought leader and author of "The Lonely Century," dives into the pressing issue of loneliness in our digital world. She discusses the psychological impact of social isolation and its alarming connections to mental health and societal divisions. Hertz emphasizes the need for revitalizing local communities and fostering genuine connections. She also explores innovative solutions, such as mukbang and AI companionship, while highlighting the importance of compassion and face-to-face interactions in combating the loneliness crisis.

Christian Jarrett, a cognitive neuroscientist and Deputy Editor of Psyche, dives into the fascinating world of personality and its malleability. He discusses how our biology and environment shape who we are, emphasizing the influence of health, job roles, and peer interactions. Christian shares insights on the lemon juice personality test and critiques cancel culture, advocating for the importance of redemption and personal growth. He also explores the complex nature of personality disorders and the surprising traits exhibited by leaders, making a case for the power of a challenge mindset.

Today it’s great to have Tim Grover on the podcast. Tim is the CEO of Attack Athletics Inc. which he founded in 1989 and author of the international bestseller Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable. World renowned for his work with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and thousands of athletes and business professionals. He appears around the world as a keynote speaker and consultant to business leaders, athletes, and lead achievers in every field. His latest book is called Winning: The Unforgivable Race to Greatness. Topics [00:01:58] Tim’s childhood and upbringing [00:09:08] Choosing to become a professional trainer [00:11:50] From "fat kid" to competitive basketball player [00:16:26] "The most successful are the most coachable" [00:19:30] Victim Mentality vs. Victory Mentality [00:22:51] The early days of Tim’s career [00:25:46] Meeting and working with Michael Jordan [00:30:55] Michael Jordan’s feedback about Tim [00:33:54] Being a part of the Chicago Bulls Dynasty [00:41:50] Meeting Kobe Bryant [00:45:42] The phone call just before Kobe’s passing [00:50:39] "The unforgiveable race to winning" [00:54:48] The difference between competing and winning [00:56:40] The importance of grit for winning [01:01:36] How uplifting others is the ultimate win [01:05:11] Creating personal definitions of winning Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bridget Phetasy is a writer and stand-up comedian. Bridget has contributed to a wide variety of publications such as SpectatorUSA, Huffington Post, Playboy, Tablet Magazine, The Washington Examiner, and more. As the owner and operator of Phetasy, Inc., she has built a digital media cul-de-sac, leveraging existing platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, and Locals to deliver insightful and compelling commentary and observations on current events. Her YouTube show Dumpster Fire is a satirical commentary on the ridiculousness of the 24-hour news cycle. Her weekly podcast, Walk-Ins Welcome, has become staple listening for many influencers in the social media space. Topics [5:16] The power and utility of humor [12:26] The usefulness of self-deprecating humor [14:22] Bridget’s thoughts on social media [21:21] Bridget discusses politics and values [28:00] Bridget’s thoughts on being “politically homeless” [31:31] The link between "commodified outrage" and histrionics [34:33] The issue of online "trauma-dumping" [36:21] The language of therapy out in the wild [39:23] The difference between "performative histrionics" and a genuine cry for help [43:32] The relationship between narcissism and technology [47:46] Why it’s so hard to do things that are good for us [50:27] Bridget’s thoughts on whether speech can be violent [55:15] What it was like being on Curb Your Enthusiasm [1:01:10] What it was like wearing a Tucker Carlson shirt for a week in LA [1:04:20] How to see both sides of an issue [1:09:09] Which lessons from AA could American politics benefit from? Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katy Milkman is an award-winning behavioral scientist and the James G. Dinan Professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She hosts Charles Schwab’s popular behavioral economics podcast Choiceology, and is the co-founder and co-director of The Behavior Change for Good Initiative. She has worked with or advised dozens of organizations on how to spur positive change, including Google, the U.S. Department of Defense, the American Red Cross, 24 Hour Fitness, Walmart and Morningstar. Her research is regularly featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and NPR. Topics [1:33] What it means to align one’s actions with their goals and dreams [2:41] Why change is difficult [6:51] Katy’s thoughts on the barrier of conformity [8:37] Katy discusses laziness [12:20] The power of elastic habits [21:09] How to avoid flaking out [29:01] How to create a fresh start [39:21] Why a fresh start can be a setback to some [45:06] What “temptation-bundling” is [48:33] Katy’s thoughts on self-control [51:14] How the power of social forces can boost self-control [54:15] Can positive behavioral interventions create meaningful change? [56:12] Does age have an impact on the ability to change? [58:46] When should we seek change vs. self-acceptance? [1:02:26] What behavioral changes make a better academic? Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging conversation, Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar and former president of Disney Animation, shares insights from his illustrious career. He discusses the unique blend of art and technology that sparked the evolution of computer graphics. Ed recounts his collaborations with legends like Steve Jobs and emphasizes the importance of a sustainable creative culture. He delves into the allure of animation, the challenges of leading through change, and the need for diversity in storytelling, all while navigating the complexities of creativity.

Today it’s great to chat with Dave Asprey, Founder & Chairman of Bulletproof. Dave is a three-time New York Times bestselling science author, host of the Webby award-winning podcast Bulletproof Radio, and has been featured on the Today Show, CNN, The New York Times, Dr. Oz, and more. His latest book is called Fast This Way: Burn Fat, Heal Inflammation, and Eat Like the High-Performing Human You Were Mean to Be. Topics [2:13] Dave shares his vision quest experience [9:50] Why Dave started Bulletproof [15:12] Dave explains the science behind MCT [18:10] Dave’s rules for fasting [21:09] Working fast vs. spiritual fast [23:01] Cravings vs. hunger [27:51] The science of the keto diet [32:30] The science and mentality behind cravings [36:16] How to develop sustainable food habits [40:39] Dave shares the impact of fasting on his body and mind [44:25] Why Dave thinks he can live to 180 [51:32] Dave explains the “16:8 Fast” [56:42] Dave discusses the dangers of over-fasting Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today it’s great to chat with Julie Lythcott-Haims on the show. Julie believes in humans and is deeply interested in what gets in our way. She is a former corporate lawyer and Stanford dean. She serves on the board of Common Sense Media, and on the advisory board of LeanIn.Org, and she is a former board member at Foundation for a College Education, Global Citizen Year, The Writers Grotto, and Challenge Success. Julie is the New York Times bestselling author of the anti-helicopter parenting manifesto How to Raise an Adult. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American. Her third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, will be out in April 2021. Topics [1:32] How Julie defines “adulting” [3:07] How the way we define adulthood has changed over time [5:59] What is the “adult mindset”? [8:00] Why Julie challenges the “right track” concept of adulthood [15:07] Julie’s advice to those who want to take an unconventional path [18:57] Julie’s advice to those struggling with questions of identity [20:46] Julie’s encounters with racism and “othering” [26:21] Julie’s promise of inclusivity and how she overcame her struggles [29:40] Julie’s thoughts on self-acceptance and self-love [33:22] How Julie collected inspiring stories from people for her book [37:15] Julie’s advice to people who struggle to embrace outsiders [40:17] How Julie ended up interviewing her Lyft driver for her book [42:54] Julie’s reflections on intuition and her observational capacity [45:43] “Life’s beautiful F-words” Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.