The Psychology Podcast

In this episode, I talk with Geoffrey Miller, an American evolutionary psychologist, researcher, and author about elements of evolutionary psychology such as virtue signaling, altruism, sexual selection, and their role in the evolution of human nature. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Martin Seligman, a leading authority in positive psychology and resilience, dives into fascinating topics like learned helplessness and human agency. He shares insights about the transformative power of optimism and how resilience can counteract adversity. Seligman discusses his research journey, transitioning from animal studies to exploring well-being, as well as the role of positive psychology during challenging times like the pandemic. Reflecting on gratitude and meaningful relationships, he emphasizes the importance of fostering hope in both personal and societal contexts.

In this episode I discuss habits with social psychologist Wendy Wood-- how to break the bad ones, create good habits, and how to make them actually stick. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging conversation, Pete Carroll, the renowned NFL coach and head of the Seattle Seahawks, shares his philosophy on achieving success through meaning and purpose. He delves into the essence of a championship mindset, viewing competition as a pathway to growth. Carroll discusses the traits he values in players, such as resilience and grit, and shares insights on overcoming personal limitations. He emphasizes living each day like a Super Bowl and finding authenticity within team dynamics, encouraging listeners to embrace challenges and foster supportive relationships.

Cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand discusses tight and loose cultures, exploring the evolution and impact of social norms. She analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different cultural mindsets, highlighting the importance of understanding perceived threats and organizational dynamics. The conversation delves into navigating cultural differences, negotiating norms, and promoting cooperation through meaningful dialogue and adaptive strategies.

Dr. Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist and New York Times best-selling author, shares insights on thriving as an empath. She discusses the unique challenges empaths face, including feelings of overwhelm and the need for self-care. Judith emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s sensitivity and setting boundaries to maintain peace. The conversation touches on redefining masculinity, the cultural stigma around sensitivity in men, and practical strategies for personal growth. She encourages embracing one’s emotional depth as a source of strength.

David Yaden, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins Medicine, dives into the fascinating psychology of self-transcendent experiences. He discusses how awe can combat anxiety and isolation, and explains the powerful role of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, in inducing transformative moments. Yaden highlights the neuroscience behind these experiences and their potential for therapeutic applications. He also shares insights on finding everyday moments of awe and connection, emphasizing their significance for mental well-being.

On this episode of The Psychology Podcast, physicist Sean Carroll chats with Scott Barry Kaufman, host of The Psychology Podcast, about his new book Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, which is out today! In this episode we discuss: Why studying humans is more complicated than studying the universe The importance of having humility as a psychologist How Scott’s new book Transcend builds on the work of Abraham Maslow How Maslow never actually drew a pyramid What Maslow actually meant by his “Hierarchy of Needs” The dialectical between security and growth Scott’s new metaphor for the hierarchy of needs How humans can be greater than the sum of their parts Scott’s revised integrated hierarchy of needs Why attachment styles are continuums, not types Why the need for belonging is not the same as the need for intimacy The effects of loneliness on our physical health The latest science of introversion Healthy self-esteem vs. narcissism The “growing tip” Psychological entropy The need for exploration and information seeking The more cosmic aspect of love, or “B-Love” The need for purpose Why self-actualization is not achievement The form of purpose that can lead to transcendence Why nothing is absolutely good or bad Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to have Dr. Seth Gillihan on the podcast. Dr. Gillihan is a licensed psychologist who has written and lectured nationally and internationally on cognitive behavioral therapy and the role of the brain in psychiatric conditions. His books include The CBT Deck, A Mindful Year: 365 Ways to Find Connection and the Sacred in Everyday Life (co-authored with Dr. Aria Campbell-Danesh), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple,and Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks. Dr. Gillihan also blogs for Psychology Today and hosts the weekly Think Act Be podcast, which features a wide range of conversations about living more fully. He has a clinical practice in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, providing treatment to adults with insomnia, OCD, anxiety, depression, and related conditions. Find Seth on the web at sethgillihan.com. See Seth’s CBT Deck here. See the Think Act Be online school where Seth offers courses in mindfulness-centered CBT for anxiety, stress, and worry here: https://think-act-be.teachable.com/. In this episode we discuss: How Seth got into therapy  The second wave of CBT The behavioral activation approach Mindful CBT  Seth’s “Think Act Be” approach The importance of core beliefs The cheap form of self-love “Cycling the Puck” The importance of returning to the true center of ourselves The curious paradox of acceptance What is our deepest self? What is consciousness? Why waking up isn’t a once and for all experience How we can be kinder to ourselves Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Life has to win every day, death only has to win once.” — Roy Baumeister Today it’s great to have Roy Baumeister on the podcast. Dr. Baumeister is currently professor of psychology at the University of Queensland and is among the most prolific and most frequently cited psychologists in the world, with over 650 publications. His 40 books include the New York Times bestseller Willpower. His research covers self and identity, self-regulation, interpersonal rejection and the need to belong, sexuality and gender, aggression, self-esteem, meaning, consciousness, free will, and self-presentation. In 2013 he received the William James award for lifetime achievement in psychological science (the Association for Psychological Science’s highest honor), and his latest book, co-authored with John Tierney, is called “The Power of Bad: How the Negativity Effect Rules Us and How We Can Rule It”. In this episode we discuss: How the human brain has a tendency to focus on the bad Why bad is processed more thoroughly than good The latest research on ego depletion  Roy’s take on the replication crisis Why falsely accused people have trouble repairing their reputation Why the bad gets so much more publicity than the good Early career researchers and the lack of incentive for exporation Why we are wired for bad The importance of the Pollyanna principle Roy’s words of wisdom for those with anxiety over the Coronavirus “The rule of 4” Why are hell fearing religions more popular than those preaching a benevolent message? Gordon Allport’s distinction between mature and immature religion The riskiness of drawing too much on the self Roy’s thoughts on the best route to the good life Ways we can see the bigger picture The “negative Golden Rule” How to get on the “low-bad diet” Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.