The Psychology Podcast

Darold Treffert, a leading expert in savantism and consultant for the iconic film Rain Man, shares his vast insights on this intriguing condition. He discusses the brain anatomy of savants, focusing on extraordinary individuals like Kim Peek, who could memorize thousands of books. The conversation delves into the interplay between autism and savant syndrome, presenting the concept of 'islands of genius.' Treffert also addresses the nuances of savant abilities, genetic memory, and the importance of tailored education for nurturing talent.

Todd Kashdan, a psychologist and author of "The Upside of Your Dark Side," shares intriguing insights on embracing the darker aspects of our personalities. He discusses how traits such as selfishness and anger can be beneficial when harnessed wisely. The conversation also challenges the conventional pursuit of happiness, arguing for a richer range of emotional experiences. Kashdan emphasizes the connection between discomfort and effective communication, and how both negative and positive traits can fuel creativity and personal growth.

Angela Duckworth, researcher on self-control and grit, discusses her findings on grit, the evolution of the concept, misconceptions and differentiation of grit and self-control, feasibility of having multiple super goals, determinants of achievement, and measuring grit.

Today we have Dr. Jordan Peterson on the podcast. Dr. Peterson has taught mythology to lawyers, doctors and business people, consulted for the UN Secretary General, helped his clinical clients manage depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia, served as an adviser to senior partners of major Canadian law firms, and lectured extensively in North America and Europe. With his students and colleagues at Harvard and the University of Toronto, Dr. Peterson has published over a hundred scientific papers. Dr. Peterson is also author of two books: Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief and 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, which is a #1 bestseller. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss the following topics: – Why “learned irrelevance” is incredibly important – Why creativity requires keeping a childlike wonder – How hallucinogens clear the “doors of perception” – The “shared vulnerability” model of the creativity-mental illness connection – The neuroscience of openness to experience – The personality of personal correctness – The practical implications of gender differences – The function of the state in helping to make sure there is equality of individual expression – How agreeableness and conscientiousness orient us differently in the social world – The difference between pathological altruism and genuine compassion – The link between pathological altruism and vulnerable narcissism – The difference between responsibility and culpability – How to help people take responsibility and make their lives better Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three time bestselling author and human guinea pig Tim Ferriss discusses how to become top 5% in the world with a new skill in just 6-12 months. Scott and Tim debunk the 10,000 hour rule, discuss general principles for accelerated skill acquisition, consider what it means to live the good life and take a sneak peak at Tim’s new show The Tim Ferris Experiment. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneering researcher in self-compassion, shares invaluable insights into the healing power of embracing kindness towards oneself. She discusses practical techniques for cultivating self-compassion, which can alleviate anxiety, depression, and even physical pain. The episode highlights the stark differences between self-esteem and self-compassion, emphasizing the latter's role in enhancing emotional well-being. With a focus on mindfulness and shared struggles, Neff encourages listeners to treat themselves with the same compassion they offer others.

Today we have Robert Greene on the podcast. Robert is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power, The 33 Strategies of War, The Art of Seduction, and Mastery, and is an internationally renowned expert on power strategies. His latest book is The Laws of Human Nature. In this episode we discuss: What is human nature? How to transform self-love into empathy The deep narcissist vs. the the heathy narcissist Abraham Maslow’s encounter with Alfred Adler How to confront your dark side Returning to your more authentic self How people who are one-sided are concealing the opposite trait The importance of not taking yourself too seriously How to see through people’s masks The importance of assessing people’s actions over time Why toxic types have a peculiar sort of charm Healthy people-pleasers vs. toxic people-pleasers How to get in deep contact with your purpose The importance of becoming aware of the “spirit of the generation” How to confront your mortality and open your mind to the sublime Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston and bestselling author, dives deep into the significance of vulnerability and creativity in our lives. She shares surprising insights, like how compassionate individuals often establish firm boundaries. The conversation reveals the paradox that trying to appear 'cool' undermines genuine connection. Brené emphasizes the need for emotional honesty, advocates for wholehearted living, and explains how embracing vulnerability can lead to profound personal and societal growth.

Susan Cain, best-selling author and founder of 'The Quiet Revolution,' dives into the often-overlooked strengths of introverts. She shares her personal philosophy and the research that inspired a movement for introvert empowerment. Topics include the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in relationships, challenging myths about happiness, and advocating for the recognition of introverts in various professional settings. Cain emphasizes how embracing unique traits can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling life.

Today it’s a delight to have David Vago on the podcast. Dr. Vago is Research Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He also maintains an appointment as a research associate in the Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory at Harvard Medical School. David aims to clarify adaptive mind-brain-body interactions and their therapeutic relevance in health-care settings. In this context, David has been specifically focusing on the study of mindfulness-based interventions in clinical settings, and the basic cognitive and neuroscientific mechanisms by which mindfulness-based practice function. In this episode we discuss: What is contemplative science? History of the idea of “contemplation” Including intuition under the umbrella of contemplative practice The aim of mindfulness Pop writers on mindfulness vs. scientists of mindfulness What do we know after 25 years of mindfulness research? The link between mindfulness and how we cope with pain The link between mindfulness and reducing anxiety The link between mindfulness and improving depression How there are a lot of crap studies out there on mindfulness What are the potential adverse effects of mindfulness? Why it’s difficult to look at the link between mindfulness and cognitive outcomes Mindfulness and its impact on impulse control The impact of mindfulness on attention The need for better measures of outcomes in mindfulness research The link between mindfulness and creativity The false narrative about mindfulness and mind wandering (and the default mode network) The relationship between mindfulness and wisdom The main challenges of investigating mindfulness through neuroscience Why mindfulness is not the end all and be all The usefulness of taking an evidence-based approach to looking at the benefits of mindfulness Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.