The Measure of Everyday Life
WNCU public radio
Interested in human behavior and how people think? The Measure of Everyday Life explores ideas about how we live and why people act as they do. Independent Weekly has called the show "unexpected" and "diverse" and says the show "brings big questions to radio." Join host Dr. Brian Southwell (@BrianSouthwell) as he explores the human condition.
Episodes air each Sunday night at 6:30 PM in the Raleigh-Durham broadcast market and a podcast of each show is available online the Wednesday following. The show is made possible by RTI International.
Episodes air each Sunday night at 6:30 PM in the Raleigh-Durham broadcast market and a podcast of each show is available online the Wednesday following. The show is made possible by RTI International.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 8, 2022 • 30min
Acting as a Team
We often refer to teams and teamwork, both as an explanation for success and as a worrying force as we consider polarization in society. On this episode, we talk with Don Forsyth, a psychology professor at the University of Richmond who has sought to understand group dynamics.
May 25, 2022 • 30min
Managing Group Discussion
Every day, many of us have conversations with small groups of people. Sometimes that now happens via videoconference or group chat. A lot happens when groups try to talk, though, that you might not realize. On this episode, we talk with conversation researcher Tanya Stivers of the University of California, Los Angeles, about group interaction successes and challenges.
May 18, 2022 • 30min
Philanthropy as a Bet on the Future
Philanthropy is sometimes cited as a force for good in the 21st century. People have donated money for societal gain for hundreds of years, though, and we can learn lessons from the successes and failures of past investments. On this episode, we talk with Michael Meyer of the University of Pittsburgh about his book, Benjamin Franklin's Last Bet: The Favorite Founder's Divisive Death, Enduring Afterlife, and Blueprint for American Prosperity.
May 11, 2022 • 30min
Homelessness and Housing
The real estate market in the U.S. has been in the headlines recently. What might that have to do with the challenge of homelessness? On this episode, we talk with Gregg Colburn, faculty member at the University of Washington and co-author of a new book called Homelessness is a Housing Problem.
Apr 27, 2022 • 29min
Toxic Workplaces
Chances are that if you have earned a paycheck you have had at least one day negatively affected by the behavior of a co-worker, supervisor, or employee. What do organizational psychologists say about the challenges of problematic employees? On this episode, we talk with book author Dr. Mitchell Kusy, corporate psychologist at Antioch University and consultant for The Healthy Workforce Institute.
Apr 6, 2022 • 30min
Making Sense of Social Media
When historians consider this moment through which we are all living, what might they say about social media? On this episode, we talk about the roles social media are playing in the lives of teenagers and young adults today with content creator Lydia Keating of Boston University and Jacqueline Nesi, psychiatry and human behavior professor at Brown University.
Mar 23, 2022 • 30min
Working from Home
One experience that many of us have had during the pandemic is working from home. What has been the effect of that on our interactions with colleagues? On this episode, we talk with Rory McGloin of the University of Connecticut about his research on this topic.
Mar 16, 2022 • 29min
Laughter and Social Connection
Why do we laugh? What is the point? On this episode, we discuss laughter as a source of joy and as a tool for connecting people with Adrienne Wood, a psychology professor and laughter researcher at the University of Virginia.
Mar 9, 2022 • 30min
Exercise and Our Brains
What good might exercise do for our brain? You may have experienced a sense of relief in the short-term after working out. Exercise also can have important long-term effects on our brains. On this episode, we talk with Jennifer Heisz of McMaster University, author of Move the Body, Heal the Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep.
Feb 23, 2022 • 30min
Confidence and Human Performance
Whether you are an Olympic athlete or a teenager learning to drive, confidence can play a key role in your performance. What exactly is confidence and what role can it play in our lives? On this episode, we talk with Dr. Nate Zinsser of the United States Military Academy, advisor to professional sports teams and other organizations and author of The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance.
