New Books in Psychology

Christopher Kemp, a journalist and research scientist focused on Parkinson's disease, shares insights from his book on the neuroscience of navigation. He reveals how our brains create mental maps using specialized neurons like place and grid cells. Kemp discusses fascinating topics, such as the navigation challenges faced by Neanderthals, the impact of GPS on our cognitive abilities, and how brain disorders like Alzheimer's affect our spatial skills. He also draws intriguing comparisons between human navigation and that of various animals, enhancing our understanding of this ancient ability.

Robyn Koslowitz, a child psychologist and founder of the Center for Psychological Growth, dives into the complexities of post-traumatic parenting. She discusses how past traumas shape parenting behaviors and the importance of recognizing these influences. Koslowitz introduces five archetypes of post-trauma parenting, encouraging parents to embrace imperfections while fostering connections. The episode also explores the healing potential of addressing inner child issues and promotes effective strategies for navigating parenting challenges with compassion and resilience.

James Kimmel, Jr., an assistant clinical professor at Yale, reveals the hidden addiction to revenge that fuels human aggression. He shares insights from his own life, including a traumatic background that shaped his understanding of justice. Kimmel explores the neuroscience behind revenge and how it activates the brain's pleasure circuits, likening it to addiction. He emphasizes the benefits of forgiveness over vengeance, aiming to disrupt destructive cycles both personally and socially, ultimately advocating for healing through understanding.

Frances Egan, an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers, challenges conventional theories of mental representation in her latest work. She advocates for a naturalistic account that views representational glosses as abstract interpretations of neural mechanisms. Egan explores the implications of this shift in understanding cognition, highlighting the importance of commonsense psychology. She also discusses the relevance of beliefs and desires in both AI and non-human animals, pushing the boundaries of how we think about mental content and its role in explaining behavior.

Judith Grisel, a professor of psychology and a leading behavioral neuroscientist, shares her remarkable journey from homelessness and addiction to academic success. She discusses the neuroscience of addiction, focusing on the brain's pleasure pathways and the challenges in overcoming it. Grisel also explores the three laws of psychopharmacology, explaining how drugs interact with the brain. Her insights highlight the complexities of addiction and the ongoing quest for effective treatments, making for a captivating and enlightening conversation.

Join Willoughby Britton, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Lab, and Jared Lindahl, a Visiting Scholar at Brown University, as they explore the often-overlooked adverse effects of meditation. They discuss their groundbreaking research on the Varieties of Contemplative Experience, shedding light on psychological and emotional risks. The conversation raises critical questions about responsibility, personal interpretation of experiences, and the need for better support in meditation communities. Discover meditation's complexities beyond the expected tranquility.

Daniel José Gaztambide, a prominent figure in decolonial psychology at Queens College, shares groundbreaking insights on integrating socio-political contexts into psychotherapy. He discusses how traditional psychoanalytic practices, rooted in Freud and Lacan, can be reimagined through the lens of Frantz Fanon, especially for marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the critical relationship between mental health and socio-economic factors, navigating issues of race, gender, and community, ultimately advocating for a holistic, decolonized approach to therapy.

Foluke Taylor, a therapist and co-founder of Protect Black Women UK, explores the intersection of Black feminist writings and therapeutic practices in her groundbreaking work, "Unruly Therapeutic." She discusses how Black feminist poetics can transform therapy through collective knowledge-sharing. Taylor shares her personal journey navigating the publishing industry and highlights the emotional connections formed in community. She critically examines systemic racism in psychoanalysis, advocating for a more artistic and nuanced understanding of healing in marginalized communities.

Explore the perpetual tug of war between racial progress and resistance, uncovering the psychological factors behind racial injustice. Delve into the implications of removing Dr. King’s bust from the White House and the societal values it reflects. Learn about the challenges of confronting uncomfortable truths within the context of white supremacy and ongoing racial justice initiatives. The discussion also touches on the recent attitudes toward Juneteenth and the importance of acknowledging historical injustices for genuine progress.

Explore the fascinating interplay of scholarship and real-world application in the quest for wholeness. Delve into the blending of Eastern and Western philosophies and the importance of dialogue across cultural identities. Discover how artistic expression intertwines with the struggles of mental health, particularly in schizophrenia. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of personal narratives in education and advocates for a holistic approach to knowledge. Celebrate the 50th milestone with reflections on future explorations and the search for integrated understanding.