New Books in Psychology
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 18, 2026 • 31min
Justin Gregg, "If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal: What Animal Intelligence Reveals About Human Stupidity" (Little, Brown, 2022)
In a captivating conversation, Justin Gregg, a senior research associate with the Dolphin Communication Project, explores the paradox of human intelligence. He questions whether our cognitive abilities are more of a curse than a blessing, linking them to existential crises and environmental chaos. Gregg skillfully compares human morality and deception with animal behavior, revealing profound insights about our species. He also discusses the idea of 'prognostic myopia,' and whether we might be happier without our complex intellect, all while emphasizing that other animals thrive without it.
Jan 15, 2026 • 40min
Everything Is Fine, I'll Just Work Harder: Confessions of a Former Badass
Dr. Cara Gormally, a professor and cartoonist, dives into the intense journey of creating their graphic memoir, exploring themes like chronic busyness and trauma in academia. Cara shares how overwork can be a trauma response and discusses the transformative power of therapy. They reflect on the challenges of finding the right therapist and the emotional labor of healing. With a unique blend of art and science, Cara illustrates the journey of reconnecting with the body and the importance of community in the creative process.
Jan 8, 2026 • 34min
Marc Berman, "Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being" (Simon and Schuster, 2025)
Dr. Marc Berman, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Chicago, explores the transformative effects of nature on mental health and cognitive function. He reveals that just a short walk in nature can boost attention and enhance mood. Berman discusses how urban environments can be improved with green spaces to promote well-being. He also highlights surprising findings: even those who dislike nature can experience cognitive benefits. Learn about the concept of ‘nature prescriptions’ for better living and the importance of awareness in our concrete jungles.
12 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 45min
How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend
Rachel Barr, a dedicated neuroscientist and author, shares her journey from personal loss to discovering the power of neuroplasticity. She emphasizes that our brains are always evolving and can adapt at any stage of life. Rachel discusses the importance of self-compassion, the role of delight in reducing stress, and offers insights on identity in a social media age. She encourages listeners to experiment with personal interventions in mental health and treats brain care with kindness rather than optimization, advocating for creativity as a path to well-being.
Jan 3, 2026 • 37min
Hans Van Eyghen, "The Epistemology of Spirit Beliefs" (Routledge, 2023)
Hans Van Eyghen, an assistant professor of philosophy at Tilburg University, dives into the intriguing realm of spirit beliefs and their justification. He challenges the traditional God-centric approach in philosophy by exploring how experiences like mediumship and possession can lend epistemic support to beliefs in spirits. Van Eyghen discusses how cultural definitions of spirits differ across religions and argues against dismissive scientific explanations, proposing that these beliefs may be justified and essential in communities where spirits take precedence over God.
Jan 2, 2026 • 54min
Betty Milan, "Analyzed by Lacan: A Personal Account" (Bloomsbury, 2023)
In this engaging conversation, Betty Milan, a Lacanian psychoanalyst and writer, shares her unique experience of being analyzed by Jacques Lacan in the 1970s. She discusses her memoir, Why Lacan, shedding light on Lacan's unconventional clinical techniques and their impact on her work. Milan delves into her play Goodbye Doctor, exploring themes of motherhood and desire. The learning from Lacanian theory is woven into Brazilian culture, emphasizing the significance of carnival in collective memory. Milan also touches on her current projects, including writing that addresses climate issues.
Jan 1, 2026 • 32min
Kevin J. Mitchell, "Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will" (Princeton UP, 2023)
Kevin J. Mitchell, a neuroscientist and geneticist at Trinity College Dublin, explores the intricate relationship between evolution and free will in his latest book, Free Agents. He challenges the notion that agency is an illusion, tracing our ability to make choices back to life's earliest forms. Mitchell discusses how nervous systems evolved to enable complex decision-making, highlighting the importance of metacognition in humans. He also examines implications for law, biology, and the future of artificial intelligence, raising thought-provoking ethical questions.
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 26min
Philippe Huneman, "Why?: The Philosophy Behind the Question" (Stanford UP, 2023)
Philippe Huneman, a research director at the Institut d'Histoire et de Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques, explores the intricate philosophy behind the question 'why.' He explains three distinct meanings of 'why'—cause, reason, and purpose—and how they affect our understanding across disciplines like science and history. Huneman also discusses the limits of reasoning, the appeal of conspiracy theories, and the intertwining of purposiveness with biological explanations. With insights ranging from Aristotle to contemporary thought, he invites listeners to rethink the nature of inquiry.
8 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 30min
Sharon Sliwinski, "An Alphabet for Dreamers: How to See the World with Eyes Closed" (MIT Press, 2025)
Sharon Sliwinski, a Professor in Information and Media Studies and author of An Alphabet for Dreamers, explores the social and political significance of dreams. She discusses how dreams once informed collective decision-making and argues they serve as vital sources of knowledge. The alphabet format of her book encourages curiosity and creative thinking. Sharon shares insights from her COVID Dream Project and highlights the therapeutic potential of dreams, connecting them to mental health and Indigenous beliefs.
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 10min
Black Beryl: Self and Nonself, with Nick Canby
Nick Canby, a clinical psychologist and visiting assistant professor at Brown University, specializes in meditation and psychedelics. In this engaging discussion, he delves into the complex concept of the self, explaining types of self-change and the fine line between positive insights and detrimental experiences. Canby emphasizes the nuanced ways meditation can lead to both healing and challenge, warning against simplistic interpretations. He also shares insights from his research on self-loss and its implications for mental health, highlighting the importance of context and support.
