New Books in Psychology

Mary-Frances O’Connor, a renowned neuroscientist, dives deep into the multifaceted impact of grief on the body. She reveals startling insights about how grief can affect our cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems. The conversation explores the difference between prolonged and complicated grief, shedding light on its unique challenges for children. O’Connor emphasizes that navigating grief can lead to personal growth and healing, intertwining scientific research with personal anecdotes, providing a hopeful lens on loss.

Armin W. Schulz, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Kansas, dives into the intriguing intersection of evolutionary biology and social sciences. He explores how social institutions function in contemporary settings, emphasizing their roles in shaping human behavior and cultural norms. Schulz critiques individualistic views on institutions, advocates for presentist social functionalism, and examines the legal and ethical responsibilities of corporations. He also discusses the internal conflicts within collective entities, shedding light on the complexities of decision-making in social frameworks.

Explore the complex world of fat studies, where societal norms collide with body image perceptions. Delve into the history of fat activism and the uplifting reclamation of fat identities. Uncover the myths surrounding fatness, including misconceptions about choice and health. Discuss the deep intersections between fatness, race, and disability, urging compassion in body discussions. Challenge harmful media narratives as the podcast advocates for diverse representations and a joyful celebration of all body types.

Peter Lamont, a Professor of History and Theory of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh and a former magician, dives into radical thinking and its impact on perception. He explores how our surroundings and interpretations shape our worldviews, revealing the crucial role of curiosity in expanding understanding. The podcast touches on the fascinating interplay between psychology and magic, discussing how enhanced observation can lead to better critical thinking. Lamont also tackles the complexities of commemorating historical figures, prompting listeners to engage in reflective dialogue around race and representation.

Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist and Harvard educator, discusses vital mental health issues affecting today's college students. He highlights alarming statistics on anxiety and depression while offering practical advice from his book, "College Mental Health 101." Topics include the importance of mental health resources, understanding therapy compatibility, and the unique challenges faced by religious students. Willard also addresses the risks of self-diagnosis and emphasizes resilience as a key to thriving during college transitions.

Molly Worthen, a history professor at the University of North Carolina and freelance journalist, dives into the captivating role of charisma in American history. She discusses how charismatic leaders, from the Puritans to Donald Trump, exploit cultural upheaval to connect with followers. Worthen highlights the impact of narrative on political movements and critiques the emotional ties fans develop with these figures. The conversation reveals how the desire for meaning fuels the rise of personalities who promise order amid chaos.

Tom Wooldridge, Chair in the Department of Psychology at Golden Gate University and a licensed psychologist, delves into the complexities of eating disorders through a psychoanalytic lens. He emphasizes structural diagnosis, exploring individual cases and family dynamics, while advocating for multidisciplinary treatment. The conversation also highlights the intricate interplay of body image and early attachment experiences, plus the evolving role of online support communities. Wooldridge stresses the importance of embracing vulnerability in treatment, especially in today's post-COVID landscape.

Richard Saville-Smith, an independent scholar specializing in madness, religion, and psychiatry, discusses his book, 'Acute Religious Experiences'. He challenges the stigmatization of spiritual phenomena by modern psychiatry, arguing for the importance of mad studies. The conversation delves into how societal perceptions affect our understanding of spirituality and the intersections of queer studies, spirituality, and unique identities. Saville-Smith also offers a provocative reinterpretation of Jesus as a madman, pushing us to rethink the complexity of religious experiences.

Helen C. Epstein, a public health researcher at Bard College and author of "Why Live: An Anatomy of Suicide Epidemics," delves into the startling phenomenon of suicide epidemics. She discusses how these crises can unfold rapidly within communities, driven by profound social ruptures rather than just biological factors. Epstein's insights reveal the emotional toll of modernization, particularly on young men in Micronesia, and emphasize the urgent need for better communication and community support to combat rising suicide rates.

John Lisle, a historian and author with a PhD from the University of Texas, takes a deep dive into the CIA’s notorious MKULTRA project. He uncovers chilling details about mind control experiments led by Sidney Gottlieb, including unethical practices like dosing unwitting subjects and torturing mental patients. Lisle shares firsthand testimonies that reveal the dark motivations behind the program and its catastrophic impact on victims. He also discusses the CIA's covert assassination plots and the ethical dilemmas surrounding these historical operations.