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
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.
Dec 1, 2025 • 49min
Oliver Davis and Tim Dean, "Hatred of Sex" (U Nebraska Press, 2022)
In this engaging discussion, Oliver Davis, a professor of French studies, and Tim Dean, a sexuality studies scholar, explore their book Hatred of Sex. They delve into how society often overlooks the 'unpleasurable pleasures' of sex, arguing that pleasure can quickly tip into discomfort. The duo critiques current trauma-focused therapies and how they recast sexual difficulties as abuse, warning that strict identity categories can limit sexual experiences. Their take on the intersections of sexual theory and identity is thought-provoking and essential for anyone intrigued by sexuality's complexities.
Nov 30, 2025 • 59min
Nancy McWilliams, "Psychoanalytic Supervision" (Guilford Publications, 2021)
Nancy McWilliams, a distinguished psychoanalyst with a wealth of experience in psychotherapy and supervision, shares her insights on the intricacies of psychoanalytic supervision. She discusses the supervisor's role in fostering therapist growth, navigating ethical dilemmas, and the importance of creating a safe space for candid conversations. McWilliams emphasizes the dual nature of supervision as both intimate education and a professional challenge, highlighting the complexities of managing transference and supervising trainees. Her reflections on supervision after significant patient events add depth to the conversation.
Nov 17, 2025 • 54min
Jamieson Webster, "Disorganisation & Sex" (Divided Publishing, 2022)
Join psychoanalyst Jamieson Webster as she dives into the complexities of desire and identity in her latest work, 7isorganisation & Sex. A fascinating discussion unfolds, exploring the tensions between patient and analyst voices, and the need for psychoanalysis to engage with collective concerns. Webster critiques traditional training models and challenges institutions to rethink their approach to psychoanalytic practice. Expect insights on masculinity, contemporary sexual pressures, and the messy nature of endings in therapy.
11 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 54min
Richard H. Thaler and Alex Imas, "The Winner's Curse: Behavioral Economics Anomalies, Then and Now" (Simon and Schuster, 2025)
Alex Imas, a leading figure in behavioral science at the University of Chicago, explores the fascinating world of behavioral economics. He delves into the concept of the 'winner's curse,' explaining its origins in auction bidding and its implications in high-stakes markets. The discussion covers why cognitive biases persist, the endowment effect, and how experimental economics can be effectively taught. Imas also touches on the integration of behavioral ideas into broader economic fields and his current research on digital marketplaces.
Nov 14, 2025 • 50min
David Kieran, "Signature Wounds: The Untold Story of the Military's Mental Health Crisis" (NYU Press, 2019)
David Kieran, a historian specializing in war and American culture, dives into the military's overlooked mental health response during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He reveals how the concept of PTSD and TBI emerged as the 'signature wounds' of these conflicts. Kieran discusses the complexities of military mental health care, the stigma surrounding it, and how varying interests shaped the response. He also highlights the alarming rise in veteran suicides and innovative VA outreach efforts to address these issues comprehensively.
5 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 4min
Jane G. Goldberg, "Wired for Why: How We Think, Feel, and Make Meaning" (2025)
Dr. Jane Goldberg, a psychoanalyst and holistic health practitioner, delves into her new book, 'Wired for Why.' She explores profound ideas such as how memory is an illusion and why humans are inherently wired for curiosity and metaphor. Goldberg challenges conventional thoughts on trauma, emotional struggles, and the use of psychiatric medications, highlighting their impact on emotional intelligence. She also discusses intriguing links between daily experiences, creative thinking, and even societal progress, offering a refreshingly nuanced perspective on human consciousness.
Oct 13, 2025 • 59min
Dominique: the Case of an Adolescent interview with Jamieson Webster
Jamieson Webster, a psychoanalyst and author, explores the reissued translation of Françoise Dolto's groundbreaking work, which delves into the complexities of adolescent psychology. They discuss Dolto's unique approach to child psychoanalysis and the importance of engaging with young patients directly. Topics include the intricate dynamics within Dominique's family, the impact of societal factors, and how Dolto's interpretations challenge traditional boundaries. Webster emphasizes empathy for various family positions and the relevance of Dolto's insights in today's contexts.
Oct 11, 2025 • 50min
Lorraine Besser, "The Art of the Interesting: What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It" (Balance, 2024)
Lorraine Besser, a Professor of Philosophy at Middlebury College and author of The Art of the Interesting, explores the concept of psychological richness in our pursuit of a good life. She draws distinctions between happiness and psychologically rich experiences, emphasizing the value of engaging with 'the interesting.' Besser discusses how technology can distract us from meaningful moments and highlights mindfulness as a tool to cultivate richness. She also ties her insights to broader policy implications, advocating for environments that foster curiosity and creativity.
