New Books in Psychology

Rebecca Lemov, a Harvard history of science professor and author, dives deep into the unsettling world of brainwashing and mind control. She reveals how we’re all vulnerable to manipulation, particularly through social media and digital addiction. Lemov traces brainwashing's history, discussing everything from POWs in North Korea to today's data-driven tactics that prey on trauma. She distinguishes between genuine persuasion and more sinister forms of emotional engineering, urging us to recognize the hidden dynamics at play in our everyday lives.

Pooja Agarwal, an expert in retrieval practice, joins fellow cognitive scientists, Cynthia Nebel, who specializes in student motivation, and Veronica Yan, an interleaving authority. They explore actionable strategies to enhance learning, including the Effective Teaching Cycle that boosts motivation and retention. The trio dives into the importance of interleaving techniques and low-stakes assessments to build student confidence. They also discuss myth-busting in education, emphasizing evidence-based practices for better outcomes.

Daanika Kamal, a law lecturer at Royal Holloway University, delves into the complex layers of domestic violence in Pakistan. She reveals how women’s legal claims are often dismissed as those of ‘bad’ or ‘mad’ individuals. The conversation highlights systemic issues in law enforcement, the challenges of seeking justice, and the impact of societal narratives. Kamal also discusses the evolving definitions of domestic violence and how cultural norms influence the legal process, shedding light on the realities faced by women victims.

Judith Weisenfeld, an esteemed professor of Religion and a prominent voice in African American Studies, delves into the unsettling relationship between race, religion, and psychiatry in the aftermath of slavery. She uncovers how white psychiatrists pathologized Black religious practices, viewing them as insanity. With compelling historical insights, Weisenfeld discusses the misuse of mental health diagnoses to undermine Black self-determination, showcasing powerful narratives of resistance among Black patients against oppressive psychiatric systems.

Dr. Jeremy Stolow, a communication studies professor and interdisciplinary researcher, dives into his groundbreaking book on auras. He discusses how auras have been visualized from the late 19th century to today, highlighting the interplay between belief and technology. Stolow explores Kirlian photography's role in understanding auras and its cultural and medical implications. The conversation also touches on the impact of visual media on psychology and how aura imagery weaves through alternative medical practices, blending art, science, and spirituality.

David P. Celani, a retired psychologist and adjunct professor, discusses Ronald Fairbairn's pivotal contributions to Object Relations Theory. He delves into the impact of childhood relationships on emotional development, particularly how parental neglect shapes personality. Celani connects Fairbairn’s theories on ego models and dissociation to modern therapy practices. He critiques traditional views on abusive dynamics and emphasizes the healing power of positive memories, all while linking Fairbairn’s insights to contemporary psychological challenges.

Michael Baldwin, a trauma survivor and communications leader, and Deborah Korn, a clinical psychologist specializing in EMDR, discuss the transformative power of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. They share personal stories of healing, highlighting how EMDR alleviates emotional distress caused by trauma—both big and small. The pair encourages listeners to recognize their own traumatic experiences and emphasizes the importance of a supportive therapeutic relationship. They also advocate for mental health awareness and accessibility to EMDR therapy.

Joshua Howe is an environmental historian at Reed College, while Alexander Lemons is a former Marine scout sniper and Bronze Star recipient. They explore the profound impacts of war beyond traditional violence. Lemons shares his harrowing experience in Iraq and his struggle with mysterious illnesses linked to toxic exposures. Howe provides scientific insights on the hidden dangers veterans face, such as lead and burn pits. They discuss PTSD and the often overlooked long-term health consequences of combat, urging for greater empathy and accountability in addressing veteran care.

Laura Otis, a neuroscientist-turned-literary scholar, explores how metaphors shape human emotions in her insightful work. She discusses the cultural influences that stigmatize feelings like self-pity and anger, drawing connections from classic literature to modern media. The conversation dives into how societal norms dictate emotional expression and regulation, particularly for marginalized groups. Otis uses literary characters from Dostoevsky to modern films to illustrate the tensions between personal feelings and cultural expectations, revealing the political nature of emotion.

Jan Borowicz, a cultural studies scholar and psychotherapist at the University of Warsaw, delves into the haunting memories of the Holocaust and their lingering effects on Polish society. He explores the psychological mechanisms of denial and indifference toward contemporary humanitarian crises, drawing unsettling parallels to past atrocities. The conversation also touches on transgenerational trauma, the evolution of Holocaust narratives in Poland, and the role of collective memory in shaping national identity. Borowicz's insights reveal the complex interplay between memory, guilt, and responsibility in a society grappling with its historical past.