New Books in Psychology

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.

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.