New Books in Psychology

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.

Christopher Kemp, a journalist and research scientist focused on Parkinson's disease, shares insights from his book on the neuroscience of navigation. He reveals how our brains create mental maps using specialized neurons like place and grid cells. Kemp discusses fascinating topics, such as the navigation challenges faced by Neanderthals, the impact of GPS on our cognitive abilities, and how brain disorders like Alzheimer's affect our spatial skills. He also draws intriguing comparisons between human navigation and that of various animals, enhancing our understanding of this ancient ability.

Robyn Koslowitz, a child psychologist and founder of the Center for Psychological Growth, dives into the complexities of post-traumatic parenting. She discusses how past traumas shape parenting behaviors and the importance of recognizing these influences. Koslowitz introduces five archetypes of post-trauma parenting, encouraging parents to embrace imperfections while fostering connections. The episode also explores the healing potential of addressing inner child issues and promotes effective strategies for navigating parenting challenges with compassion and resilience.

James Kimmel, Jr., an assistant clinical professor at Yale, reveals the hidden addiction to revenge that fuels human aggression. He shares insights from his own life, including a traumatic background that shaped his understanding of justice. Kimmel explores the neuroscience behind revenge and how it activates the brain's pleasure circuits, likening it to addiction. He emphasizes the benefits of forgiveness over vengeance, aiming to disrupt destructive cycles both personally and socially, ultimately advocating for healing through understanding.

Frances Egan, an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers, challenges conventional theories of mental representation in her latest work. She advocates for a naturalistic account that views representational glosses as abstract interpretations of neural mechanisms. Egan explores the implications of this shift in understanding cognition, highlighting the importance of commonsense psychology. She also discusses the relevance of beliefs and desires in both AI and non-human animals, pushing the boundaries of how we think about mental content and its role in explaining behavior.

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.