New Books in Psychology

Marshall Poe
undefined
Sep 3, 2024 • 43min

How Mechanisms of Psychoanalytic Defense Perpetuate Racism in America

Dr. Dionne Powell, a contributor to 'Black Psychoanalysts Speak' and an expert on race and psychoanalysis, joins the discussion on how psychological defense mechanisms underpin systemic racism in America. The conversation dives deep into the collective silence within the therapeutic community surrounding racial trauma, emphasizing the need for open dialogue. Strategies like denial and neglect are explored as major contributors to ongoing injustices, while engaging discussions on historical impacts and the importance of community in healing highlight the urgency for societal change.
undefined
Aug 29, 2024 • 59min

You Will Get Through This: Real-World Coping Strategies for Common Mental Health Struggles

In this engaging discussion, guests Julie Radico, Nicole Halverson, and Charity O'Reilly—practicing therapists and co-authors of a mental health toolkit—share their insights on coping with life’s challenges. They explore innovative breathing techniques like 'cookie breathing' and VU breathing for stress relief. The trio emphasizes self-compassion and effective communication strategies as vital tools for navigating mental health struggles. Their practical guidance aims to empower listeners in overcoming common obstacles and nurturing a supportive environment.
undefined
8 snips
Aug 25, 2024 • 51min

Barnaby Barratt, "Beyond Psychotherapy: On Becoming a (Radical) Psychoanalyst" (Routledge, 2019)

Barnaby Barratt, an author specializing in the radical aspects of psychoanalysis, challenges conventional psychotherapy norms. He critiques the ideological constraints of traditional training, advocating for a deeper, deconstructive approach in psychoanalysis. Barratt emphasizes the significance of free association, exploring how it reveals hidden aspects of experience. He also discusses the sociopolitical implications of psychoanalysis and its revolutionary potential in fostering authenticity and addressing societal issues, particularly through a sexual and sensual lens.
undefined
4 snips
Aug 25, 2024 • 51min

Regina G. Kunzel, "In the Shadow of Diagnosis: Psychiatric Power and Queer Life" (U Chicago Press, 2024)

Regina G. Kunzel, an insightful author, investigates the intersection of psychiatry and queer life through historical case files. She delves into the mid-20th-century pathologization of homosexuality, revealing the deep-seated psychiatric authority that affected queer identity. The discussion also touches on the power dynamics in patient-psychiatrist relationships and the lasting impact of these narratives on LGBTQ politics. Kunzel emphasizes the need to understand psychiatric histories in relation to contemporary queer struggles and resistance.
undefined
Aug 24, 2024 • 1h 40min

Nick Chater, "The Mind Is Flat: The Remarkable Shallowness of the Improvising Brain" (Yale UP, 2019)

Nick Chater, a behavioural scientist and Professor at Warwick Business School, reveals that our minds operate on a surface level, challenging the belief in deep unconscious motivations. He discusses how memory shapes our decisions in real-time and highlights the fascinating McGurk effect, which shows how our senses can mislead us. Chater also critiques the complexity of human thought and the limitations of multitasking, urging us to see our identity as fluid rather than fixed, illustrating how our preferences evolve with each experience.
undefined
Aug 23, 2024 • 44min

Julie Kliegman, "Mind Game: An Inside Look at the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024)

Julie Kliegman, an insightful author, is joined by mental health advocates including Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and NBA star Kevin Love. They dive into how elite athletes are breaking the silence on mental health struggles. Kliegman discusses the shifting culture in sports, emphasizing the importance of openness and support. Key topics include the mental toll of injury, resilience against challenges like the 'twisties' faced by Simone Biles, and how drug use perceptions are evolving in the athletic world. The conversation reveals the power of athletes sharing their stories.
undefined
Aug 20, 2024 • 49min

Donald Moss, “At War with the Obvious: Disruptive Thinking in Psychoanalysis” (Routledge, 2018)

Donald Moss, an author and innovative thinker in psychoanalysis, challenges the status quo in his thought-provoking discussion. He wrestles with the dangers of common sense and the allure of easy answers, revealing moments of personal vulnerability during intense experiences with patients. Moss explores the disruption of self-enclosure through 'erotic thought,' emphasizing how connection can enrich understanding. He also critiques the superficial definitions of creativity, advocating for genuine expression in artistry and the complexities of applied psychoanalysis.
undefined
8 snips
Aug 17, 2024 • 54min

Sudhir Kakar, "The Indian Jungle: Psychoanalysis and Non-Western Civilizations" (Karnac, 2024)

Dhwani Shah, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and Ashis Roy, a psychoanalyst known for his work on Hindu-Muslim relationships, delve into Sudhir Kakar's final book. They discuss how psychoanalysis has historically been Western-centric while emphasizing the importance of incorporating non-Western perspectives. Themes of cultural identity in therapy, maternal influence in Indian culture, and the interplay between mysticism and psychoanalysis emerge, revealing the transformative power of cultural roots and the complexities of identity.
undefined
20 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 5min

Dianne Elise, "Creativity and the Erotic Dimensions of the Analytic Field" (Routledge, 2019)

In this discussion, Dianne Elise, a pioneering author studying creativity and its ties to the analytic field, shares her insights on the erotic dimensions of therapy. She bravely tackles Freud’s query about female desire and critiques traditional psychoanalytic perspectives. Elise reflects on her feminist roots and the interplay between creativity and maternal eroticism, emphasizing the impact of societal norms on women's sexuality. Her exploration of these themes urges a deeper understanding of the feminine experience in psychological practice.
undefined
Aug 13, 2024 • 42min

Heather Murray, "Asylum Ways of Seeing: Psychiatric Patients, American Thought and Culture" (U Pennsylvania Press, 2022)

Dr. Heather Murray, an expert in the cultural history of mental illness in the U.S., discusses her work on psychiatric hospitals and their intersection with American culture. She explores how these institutions inadvertently fostered intense observation among patients, challenging traditional views of resignation. The conversation covers the evolution of societal perceptions of mental illness, highlighted through patient creativity and correspondence. Murray also reflects on historical shifts in treatment and the ethical complexities of her research on vulnerable communities.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app