New Books in Psychology

Anna Dako explores Felt Thinking in Movement as an eco-somatic practice for wellbeing, emphasizing the creative processes in nature. The podcast covers the transformative power of movement, the connection between emotional expression and physical movement, and the intuitive process of embodied practice in performance art. Exciting partnerships and opportunities for live performances are also discussed.

Dominique Scarfone discusses the unique aspects of communication between adults and infants in psychoanalysis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the 'noise' in this exchange. The podcast explores Laplanche's theories on infantile sexuality and the unadaptable nature of the sex drive in psychoanalytic work. The conversation between Scarfone and Saketopoulou offers a deep dive into the complexities of Freudian theory and the innovative approach to psychoanalysis in 'The Reality of the Message.'

An exploration of the emotional lives of fathers caring for children with disabilities, blending ethnographic research with personal experience. The podcast discusses the transformative power of care in shaping identities and relationships. It also delves into the challenges and joys of caregiving, emphasizing attunement, moral perspectives, and the dual roles of caregiver and researcher.

An exploration of the brain's ability to control movement through microcircuits, revealing the evolution and specialization of neural networks. The analogy of an orchestra is used to explain the coordination of motor circuits. The podcast discusses the interplay between different brain regions in movement control and the importance of adaptation in learning new behaviors.

Discover why people stop noticing the wonders and horrors in their lives due to habituation. Learn how to 'dishabituate' and see everything with fresh eyes. Explore the power of change in reigniting joy, innovation, and recognizing areas needing improvement.

Torsa Ghosal, an expert in contemporary fictions and cognition, discusses the relationship between narrative forms and cognitive-scientific frameworks. They explore how stories reflect historical beliefs about how minds work and participate in their reappraisal. By analyzing works of various authors, Ghosal generates unique insights into the influence of literary imagination on our thinking amid social, technological, and environmental changes.

Nate Klemp, expert on living with an expansive mind in a distracted world, discusses the importance of openness in a society filled with distractions. He explores the power of meditation, combining compounds with therapy for transformation, and navigating the balance between openness and closure. Klemp emphasizes the value of setting boundaries while also cultivating a sense of openness in various aspects of life.

In this podcast, Paul Katsafanas discusses his book 'Philosophy of Devotion' which explores the concept of devotion to sacred ideas. He examines the reasons why certain commitments resist reason and critical reflection, and how devotion can lead to both fulfillment and harm. Katsafanas delves into the power of deep commitment in personal relationships and social causes, while also addressing the negative consequences of fanaticism driven by feelings of persecution and ressentiment. The podcast also explores the influence of sacred values on behavior, the concept of ressentiment mode, and the damaging effects of political discourse based on resentment and fragility.

Dr. Joshua Paul Dale, author of 'Irresistible: How Cuteness Wired our Brains and Conquered the World,' explores the neuroscience, evolution, and cultural impact of cuteness. Topics covered include the origins of Japan's kawaii culture, the connection between cuteness and animal domestication, the influence of cuteness in Japanese and Western art, the evolution of the concept of childhood, the history of the word 'kawaii' in Japanese society, and the potential future of cuteness with robotics and AI.

John Horgan, leading expert on the psychology of terrorism, discusses the motivations behind becoming a terrorist, the process of deradicalization, and the evolution of terrorism research. The podcast explores the distinction between violent extremists and mass killers, the complexity of understanding terrorism, and the diverse motivations of terrorists. It also examines the factors influencing involvement in extremist groups and the psychological aspects of terrorism.