2015-08-10
Susan Cain and the Quiet Revolution: Unlocking the Power of Introverts
Best-selling author Susan Cain shares her personal philosophy and the research that started a movement to empower introverts! For this episode, we wanted to share ourselves – We discuss our values, epiphanies and perspectives on the good life. We also shed light on introversion across a range of topics, including vocations, testing and the differences […]
Listen → 2015-07-26
Understanding the science of introversion and extraversion with Dr. Luke Smillie
We have Dr. Luke Smillie on the podcast to elucidate the research and conceptualizations surrounding introversion and extraversion. Topics include psychometrics, well-being, cultural values, the neurochemistry of personality traits, nature vs. nurture and much more. With this episode we wanted to clear up controversy and delve deep into this hot topic to help the listener […]
Listen → 2015-07-05
Hope, the Future and Flourishing with Shane Lopez
One of the world’s foremost experts on hope, self-proclaimed “hopemonger” Shane Lopez, sheds light on the incredible impact hope can have in our lives. We chat about flourishing, narratives of our future, passion and how hope may predict job and school success. There are some compelling statistics here that we hope will get you focused […]
Listen → 2015-06-22
Why We Love, Lust, and Live with Helen Fisher
A leader in the psychology of human mating, and an expert on both the cultural and biological foundations of love, Helen Fisher shares science-backed information on attraction, mate selection, infidelity, the neuroscience of love and the effects of culture on our biology. There’s a wealth of interesting facts here and some surprising insight into humanity’s […]
Listen → 2015-06-08
Straight Talk about IQ with Christopher Chabris
In this episode we cover every topic in psychology, neuroscience and genetics (not literally, but it certainly feels that way)! Christopher Chabris shares his expert opinions on science journalism, general intelligence, IQ testing, intuition, creativity, the default mode brain network and more. We really nerd out here – science types will get a kick out […]
Listen → 2015-05-25
Maximizing, satisficing and the paradox of choice with Barry Schwartz
A legend in the field, economic psychologist Barry Schwartz talks about how having too many options can be paralytic and tiresome to the human psyche. Schwartz also discusses the destructive force of an “only the best will do” mentality. We contemplate the implications of these concepts across topics like parenting consumerism, creativity, the prevalence of […]
Listen → 2015-05-11
How to Be Understood and Reach Your Goals with Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson
Best selling author and social psychologist Heidi Grant Halvorson discusses motivational styles and how we can ensure people understand who we truly are. It’s a particularly actionable episode, where the listener can learn strategies aimed at effective communication, habit formation and making better motivational decisions. In this episode you will hear about: Why our identities […]
Listen → 2015-04-27
Tim Ferriss on accelerated learning, peak performance and living the good life
Three time bestselling author and human guinea pig Tim Ferriss discusses how to become top 5% in the world with a new skill in just 6-12 months. Scott and Tim debunk the 10,000 hour rule, discuss general principles for accelerated skill acquisition, consider what it means to live the good life and take a sneak […]
Listen → 2015-04-20
Ryan Holiday on Stoicism, strategy and creativity
Best selling author Ryan Holiday discusses how Stoicism can help us transform trials into triumph. It’s a pragmatic episode, full of strategies to invert obstacles and wrest opportunity from adversity. The conversation includes invaluable advice for aspiring creatives, research affirming the Stoic approach, how great historical figures have used Stoicism and more… In this episode […]
Listen → 2015-04-06
Examining standardized testing with Anya Kamenetz
Award-winning education writer Anya Kamenetz provides practical guidance for parents looking to understand standardized testing. She and Scott roll up their sleeves and delve deep into the nature, origins, drawbacks and future of our high-stakes testing culture. The dialogue spans varying topics including broadening our educational priorities, holding schools accountable, implementing better assessments and helping […]
Listen → 2015-03-23
Imaginary worlds and creativity with Michele Root-Bernstein
Creativity scholar Michele Root-Bernstein discusses her work exploring the playful imaginative worlds of children and their correlation with creativity. Scott and Michele tease out the implications of imaginary worlds on education, giftedness, vocation, self-perception and more. Some other topics include the importance of play, technology’s effects on self-expression and high-level creative achievement. In this episode […]
Listen → 2015-03-09
Peter Sims on how “little bets” spur big creative successes
Award-winning author Peter Sims shares some heartening research on how people like Steve Jobs, Chris Rock and Frank Gehry use small experiments to lay the groundwork for big creative successes. It’s an encouraging episode for all the creative types out there thinking they have to have it all figured it out from the get go. […]
Listen → 2015-02-16
How to change your habits with Dr. Art Markman
Dr. Art Markman discusses tools, tips and tricks for editing our behaviors and achieving our goals. It’s an incredibly practical episode for those of us who want to lose that weight, write that book and change our lives. Topics include why we tend to fail with habit change, how to live a good life and […]
Listen → 2015-02-09
The science of raising happily productive kids with Dr. Dona Matthews
Expert Dona Matthews presents ample research regarding how to help children flourish into happy and successful adults. Scott guides the interview across a wide array of vital domains including creativity, flow, standardized testing, growth mindsets and the many myths about intelligence. In this episode you will hear about: A more comprehensive definition of intelligence How […]
Listen → 2015-01-26
Modern rudeness in Stone Age minds with Amy Alkon
Advice columnist and science writer Amy Alkon sheds light on the evolutionary roots of modern impoliteness. She shares research on how to cure rudeness and make the world a friendlier place. Scott and Amy get personal as they cover topics like living with ADHD, being a starving artist, how to live a good life and […]
Listen → 2015-01-19
“What is it like to be a psychopath?”
Cognitive neuroscientist Kent Kiehl discusses his research and personal experience working with “those without conscience.” Scott and Kent demystify the historically fascinating illness as it relates to criminal activity, genius, evil, flourishing, the brain, gender and treatment. In this episode you will hear about: Why there’s been so much interest in psychopathy What it means […]
Listen → 2015-01-05
Todd Kashdan on dancing with the dark side of your personality
Psychologist Dr. Todd Kashdan shares some unconventional research on how we can harness “negative” psychological characteristics to live whole, successful and fulfilling lives. Topics include the dark triad, emotional experimentation, mindfulness, education, evolution and what it means to live well. In this episode you will hear about: How feelings like anxiety, jealousy and selfishness can […]
Listen → 2014-12-20
Adam Grant on givers, takers, matchers and fakers
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School Professor and bestselling author Adam Grant presents some heartening research on how being a giver can lead to success. He and Scott chat about a plethora of topics, including the meaning of friendship, introversion, takers, and fakers, and the importance of challenging dogmatic science. In this episode you will hear: […]
Listen → 2014-12-06
Discussing the origins of extraordinary athletic performance with David Epstein
Bestselling author David Epstein discusses research on the complex interplay of nature and nurture in sports, how mentality propels success, how we assess potential, sex differences in sport, and why getting older doesn’t mean we can’t achieve greatness. In this episode you will hear about: Baselines abilities vs. trainability Common mistakes we make when judging potential Genetic […]
Listen → 2014-11-21
Introducing The Psychology Podcast with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman
It’s my great pleasure to introduce The Psychology Podcast with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, where we give you insights into the mind, brain, behavior and creativity. Each episode will feature a guest who will stimulate your mind, and give you a greater understanding of your self, others, and the world we live in. Hopefully, we’ll also provide a glimpse into […]
Listen → 2014-11-15
Daydreaming and Mental Contrasting for Goal-Fulfillment with Gabriele Oettingen
Psychologist Gabrielle Oettingen’s research on goal-setting and self-regulation animates discussion of some incredibly practical tools to help with constructive daydreaming, hurdling obstacles, implementation intentions and goal-fulfillment. In this episode you will hear about: The ‘WOOP’ framework for goal-setting and goal-realization How simply thinking positively about goals can actually hinder efficacy The right way to use prospection […]
Listen → 2014-11-15
Talking Mastery and Social Intelligence with Author Robert Greene
Five time international bestselling author Robert Greene shares his thoughts on creativity, finding your calling, social intelligence and his latest book about what it means to be a master of your craft. In this episode you will hear about: How to become a master of your craft Robert’s own struggle to find his uniqueness that […]
Listen → 2014-11-12
The Science of Growing Smarter with Annie Murphy Paul
Science writer Annie Murphy Paul’s fresh perspective on intelligence and personality prompt a heart-to-heart about learning, intelligence assessments, growth mindsets and rethinking intelligence. In this episode you will hear about: Nature vs. nurture and the dynamic nature of personal identity How intelligence/personality are more situationally influenced than we tend to think The follies of IQ testing […]
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