Welcome to The Psychology Podcast. In each episode, we talk with inspiring scientists, thinkers, and other self-actualized individuals who will give you a greater understanding of yourself, others, and the world we live in. Scott Barry Kaufman explores the depths of human potential and tries to get a glimpse into human possibility in every episode.
Publisher: iHeartRadio
Latest Episode
Magic, Skepticism, and Success w/ Dr. Richard Wiseman
This week, Scott is joined by Dr. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist renowned for his work on magic, illusion, deception, luck, and self-development. As the UK's only Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, Dr. Wiseman has published over 100 academic papers and authored bestselling books such as The Luck Factor, Paranormality, Quirkology, and Rip It Up. Dr. Wiseman’s research bridges science and everyday life, offering insights into success, well-being, and the quirks of human perception. In this episode Scott and Dr. Wiseman explore the fascinating psychology behind magic, and his attempts to scientifically study what appears to be psychic phenomenon. We also discuss the secrets of self-transformation.
Recent Episodes
Does Telepathy Exist? w/ Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell
This week, Scott is joined by Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell—an integrative medical doctor, neuropsychiatrist, and researcher of extraordinary states of consciousness. Dr. Powell's research explores the neuroscience behind psychic phenomena, telepathy, and the incredible abilities of autistic savants. She is the author of "The ESP Enigma: The Scientific Case for Psychic Phenomena" and has been featured in "The Telepathy Tapes" podcast for her groundbreaking work with children who appear to demonstrate mind-reading abilities.
Scott and Dr. Powell dive into the scientific challenges of studying telepathy, the mysteries of prophetic dreams, and Dr. Powell’s theories of consciousness. This conversation explores the limits of human potential and what it means to be an open skeptic in the search for truth.
A Legacy of Social Psychology w/ Dr. Elliot Aronson and Dr. Joshua Aronson
In this special episode, Scott is joined by two legendary figures in social psychology: Dr. Elliot Aronson and his son, Dr. Joshua Aronson. At 93, Elliot Aronson remains a towering influence in psychology, known for pioneering the Jigsaw Classroom—a groundbreaking cooperative learning technique that reduces interethnic hostility and enhances learning. He is the only person in American Psychological Association history to receive all three of its major awards for research, teaching, and writing, including the prestigious William James Award for Lifetime Achievement.
His son, Dr. Joshua Aronson, is a distinguished social psychologist and Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at NYU. His pioneering research on stereotype threat has reshaped our understanding of learning and performance under stress. As the director of the Mindful Education Lab, he leads efforts to improve psychological resilience and learning environments.
Together, Elliot and Joshua co-authored The Social Animal, a seminal textbook in psychology. In this conversation, Scott, Elliot and Joshua explore this groundbreaking work, their personal journeys, and the lasting impact of their research on education, social behavior, and human psychology.
How to Help Children Thrive in the Age of Uncertainty w/ Dr. Tovah Klein
This week Scott is joined by Barnard College Professor Dr. Tovah Klein. Scott and Dr. Klein discuss her groundbreaking research on child development including the importance of being a safe anchor for your children by providing them safety in their worst moments, accepting them for who they are, and being there for them no matter what.
Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
This week Scott is joined by Stanford Psychiatrist and addiction expert, Dr. Anna Lembke. Scott and Dr. Lembke discuss how to reset your dopamine system to take back control of your life and turn the things that you really want into their own reward.
Overcome Your Trauma With Happiness w/ Karen Guggenheim
This week Scott is joined by author, speaker and pioneer in the global happiness movement, Karen Guggenheim. Scott and Karen discuss overcoming trauma with happiness, how happiness can be learned by making small daily changes, and how to use compassion to overcome adversity.
How to Lead Yourself w/ Stedman Graham
This week Scott is joined by author, businessman and public speaker, Stedman Graham. Scott and Stedman discuss the importance of identity leadership, centering your worth around your own strengths and talents, and self actualization.
The Happiness Trap w/ Russ Harris
This week Scott is joined by one of Australia's foremost practitioners of acceptance and commitment therapy, Dr. Russ Harris. Scott and Russ discuss Dr. Harris'' "Happiness Trap” cards, which are designed to invigorate one's mental health with ideas to boost self-esteem and challenge intrusive thoughts among other mental health practices.
What Do Women Really Want?
This week Scott is joined by best-selling author and former dating coach Mark Manson about what women really want in a man. In addition to writing multiple bestselling books such as “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck” and “Everything is Fucked”, Mark put a lot of his insights into dating and seduction in his 2011 book “Models: Attract Women through Honesty”. In this episode Scott and Mark discuss whether nice guys really finish last and the importance of authenticity in attracting a mate. From dating to seduction and more, Scott and Mark cover it all.
Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last?
For this special 10th anniversary episode of The Psychology Podcast, Scott draws on science to answer the age-old question: Do nice guys really finish last? First, Scott pinpoints exactly what women mean when they use terms such as “bad boy” and “nice guy.” Then he discusses the psychology of individuals who are primarily driven by selfish desires, and how they go about obtaining their mating goals. Then, Scott looks at what women actually want, including what some women want, and what some women want some of the time. Finally, Scott presents what he thinks are the most reasonable conclusions based on all of the current evidence and he offers advice for nice guys, women, and bad boys.