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
The Upside of OCD w/ Michael Alcee
This week Scott has a chat with clinical psychologist Michael Alcee, where they have a humanistic discussion about obsessive compulsive disorder. Michael is critical of the standard medical model of OCD and points out the upsides of OCD. He argues that people with OCD have a unique temperament, which includes heightened existential sensitivity and a richer imagination. While people with OCD certainly have their struggles, and tend to be obsessed about causing harm or receiving harm, Michael also points us to all the ways that OCD have historically been channeled into some of the greatest works of art and literature, and how everyone with OCD can have a healthier relationship with their OCD.
Recent Episodes
How To Make Magic With Your Partner w/ The Cosmic Romantics
This week, Scott is joined by The Cosmic Romantics— the husband and wife magic team consisting of Eric Thirsting and Elizabeth Messick! Scott talks to the couple about balancing a romantic and professional relationship, Elizabeth’s own struggles with mental health, and the different kind of magic archetypes. They even do magic for each other!
Hope for Cynics w/ Dr. Jamil Zaki
This week Scott is joined by author and professor of psychology at Stanford University, Dr. Jamil Zaki. Scott and Dr. Zaki discuss tribal cynicism, how hopeful skepticism is different from naive optimism, and the importance of countering “social shark attacks”.
Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self w/ Kim Shapira
This week Scott is joined by Kim Shapira, a celebrity dietician, author and nutritional therapist. Scott and Kim discuss the rules of the “Kim Shapira Method”, the psychology behind losing weight (and keeping it off) as well as the fact that a craving is not a hunger. Kim shows how changing your relationship to food can truly change your entire life.
Reimagining Boyhood & Masculinity w/ Ruth Whippman
This week Scott is joined by author and cultural critic, Ruth Whippman. Scott and Ruth discuss what it's like being a mother raising boys in modern society, the role of "masculinity influencers”, and what healthy masculinity looks like.
The Science of Morbid Curiosity w/ Dr. Coltan Scrivner
This week Scott is joined by true crime and morbid curiosity psychologist, Dr. Coltan Scrivner. Scott and Dr. Scrivner discuss how to determine your level of interest in morbid curiosity, why some people have a higher level of tolerance (and even attraction) to scary things, and how to spot a “bleeding-heart" horror fan.
The Psychology of Identity and Fostering Social Harmony w/ Dr. Jay Van Bavel
This week Scott is joined by NYU professor and expert on social identity, Dr. Jay Van Bavel. Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Van Bavel discuss how to escape your echo chambers and overcome your biases, the role social media plays in creating a funhouse mirror, and how to make connections with fellow humans even if they're in your out-group.
The Third Perspective w/ Africa Brooke
This week Scott is joined by consultant, coach, speaker, and author Africa Brooke. In this lively conversation, Scott and Africa discuss the importance of diversity of thought, expressing yourself in an age of intolerance, and why sometimes it's important to listen to people that you don't necessarily agree with.
Finding Work That Leaves You Fulfilled w/ Dr. Tessa West
This week Scott is joined by NYU professor and author Dr. Tessa West. Scott and Dr. West discuss how to find a fulfilling job, how to deal with jerks in the workplace, five common sources of career frustration, and how to make a resume more appealing.
Vulnerable Minds and the Hope of Resilience w/ Marc Hauser
This week Scott is joined by evolutionary biologist and author, Dr. Marc Hauser. Scott and Marc discuss adverse child experiences and why it's important to distinguish them from trauma. They also discuss Marc's framework for thinking about childhood adversity and how to help all kinds of vulnerable minds.