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Abigail Marsh

Psychologist and neuroscientist specializing in the neuroscience of fear, empathy, and psychopathy, author and researcher known for work on extreme altruism and callous-unemotional traits.

Top 10 podcasts with Abigail Marsh

Ranked by the Snipd community
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53 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 17min

Abigail Marsh on Psychopaths

In this insightful discussion, Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University professor specializing in psychopathy and empathy, delves into the intriguing traits of psychopathy. She explains the core traits of boldness, meanness, and disinhibition, and how they manifest in antisocial behavior. Marsh highlights early warning signs in children and effective parenting strategies to intervene. The conversation also touches on the surprising link between psychopathy and success in certain professions, while emphasizing the importance of understanding and support for affected families.
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49 snips
May 12, 2025 • 43min

How to see the humanity in everyone — even people you don’t like (w/ Abigail Marsh)

Abigail Marsh, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Georgetown University and author of *The Fear Factor*, dives into the intriguing world of psychopathy and altruism. She discusses why extreme altruists, like organ donors, exist alongside the morally ambiguous traits of some highly successful individuals. Marsh unpacks the brain differences between these groups and critiques American culture's obsession with psychopathy. Plus, she shares parent strategies for navigating children's behavioral challenges, advocating for a blend of discipline and empathy.
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26 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 1h 4min

1293: Abigail Marsh | How Fear Separates Saints from Psychopaths Part 2

Abigail Marsh, psychologist known for research on empathy, fear, and extreme altruism. She discusses how fear processing links altruists and people with psychopathy. They cover treatability of personality disorders, why groups commit atrocities, brain differences in face recognition, and how small acts of kindness create ripple effects.
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26 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 1h 12min

1292: Abigail Marsh | How Fear Separates Saints from Psychopaths Part 1

Abigail Marsh, psychologist and neuroscientist who studies fear, empathy, and psychopathy, joins to discuss what separates extreme altruism from callousness. She explains how fear recognition — or its absence — reshapes behavior. They cover flaws in famous psychology studies, how household chaos impairs development, and parenting that builds compassion with warmth plus consistent limits.
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25 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 27min

The Happy Pod: What makes people instinctively kind?

Dr Abigail Marsh, psychology and neuroscience professor who studies the roots of altruism; Tim Swinburne, former police officer who donated a kidney to a friend; Cindy Gray, researcher adapting a fathers-and-kids program for prison; Catherine Whitfield, patient who went cancer-free after a clinical trial. They discuss why some people instinctively help, a lifesaving kidney donation, father–child play in prison, and joining breakthrough trials.
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10 snips
Apr 27, 2020 • 30min

Psychopaths and Superheroes

In this discussion, Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown psychology professor and expert on altruism, reveals the inspiring world of super altruists—those who risk their own well-being to help others. She shares her personal story of being saved by a stranger, sparking her passion for exploring the brain's role in compassion. The conversation dives into how selfless actions can lead to greater happiness and how understanding altruism can transform our lives. Listeners are encouraged to embrace generosity for a more fulfilling existence.
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9 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 20min

Anyone can be an altruist

In this engaging discussion, Abigail Marsh, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Georgetown University, dives into the fascinating world of extreme altruism. She shares how a near-death experience spurred her research on why individuals are willing to give away kidneys to strangers. Marsh discusses key brain differences in altruists, such as a larger amygdala, and highlights personality traits like humility and unselfishness. Plus, she offers practical tips on cultivating altruism, emphasizing the importance of starting small and making concrete plans.
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Nov 18, 2025 • 14min

Psychopathy can be treated—but here’s why it rarely is | Prof. Abigail Marsh

Joining the discussion is Professor Abigail Marsh from Georgetown University, an expert in psychology and neuroscience. She delves into the spectrum of psychopathy, highlighting how empathy levels vary and how this impacts behavior. Marsh describes the role of the amygdala in emotional recognition and shares insights on the evolutionary origins of altruism. She also discusses the challenges and possibilities of treating psychopathy, emphasizing the need for accountability and the potential for growth in individuals willing to develop empathy.
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Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 33min

You 2.0: Stop Spiraling!

Greg Walton, a Stanford psychologist, dives into the traps of negative thought spirals and self-fulfilling prophecies, using personal anecdotes to illuminate how our expectations shape reality. He discusses interventions that pivot downward spirals into upward momentum, emphasizing the power of belonging. Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown psychologist, explores extreme altruism, sharing insights on why some people value strangers equally to friends and how witnessing acts of kindness fosters a contagion of generosity. Together, they unpack the intricate psychology of resilience and giving.
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Dec 24, 2025 • 21min

Try This: Anyone can be an altruist

Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University professor known for her groundbreaking research on altruism, dives into the fascinating world of giving. She reveals why some people are driven to help strangers, even donating organs like kidneys. Marsh discusses key brain differences in altruists and highlights their personality traits, such as humility and positive views of others. With practical tips, she encourages everyone to cultivate altruism in their lives through small, enjoyable acts and planned volunteering, ultimately strengthening community bonds.

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