Speaking of Psychology

Join Kim Gorgens, PhD, a concussion researcher and brain health advocate, as she delves into the critical issue of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Discover the staggering 2.8 million TBIs occurring annually in the U.S. and the heightened risks among youth athletes and vulnerable populations like domestic violence survivors. Gorgens discusses the need for better protective gear in sports, the complexities of diagnosing TBIs, and emphasizes holistic recovery approaches, advocating for informed care to mitigate long-term impacts on mental health.

Keith Payne, PhD, is an author and expert on the psychology behind political division. He delves into the roots of U.S. polarization and how social identity often shapes political beliefs, rather than stable ideologies. Payne discusses the psychological mechanisms of motivated reasoning and confirmation bias, revealing how these biases protect personal identities. He also examines the historical influences, including the legacy of the Civil War, and emphasizes the importance of constructive dialogue in bridging divisive gaps.

Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, a psychologist dedicated to improving mental health for youth of color, discusses her groundbreaking $20 million funding initiative aimed at addressing mental health challenges. She highlights the importance of intersectionality, particularly for multiracial youth and trans girls, in crafting tailored mental health support. The conversation also covers how modern platforms can enhance inclusivity in psychological research, promoting equity and awareness for marginalized communities.

Renée Fleming, a celebrated soprano and editor of a new book on music and health, teams up with Aniruddh Patel, PhD, a leading music cognition researcher. They delve into the therapeutic benefits of music for conditions like Parkinson's and stroke recovery. The duo discusses the evolutionary roots of human musicality and the intriguing connections between music and mental health. They highlight the critical role of music therapy in enhancing cognitive functions and emotional recovery, while advocating for more integration of the arts in healthcare.

Dwight Hennessy, PhD, a traffic psychologist, dives into the mental challenges of driving. He explains why road rage happens and how personal traits influence driving stress. The discussion covers the zipper merge technique—why it's effective yet misunderstood—and how COVID-19 impacted our driving behaviors. Hennessy also touches on horn honking as a cultural expression, considering its emotional roots and possible solutions. Lastly, he explores how urban traffic management affects drivers' well-being and the future of driving with automation.

Karen Lynn Cassiday, PhD, an expert on health anxiety and author of "Freedom from Health Anxiety," sheds light on the struggles of those living with health anxiety, especially amplified during the pandemic. She discusses the detrimental effects of "Dr. Google" and misinformation on mental well-being. Effective management strategies through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are shared, including improving communication with healthcare providers. Cassiday emphasizes the vital role of support systems and the need for acceptance of life's uncertainties to foster healthier coping mechanisms.

Tessa West, PhD, is a psychology professor at NYU and author of "Job Therapy: Finding Work that Works for You." She delves into the roots of job dissatisfaction and unveils strategies for identifying what truly makes you unhappy at work. The conversation covers navigating toxic coworkers and emphasizes effective communication as a key to workplace harmony. Tessa also explores the dynamics of intergenerational communication and the importance of psychological safety for employee well-being, challenging traditional exit interviews for more open dialogue.

Join Charles Duhigg, author of 'Supercommunicators,' and conversation researcher Michael Yeomans, PhD, as they unravel the secrets to effective communication. Discover the traits of 'super communicators' and learn how to build rapport with new acquaintances. They discuss aligning conversation goals, especially during disagreements, and the influence of technology on modern dialogue. Plus, explore techniques for navigating challenging discussions and the vital role of emotional intelligence in forging deeper connections.

Join Dr. Jessica de Bloom, a vacation well-being researcher from Groningen University, and Dr. Sarah Pressman, a health psychology expert from UC Irvine, as they explore the profound impacts of taking time off. They discuss how vacations boost both mental and physical health, emphasizing the benefits of unplugging and finding balance between capturing memories and being present. The duo also reflects on post-pandemic travel attitudes and the importance of meaningful experiences in enhancing well-being, offering strategies for maximizing your time away.

Joe DeGutis, PhD, a Harvard psychologist specializing in prosopagnosia, teams up with Sadie Dingfelder, a participant who discovered her lifelong face blindness. They delve into how face blindness affects daily life and relationships, highlighting the cognitive challenges it presents. The duo explores innovative research and promising treatments while discussing the impact of mask-wearing on face recognition. They also touch on oxytocin's potential to enhance social engagement, bringing a fascinating blend of personal experience and scientific insight.