Psychologists Off the Clock

As yet another incredible year comes to a close, the POTC cohosts, Debbie, Jill, Michael, and Emily, gather for the final episode of 2023 in a cozy fireside chat. Kicking off the episode, they reflect on some of the obstacles they faced this past year as well as share some of the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way. Looking optimistically into the year to come, they get pumped about their aspirations for 2024 and wrap up the chat with a spirited speed-round. Intrigued to know their holiday season pet peeves, what dirty little secrets they’ve been hiding, and the game-changing buys they’ve made that cost less than a Benjamin?! Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode! Happy holidays, off-the-clockers! See you again in the new year!Resources:  The Love of My Life, by Rosie Walsh  I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy The Anomaly by Le Tellier About Emily Edlynn Emily (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. She has a BA in English from Smith College, a PhD in clinical psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and completed postgraduate training at Stanford and Children’s Hospital Orange County. Emily spent almost ten years working in children’s hospitals before pivoting to private practice, which allowed her to start a writing career. Emily has written her blog, The Art and Science of Mom, since 2017 and a parenting advice column for Parents.com since 2019. Emily’s writing has also appeared in the Washington Post, Scary Mommy, Good Housekeeping, Motherly, and more. She recently added author to her bio with her book, Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent Confident Children and has a Substack newsletter.About Debbie Sorenson Debbie (she/her) is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Denver, Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Harvard University. She is author of the upcoming book ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and co-author of ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. drdebbiesorensen.com.About Jill Stoddard Jill Stoddard is passionate about sharing science-backed ideas from psychology to help people thrive. She is a psychologist, writer, TEDx speaker, award-winning teacher, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, and co-host of the popular Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. Dr. Stoddard is the author of three books: The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner’s Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Be Mighty: A Woman’s Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance; and Imposter No More: Overcome Self-doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career.About Michael Herold Michael (he/him) is a confidence trainer and social skills coach, based in Vienna, Austria. He’s helping his clients overcome their social anxiety through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and fun exposure exercises. (Though the jury is still out on whether they’re mostly fun for him). He is also a certified therapeutic game master, utilizing the Dungeons&Dragons tabletop roleplaying game to train communication, assertiveness, and teamwork with young adults. Or actually, anyone ready to roll some dice and battle goblins in a supportive group where players want to level up (pun!) their social skills.Related Episodes 2. Hygge – Happiness and the Danish Art of Cozy Connection 218. Off the Clock with Us 238. Values During Times of Transition (with Us) 252. Getting the Help You Need, with Us 262. Hope and Values in Dark Times with Us 300. Celebrating 300 Episodes with Us 323. Introducing Our New Cohosts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Since we were introduced to Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges in the early nineties, the concept has revolutionized our understanding of the connection between safety and well-being and transformed trauma interventions and therapeutic interactions, inspiring researchers and clinicians to approach things in new ways. Here to enlighten us through real-world examples and themes from their book, Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us, are father and son, Stephen and Seth Porges. Tune in to gain a whole new outlook on what our body does based on how safe we feel and learn practical ways in which we can help one another feel safe.Listen and Learn:  What is polyvagal theory? What effects does it have on our physical and mental well-being to live in a world where signals of threat are all around us?   The science of safety  What role does cognition play in polyvagal theory? Clearing up misconceptions about our freeze response to life-threatening or traumatic events Breath, the vagus nerve, and feeling safe—and whether there's even an ideal way to breathe to stimulate or activate those feelings of safety Are hormonal changes impacting the vagus nerve, and is that why we experience mood changes during puberty and menopause? What makes us seek out the thrill of being scared? Resources: For more insight on polyvagal theory, visit Stephen and Seph’s websites  Order your copy of Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us Follow Stephen on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn  Follow Seth on Facebook and X About Stephen and Seth PorgesStephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. He lives in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Seth Porges is a journalist and filmmaker. He directed the critically acclaimed documentary Class Action Park (HBO Max). He lives in Atlantic Beach, Florida, and Brooklyn, New York. Related episodes 131. COVID-19, Anxiety, Cultivating Safety, and Polyvagal Theory with Stephen Porges 139 & 140 Neurodharma with Rick Hanson Parts 1 & 2 177. Mind-Body Practices for Stress and Overwhelm with Rebekkah LaDyne 210. Strategies for Becoming Safely Embodied with Deirdre Fay 269. Connection Through Vulnerability with Rikke Kjelgaard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The fact is that, next to sleep, we spend the most hours of a lifetime in the workplace. It's true, even though it is a bitter pill to swallow. That's why Michelle P. King argues the idea that we can only find fulfillment and purpose outside of work. Having a job takes up so much of our day-to-day lives, so we must strive to find meaning in it and understand the unspoken rules that lie beneath the surface. Discussing Michelle’s book How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself, we shed some light on the path to achieving our career ambitions without compromising our identities.Listen and Learn What was Michelle's motivation for developing a framework for how to feel seen, heard, and valued at work? The evolution of the work environment as a result of economic changes  Why is the need to fit in inherently problematic, and how is belonging different? The steps to building an informal network to future-proof your career success How establishing meaningful connections and investing in self-awareness can help you get ahead at work without losing your authentic self  Resources:  Visit Michelle’s website Get your copy of How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself Check out Michelle’s podcast, The Fix Follow Michelle on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X About Michelle P. KingDr. Michelle P. King+ is an award-winning academic and globally recognized expert on inequality and organizational culture. Her second book, How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself, publishes internationally on October 10th, 2023 (HarperCollins). Related Episodes: 299. Leadership and the Changing Workplace with Chris Shipley 281. Belonging Uncertainty and Bridging Divides with Geoffrey Cohen 270. How Am I Doing? with Cory Yeager 217. Redefining Rich with Shannon Hayes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Middle school can be such a stressful experience for kids, their parents, and educators alike. It's a time of change, pressure, and uncharted territory that can be extremely overwhelming. In this conversation, Emily Edlynn speaks with the author of Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times, Phyllis Fagell, who has crafted a science-backed and compassionate resource for parents and educators to support middle schoolers through the most challenging situations. You will learn why this particular age group has the capacity for remarkable growth and resilience and why adults should not be afraid of this stage of life—instead, concentrate on the strengths and skills that can be cultivated during it. We invite you to listen to this episode for actionable strategies and skills to help your tweens thrive and become more resilient in a world that can be chaotic and anxiety-inducing. From managing rejection, friendships, and self-regulating emotions to academic performance and recovering from setbacks, Phyllis’ advice is invaluable. Listen and Learn:  What Phyllis enjoys most about working with and writing about the middle-school age group Why Phyllis wrote a book to help parents better understand and support middle schoolers Tips to help provide a foundation of security for kids in these chaotic and scary times Common parenting concerns during middle school and how using different superpowers can help with such challenges  How being a middle school counselor, writing about middle school, and being a parent at the same time has been a gift and a liability for Phyllis Resources: Phyllis Fagell’s website Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times About Phyllis Fagell Phyllis Fagell is a practicing school counselor, a psychotherapist who works with children and teens in private practice, and an author and journalist. She is the author of "MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS, The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help," and her most recent book that we’re discussing today: "MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPERPOWERS, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times." Phyllis is a frequent contributor to publications such as The Washington Post and CNN, and her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times, NPR, The Chicago Tribune, and The Atlantic. Phyllis has three children and lives in Bethesda, MD.Related Episodes: 272. Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell 324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace 319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with the AMAZING Emily Edlynn 202. The Addiction Inoculation with Jess Lahey 213. Back To School! How To Talk With Kids To Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance and A Happy Home with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson 293. Quit with Annie Duke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inequality is a pervasive problem in society that leads to individuals and entire communities feeling undervalued and neglected and can have adverse impacts. We excitedly welcome acclaimed Harvard sociologist Michèle Lamont for this discussion, who joins Debbie to impart wisdom and discoveries from her powerful book, Seeing Others: How Recognition Works and How It Can Heal a Divided World. As they explore the complicated topic of recognition in society, Michele draws from almost four decades of research and interviews with young adults, cultural figures, and advocates for change to highlight the differences in treatment given to certain groups, the impacts of denied recognition, and the role of narratives in shaping societal and cultural norms and values. We also get Michele’s informed perspective on the social changes needed for us to cultivate a more compassionate and inclusive society. If this topic speaks to you, please join us for this very meaningful discussion and be part of the change we want to see in the world!Listen and Learn:  Michele explains how certain groups within society are valued and recognized, while others are left feeling devalued and overlooked The denial of recognition and dignity to marginalized groups and how this negatively impacts their well-being and sense of value within society Why psychology may not be able to capture the concept of worth comprehensively How internalized cultural narratives perpetuate and become embedded over time, and what is being done at a cultural level to change them What is normal universalism?  Is there hope for a more inclusive future that values and includes all people? If Michèle could change one narrative related to the concept of worthiness, what would it be? Resources:  Find out more about Michèle by visiting her website Michele’s book, Seeing Others: How Recognition Works--And How It Can Heal a Divided World The Ford Foundation referenced in this episode  Follow Michele on Twitter About Michele Lamont Dr. Michèle Lamont is a Professor of Sociology and of African and African American Studies and the Robert I. Goldman Professor of European Studies at Harvard University. An influential cultural sociologist who studies boundaries and inequality, she has tackled topics such as dignity, respect, stigma, racism, class, and racial boundaries, and how we evaluate social worth across societies. Her most recent book is Seeing Others: How Recognition Works and How It Can Heal a Divided World (forthcoming with Simon and Schuster, September 2023). Her other books include: Money, Morals, and Manners (1992), The Dignity of Working Men (2000), How Professors Think (2009), as well as the coauthored Getting Respect (2016). After studying with Pierre Bourdieu and others in Paris in the early eighties, Lamont emerged as a pioneer in cultural and comparative sociology, helping to define these fields as we know them today. Her many awards include the C. Wright Mills Award from the Society for the Study of Social Problems for The Dignity of Working Men, the 2014 Guttenberg Award, the 2017 Erasmus Prize, and honorary doctorates from six countries. She served as President of the American Sociological Association in 2016, was a Carnegie Fellow in 2021-2022, and was inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2023. She co-chaired the advisory board to the 2022 United Nations Human Development Report, “Uncertain Times, Unsettled Lives: Shaping our Future in a World in Transformation.”Related episodes:  325. Unseen, Unheard, Undervalued with Janina Scarlet  324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace   256. Social Justice Parenting with Traci Baxley  230. The Laziness Lie with Devon Price  281. Belonging Uncertainty and Bridging Divides with Geoffrey Cohen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus episode, Michael leads Jill, Debbie, and Emily in a hilarious round of Dungeons&Dragons. If you just tuned into our episode with Megan Connell on Dungeons&Dragons in Therapy, you’ll understand that tabletop role-playing games can only truly be understood by experiencing them in action, and who better to demonstrate it than the POTC cohosts? And, for those interested in trying it out themselves, we also provide some free resources. Welcome to Psychologists Off the Clock and Dungeons&Dragons!Resources: Begin your Dungeons&Dragons adventure at dndbeyond.com A Wild Sheep Chase by Winghorn Press Critical Core by Game to Grow Michael’s roll4confidence Website Related Episodes:330. Dungeons&Dragons in Therapy with Megan Connell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many clinical professionals all over the world are incorporating tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) into therapy. They offer diverse benefits and can be a game-changing way to introduce enjoyment and creativity into therapy sessions. For this conversation, we are thrilled to be joined by Megan Connell, author of Tabletop Role-Playing Therapy: A Guide for the Clinician Game Master, to talk about the advantages and potential of RPGs in therapy. Using the wildly popular Dungeons&Dragons as the primary example, we look at how coming together to solve problems, face conflicts, and overcome obstacles through collective storytelling can provide a safe and creative environment for individuals to explore without real-world consequences, while also building on skills such as social and confidence development. Listen in and elevate your therapy game with a perfect blend of fun and learning!Listen and Learn: Megan gives an introduction to therapeutically applied tabletop role-playing games and how they're played The many benefits of tabletop role-playing games in teaching therapeutic skills  The limitless possibilities of Dungeons&Dragons How Megan approaches character creation for her clients The overlap between the ACT Hexaflex Model and role-playing games Resources: Visit Megan's Website Order your copy of Megan’s book Tabletop Role-Playing Therapy: A Guide for the Clinician Game Master   G33ks like us Geek Therapeutics Healthquest Innovative Therapeutics Clinical Roll Psychology at the Table Follow Megan on X About Dr. Megan ConnellDr. Connell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Therapeutic Dungeon Master. She graduated from Argosy University Hawai’i in 2010 and served as a psychologist in the US Army for seven years. While in the Army she received specialty training focused on trauma and PTSD. In 2016, she left active duty and started her work in private practice. There, she has focused her work primarily on challenges related to anxiety, panic, changes in life, depression, trauma, and helping women on the autism spectrum. Through her work with Leyline Geek Therapeutics, she has helped train other mental health professionals on what geek culture is and how we can use geek culture to lead to better, more fulfilling lives. Related Episodes: 77. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Jill Stoddard 288. The Fun Habit with Mike Rucker 294. Yes And: Improv in Psychology with Kelly Leonard 239. Edit Your Story, Change Your Life with Lori Gottlieb 325. Unseen, Unheard, Undervalued with Janina Scarlet 147. Extending Compassion with Janina Scarlet and Sara Schairer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is curiosity one of your greatest superpowers when it comes to making meaningful connections, healing, and growing personally? This episode features Scott Shigeoka, an expert on curiosity and the author of Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World. Join us as Scott draws from personal experiences and extensive research to teach us about the power of deep curiosity and how it goes beyond mere knowledge-seeking to revolutionize your well-being, relationships, and even the world around you.Listen and Learn:  The spectrum of curiosity Scott shares his encounters with deep curiosity and how it changed his experiences Can deep curiosity help cure the global loneliness epidemic? The three directions of curiosity - internal, external, and beyond The downside to curiosity What's stopping you from getting curious? How to cultivate deep curiosity using the DIVE model What sets a weak question apart from a powerful question? Resources:  Visit Scott’s website Connect with Scott on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram Scott’s book Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World About Scott ShigeokaScott Shigeoka is an internationally recognized curiosity expert, speaker, and author. He is known for translating research into strategies that promote positive well-being and connected relationships around the globe, including at the UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and through his groundbreaking courses at the University of Texas at Austin. Scott implements his curiosity practices in the public sector, Fortune 500 companies, Hollywood, media organizations, education institutions, and small businesses.Related Episodes:  325. Unseen, Unheard, Undervalued with Janina Scarlet 302. Say the Right Thing with David Glasgow 294. Yes And: Improv in Psychology with Kelly Leonard 255. Influence is Your Superpower with Zoe Chance 251. Wonder with Frank Keil 247. Find Your Unicorn Space with Eve Rodsky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are all affected by change in some way or another. Whether it is an economic crisis, a career change, a global pandemic, or having children, change is unavoidable. In this episode, we welcome back best-selling author Brad Stulberg to talk about his new book, Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You. Brad shares a new model for defining change and draws upon principles for developing a renewed mindset around change that is supported by modern science, ancient wisdom, and daily practice. Brad's insight serves as a powerful reminder to embrace change with a fresh outlook and is a beacon of inspiration for every individual navigating life's constant changes. Tune in and discover how to reframe your perception of change and explore new avenues for growth and self-discovery.Listen and Learn:  Brad summarizes our current relationship with change as a modern society Are we functioning with change differently now than in the past? The concept of rugged flexibility The risks of too much fusion between identity and pursuit Taking skillful action to have the change shape you as well as to try to shape the change The concept of rugged and flexible action The importance of understanding rage versus pathways Resources: Visit Brads website Brad’s book, Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You Follow Brad on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn About Brad StulbergBrad Stulberg researches, writes, and coaches on health, well-being, and sustainable excellence. He is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness and co-author of Peak Performance. Stulberg regularly contributes to the New York Times, and his work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the Atlantic, among many other publications. He is on faculty at the University of Michigan’s graduate School of Public Health. In his coaching practice, he works with executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, and athletes. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina. https://www.bradstulberg.com/ Related Episodes:  232. Grounded to Soar Into 2022 with Brad Stulberg 291. Finding Freedom From Regret with Robert Leahy 282. Toxic Positivity with Whitney Goodman 280. Choose Growth with Scott Barry Kaufman 25. Resilience: Bouncing Back After Difficulty with Debbie and Rae 37. Post-Traumatic Growth with Diana and Debbie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It is astounding how much information we are exposed to on a daily basis. But how can we transform information overload into opportunity? For this episode, we invited internationally recognized leading futurist, entrepreneur, and author Ross Dawson to the conversation to share valuable insights from his new book, "Thriving on Overload: The 5 Powers for Success in a World of Exponential Information" Ross gives his take on the challenges of information overload in today's digital age and provides a detailed roadmap for navigating the noise and making better-informed decisions about the information you engage in by harnessing five essential powers - Purpose, Framing, Filtering, Attention, and Synthesis. Listen and Learn: What is at risk if we don't train our brains and gain the habits, approaches, and behaviors that serve us well in this age of information overload?  The power of understanding your purpose  How to get more clear on what your purpose might be when making choices around engaging with information The power of filtering to decipher which information is most useful to you The power of framing in connecting information into meaningful patterns that build knowledge and insight How to harness your attention to maximize productivity Tips for becoming a better ‘synthesizer’ Using the five powers to go about mining and attending to information Reframing your perception from one of overload to abundance Resources: Find Ross at rossdawson.com or amplifyingcognition.com Thriving on Overload: The 5 Powers for Success in a World of Exponential Information Follow Ross on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn About Ross Dawson Ross Dawson is globally recognized as a leading futurist, entrepreneur, keynote speaker and strategy advisor. Ross is Founding Chairman of the Advanced Human Technologies group of companies and Bondi Innovation Alliance. He travels the world helping business and government leaders think about the future, having delivered keynotes and strategy workshops in over 30 countries across six continents. He is the bestselling author of five books, including Thriving on Overload: The 5 Powers for Success in a World of Exponential Information. Ross frequently appears in the media, including on CNN, Bloomberg TV, SkyNews, ABC TV, USA Today, the Today and Sunrise shows, and many other programs.Related episodes 317. Growing Up in Public with Devorah Heitner 307. Navigating Social Media As a Parent with Cara Goodwin 294. Yes And: Improv in Psychology with Kelly Leonard 127. Indistractable with Nir Eyal 73. Essentialism with Greg McKeown 42. Strategies To Increase Focus And Work More Effectively with Debbie and Diana Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.