SuperPsyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay

Dr. Adam Dorsay’s Psychologically Rich TV Picks: Bill Lawrence, Ray Donovan, and Jury DutyDr. Adam Dorsay, Silicon Valley psychologist and host of the SuperPsyched podcast, shares recent TV recommendations he finds psychologically rich. He highlights Bill Lawrence as a hero behind comfort shows like Scrubs and Ted Lasso, praises Lawrence’s new series Rooster with Steve Carell, and recommends the darker, mysterious comedy Bad Monkey starring Vince Vaughn on Apple TV. He discusses Scrubs returning with recreated sets in British Columbia and renewed cast dynamics, noting its modern medical themes and its reputation for medical accuracy. He also enjoys Shrinking for its relationships despite questionable psychotherapy realism. Moving darker, he recommends Ray Donovan for its pitch-perfect portrayal of family dysfunction and standout performances by Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight, comparing its quality to The Sopranos. He closes with Jury Duty, a Truman Show-like semi-reality comedy, and invites listener feedback and subscriptions.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:27 TV Geek Picks00:51 Bill Lawrence Highlights01:33 Bad Monkey Spotlight02:13 Scrubs Returns03:35 Why Shrinking Works04:34 Going Dark Ray Donovan07:03 Wild Comedy Jury Duty08:18 Wrap Up and Subscribe

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews psychologist and ADHD expert Dr. Ari Tuckman about ADHD and productivity, focusing on the gap between knowing and doing and the consequences of untreated ADHD, including broad health and life risks. Tuckman distinguishes ordinary forgetfulness from ADHD as an exacerbation of universal problems, urges taking ADHD seriously without taking it personally, and explains why impatience and shame can build from repeated “missing the mark” moments. They discuss practical strategies for reliability and punctuality, emphasizing intention, realistic planning, saying no, and “feeling the future.” Tuckman contrasts evidence-based treatments (especially stimulant medication, plus therapy, sleep, exercise, mindfulness) with largely unsupported alternatives (supplements, brain training, dietary fixes, chiropractic claims). He outlines differential diagnosis considerations (sleep issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar, autism) and recommends thorough interviews over costly testing batteries, offering tools like analog clocks to externalize time.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Why ADHD Matters01:12 Meet Dr Ari Tuckman02:50 Forgetfulness vs ADHD03:58 Why Ari Chose ADHD05:34 Adult ADHD Then and Now07:40 Impatience and Self Criticism10:18 Actually Being On Time12:40 Planning Paradox Tips16:47 Feeling the Future19:12 Treatments vs Alternatives21:14 Costs of Untreated ADHD22:23 Medication Without Shame23:59 Glasses Denial Story24:56 Diet and Microbiome Reality26:39 Supplements and Other Myths28:50 Ruling Out Lookalikes32:51 Getting a Proper Diagnosis34:54 Practical Time Tools36:54 Living Well With ADHD39:16 Intentions Versus Impact42:12 Closing Thanks and SubscribeHelpful Links:Dr. Ari TuckmanThe ADHD Productivity Manual Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay hosts SuperPsyched and interviews University of Nevada, Reno linguistics professor and author Dr. Valerie Fridland about her book "Why We Talk Funny: The Real Story Behind Our Accents" and how accents shape identity. Fridland explains the title stems from how people label unfamiliar speech as “funny,” drawing on her upbringing in the South with French-speaking parents and the stigma and pride tied to Southern speech. She describes how children first learn language rhythms and sounds from parents (even in utero), then around ages four to five shift toward peer influence through “vernacular reorganization,” often retaining small traces of family speech. Fridland outlines how American regional dialects developed from settlement patterns and later cultural inputs, and discusses how comedians and politicians use marked accents to invoke stereotypes and solidarity. She also notes psycholinguistic research on cognitive fluency affecting judgments of trustworthiness, plus links between personality and speech features like fillers, and how familiarity drives perceptions of linguistic beauty.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Why Accents Fascinate Us01:21 Meet Valerie Fridland02:40 Growing Up With Accents06:23 Parents vs Peers10:50 How Kids Shift Accents14:50 Origins of US Dialects17:09 Colonies and Cultural Roots23:11 Melting Pot and Language Loss25:03 Why Accents Sound Funny29:50 Solidarity and Authenticity33:15 Accent Bias and Fluency38:10 Closing Thanks and SubscribeHelpful Links:Valerie Fridland, PhDWhy We Talk Funny: The Real Story Behind Our Accents Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay hosts UC Davis psychology professor Dr. Paul Eastwick to discuss his book "Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection" and what research shows about attraction and relationship longevity. Eastwick contrasts stated mate preferences with what predicts attraction and satisfaction in real interactions, highlighting the importance of feeling supported and subjectively finding a partner sexy, even long-term. They discuss how vulnerability, listening, and reciprocal disclosure can spark early intimacy, and how an evaluative “shopping” mindset can undermine dating. Eastwick argues humans are a pair-bonding, often serially bonding species, citing motivated biases that favor current partners and genetic evidence suggesting low historical nonpaternity rates (~1%). They cover mixed-gender friendships as predictors of later relationship formation, relationship “construction” around shared elements, research on consensual non-monogamy (including jealousy/compersion differences), similarities across same- and mixed-gender couples with contextual challenges, and the value of grace during breakups.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Why Attraction Matters02:20 Traits That Predict Love03:56 Support and Desire05:28 Keeping Sex Alive07:57 Vulnerability Is Attractive10:00 Dating Without Judgment13:59 Monogamy Myths17:09 Biases That Protect Bonds19:47 Jealousy and Infidelity21:48 Humans as Pair Bonders24:45 Infidelity Context25:19 Mixed Gender Friends29:16 Relationship Growth Tips33:31 Jealousy And Polyamory38:29 Same Sex Relationship Data40:12 Dating Apps To Groups43:47 Graceful Breakups Skill47:30 Final Thanks And WrapHelpful Links:Paul Eastwick, PhDBonded by Evolution Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews author Jack El-Hai about his book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, adapted into the film Nuremberg starring Rami Malek and Russell Crowe. El-Hai explains how he discovered psychiatrist Dr. Douglas Kelley through earlier research, then located Kelley’s son Doug, who shared 15 banker boxes of Nuremberg materials, including defendant records and artifacts such as a vial labeled “Herman Göring’s Paracodeine.” El-Hai describes Kelley’s doctor-patient, transactional relationship with Göring, his role as a military psychiatrist working without precedent, and the ethical conflicts involved. He discusses Kelley’s conclusion that the Nazi leaders were “normal” and that this shook his faith in psychiatry, plus parallels between Göring’s cyanide suicide and Kelley’s later death the same way. El-Hai says his key insight is rejecting “monsters” as categories while still supporting justice.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Nazi Minds at Nuremberg03:34 Why Jack Wrote It04:19 Unearthing Kelly's Archives10:41 Shaping the Story14:01 Evil Without Madness18:45 Doug Kelly the Survivor20:05 Göring and Kelly Dynamic27:57 Ethics in Uncharted Territory30:21 Leon Goldensohn Connection32:30 From Book to Film38:22 Living With Dark Stories48:38 No Monsters Just People51:57 Closing and SubscribeHelpful Links:Jack El-HaiThe Nazi and the Psychiatrist BookThe Nuremberg Interviews Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay, Silicon Valley psychologist and host of the SuperPsyched podcast, reflects on reaching episode 300 and how the show began during COVID when he suddenly had extra time. He explains that “SuperPsyched” is about being deeply connected to one’s psyche, not toxic positivity, and shares that he books guests largely by simply asking, citing the Franklin Effect. He highlights the show’s wide-ranging catalog—from athletes, musicians, and Nobel laureate Robert Lefkowitz to a Holocaust survivor, an undertaker, a cat psychologist, and Daryl Davis—along with milestone episodes featuring his father (episode 150) and mother (episode 300). Key takeaways include intimacy as “vulnerability well met” (Dr. James Cordova), the importance of psychological safety (Dr. Amy Edmondson), and evidence-backed self-compassion (Chris Germer), plus research suggesting luck increases with the number of people you meet.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:29 Episode 300 milestone00:38 Starting during COVID01:32 Meaning of SuperPsyched02:53 Asking for guests03:26 Franklin Effect explained04:36 Favorite guests and range06:59 Standout episodes and heroes10:32 Top downloads and animal minds11:12 Three key gleanings14:18 Miracle question themes15:17 Active luck through people16:00 Thanks and subscribe

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews ADHD coach and author Dr. Tamara Rosier about ADHD, emotions, and daily strategies for healthier functioning. They discuss how people with ADHD are criticized far more than peers, may feel “broken,” and often have impulse-control challenges, heightened emotional intensity, high sensitivity, and sensory issues tied to a sensitive nervous system, making environmental fit and nervous-system regulation important. Rosier argues ADHD isn’t inherently a “gift,” but benefits can emerge when energy and emotions are managed, including choosing where attention goes and treating feelings as informants rather than facts. They emphasize sleep as foundational, covering difficulties with sleep onset, maintenance, and desire, the importance of deep sleep for the brain’s glymphatic “cleaning” system, and how time blindness and “rabbit holes” interfere with routines. Rosier closes with a wish that people understand human interconnectedness and accept themselves without constant proving.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:26 ADHD and Emotional Bruises01:11 Meet Dr Tamara Rosier02:48 Why ADHD People Click04:21 Not a Gift Managing Energy05:45 High Sensitivity and Nervous System08:12 Sensory Overload and Regulation08:41 Behavioral Basics Beyond Meds09:50 Sleep Struggles with ADHD11:47 Glymphatic System Brain Cleaning12:19 Beliefs About Sleep Drive14:50 Reframing Sleep with Clients15:01 Sleep as Necessary Evil15:26 Bedtime Sabotage Habits16:19 Time Blind Rabbit Holes17:55 Why Sleep Runs Everything18:33 ADHD Emotional Engine20:34 Feelings Aren't Facts24:04 Curious Not Furious24:41 Default Mode Network Explained26:16 One Skill for Humanity27:31 Connection Story and FarewellHelpful Links:Tamara Rosier, PhDTamara Rosier, PhD LinkedInTamara Rosier, PhD Books

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews six-time US Memory Champion Nelson Dellis about why memory is central to identity and why cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s are so devastating. Dellis describes memory championships as timed, full-day events involving feats such as memorizing a deck of cards, hundreds of digits in five minutes, and large sets of names and faces, emphasizing that success comes from a trained—not “naturally good”—memory. In the age of AI, he argues that continuing to use memory supports cognitive health, may help prevent atrophy, and preserves a core human element tied to lived experience. They discuss how Alzheimer’s may impair retrieval rather than erase memories, and highlight Dellis’s activity-based book, "Everyday Genius," which trains memory and other skills like calculation, creativity, and faster reading, alongside lessons learned from painful competitive losses.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Why Memory Matters00:48 Meet Nelson Dellis03:04 Trained Not Gifted05:12 Inside Memory Championships06:38 Memory in the AI Age09:03 Alzheimers and Identity11:19 Everyday Genius Challenge14:28 Curiosity as Cross Training19:18 Learning Through Failure20:21 Closing and SubscribeHelpful Links:Nelson DellisEveryday Genius: Hacks to Boost Your Memory, Focus, Problem-Solving, and Much More BookNelson Dellis InstagramNelson Dellis YouTubeNelson Dellis LinkedIn

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews neurologist and Johns Hopkins professor Dr. Majid Fotuhi about keeping the brain resilient and reducing Alzheimer’s risk. Fotuhi describes the brain’s capacity to recover and adapt, citing cases of major brain injury and hemispherectomy, and challenges the myth that Alzheimer’s is inevitable with age, noting “super agers” and emphasizing “use it or lose it.” He outlines five key pillars for brain health: exercise, 7–8 hours of sleep, a Mediterranean/heart-healthy diet, stress reduction, and daily cognitive challenge. He reports a 12-week program in which 84% of patients improved on cognitive tests and many increased hippocampal volume by 1–3%. They discuss sleep apnea as a serious risk, cortisol’s harmful effects from chronic stress, managing repetitive negative thoughts, adopting growth mindset and broader views of intelligence, and choosing daily practices that build happiness.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Why Brain Health Matters01:02 Meet Dr Majid Fotuhi02:51 The Invincible Brain Stories05:16 How the Brain Compensates06:48 Alzheimers Myths and Super Agers11:06 Use It or Lose It Mindset13:21 Beyond IQ Multiple Intelligences18:01 Growth Mindset Builds the Brain20:56 Reversing Aging in 12 Weeks23:12 Five Pillars of Brain Health25:36 Sleep Apnea and Brain Damage28:02 Exercise Is Nonnegotiable29:59 A Neurology Insider Story30:33 Three Pillar Basics31:20 Lifestyle Intelligence32:43 Teeth And Brain Care34:36 Culture And Identity Habits36:01 Stress Shrinks Hippocampus39:44 Reframing Stress Mindset41:18 Stop Negative Loops45:42 Morning Gratitude Practice49:44 Challenge Your Brain52:12 Happiness Is A Choice55:15 Small Things Compound56:41 Closing Thanks And SubscribeHelpful Links:Dr. Mahid FotuhiDr. Mahid Fotuhi Johns HopkinsDr. Mahid Fotuhi YouTubeThe Invincible Brain: The Clinically Proven Plan to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews psychiatrist, professor, and author Dr. Gianpiero “GP” Petriglieri about how work shapes identity amid modern job insecurity, mobility, and AI-driven ambiguity. GP describes a historical shift from inheriting bundled identities to identifying with organizations after WWII, and now to “nomadic professionals” who identify with the work itself, seeking meaning, mastery, learning, and legacy. He argues leaders should measure and provide latitude for job crafting so people can both perform and learn, avoiding the evils of getting lost or stuck. GP advises parents and young workers to think of themselves as artists, have faith in the work rather than organizations or approval, and cultivate friends who “imagine” them. He warns against being labeled a “future leader,” urging people to lead now by bringing ideas to life.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Work and Identity Trap01:54 GP Joins the Show02:43 From Companies to Craft05:27 Nomadic Professionals Today07:15 Leaders and Job Crafting09:14 Lost vs Stuck Paradox11:02 Meaning Beyond Work12:21 Advice for Parents12:53 Work as Art Mindset14:14 Faith in the Work17:15 Friends Who Imagine You20:26 Authenticity Under Pressure23:42 Lead Now Not Later26:27 Closing and Takeaways27:48 Subscribe and ShareHelpful Links:Dr. Gianpiero Petriglieri