Examining behavior bullshitter Dr. Jack Brown, who spreads bad behavior info to many
This episode is about "behavior bullshit." There are many self-proclaimed behavior experts spreading bad, misleading, and irresponsible concepts about human behavior, and some of these people are quit...
16 Sep 202325min
Understanding MAGA rage, with ex-Trump voter Rich Logis
To reduce toxic polarization, I think it's important to understand the us-vs-them political narratives around us. This is a talk with Rich Logis, who describes his journey as going "from ultra-MAGA to...
11 Sep 20231h 43min
Common scams and how they exploit psychological and social weaknesses
A talk with Martina Dove, author of the book "The Psychology of Fraud, Persuasion and Scam Techniques," about some common scams you and people you know might encounter (phishing scams, "pig butchering...
6 Sep 202343min
Rethinking narcissism: Is some narcissism healthy? What are the psychological roots of toxic forms?
Craig Malkin is the author of "Rethinking Narcissism: The Secret to Recognizing and Coping with Narcissists," in which he describes the spectrum of narcissism: how it can be healthy to have positive i...
25 Aug 20231h 2min
Psychological similarities between couples therapy and resolving political conflict, with therapist Bill Doherty
A talk with Bill Doherty, a relationship therapist and the co-founder of Braver Angels, a political depolarization-aimed group. Topics discuss include: his approach to couples counseling; thoughts on ...
11 Aug 202352min
The weird behaviors of people under anesthesia, with anesthesiologist Dr. Ashita Goel
A talk with anesthesiologist Ashita Goel about her work. Topics include: the sometimes strange behaviors of people under anesthesia; the hypnotic and "truth serum"-like effects of anesthesia; factors ...
2 Aug 202350min
Psychological factors in lizard-people beliefs, and other unlikely conspiracy theories
A talk with psychology researcher Mikey Biddlestone, who specializes in conspiracy theory beliefs, about some of the more psychological factors that can make belief in conspiracy theories more likely....
15 Jul 202356min
Understanding the behaviors of autistic children, with Barry Prizant
A talk with Barry Prizant (barryprizant.com), author of the influential book Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism, and co-host of the Uniquely Human podcast. The focus is on understanding ...
30 Jun 20231h 4min
