How many Americans actually support political violence?, with Thomas Zeitzoff
A talk with political scientist Thomas Zeitzoff, who has studied political conflicts. We talk about survey results that show an increase in Americans' willingness to support political violence, and ho...
5 Mar 202256min
The challenges of studying poker tells scientifically, with Brandon Sheils
Brandon Sheils is a professional poker player who recently did a scientific study of poker tells as part of getting a Masters degree in Psychology. Topics discussed: the challenges of studying poker b...
16 Feb 202254min
On how distance can make it easier to kill (and do other harsh things), with psych researcher Abe Rutchick
Psychological researcher Abe Rutchick talks about his work showing that killing is easier at a distance. He talks about how the experiment was designed, and about antisocial behavior in general being ...
9 Feb 202256min
On American polarization and experiences as a black conservative, with John Wood Jr.
John Wood Jr. is a leader and ambassador of the depolarization group Braver Angels. He ran for Congress in 2014 as a Republican against Maxine Waters. Topics discussed include: the history of American...
3 Feb 20221h 16min
Existential psychology, and the awe and mystery of existence, with Kirk Schneider
A talk with Kirk Schneider, an existential-humanistic psychologist and therapist, and the author of many books, including "Existential-Humanistic Therapy," "Awakening to Awe," "The Polarized Mind," an...
28 Jan 202256min
The science of conversation analysis can make you more persuasive, with Elizabeth Stokoe
I talk with Liz Stokoe, a conversation analysis (CA) researcher and the author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation." This is my second episode focused on CA. Topics discussed include: What are some ...
15 Jan 202253min
How many Trump supporters really believe the election was rigged?, with Tom Pepinsky
I talk with political scientist Thomas Pepinsky, who has studied, amongst other things, American distrust in elections. Topics discussed include: How much can we deduce from U.S. surveys that show hig...
6 Jan 20221h 3min
The psychology behind how social media is deranging and dividing us
This is a piece that I, Zach Elwood, wrote about the ways in which social media (and internet communication more broadly) may be amplifying us-versus-them polarization and extreme thinking. Much of t...
28 Des 202139min
