This week's episode focuses on manifestation and the law of attraction. Are these techniques surefire ways of getting what you want in life or are they nothing more than wishful fantasies?
References
How to Manifest Anything You Desire
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy in Psychology
The Psychology Behind Manifestation
This week's episode dives into social and moral responsibility and analyzes why we sometimes have trouble taking action in emergency situations. When are we obligated to speak up or take action, and when is it better to protect our mental health and personal wellbeing?
References
Bystander Effect and Diffusion of Responsibility
Prosocial behavior and altruism: A review of concepts and definitions
This week's episode is all about our fears of the unknown. We'll cover the reasons behind the anxiety that uncertainty often causes and how we can adjust our behaviors and mindsets to not just cope with uncertainty, but truly embrace it.
References
Waiting is the hardest part: a model of uncertainty navigation in the context of health news
This week's episode tackles what can be a difficult part of our relationships: conflict. Join me as we dive into the different types of group conflict, analyze common causes behind conflict in romantic relationships, and discover effective ways of resolving conflict with others and with ourselves.
References
Social Conflict and The Theory of Social Change by Lewis Coser
The Psychology Behind Conflict
This week's episode jumps from psychology to philosophy! Today we discuss a quote from philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti that urges us to be more aware of the judgments we pass when we're observing the world around us.
References
The Social Psychology of Biased Self-Assessment
5 Things Our Judgments of Others Say About Us
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships by Marshall B. Rosenberg PhD
This week's episode dives into the truth behind lying. We explore the different forms that lying can take and the psychological effects of telling any type of lie, even the smallest, seemingly innocent white lie.
References
Politeness and Psychological Distance
Effects of Repetitive Learning on Associative Recognition Over Time
This week's episode stars our first guest, a contestant on Season 25 of The Bachelor and someone who has learned to jump at all the right opportunities. Listen in on our conversation with Sarah Trott to hear her advice on how to spot the perfect times to say yes and, conversely, how to navigate the art of saying no.
References
7 Tips to Say Yes to More of the Right Opportunities
"Sensation Seeking: Beyond the Optimal Level of Arousal" by Marvin Zuckerman
This week's episode covers the trope of opposites attract in romantic relationships and pursues the truth on how complementary or similar to us our partners should be.
References
Importance of Physical Attractiveness in Dating Behavior
What is Beautiful is Good Because What is Beautiful is Desired
Do People Know What They Want: A Similar or Complementary Partner?
'Opposites Attract' is a Total Myth in Relationships
This week's episode explores the meaning of success and the prevailing psychological theories that suggest how we can achieve our goals and ambitions. We'll also dive into the costs of failure and how we can change the way we approach our goals after experiencing a failure to best set us up for success.
References
10 Surprising Facts About Failure
"Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
Here Are 6 Ways You Can Become Grittier
"Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck
This week's episode tackles a piece of advice that encourages us to embrace our differences and celebrate our uniqueness. But this suggestion can be hard to implement in the face of the human desire to belong. Join me to discover the five common techniques we use to deal with differences and how we can change our behaviors to help us accept and appreciate our individuality.
References
Feeling Different and Out of Place?
This week's episode explores the ubiquitous and painful human experience of loneliness and how we can implement tips designed to ease the pain of this feeling. Join me in discovering how to reframe our mindsets around time spent alone and learn to enjoy moments of solitude.
References
17 Easy Things to Do When You're Feeling Lonely
"Feeling Lonesome: The Philosophy and Psychology of Loneliness" by Ben Lazare Mijuskovic
Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms
This week's episode dives into the paradox of choice. In a world of endless options, how can we make sure we're selecting the right choice? And how can we avoid regret if we make the wrong decision?
References
Decision Fatigue: A Conceptual Analysis
The Challenge of Making Decisions
This week's episode is all about confidence, specifically the lack thereof. But can faking self-confidence actually make self-esteem skyrocket? And if so, why does this work?
References
BrainsWay | The Placebo Effect, Medication, and Mental Health
Harvard Health | The Power of the Placebo Effect
This week's episode centers on a Turkish proverb that suggests how we might better our communication styles. Join me to find out how active listening can be a powerful factor in improving our conversations and our relationships.
References
3 Modes of Effective Listening
Psychology Today | The 4 Primary Principles of Communication
The International Encyclopedia of Communication
United States Institute of Peace | What is Active Listening?
This week's episode discusses the viral phrase "if he wanted to, he would." But can all relationships really be "fixed" by one simple piece of advice? Psychology says no. Join me to find out why this viral suggestion isn't exactly the cure-all it's touted to be.
References
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
Positive Psychology | Emotional Intelligence in Relationships
This week’s episode analyzes the phenomenon of procrastination and its effect on work performance and mental health. Is “working best under pressure” really a thing?
References
Academic Procrastination of Undergraduates
Psychology Today | Procrastination
TED | Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator
This week’s episode focuses on the famous quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” We discuss the social comparison theory, the potentially negative consequences of comparison, and how we can stop the often-destructive habit of comparing ourselves to our friends and family…and to virtuoso pianists on Tik Tok.
References
A Theory of Social Comparison Processes - Leon Festinger
How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others - Susan Biali Haas, MD
Psychology Today | Social Comparison Theory
Social capital, self-esteem, and use of online social network sites: A longitudinal analysis
This week's episode discusses the piece of advice "don't worry so much." We will discuss common causes and effects of stress and anxiety, and dive into helpful tips for actually implementing this suggestion into our daily lives.
References
"10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story" by Dan Harris
American Psychological Association | Anxiety
Healthline | Do You Live With Anxiety? Here Are 13 Ways To Cope
Healthline | What Is The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique?
Mayo Clinic | Anxiety Disorders
"The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body's Fear Response" by Ellen Vora, MD