Join us in this episode of "The Adaptive Mind" as we dive into the world of video gaming with Matt Missar. Explore the addictive nature of modern games, the psychology behind game design, and how to maintain a healthy relationship with gaming. Whether you're a gamer or a concerned parent, this conversation offers valuable insights into the balance between gaming and life. Tune in for an engaging discussion that unpacks the complexities of gaming today.
Matt and the Powered Up Player Course
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Unlock the power of breath in this transformative episode of "The Adaptive Mind" with special guest Anthony Abbagnano, author of "Outer Chaos, Inner Calm." Discover how to turn inner emptiness into resilience, even when outward success suggests the contrary.
Gain insights into:
Anthony shares his personal journey from thriving on the outside to finding true calm within, aided by significant illness that became a catalyst for change. Listen as he offers practical breathwork techniques that build resilience and confront addictive patterns, emphasizing breath as both a physiological process and a spiritual force.
Featuring highlights:
Anthony Abbagnano, a respected breathwork facilitator and transformative guide, merges ancient wisdom with contemporary practice to inspire personal empowerment.
Ready to transform your mindset and explore inner peace? Press play and embark on your journey to a more adaptive mind.
Chapters for this episode:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:30 Anthony's Journey
00:05:45 Gift of Illness
00:06:51 Breathwork Techniques
00:12:46 Rebirthing Concept
00:19:15 Breath as Inspiration
00:22:11 Practicing Self-Compassion
00:25:37 Healing Trauma
00:29:14 Wholeness Through Integration
00:36:50 Hero's Journey
00:39:15 Future Opportunities
00:42:09 Book and Resources
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Discover the secret to conquering urges with expert insights from Dr. Sarah Bowen, a leading clinical psychologist specializing in mindfulness-based practices for overcoming addictive behaviors. 🎧 Press play to learn practical, life-changing techniques!
🎯 What You'll Gain:
🧘 Key Takeaways:
👩⚕️ About Our Guest:Dr. Sarah Bowen brings over 20 years of experience in treating addictive behaviors with mindfulness. A respected voice in clinical psychology and research, she's here to share her valuable knowledge and insights.
Visit https://theadaptivemind.com to sign up for our newsletter and get exclusive content and updates.
Links from this episode:
🔢 Chapters for Easy Navigation:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:42 Mindfulness And Addictions
00:02:04 Urge Surfing Explained
00:04:35 Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention
00:06:01 Wave Metaphor Steps
00:09:51 Practical Applications
00:14:27 Urge Surfing Vs White Knuckling
00:15:50 Intensity Of Urges
00:18:29 Meditation And Senses
00:20:00 Tracking Progress
00:21:06 Self-Reflection Techniques
00:24:08 Mindfulness Misconceptions
00:26:57 Broader Applications
00:29:54 Resources And Conclusion
Dive into this enlightening episode and unlock the potential of mindfulness in your life! 🎙️🧠
Tired of feeling isolated or micromanaged while working from home? Discover how to thrive in remote work environments with insights from workplace psychologist Craig Knight.
In this revealing episode, Craig debunks common remote work myths and shares the three critical elements that make any work environment successful: Autonomy, Resource, and Trust (ART).
Remote work isn't new—it's one of humanity's oldest work models! Craig explains how COVID became "a great emancipator," democratizing the freedom to work from anywhere that was previously reserved for executives.
Learn the uncomfortable truth about why some leaders push for return-to-office mandates (hint: it's more about control than productivity). Craig exposes the toxic surveillance tactics some companies use to monitor remote workers and how these practices destroy trust.
Whether you're fully remote, hybrid, or considering a work-from-home position, Craig provides practical guidance on:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:41 Introduction to Remote Work
00:02:39 Challenges of Home Working
00:06:03 Remote Work Productivity
00:08:49 Social Connections Online
00:10:24 Autonomy, Resource, Trust
00:13:04 Managerial Control Issues
00:15:25 Flaws in Productivity Metrics
00:17:59 Happiness and Performance
00:20:10 Empowerment and Autonomy
00:24:15 Evaluating Remote Job Offers
00:25:53 Creating Positive Work Environments
00:28:22 Balancing Remote and Office Work
00:29:23 Final Thoughts on Work Happiness
This episode is essential listening for anyone working remotely or considering a remote position. Discover how to create a fulfilling work experience based on trust rather than surveillance, and learn why happy workers are always the most productive.
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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, I talk with Dr. Alice Rizzi, a psychologist and mindfulness expert who helps demystify mindfulness practice. Dr. Rizzi explains her refreshing definition of mindfulness as "being present in the moment with awareness, acceptance, kindness, compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment" - a practice that embraces imperfection rather than requiring perfect focus.
Links & Resources
Access detailed show notes at https://theadaptivemind.com/.
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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, I talk with Jaleel Mackey, a sales leader turned meditation and business coach who discovered meditation at age 17 while struggling with depression. Jaleel explains how breathwork helped him release "30 years of trauma in one hour" and shares techniques anyone can use to find calm amid life's chaos.
Links from This Episode
Access detailed show notes at https://theadaptivemind.com/.
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Ever noticed how much better you feel after listening to your favorite songs? There's science behind that feeling! In this eye-opening episode of The Adaptive Mind, host Brady Dowling sits down with Dr. Elaine Paravati Harrigan to explore fascinating research showing how solo music listening can actually boost our social wellbeing.
Dr. Paravati's groundbreaking research reveals that listening to music alone isn't just entertaining—it fulfills our basic human need for social connection through three powerful pathways:
• Parasocial relationships: The one-sided bond you develop with artists ("Taylor Swift gets me!")
• Immersion: That feeling of being transported to another world when you're enveloped in music
• Reminder of connections: How songs trigger memories of people and experiences in your life
What makes this research so exciting is that you don't need musical talent to benefit. Whether you're tone-deaf or a virtuoso, your favorite songs can fill your "social bucket" even when you're completely alone.
This accessible wellbeing tool requires minimal effort (just press play!), costs little, and has virtually no side effects. Perfect for those 2 AM moments when you feel completely alone or when you're trying to break difficult habits and need emotional support.
Dr. Paravati explains how this differs from social media's often problematic connections. Music provides the social benefits without the comparison traps and addiction cycles that can come with scrolling through feeds.
The conversation explores how creating personalized playlists ahead of time—whether nostalgic high school anthems, songs that remind you of loved ones, or tracks from your favorite artist—can be an intentional strategy for managing difficult moments.
Most importantly, this research empowers you to become a scientist in your own life, discovering which music fills your social needs at different points in your journey. As Dr. Paravati notes, just five minutes of your favorite music can make a measurable difference in how connected you feel.
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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, I talk with Andy Tubman, a music therapist and co-founder of SingFit. Andy reveals how singing activates multiple regions of the brain simultaneously while boosting key neurochemicals that affect our mood and wellbeing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Introduction to Therapeutic Music
04:18 Singing and Emotional Release
07:42 Listening vs. Singing Benefits
11:10 Music and Physical Therapy
11:59 Music in Addiction Therapy
17:33 Overcoming Musical Insecurities
19:34 Therapeutic Benefits of Singing
26:00 Challenges in Music Therapy Adoption
28:13 Getting Started with Music Therapy
32:51 Integrating Biometrics in Music Therapy
34:38 Conclusion and Resources
Links & Resources
Access detailed show notes at https://theadaptivemind.com/.
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Ever wondered if therapy is right for you? In this episode, postdoctoral fellow Katherine Seldin breaks down everything you need to know about finding the right therapist, what to expect in your sessions, and when therapy might (or might not) be the right fit.
Katherine's expertise in emotional impulsivity, mood disorders, and evidence-based therapies makes her the perfect guide through the often confusing world of mental health care.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:30 Therapy's Universal Benefits
00:02:56 Finding The Right Therapist
00:08:04 Therapeutic Alliance Importance
00:14:52 Therapy Intake Process
00:22:52 Questions To Ask Therapists
00:24:59 Telehealth Vs. In-Person Therapy
00:27:11 When Therapy Isn't A Fit
00:32:35 Ending Therapy Positively
00:34:37 Alternatives To Talk Therapy
Could therapy benefit everyone? Katherine believes some form of therapy could help anyone, but finding the right match is crucial. She explains why therapy "not working" usually means the fit wasn't right—not that therapy itself is ineffective.
Discover practical tips for finding your ideal therapist, including:
Katherine takes you through what to expect in your first sessions, explaining why the intake process, though sometimes daunting, is a valuable opportunity for self-reflection rather than just retelling your story.
She also addresses important questions about therapy logistics:
Not sure therapy is for you? Katherine shares effective alternatives, from developing strong social support networks to exploring mindfulness and meditation practices with proven benefits for mental wellbeing.
Whether you're therapy-curious or looking to get more from your current therapeutic relationship, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you navigate your mental health journey with confidence.
Connect with Katherine Seldin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-seldin/
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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we sit down with Eliane Boucher, a social psychologist and behavioral scientist who transitioned from academia to become a leader in digital mental health. After spending a decade in psychology education, Eliane found her calling in the digital health industry where she's worked to develop evidence-based digital interventions that make an immediate impact on people's lives.
Our conversation explores the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in mental health applications—both the long-established uses and the revolutionary changes happening today with generative AI. Eliane provides an insider's perspective on how companies are integrating AI into their products and the ethical considerations they should prioritize.
What you'll learn:Eliane shares compelling insights about the challenges of responsible AI implementation, particularly regarding data privacy, algorithm bias, and the limitations of AI in replicating human empathy. She emphasizes that while AI offers tremendous opportunities for improving access to mental health support, human oversight remains essential—especially when working with high-risk populations.
Whether a mental health professional or simply interested in how technology is reshaping healthcare, this episode offers valuable guidance on AI-powered mental health solutions.
Listen on:
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Access detailed show notes athttps://theadaptivemind.com/.
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Follow UsOn this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we're joined by Ron Squire, a licensed social worker with a master's degree in social work from Brigham Young University. Ron specializes in adolescent treatment and addiction recovery, offering profound insights shaped by his incredible personal journey of overcoming temporary paralysis. Join us as Ron shares his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy and existential philosophy to help us understand how pain, shame, and compassion can be powerful catalysts for healing and personal development.
Key Points and Takeaways:Access detailed show notes at https://theadaptivemind.com/.
Get the AppThis episode is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free today.
Follow UsIn this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Myah Revis, a 5th year clinical psychology doctoral student specializing in trauma psychology. Myah shares her expertise on the therapeutic power of journaling and writing prompts, explaining how these tools can help process challenging experiences and promote mental wellbeing. Myah offers practical tips for both beginners and experienced journalers, addressing common questions about timing, frequency, and methods to make journaling most effective.
Access detailed show notes at https://theadaptivemind.com/.
This episode is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free today.
In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Dr. Sui H. Wong, a neuroscientist and neuro-ophthalmologist based in London. Dr. Wong shares her expertise on the science of sleep and its crucial role in mental health, habit formation, and overall wellbeing. Drawing from her experience as both a physician and researcher, she explains the fascinating cycles of sleep, discusses how quality rest impacts willpower and emotional regulation, and offers practical, evidence-based tips for improving sleep habits. Dr. Wong also addresses common sleep misconceptions and provides actionable strategies for establishing healthy sleep routines.
This podcast is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free on iOS (https://apps.apple.com/app/id6467687675) or Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bradydowling.unshame).
Access detailed show notes at https://neurtureapp.com/podcast.
Links & ResourcesAccess detailed show notes athttps://neurtureapp.com/podcast.
Get the AppThis episode is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free today.
Follow UsIn this episode, we are joined by Markus Pesonen, an award-winning composer and co-founder of Olo, a wellness app that harnesses the power of sound for mental health.
We explore the science behind sound's effect on the nervous system, discussing how immersive audio experiences can reduce anxiety and stress, promote neuroplasticity, and help us reconnect with ourselves.
Links & Resources
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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Hassan Aleem, PhD in Neuroscience and co-founder of Nuance Behavior, an agency leveraging behavioral science for digital behavior change. Hassan draws upon his research in neuroaesthetics to explain how visual and interactive elements shape our moods, decisions, and motivations—especially when it comes to our phones.
We discuss the irresistible pull of smartphones, from “boredom triggers” to dopamine-driven scrolling, and share practical tips to help you reclaim your attention. Hassan also dives into the ethics of designing digital products, highlighting how companies can boost user engagement without resorting to manipulative patterns. Whether you’re looking to regain focus, build healthier tech habits, or simply understand why it’s so hard to put your phone down, this episode offers actionable strategies backed by real-world behavioral science.
This podcast is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits.
Install it for free on iOS or Android.
Access detailed show notes at neurtureapp.com/podcast.
Links:
In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Aly Bullock (@relationshipswithaly), a couple and family therapist specializing in effective communication within relationships. Aly shares her expertise on navigating sensitive challenges such as alcohol or porn use within couples, offering practical advice on maintaining open communication without making your partner an accountability crutch. Listen in as we explore tips for initiating difficult conversations, the benefits of systemic therapy, and how to involve your partner in positive, supportive ways. Whether struggling with personal habits or simply aiming to enhance your relationship dynamics, this episode provides actionable strategies to foster healthier communication and shared goals as a couple.
Links
Aly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationshipswithaly
Aly on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relationshipswithaly
Neurture for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6467687675
Neurture for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bradydowling.unshame
Neurture homepage: https://neurtureapp.com
Find us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/neurtureapp
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Rebekah Jazdzewski, a PhD in clinical psychology and a staff psychologist specializing in substance use disorders. With her extensive experience, she also serves as a clinical advisor for Neurture, bringing valuable expertise to the conversation about dopamine and its effects on our behaviors.
Dr. Rebekah dives into the fascinating world of dopamine, explaining its role in motivation, habit formation, and pleasure. She sheds light on dopamine detoxes, a method to reset our brain’s reward system, reduce dependency on unhealthy habits, and cultivate a more balanced mental state. She offers actionable tips and insights backed by research to help listeners better understand and execute a dopamine detox effectively.
This podcast is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free on iOS or Android.
Access detailed show notes at neurtureapp.com/podcast.
