NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson, MD

Latest Episodes:

A Posture of Gratitude with Dr. Joanne Tsang Aug 23, 2024

In this NeuroFaith episode, Dr. Joanne Tsang, an associate professor of psychology at Baylor University, discusses her research on gratitude and its connections to social psychology, religion, and moral emotions with Dr. Curt Thompson. Dr. Tsang illustrates her journey into the field, emphasizing her interest in the intersection of psychology and religion. She particularly focuses on how gratitude and forgiveness play significant roles in helping behaviors. She highlights the importance of incorporating gratitude exercises into daily life and how they contribute to personal well-being and positive interpersonal relationships. Listen in as Dr. Tsang shares personal stories, including her son's hospitalization, and illustrates how journaling and practicing gratitude in relationships can be powerful tools for fostering positivity and enhancing both individual and collective well-being. Resources:

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The Power of Memory with Dr. Connie Svob Aug 14, 2024

In this episode of NeuroFaith, Dr. Curt Thompson interviews Dr. Connie Svob, an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. Dr. Svob's research focuses on how memories of life events are shaped and passed down through generations. She looks at how memory, including dreams and involuntary memories, can be affected by trauma, loss, and spirituality. Dr. Svob discusses the idea of memory being a constructed rather than a stored thing, showing how our emotions, identities, and external factors influence what and how we remember. Listen in as she explores the link between memory, hope, and mental health, highlighting the importance of understanding memory's role in shaping our future and overall well-being. Resources:

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Exploring Forgiveness: A Journey to Transformation with Dr. Robert Enright Aug 07, 2024

In this episode of the NeuroFaith podcast, Dr. Curt Thompson interviews Dr. Robert Enright, a licensed psychologist and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Enright, a pioneer in the study of forgiveness, shares his journey from focusing on justice within moral development to exploring the concept of forgiveness. Despite facing opposition from the academic community on the subject of forgiveness, Enright persisted. Driven by the belief that forgiveness could benefit those suffering from deep injustices, he continued his work. Over time, his persistence paid off, as the study of forgiveness has gained acceptance and is widely researched and applied in mental health practices. Listen as Dr. Enright emphasizes the importance of adopting a more forgiving and lesresentful mindset that can lead to significant personal healing and community renewal in our lives. Resources:

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Check out more from the THINQ podcast network:
- NextUp with Grant Skeldon
- The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips
- THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons
- UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

Finding Meaning in Suffering with Dr. Elizabeth Hall Aug 01, 2024

In this episode of NeuroFaith, Dr. Curt Thompson interviews Elizabeth Hall, a professor of psychology at Biola University. She specializes in understanding suffering, mothering, sexism, and embodiment and draws from her personal experiences, including a battle with cancer. Her work focuses on how suffering disrupts our established systems of meaning and the process of integrating these experiences into a broader worldview. Dr. Hall emphasizes that finding meaning in suffering does not eliminate pain but involves finding peace and purpose despite ongoing grief. She also discusses how religion and faith provide essential frameworks and practices that aid in processing and integrating suffering. Faith can offer a sense of purpose and direction, which is crucial for meaning-making during difficult times. Listen in as she highlights the role of biblical lament and talks about a practice involving the expression of sorrow and wrestling with God as a powerful tool for dealing with profound grief and suffering. Dr. Hall's insights offer a profound understanding of how faith and psychological processes intertwine in the context of suffering. Resources:

Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
Check out more from the THINQ podcast network:
- NextUp with Grant Skeldon
- The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips
- THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons
- UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

The Intersection of Faith and Recovery with Michael John Cusick Jul 24, 2024

In this episode of NeuroFaith, Dr. Curt Thompson talks with Michael John Cusick, CEO and Founder of Restoring the Soul, about the deep connection between personal experiences and professional work in counseling and spiritual care. Michael shares personal stories about his struggles with alcohol abuse and sexual addiction and explains how these experiences have shaped his career and his approach to helping others. During this episode, Dr. Curt and Michael discuss the misconceptions about love within church settings, the experiential nature of God's love, and the importance of accepting one's brokenness to experience true transformation. Resources:

Check out Michael's Book Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle
Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
Check out more from the THINQ podcast network:
- NextUp with Grant Skeldon
- The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips
- THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons
- UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

The Evolution of Trauma with Dr. Diane Langberg Jul 17, 2024

In this episode of NeuroFaith, Dr. Curt Thompson interviews Dr. Diane Langberg, a renowned clinical psychologist with over 50 years of experience, particularly in the fields of trauma and abuse. Dr. Langberg discusses her journey into the field, beginning at a time when trauma was not yet a recognized area of study. She shares her experiences with early clients, including a college student who disclosed childhood sexual abuse and Vietnam veterans exhibiting similar trauma symptoms. Dr. Langberg highlights the challenges and misconceptions about trauma within both the clinical and faith communities. She underscores the importance of listening to and validating the experiences of those who have suffered trauma. The conversation also explores how false theology in the church can contribute to misunderstanding and mishandling trauma, emphasizing the need for a deeper, more compassionate understanding of human suffering. Throughout the podcast, Dr. Thompson and Dr. Langberg delve into the evolution of trauma recognition and treatment, the intersection of faith and psychology, and the necessity of acknowledging and addressing wounds for true healing and flourishing. Resources:

Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
Check out more from the THINQ podcast network:
- NextUp with Grant Skeldon
- The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips
- THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons
- UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

The Keys to Happiness with Dr. Arthur Brooks Jul 12, 2022

It seems like at some point, everyone hits a time where they don't enjoy their work like they used to. Even worse, maybe one finds they've gotten worse at their job instead of improving. Is there any science that backs this phenomenon up? What does this mean for those on the second half of their career? Curt is joined on this episode by Dr. Arthur Brooks, professor at Harvard University to talk about different learning styles, high achievement, and how everyone should be thinking about their purpose, both now and in the future.

Find Dr. Brooks' newest book, From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life wherever books are sold.

Presented by Q Ideas.

Do Emotions Matter? with Jon & Tristen Collins Jun 28, 2022

It seems that most people live in one of two worlds, all heart or all brain. Christians can also be harsh toward emotions, painting them as borderline useless. Jon Collins, co-founder of BibleProject, and his wife Tristen Collins, LPC, join Curt to talk about why emotions matter to God and how our emotions can show our humanity.

Learn more about their work at whyemotionsmatter.com.

Presented by Q Ideas.

Mind your Work with Dr. Peter Hill Jun 22, 2022

There's been conversations for years about how Christians can integrate faith and work. But does workplace spirituality actually matter? Are some people a better spiritual fit for a workplace than others? Does seeing meaning in work affect performance? This week, Curt talks to Dr. Peter Hill, of Biola University, to talk about the psychology of spirituality in the workplace.

Presented by Q Ideas.

Start Acting Like a Child with Dr. Justin Barrett Jun 14, 2022

Teach Me to Learn with Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang Jun 07, 2022

How is meaning-making attached to learning? Are these ideas that parents and teachers should be thinking about as they work to form the next generation? Join Dr. Curt Thompson and Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, of University of Southern California, explains how children make meaning and sense of the world. Presented by Q Ideas.

For Goodness Sake with Dr. Sarah Schnitker May 31, 2022

Patience seems to be sorely lacking as a virtue in contemporary conversations. Moreover, many seem to believe that being patient is implying passivity or disengagement. Is that true? Should we even try to cultivate patience? This week, Curt talks to Dr. Sarah Schnitker from Baylor University about virtue formation, patience and flourishing. Presented by Q Ideas.

For the Love of Neighbor with Dr. Aderonke Pederson Apr 05, 2022

There has been a long-standing stigma against receiving mental health care. This is even more prevalent in minority communities who have long been pushed to the margins. This week, Dr. Aderonke Pederson joins us to talk about overcoming and aiding in mental health stigmas.

Presented by Q Ideas.

For the Love of God with Dr. Julie Exline Mar 29, 2022

Most people experience some sort of struggle with God, even nonreligious people. What does it do in our brains to be angry at God? Or to perceive that God is angry at you? Is it possible to move past these struggles and into greater flourishing? This week, Curt talks to Dr. Julie Exline, expert in spiritual struggles, about these topics.

Attachment to God with Dr. Jim Wilder Mar 22, 2022

Attachment is a powerful force in our brains. What does attachment to God mean? How do our loves define our beliefs? In this episode, Curt talks with Dr. Jim Wilder, a neurotheologian and founder of Life Model Works about attachment love.

Learn more about Dr. Wilder's work at lifemodelworks.org. Presented by Q Ideas.

Loving God With All Your Mind with Dr. Ward Davis Mar 15, 2022

Each of the Synoptic Gospels repeats the line, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind..." What does it mean to love the Lord with your mind and what can psychology teach us about connecting the two? Dr. Ward Davis, professor of Psychology at Wheaton College, talks with Curt about positive psychology, emotional health, and resilience. Presented by Q Ideas.

Understanding Our Minds with Dr. Dan Siegel Mar 07, 2022

In the first episode of this season, Curt talks to Dr. Dan Siegel to talk about what exactly the mind is. Is the mind defined by simply brain activity? Or is it something more? Why does this matter to us? How has the pandemic changed the way we talk about these topics? Curt and Dan talk about these things and more in this inaugural episode of Neurofaith. Presented by Q Ideas. Find more about Dr. Dan Siegel and his work here: https://drdansiegel.com