Psychologists Off the Clock

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371. Uniting Toward a Better Future with Diana McLain Smith Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

What if the key to healing our fractured society lies not in silencing our differences, but in harnessing them?

In this conversation with Diana M. Smith, a renowned thought leader in conflict resolution and organizational change, we're not just talking about the pressing issue of political divisiveness—we're talking about the power to reshape our society by rethinking how we engage with one another and transform conflicts into constructive forces for societal progress.

Drawing from her extensive career, including her newest book, 'Remaking the Space Between Us,' Diana touches on compelling insights on how collaboration across groups can solve today's complex problems.

Tune in to explore practical steps individuals and communities can take to foster understanding and unity in a polarized world and learn about the importance of shifting from an outrage mindset to an engaged mindset.

Listen and Learn:

How Diana’s journey from grassroots political activism and organizational learning led to groundbreaking insights on resolving lateral conflicts and preventing the rise of authoritarianism in a rapidly changing world
How the media's focus on extremes distorts our perceptions and fuels division and what we can do to transform our fractured democracy
The rise of solutions-focused journalism and how the shift from outrage to engagement can reshape the way we consume news and empower communities to tackle real-world problems
The evolutionary history of in-group cooperation and out-group competition and how it has shaped today's divisive world
The inspiring groups leading us towards a new evolutionary step in building a multi-group democracy—one that could finally bridge our divides and meet the challenges of the 21st century
America's deep-rooted identity crisis, shaped by the historic tension between equality and liberty
Actionable steps to bridge divides and foster meaningful connections across groups, overcome isolation, challenge biases, and collaboratively address societal issues
Focusing on changing patterns rather than blaming individuals to transform adversaries into partners

Resources:

Diane’s books:

Find Diana online:

Referenced in this episode:

The Old Man Who Saved American Democracy. Twice by Jonathan V. Last: https://substack.com/@jvlast/p-147892467
Solutions Journalism Network: https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/
https://onestepinc.org/
https://startswith.us/
https://storycorps.org/
https://braverangels.org/
https://citizenconnect.us/

About Diana McLain Smith

Diana McLain Smith is a renowned thought leader who has led change efforts for thirty-five years in some of America’s most iconic businesses and cutting-edge non-profits. A former partner at the Monitor Group and a former chief executive partner at New Profit, Smith developed an approach to conflict and change called Leading Through Relationships (LTR)TM.

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370. Freedom, Energy, and Power with Emma Seppälä Aug 28, 2024

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Are you truly living the life you desire, or are hidden patterns holding you back?

Challenging us to rethink our understanding of freedom and personal fulfillment, we bring you a fascinating conversation with Dr. Emma Seppälä, a renowned psychologist, bestselling author, and Yale lecturer who introduces her latest book, Sovereign, which delves into the profound concept of sovereignty—not just as a political term but as a personal journey toward breaking free from the self-imposed barriers that keep us from reaching our fullest potential.

Combining cutting-edge research with practical wisdom, she guides us in uncovering the often unseen obstacles that prevent us from living our best lives. You’ll hear how to overcome mental and emotional traps and about the transformative power of stepping into your greatest self. Join us for an enlightening discussion that is jam-packed with insights that could change the way you approach your daily life.

Listen and Learn:

What it truly means to be sovereign
How a bound self can sabotage your success and how cultivating a sovereign self can transform everything
The key difference between self-criticism and self-awareness and how it could be impacting your resilience
Techniques to transform bound emotions into creative energy and reclaim sovereignty
The meditation session that helped Emma transform bound emotions and break a destructive habit
Are hidden imprints shaping your life?
How to stay sovereign and resist imprints and unhealthy messaging at work and in life
What is “positive relational energy" and how can it transform your relationships and work?
The ways food, sleep, nature, and intuition profoundly impact mental health and decision-making

Resources:

About Emma Seppälä

EMMA SEPPÄLÄ, Ph.D., is a best-selling author, Yale lecturer, and international keynote speaker. She teaches executives at the Yale School of Management and is faculty director of the Yale School of Management’s Women’s Leadership Program. A psychologist and research scientist by training, her expertise is the science of happiness, emotional intelligence, and social connection. Her best-selling book The Happiness Track (HarperOne, 2016) has been translated into dozens of languages. Her new book is Sovereign (Hay House, 2024). Seppälä is also the Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education.

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369. Good News About Adolescence with Ellen Galinsky Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

Imagine seeing teenagers not as a bundle of challenges but as a wellspring of untapped potential. That's exactly what our guest Ellen Galinsky, President of Families and Work Institute, invites you to do in this episode, through her book 'The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens ' which challenges the negative cultural narratives about teenagers by presenting a new scientific framework that underscores teens' strengths and capabilities.

Guiding us in understanding adolescent brain development, Ellen talks about the advantages of positive risk-taking, the role of executive function skills and offers a fresh perspective on adopting an approach to problem-solving that promotes autonomy. You’ll also hear how to navigate the turbulent waters of social media. Curious about how you can make the most of your teen’s toughest years? Tune in to learn some game-changing wisdom that could totally shift your perspective—and theirs!

Listen and Learn:

Challenging the negative stereotypes of teenagers
Insights from the "Breakthrough Years" study on teens’ voices and development
Why risk-taking in adolescence is crucial for growth
How risk-seeking in teens fosters bravery and examples of how you can encourage positive risk-taking
Using autonomy-supportive caregiving to transform parenting and problem-solving with teens
Why shifting from an adversity mindset to a possibilities mindset can transform your parenting
How executive functioning—focus, working memory, reflection, and self-control—shapes success
Finding a balance of autonomy and structure in social media use and how this can support healthy teen development

Resources:

The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens
Ellen Galinsky: https://ellengalinsky.com/
The Great Rewiring of Our Lives: Have We Ruined Childhood Forever? https://iai.tv/video/the-great-rewiring-of-our-lives?time=420
Connect with Ellen on Social:
https://www.facebook.com/ellen.galinsky/
https://twitter.com/ellengalinsky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-galinsky-2512a95

About Ellen Galinsky

Ellen Galinsky is President of Families and Work Institute. She’s conducted research on child-care, parent-professional relationship, parental development, work-family issues and youth voice. She also serves as senior science advisor to AASA, the School Superintendent Organization and as senior advisor to the Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary of Youth Mental Health at the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ellen is the author of the best-selling Mind in the Making, more than 100 books/reports and 300 articles.

Other highlights include serving as a parent expert in the Mister Rogers Talks to Parents TV series; as child care expert on Dr. T. Berry Brazelton’s TV series What Every Baby Knows; being the elected President of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); and being elected to the National Academy of Human Resources. In 2018, the Work and Family Researchers Network established the ongoing Ellen Galinsky Generative Researcher Award. She holds a Master of Science degree in child development and education from Bank Street College of Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in child study from Vassar College.

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368. Get Better at Anthing with Scott Young Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

Discover the keys to mastering any skill with Scott Young. Bringing us his latest book, Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery, Scott retells his fascinating journey of self-studying MIT's computer science curriculum and breaks down the essential process of learning: seeing, doing, and receiving feedback. You'll find out how learning from others, effective practice, and receiving feedback can accelerate personal and professional growth. If you want to enhance your own learning journey, we invite you to hear Scott’s inspiring story and unique perspective and gain actionable insights from his book.

Listen and Learn:

How Scott self-studied MIT's computer science curriculum in a year, transforming a personal challenge into a widely recognized success story
Mastering any skill by seeing, doing, and getting feedback
Debunking the misleading learning myths that could be holding you back
Learning a skill from the ground up
How to identify the most effective and credible resources for mastering new skills
Is it true adults have a harder time acquiring skills compared to kids?
The process of unlearning
Is AI helpful or a hindrance to learning?
Strategies for empowering your young child's learning
How exposure therapy could transform your fear into confidence in just two weeks

Resources:

About Scott H. Young

Scott H. Young is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ultralearning, a podcast host, computer programmer, and an avid reader. Since 2006, he has published weekly essays to help people learn and think better. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Pocket, and Business Insider, on the BBC, and at TEDx among other outlets. He doesn’t promise to have all the answers, just a place to start. He lives in Vancouver, Canada.

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367. ADHD in Adulthood with Michaela Thomas Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

If you feel overwhelmed by chronic disorganization, struggle to maintain focus, or wonder if your adult challenges might be linked to ADHD, we’re sitting down with Michaela Thomas, a brilliant clinical psychologist and the mastermind behind The Thomas Connection, the author of "The Lasting Connection," host of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, and a leading expert in ADHD support.

Through Michael’s extensive and personal understanding of ADHD in adulthood, you’ll discover why seeking a diagnosis can be transformative, how ADHD manifests differently across genders, and the benefits of understanding your neurodivergent brain for your relationships. Trust us, she's a powerhouse of knowledge and empowerment! Want to find out how to navigate your own ADHD journey with clarity and confidence? Tune in with Debbie and Michaela!

Listen and Learn:

The myths about ADHD, why professional assessment matters, and how it impacts attention, energy, and motivation
Why ADHD in women is frequently overlooked and how it presents differently in girls and women
Michaela speaks about her own journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and how it has allowed her to live authentically
The reasons why Michaela sought out an ADHD evaluation
Why getting an ADHD diagnosis has advantages and disadvantages, as well as how developing self-awareness can improve your relationships and general wellbeing
Why the ADHD assessment process is far more complex than many think
Is ADHD really overdiagnosed?
The distinctions between ADHD and autism in women and girls and why understanding these differences can affect both diagnosis and support
The paradox of hyperfocus in ADHD

Resources:

About Michaela Thomas

Michaela is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and managing director and lead psychologist of The Thomas Connection. As well as her role as managing director and lead psychologist of The Thomas Connection, she is also the author of couples and compassion book called The Lasting Connection and the host of the podcast Pause Purpose Play. She posts on Instagram under The_Thomas_Connection. Michaela specialises in perfectionism, helping high-striving women let go of the pressure of perfection, to find the balance to burn bright, not burn out. She offers online courses, and ADHD evaluations and support. She lives in London. She

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366. Psychologists ON the Clock: Getting Experiential with Us Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

If you’re unsure about life's big decisions and tired of making endless pros and cons lists, we’ve got a bonus co-host episode just for you! We’re helping you break down complex decisions into easy-to-follow exercises that you can do right along with us or on your own time. From understanding your comfort zone to making tough choices based on values rather than fear or external pressures, we've got it all covered. It's like having your very own therapist in your earbuds. So join us, grab a pen and paper, and let us guide you in living a more purposeful life!

Resources:

Jill’s Newsletter archive:https://jillstoddard.com/newsletter-archives
Go with Your Gut:
https://jillstoddard.mykajabi.com/e/BAh7BjoWZW1haWxfZGVsaXZlcnlfaWRsKwhzfBVgAwA%3D--474f34703358236832a89a99e3d07f24cb493f21?skip_click_tracking=true
Decision-Making:https://jillstoddard.mykajabi.com/e/BAh7BjoWZW1haWxfZGVsaXZlcnlfaWRsKwiOXf2cAgA%3D--fe7bdba30eb4f5f3cf33c61f944ca6a6fc5b1458?skip_click_tracking=true

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365. Tightwads and Spendthrifts with Scott Rick Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Money talk can be a real minefield in relationships, especially if you and your partner or spouse have totally different spending habits. If this sounds familiar then you’ve got to check out our latest episode with Dr. Scott Rick, a behavioral scientist and the author of Tightwads and Spendthrifts. We tackle questions like whether tightwads and spendthrifts can actually find harmony together and uncover insights from his original research on the psychology of money management in relationships. Tune in to discover how your financial mindset could be impacting your love life and get actionable tips to transform your money management anxieties!

Listen and Learn:

How our psychology not only influences how we handle money, but the way we handle money also influences our psychology
Defining tightwads, spendthrifts, and unconflicted consumers
Does research suggest who is more likely to be a tightwad or spendthrift, and are there differences beyond how much money they make?
The most harmonious versus more conflictual pairings among Tightwads and Spenthroots
Are couples with joint accounts and some financial translucency more likely to have higher marital satisfaction than full transparency?
Scott’s strategies for both tightwads and spendthrifts to manage their spending anxieties
Why letting the tightwad parent handle toy purchases and the spendthrift plan vacations can lead to lasting family happiness
How to teach your kids about money and responsibility while balancing their hobbies and preparing them for real-life financial decisions

Resources:

About Scott Rick

Scott Rick is a marketing professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He holds a PhD in Behavioral Decision Research from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a National Science Foundation graduate research fellow. He has published research in premier journals spanning marketing, psychology, economics, and neuroscience. At the University of Michigan, he has won awards for both research and teaching. Rick's research has been covered extensively in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and NPR. His first book, Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships, was published in January 2024 by St. Martin’s Press.

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364. The Brain-Gut Connection with Megan Riehl Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

If you want the best guidance for your GI issues without exclusive access to a top-tier medical team, join us in this episode with Megan Riehl, co-author of Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based Whole-body Guide to Living Well. You’ll discover how this book brings science-based strategies, and exercises straight to your home, offering tools rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy to manage GI symptoms effectively. Learn about accessible resources and the profound impact of a multidisciplinary team on your health. Tune in to unlock these valuable insights and improve your well-being!

Listen and learn:

The expansive scope of the gastrointestinal (GI) system and the spectrum of GI conditions
Why the gut is often called the second brain, and how its powerful connection with the brain influences our health in surprising ways
How stress and anxiety fuel GI symptoms and create a cycle of worsening health
The "Dream Team" of GI care
Treating GI with cognitive reframing and decreasing behavioral avoidance
Is clinical hypnotherapy effective for treating IBS and how does it work?
How a "gentle diet cleanup" can transform gut health—before you dive into restrictive diets
The risks of gut pseudoscience on your gut health
How the gut microbiome could revolutionize precision medicine

Resources:

About Megan Riehl

Dr. Megan Riehl is a clinical health psychologist, an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of GI Behavioral Health at the University of Michigan. Her research and passion for education have resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, leadership roles, and lectures. This year, together with digestive health expert Kate Scarlata, they co-authored Mind Your Gut: The Science-based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS and launched The Gut Health Podcast.

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363. Worrying Is Optional with Ben Eckstein Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

If worry is your constant companion, take heart—you're in good company. Let's clear something up: worrying is as human as breathing. Everyone does it, and sometimes it even helps. But when worry transforms into a monster that steals your sleep, scrambles your thoughts, and holds your decisions hostage, that's when we’ve got a problem. If this sounds familiar, you’ll want to hear this conversation with Ben Eckstein where we unpack his book, Worrying Is Optional: Break the Cycle of Anxiety and Rumination That Keeps You Stuck. Tune in to learn how to navigate the cycle of worry and find a balanced approach to life's uncertainties.

Listen and Learn:

The fundamental distinction between "worry" and "worrying"
How did worrying become part of our human operating system, and when does it stop being helpful?
Why don't our brains dismiss anxiety and focus solely on problem-solving, instead of reinforcing fear patterns?
How to master the skills to coexist with anxiety and thrive despite it
Unexpected insights from "Legend of Zelda" to explain the nuanced approach needed to treat anxiety
The importance of having compassion for the future version of you

Resources:

Worrying Is Optional: Break the Cycle of Anxiety and Rumination That Keeps You Stuck
Website: www.bullcityanxiety.com
Instagram: @bullcityanxiety
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bullcityanxiety

About Ben Eckstein

Ben Eckstein, LCSW is a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, Anxiety, and OC-Related Disorders. Ben honed his specialty in OCD while working at McLean Hospital's OCD Institute in Boston. He's now the owner and director of Bull City Anxiety & OCD Treatment Center in Durham, North Carolina. Ben is the vice president of OCD North Carolina, the NC state affiliate of the International OCD Foundation. In addition to his clinical work, Ben is a speaker, trainer, and author. His first book, Worrying is Optional: Break the Cycle of Anxiety and Rumination That Keeps You Stuck, was published in 2023.

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362. Adult Bullies and High Conflict People with Bill Eddy Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Ever had to deal with someone who just seems impossible to reason with? You know, the kind of person who always blames others and seems to turn every minor disagreement into a conflict? If you've been there, you’ll want to check out this episode with Bill Eddy, Chief Innovation Officer of the High Conflict Institute and an expert in understanding high-conflict personalities and dealing with adult bullies. We talk about the characteristics of high-conflict individuals, the psychological impact on their victims, and effective strategies from his book Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them -- How to Stop Them to navigate these relationships. Tune in and empower yourself with concrete tools and expert advice to diffuse high-conflict behavior effectively and change how you handle bullies in your life!

Listen and Learn:

Identifying the four main traits of high-conflict personalities
Do all individuals with personality disorders fit the high conflict profile?
How to identify if you have a relationship with someone with a high-conflict personality
The differences between adult bullies and child bullies
What is the primary motivation for bullying behavior?
The surprise attack tactic bullies often use and how you can be less vulnerable to them
What is a negative advocate, and how do people end up in that role?
Using the BIFF method in communication to avoid blame cycles and maintain constructive dialogue
Why you should never label the behavior of a high-conflict person or bully?
Combating bullying in political and online realms and why this demands societal action through education and setting boundaries

Resources:

About Bill Eddy:

Bill Eddy is Chief Innovation Officer of the High Conflict Institute based in San Diego, California. He trains lawyers, judges, mediators, and therapists throughout the United States and a dozen other countries in managing high-conflict family, workplace and legal disputes. He is the author of over 20 books and manuals and has a popular blog on PsychologyToday.com.

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