The Matt Townsend Show

Matt Townsend specializes in energizing and involving audiences with his unique approach to building and maintaining successful relationships. Known as one of America’s top presenters in the field of Human Relations and Development, Matt blends humor and story telling with interactive, real-life solutions that motivate and inspire his listeners.

Latest Episodes:

Spotting a Lie, E-Cigarette Safety, Marital Problems Apr 17, 2015

Show notes

How to Spot a Lie (12:33) Pamela Meyer is founder and CEO of Calibrate, a deception detection training company, as well as a social networking company named Simpatico Networks. She holds an MBA from Harvard, an MA in Public Policy from Claremont Graduate School, and is a Certified Fraud Examiner. Pamela teaches us about how we use lies in everyday life. Hear Pamela's TED talk: "How to Spot a Liar" E-Cigarettes: Are They Better for You? (1:09:44) Dr. Avrum Spira is a Boston University School of Medicine professor of medicine and pathology and bioinformatics, the Alexander Graham Bell Professor of Healthcare Entrepreneurship, and chief of the Division of Computational Biomedicine. He is a pulmonologist at Boston Medical Center. He has recently been working on methods for early detection of lung cancer with funding from the National Institute of Health as well as the Department of Defense. Dr. Spira talks about the issues surrounding e-cigarettes. Rod Gustafson: Parent Previews (1:22:16) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews.com joins the show to look at what is new in theaters and on DVD. Dr Matt and Rod talk about Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 and Monkey Kingdom. Marital Problems Remain Stable, Even as Satisfaction Declines (1:45:32) Dr. Justin Lavner, assistant professor in the clinical program at the University of Georgia. He earned his PhD from UCLA and has focused his research on understanding couple and family development over time. Dr. Lavner and Dr. Townsend talk about how to best deal with marital issues. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:12:33 - How to Spot aLie 01:69:44 - E-Cigarettes: Are They Better for You? 01:82:16 - Rod Gustafson: Parent Previews 01:105:32 - Marital Problems Remain Stable, Even as Satisfaction Declines

Sexual Harassment, Serotonin, Bedtime Procrastion Apr 16, 2015

Show notes

Holly Kearl - Sexual Harassment (11:54) Holly is an expert on the topic of gender-based violence, including street harassment and sexual harassment in schools and on college campuses. Founder of the nonprofit organization Stop Street Harassment. Published author, an adjunct professor at George Mason University. Facilitator with The OpEd Project and a consultant for organizations like the United Nations. Holly talks about what constitutes harassment. Dr. Leo and Dr. Lacasse - What is the relationship between Serotonin and Depression? (57:14) Dr. Jonathan Leo and Dr. Jeffrey Lacasse published the study entitled "The Media and the Chemical Imbalance Theory of Depression," which shows that, although the scientific world knows that a serotonin imbalance isn't proven to be the cause of depression, the general media has been slow to get this message to the masses. Jeffery Davis - Why Creatives Succumb to Bedtime Procrastination (1:45:25) We all need sleep. But when it is time to call it a night and go to bed do you find other things to do; other things that could wait until tomorrow but for some reason you must complete that task right now? Why do some entrepreneurs and creative sacrifice their sleep to accomplish one more task? Jeffery Davis works with experts to discover how creative flourish in times of challenge and change. Mr. Davis joins us to talk about why some people sleep less to get more done and how that could be hurting their work in the long run.

Bad Bosses, Power of Habits, Importance of Feelings Apr 15, 2015

Show notes

Bad Bosses (11:34) Caroline Dowd-Higgins is a coach, author, and public speaker. Her bestselling book: This Is Not The Career I Ordered showcases action steps for career reinvention. Caroline hosts the podcast series: Your Working Life and is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post. A new Gallup study reveals that about 50% of the 7,200 adults surveyed left a job “to get away from their manager.” We’ve all experienced times when we felt like a boss was being unfair or unreasonable. Caroline gives us tips on how to deal with a troublesome boss. The Power of Habit (57:28) Dr. Charles Duhigg studied history at Yale and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is a reporter for the New York Times. He is also the author of recently published: "The Power of Habit." His latest series for the Times entitled "The iEconomy" won a Pulitzer Prize for explanatory reporting in 2013. Dr. Duhigg talks with Dr. Townsend about how to create and break habits. Getting Rid of Your Feelings: Does It Help? (1:44:08) Dr. Jennifer Kunst works with adults and couples in her private practice in Pasadena, CA and is also a faculty member at the Psychoanalytic Center of California and the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology where she teaches courses in psychoanalytic theory and technique. She wrote the book, "Wisdom from the Couch: Knowing and Growing Yourself from the Inside, Out," Dr. Kunst says, "\[feelings] are critical in pointing us in the right direction, showing us what to focus on, and helping us sort out the good from the bad and the safety from the danger. The real challenge... is to learn to deal with them." 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:11:34 - Bad Bosses 00:57:28 - The Power of Habit 01:104:08 - Getting Rid of Your Feelings: Does It Help?

Concussions, Movies Teach Manhood, Human Trafficking Apr 14, 2015

Show notes

Cliff Robbins: Concussions and Sports (22:04) Dr. Cliff Robbins from the Sports Legacy Institute, an organization working to advance the study, treatment and prevention of the effects of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups. Cliff serves as the Educational and Research Program Manager. What are the risks of kids playing sports and how could that affect the rest of their lives. How the Movies Teach Manhood (57:53) Colin Stokes is a father, a former performer, a non-profit marketer, designer and arts consumer. The director of communications for the non-profit Citizen Schools. He is also a TED speaker. Did you ever notice that a lot of movies have essentially similar storylines? There is a "bad guy" statistically more often a male protagonist has to fight his way through obstacles and confront the bad guy, and then he is rewarded, typically with a girl? What lessons are movies teaching our boys about manhood? The Story of a Human Trafficking Victim (1:43:22) Laurin Crosson was a human trafficking victim who was trafficked for over twenty years in the United States. She recently escaped that life and founded Rockstarr Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping serving human trafficking victims. Today she shares her story and what she is doing to help. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:22:04 - Cliff Robbins: Concussions and Sports 00:57:53 - How the Movies Teach Manhood 01:103:22 - The Story of a Human Trafficking Victim

News and Politics, Dance, Social Media and Body Image Apr 13, 2015

Show notes

Joe Cannon: News & Politics (12:22) Joe Cannon, CEO of Fuel Freedom Foundation, former Chairman of the Utah Republican Party, past assistant administrator in the US EPA, and editor of the Deseret News. Joe talks current political news including Hillary Clinton declaring for her presidential run and who could challenge her. Why We Think We Can't Dance (58:51) Lan Chaplin is an associate professor of marketing at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration. Dr. Chaplin earned a PhD in Marketing, from the University of Minnesota and a BA in Biological Basis of Behavior University of Pennsylvania. One of her recent publications includes a study entitled: “Why We Think We Can’t Dance: Theory of Mind and Children’s Desire to Perform” Impact of Social Media on Body Image (1:44:33) Dr. Karen L. Steinberg, clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Approximately a half million teens struggle with eating disorders or disordered eating. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating can cause serious physical problems and, at their most severe, can even be life-threatening. Dr. Steinberg joins the show to talk about the impact of social media on body image. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:12:22 - Joe Cannon: News & Politics 00:58:51 - Why We Think We Can't Dance 01:104:33 - Impact of Social Media on Body Image

FBI Threats, Gender Equality and World Peace, US Economy Apr 10, 2015

Show notes

The FBI and Current Threats (12:42) Todd Palmer, a spokesperson for the FBI, joins Matt to discuss the bureau's role in preventing terrorism. Palmer also talks specifically about cyber terrorism. He explains what we can do to stay safe in our everyday lives. Gender Equality and World Peace (54:20) Perhaps if we treated women better globally, we'd do a better job achieving world peace. Matt talks with Dr. Valerie M. Hudson, Professor and George H. W. Bush Chair in the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. The State of the US Economy (1:44:27) Dr. Christian Vom Lehn is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Brigham Young University. Is the economy up or down? How healthy is the economy compared to the rest of the word? Christian teaches us about how the US economy works and how it affects us on a day to day basis. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:12:42 - The FBI and Current Threats 00:54:20 - Gender Equality and World Peace 01:104:27 - The State of theUS Economy

Taxes, Adult Diabetes, Optimism, Society and Marriage Apr 09, 2015

Show notes

Tax Tips (12:44) Kelly Phillips Erb is an attorney. Her primary practice area is tax law. She authors the popular "Taxgirl" blog for Forbes.com. Kelly has also published "Ask the TaxGirl: Everything Parents Should Know About Filing Taxes." Kelly talks with Dr. Townsend about common mistakes people make on their taxes and gives us some tips as tax day is coming up soon. Adult Onset Diabetes (32:20) Dr. Richard D. DiMarchi is the Linda and Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences, Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University. Dr. MiMarchi talks today about new discoveries in his research into Adult Onset Diabetes. Five Ways an Overly-Optimistic Outlook Can Become Harmful (56:08) Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, college psychology instructor, and internationally recognized expert on mental strength. She’s the author of “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train your Brain For Happiness and Success”. Today we learn about how being overly optimistic could be harmful. Society and Your Marriage (1:41:57) Dr. Brian Willoughby is an assistant professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University. Dr. Willoughby is also the Director of the RELATE Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to studying and improving romantic relationships. Dr. Willoughby's research focuses on young adult dating and relationship patterns. Dr. Willoughby's specific expertise areas include dating, sexuality, cohabitation, marriage formation, and marital attitudes/beliefs. Dr. Willoughby talks about the effect of society on your marriage. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:12:44 - Tax Tips 00:32:20 - Adult Onset Diabetes 00:56:08 - FiveWays an Overly-Optimistic Outlook Can Become Harmful 01:101:57 - Society and Your Marriage

Media Bias, Unclutter Your Life, Mind Controlled Headsets Apr 08, 2015

Show notes

Tim Groseclose on Media Bias (11:40) Dr. Tim Groseclose a professor of economics at George Mason University. His research has focused on Congress, the media, and mathematical models of politics. He has recently published two books, Cheating: An Insider’s Report on the Use of Race in Admissions at UCLA and Left Turn: How Liberal Media Bias Distorts the American Mind. Today Dr. Groseclose helps us understand the bias in media and how to avoid being manipulated but stay informed. Unclutter Your Life in One Week (1:08:13) Erin Rooney Doland is a professional organizer. She is the editor-in-chief of unclutterer.com. She is also the author of “Unclutter Your Life in One Week”. She contributes twice weekly to “Real Simple” online and has been featured on The Washington Post, The New York Times, Slate, House Beautiful, lifehacker.com and BBC and HGTV. Today she shares tip on how to unclutter your life and by doing so reduce stress. Mind Controlled headsets (1:43:03) Kim Du is the Vice President of Corporate Development at EMOTIV which is a bioinformatics company that offers a unique platform for crowd-sourced brain research. She talks about one of their newest technologies, a headset that allows you to control things with your mind. This product someday could allow a user to potentially lift objects, move images on a screen, even drive a car with your mind. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:11:40 - Tim Groseclose on Media Bias 01:68:13 - Unclutter Your Life in One Week 01:103:03 - Mind Controlled headsets

Non-Discrimination, First Impressions, Sibling Fighting Apr 07, 2015

Show notes

Governor Michael O. Leavitt: Non-discrimination vs. Religious Liberty (19:48) Michael O. Leavitt is the founder and Chairman of Leavitt Partners where he helps clients navigate the future as they transition to new and better models of care. In previous roles, Mr. Leavitt served in the Cabinet of President George W. Bush (as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Secretary of Health and Human Services) and as a three-time elected governor of Utah. Governor Michael Leavitt was instrumental in the forming of Utah Bill SB296 which gives statewide non-discrimination protections to the gay and transgender community, while providing safeguards for religious liberty. More discussion here. First Impressions (1:04:05) Dr Matt Townsend talks about the importance of first impressions and what to do if you make a bad first impression. It is possible to recover from the mistake but it will take time and patience. How to Stop Siblings From Fighting (1:38:50) Heather Johnson M.S., has been an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University for nearly 10 years. She is passionate about teaching students the principles behind successful families and the importance of families spending time together. Heather and Dr.Matt talk about how to deal with siblings who fight and how to create a peaceful loving atmosphere. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:19:48 - Governor Michael O. Leavitt: Non-discrimination vs. Religious Liberty(19:48) 01:64:05 - First Impressions 01:98:50 - How to Stop Siblings From Fighting(1:38:50)

News and Politics, Marriage Together, Keep It Real Apr 06, 2015

Show notes

Joe Cannon: News and Politics (10:59) Joe Cannon, CEO of Fuel Freedom Foundation, former Chairman of the Utah Republican Party, past assistant administrator in the US EPA, and editor of the Deseret News. Joe talks current political news including issues in the Middle East and religious freedom. Team Us: Marriage Together (56:37) Ashleigh Slater, author of “Team Us: Marriage Together” looks at how to build unity in our relationships. She is the founder and editor of the webzine: “Ungrind”. She also contributes articles to other blogs and websites. Keep It Real and Grab a Plunger (1:42:36) Julie Nelson has a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. She teaches classes such as Applied Parenting and Marriage and Relationship Skills at Utah Valley University. Dr. Matt and Julie talk about her latest book “Keep It Real and Grab a Plunger” providing parenting tips and ideas. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:10:59 - Joe Cannon: News and Politics 00:56:37 - Team Us: Marriage Together 01:102:36 - Keep It Real and Grab a Plunger

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