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:

Happiness Is a Choice, Healthy Super Bowl, Screen Cleaning Feb 02, 2018

Show notes

Happiness Is a Choice You Make (19:26) John Leland is a reporter for the Metro section of The New York Times, where he wrote a yearlong series that became the basis for Happiness Is a Choice You Make. Before joining the Times, he was a senior editor at Newsweek, editor in chief of Details, a reporter at Newsday, and a writer and editor at Spin magazine. John Leland set out on behalf of The New York Times to meet members of America’s fastest-growing age group, those 85 and older. Over the course of a year, he interviewed six people, expecting to find challenges, of loneliness, and of the deterioration of body, mind, and quality of life. What John Leland found took him by surprise, and is with us today to discuss the experience and his book, Happiness is a Choice You Make. Healthy Super Bowl (1:08:45) Karen Mangum is a licensed, registered dietitian, seasoned recipe developer, food blogger, and nutrition consultant. She is the author and producer of Inside Karen’s Kitchen, a healthy food blog, where she shares recipes that nourish and heal along with insightful nutrition musings which attempt to sort fact from fiction. Karen is married to Michael and the mother of five almost grown children, including BYU football starting quarterback, Tanner Mangum. Karen Mangum shares ideas for a healthy Super Bowl Jeff Simpson - Screen Cleaning (1:36:34) Jeff Simpson talks about movies and TV helping you find family-friendly options. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:19:26 - Happiness Is a Choice You Make 01:68:45 - Healthy Super Bowl 01:96:34 - Jeff Simpson - Screen Cleaning (1:36:34)

Manufacturing Matters, Self-Reliant Children, Willpower in Abundance Feb 01, 2018

Show notes

Why Manufacturing Still Matters (20:22) Louis Uchitelle covered economics and labor issues for the New York Times for twenty-five years. He is the author of Making It: Why Manufacturing Still Matters and The Disposable American: Layoffs and Their Consequences. In the 1950s manufacturing generated nearly 30 percent of U.S. income. Over the past fifty-five years, that share has gradually declined to less than 12 percent at the same time that real estate, finance, and Wall Street trading have grown. Louis Uchitelle explains why manufacturing still matters in the USA. German Art of Raising Self-Reliant Children (1:08:22) Sara Zaske is an American writer who lived in Berlin for six and a half years. She is the author of the newly released book ACHTUNG BABY: AN AMERICAN MOM ON THE GERMAN ART OF RAISING SELF-RELIANT CHILDREN. How and when should a parent step in to resolve problems that children face? If there is a fight should a parent step in or should the parent let the kids work it out? Sarah Zaske lived in Germany and witnesses a different style of parenting. She preceives that Germans know something that American parents don’t (or have perhaps forgotten) about raising kids with self-reliance and provides practical examples American parents can use to give their own children the freedom they need to grow into responsible, independent adults. Willpower in Abundance (1:52:32) Chris Napolitano, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Willpower is essential in the well-balanced life. You need it to think critically, to stick with a problem until you solve it, and in regular, daily life. The key to all this is if you believe you have willpower in abundance. Chris Napolitano talks about the infinite resource of willpower. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:20:22 - Why Manufacturing Still Matters 01:68:22 - German Art of Raising Self-Reliant Children 01:112:32 - Willpower in Abundance

Disagreeing More at Work, Understanding Dieting, Sleep Deprivation Jan 31, 2018

Show notes

Disagreeing More at Work (20:30) Amy Gallo, the author of the Harvard Business Review's Guide to Dealing with Conflict. Imagine the most irritating person in your workplace. Why don’t you like them? Do they do anything that drives you nuts? Amy Gallo explains how disagreeing more at work can help relieve workplace tension and personal stress. What thin people don’t understand about dieting (1:09:21) Traci Mann, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at the University of Minnesota. She researches self-control of health behaviors and eating regulation. She is the author of “Secrets From the Eating Lab: The Science of Weight Loss, the Myth of Willpower, and Why You Should Never Diet Again.” It is still January, which means that the weight loss industry is still enjoying the efforts of all those people looking to drop a few pounds in the new year. But as so many of us have found out over the years, dieting is hard. More often than not, our dieting ambitions end in failure, and we are right back where we started. Traci Mann talks about the science and myths of dieting and offers proven strategies for sustainable weight loss. Sleep Deprivation (1:59:45) Paul Jenkins, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist. He is the author of Pathological Positivity. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the American Psychology-law Society, and the Utah Psychological Association. Marriage can be tough. Many challenges come up when two people decide to join their lives together. Dr. Paul Jenkins explains the Long-Term Effects of Sleep Deprivation. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:20:30 - Disagreeing More at Work 01:69:21 - What thin people don't understand about dieting 01:119:45 - Sleep Deprivation

Social Media Click Bate, Mom and Marriage, Cleanse or Not to Cleanse Jan 30, 2018

Show notes

Barbara Romzek - Social media and Click Bate (19:27) Barbara Romzek, Ph.D., is a professor of Public Administration and Policy in the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, D.C. Social media creates profit from connecting people and encouraging global conversations. But certain people have found a way to exploit these forums that weaken shared norms of trust and openness. Barbara Romzek explains the dangers of clickbait, why it needs to be stopped, and why social media companies need to do more. What Your Mom Has to Do With Marriage (1:08:21) Liz Higgins is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Dallas, Texas. Liz work focuses on helping millennial couples. Liz is an active blogger at lizhigginsMFT.com and is a contributor to the Huffington Post. Mother’s Day has a changing role in people’s lives as they get older and go through different phases. Which brings the question, what role should a mother play once you get married? Liz Higgins has the answer. To Cleanse or Not to Cleanse (1:55:56) Ron Hager, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Exercise Sciences in the College of Life Sciences at Brigham Young University. His area is expertise is Chronic Disease Prevention. Dr. Hager discusses the popularity of cleansing and what happens when to your body when you cleanse. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:19:27 - Barbara Romzek - Social media and Click Bate 01:68:21 - What Your Mom Has to Do With Marriage 01:115:56 - To Cleanse or Not to Cleanse

Trump vs. Globalists, Crisis of Faith, Working Out Couples Therapy Jan 29, 2018

Show notes

Trump vs. Globalists (19:40) Joe Cannon is the CEO of the Fuel Freedom Foundation, former Chairman of the Utah Republican Party, past assistant administrator in the US EPA, and editor of the Deseret News. Joe Cannon talks about President Trump speech in Davos, Switzerland, and previews the State of the Union address. What is the cause of a Crisis of Faith (1:09:18) Scott R. Braithwaite, an associate psychology professor at Brigham Young University. Scott began graduate school in New York, but followed his mentor to Florida State University where he obtained his Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. Scott completed his predoctoral residency at the Medical University of South Carolina and became a professor at Brigham Young University. It is fairly common to come across a member of the newer generations who has rejected religion in some form or another. Not only are people moving away from the religions of their childhood, but atheism has become a frequent substitute. Scott Braithewaite has researched the psychology behind this generational shift. Is Working Out Better Than Couples Therapy? (1:59:03) Kelley Kitley is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice and has treated patients in Santa Monica and Chicago for the past fifteen years. She's a columnist for Fitness Magazine and is launching a new autobiography on survival in December called, “My Self.” When you think of strengthening your relationship and your significant other’s perception of you, the last thing you think of is probably having them see you dirty and sweaty, but maybe that is just what it takes. Kelley Kitley teaches us how working out with our significant other might be as good as couples therapy. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:19:40 - Trump vs. Globalists 01:119:03 - Is Working Out Better Than Couples Therapy?

Children Reading, Shutdown Madness, Lead With Abundance Jan 27, 2018

Show notes

Storytime a 'Turbocharger' for a Child's Brain (20:00) John Hutton, M.D., is a pediatrician and clinical researcher at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He owns a children’s bookstore in Cincinnati and has also written 24 children’s books. It turns out that one of the more overlooked parts of parenting is actually one of the most important. New research shows that reading with your child before bedtime can seriously stimulate brain development. It also shows that there are a few things parents can do to make storytime even better for their children. John Hutton on why reading to children is so important. Romney and Shutdown Madness (1:06:19) Boyd C. Matheson is president of Sutherland Institute, a conservative think tank that advocates for a free market economy, civil society and community-driven solutions. he was recently named Opinion Editor and Head of Strategic Reach at The Deseret News. Boyd Matheson discusses what the point of the 2018 government shutdown was and what the impact of a Mitt Romney would be in the current political climate in Washington D.C. Lead With Abundance Not Scarcity (1:58:28) Michele Attias has been a Personal Development coach and speaker for over 20 years. She coaches busy professionals helping them to be comfortable with making big decisions using a no-nonsense approach to get results. Every day we face challenges either professional or personal. Michele Attias says our mindset impacts how we deal with those challenges. We either operate from fear or scarcity mindset or from a trust or abundance mindset. Having a more positive outlook, recognizing that you have options in the face of adversity, you can overcome self-doubt. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:20:00 - Storytime a 'Turbocharger' for a Child's Brain 01:66:19 - Romney and Shutdown Madness 01:118:28 - Lead With Abundance Not Scarcity

Scienceblind, Your Diet Is Making You Fat, Screen Cleaning Jan 26, 2018

Show notes

Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong (19:30) Andrew Shtulman, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Occidental College. He is the author of Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong. Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always, et these questions wrong. Andrew Shtulman explains how our intuitive theories are often wrong, and how correcting them could present clearer solutions to many controversies--around vaccines, climate change, or evolution--that plague our politics today. Why Your Diet Is Making You Fat (1:09:31) Brooke Alpert is a nationally recognized nutrition expert and best-selling author. She is also the founder of B Nutritious, a private nutrition counseling and consulting practice in New York City. Brooke received her Masters of Science at New York University and is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is the author of the “The Diet Detox.” We have all tried our fair share of fad diets and cleanses. Sometimes these diets work for a little while, but rarely do they have permanent, long-lasting results. That’s because when they are over we tend to slide back into the same bad habits that led us to gain weight in the first place. Brooke Alpert helps us understand how to overcome these bad habits. Jeff Simpson - Screen Cleaning (1:37:06) Jeff Simpson talks about movies and TV helping you find family-friendly options. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:19:30 - Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong 01:69:31 - Why Your Diet Is Making You Fat 01:97:06 - Jeff Simpson - Screen Cleaning

Influential Mind, Depression and Dads, Birth Order and Parenting Jan 25, 2018

Show notes

Tali Sharot - The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others (19:54) Tali Sharot, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience with degrees in economics and psychology. She is the founder and director of the Affective Brain Lab at University College London. She is the author of The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others. Changing how someone else thinks about an issue can be tough. Tali Sharot says that many of our instincts?from relying on facts and figures to shape opinions, to insisting others are wrong or attempting to exert control?are ineffective because they are incompatible with how people’s minds operate. This has to do with several factors including the critical role of emotion in influence, the weakness of data and the power of curiosity. Tali Sharot explains the complex power of influence. Depression is different for Dads (1:08:06) Kevin Shafer, Ph.D., is a professor of Social Work at Brigham Young University. 1 out of 11 adults suffers a major depressive episode each year. That news comes from the National Institute for Mental Health that shows depression on the rise. New studies suggest that this suffering is not exclusive to adolescents. Dr. Kevin Shafer and his associates wanted to see just how much of an impact a depressed parent might impact an adolescent and their development and he joins us now in studio. He shares his research on Dads and depression. Birth Order and Parenting (1:56:34) Jeanette Bennett is founder and editor-in-chief at Bennett Communications, where she primarily focuses on Utah Valley Magazine, BusinessQ Magazine, and Prosper Magazine. Jeanette earned a bachelor's and master's degree in journalism from BYU and has been a regular guest on HuffPostLive. Sometimes people step away from a job because of health issues, family emergencies, or other personal issues. Jeanette Bennett talks about the challenges around Birth Order and Parenting. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:19:54 - Tali Sharot - The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others 01:68:06 - Depression is different for Dads 01:116:34 - Birth Order and Parenting

Career Ready Myth, Serving Puerto Rico, Butting Out of Your Relationships Jan 24, 2018

Show notes

Myth of Career Ready Out of High School (19:36) Anthony Carnevale currently serves as a research Professor and Director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, a position he has held since the Center was created in 2008. While the stated end goal of K-12 education in America for students to be “college and career ready,” the reality is the existence of career-ready high school graduates are a myth. Anthony P. Carnevale explains why we need to let go of this myth. Serving Puerto Rico (1:08:11) John Brooks is the head coach of the BYU Swimming and Diving program. During his time as head coach he has routinely led the program to strong finishes in the conference, including a conference championship for the men in 2014. John has also coached swimmers that have competed in the USA Nationals, Olympic Trials, and the Olympic Games. Like many other college programs, BYU’s swimming and diving team booked a training trip to Puerto Rico before the island was hit by Hurricane Maria. Unlike the other teams, the Cougars actually followed through their plans. What followed was one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. John Brooks shares the experience of the BYU Swim and Dive team. Butting Out of Your Relationships (1:53:06) Brian Willoughby, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University. Dr. Willoughby's research focuses on young adult dating and relationship patterns. Dr. Willoughby is the co-author of the book "The Marriage Paradox" Dr. Willoughby discusses how to butt out of your own relationship. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:19:36 - Myth of Career Ready Out of High School 01:68:11 - Serving Puerto Rico 01:113:06 - Butting Out of Your Relationships

Shutdown and Romney, Lead With Abundance, Overcoming Paralysis Jan 23, 2018

Show notes

Romney and Shutdown Madness (19:43) Boyd C. Matheson is president of Sutherland Institute, a conservative think tank that advocates for a free market economy, civil society and community-driven solutions. he was recently named Opinion Editor and Head of Strategic Reach at The Deseret News. Boyd Matheson discusses what the point of the 2018 government shutdown was and what the impact of a Mitt Romney would be in the current political climate in Washington D.C. Lead With Abundance Not Scarcity (1:11:57) Michele Attias has been a Personal Development coach and speaker for over 20 years. She coaches busy professionals helping them to be comfortable with making big decisions using a no-nonsense approach to get results. Every day we face challenges either professional or personal. Michele Attias says our mindset impacts how we deal with those challenges. We either operate from fear or scarcity mindset or from a trust or abundance mindset. Having a more positive outlook, recognizing that you have options in the face of adversity, you can overcome self-doubt. Overcoming Paralysis (1:58:18) Brittany Fisher Frank used to run cross-country for Utah State University and be an avid rock-climber. In 2012 Brittany took a 100 foot fall off of a cliff while rappelling which left her paralyzed from the waist down. But the athlete didn’t let that stop her, she relearned to walk and live life to its fullest. Brittany discusses her journey through the struggles of paralysis, including her marriage and resent birth of her first child. She teaches us how to overcome the trials in our lives. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:19:43 - Romney and Shutdown Madness 01:71:57 - Lead With Abundance Not Scarcity 01:118:18 - Overcoming Paralysis

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