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:

More Clinton Emails, Mind and Heart, Healthy Halloween Oct 31, 2016

Show notes

More Clinton Emails (19:09) Joe Cannon is our Washington Insider. Joe served as an assistant administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 1983-1985. Was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1992. He served as the Chairman of the Utah Republican Party from 2002 to 2006. He was named editor of the Deseret Morning News on December 8, 2006. Joe currently is the CEO of Fuel Freedom Foundation. Joe and Dr. Townsend discuss the latest issues surrounding ongoing Clinton email controversy. Revisited Movie Reviews: Twilight Zone The Movie (1:06:09) In honor of Halloween we are revisiting scary movies of the past. Today's movie is the 1983 feature Twilight Zone The Movie Mind: A journey to the heart of being human (1:08:24) Dr. Daniel J. Siegel is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. His most recent book, titled Mind: A journey to the heart of being human was released on October 18th. The mind is an interesting subject, but it’s also a hard thing to research. There’s no real, clear cut standard definition of the mind. Wouldn’t it just be nice to take a trip through the mind and then know exactly how everything works? While that seems almost impossible, Dr. Daniel J. Siegel does all he can to help us take that trip. Liana Tan - Halloween (1:36:32) Halloween is here and student producer Liana Tan shares her thoughts on the spookiest night of the year Trick or Treat in High Heels (1:56:45) Margaret Marshall had a seventeen- year run as a speaker and trainer for Weight Watchers and is The Healthy Living Expert. She created the “Five-Finger Food Guide” and is a front-page featured blogger for the Huffington Post as well as the author of the books, “Body, Mind, & Mouth,” and “Healthy Living Means Living Healthy.” Happy Halloween! Today there will be a lot of festivities, fun and… fattening foods. Before you head out with your tot to collect all that sugar tonight, keep in mind that you still want 00:00:00 - Introduction 01:96:32 - Liana Tan - Halloween 01:116:45 - Healthy Halloween

Income Inequality, Psychology of Scary Films, Parent Previews Oct 28, 2016

Show notes

Why inequality is the most important economic challenge facing the next president (16:08) Dr. Steven Pressman is Professor of Economics at Colorado State University and Emeritus Professor of Economics and Finance at Monmouth University. Immigration, the war on terror, trade, abortion, the economy, health care, criminal justice, and education are all real issues our country is facing. With only 10 days left until election day it seems focus has shifted to the moral failings of both candidates and taken away from real issues. Dr. Steven Pressman explains why he believes , inequality to be the most important issue facing the next President. Why do we like watching scary films? (1:03:48) Dr. Tom Robinson is Associate Director for Graduate Studies in the School of Communications at BYU. He teaches advertising and specializes in account planning, advertising principles and advertising strategy and research. Halloween is here and there’s plenty to do to celebrate! Some people love the chills and thrills of sitting home in the dark and watching their favorite Halloween horror film. Dr. Tom Robinson shares his research into the psychology of why people love scary movies. Parent Previews - Inferno (1:53:01) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to review the new Tom Hanks movie Inferno Liana Tan - Food Waste (2:06:04) When’s the last time you just stopped by a drive through to grab a burger when you were hungry? Or headed to the grocery store to replace the weeks- worth of groceries you left to rot in the back of the fridge? We live in a country where food is readily accessible… and we often take that for granted. Americans waste $165 billion in food each year! So our producer, Liana Tan, is going to enlighten us on 5 of her suggestions on how we can all help fight food waste. Revisited Movie Reviews - Wait Until Dark (2:20:55) In honor of Halloween we are revisiting scary movies of the past. Today's movie is Wait Until Dark

Young People and Politics, Random Acts, Creative Children Oct 27, 2016

Show notes

Young People Excited About Politics (18:18) Dr. Celina K. Su is the chair of urban studies at the City University of NY Graduate Center and an Associate Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College. Celina Su's research interests lie in participatory governance, civil society, civic engagement, and the cultural politics of education and health policy. Celina Su shares her article “What makes young people more excited about politics? Deciding how to spend municipal budgets. Random Acts (1:05:44) Random Acts is a BYUtv series featuring a team of pranksters who go about doing good behind people’s backs in fun, unexpected ways! Their thoughtful and loving jokes highlight the positive in humanity, including when things don’t go according to plan. Stephen Jones is a comedian who works on the show and talks with Jeff Simpson about the show and what makes something funny. Caitlin Thomas - Trick or Treating Tips (1:32:20) Halloween is officially in 4 days from now, and that means Trick-or-Treating! However, as adults we need to be prepared to ensure that everyone has a happy, fun, and safe Halloween night. Our very own Caitlin Thomas has come up with a handy-dandy list of Do’s and Don’ts for us to follow this Halloween that she knows will increase your happiness, and the satisfaction of your own little trick-or-treater. Revisited Movie Reviews - Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1:54:40) In honor of Halloween we are revisiting scary movies of the past. Today's movie is Invasion of the Body Snatchers Raising Creative Children (1:57:49) 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 shares with Jeff Simpson on Raising Creative Children

Child-Care Fix, Health and Happy Spouses, Perfect Partner Oct 26, 2016

Show notes

To fix America’s child care, let’s look at the past (16:24) Dr. Corey Shdaimah is an associate professor and academic coordinator for the Master of Social Work and Juris Doctor Dual Degree Program at the University Of Maryland School Of Social Work. Both Ivanka Trump and Chelsea Clinton have issued statements on behalf of their parents regarding new childcare policies for families across America. Federal legislation has not touched this issue in over a decade. What are the benefits of our current legislation? Where can we improve? Dr. Corey Shdaimah helps to shed light on this issue. Having a happy spouse could be good for your health (1:01:53) Dr. Bill Chopik an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Michigan. He is a social-personality psychologist interested in how relationships—and the people in them—change over time and across situations. His research focuses on how factors both inside, such as biological and hormonal, and outside, including social roles and geography, of people influence their approach to social relationships. The old saying is “Happy wife, happy life.” But is there evidence to suggest the actual health benefits to a successful relationship? Dr. Chopik discusses his studies how relationships affect us. Liana Tan - Fear (1:26:24) It’s a spooky time of year where it’s expected for people to be scared of creepy clowns or monsters or haunted houses. But do you have fears of some things that no one would ever expect? We all have irrational fears in our everyday lives; things that have nothing to do with ghosts or goblins. Today we’re going to explore some of those and our producer, Liana Tan, is going to justify for us some of her very own “irrational fears.” Revisited Movie Reviews: Psycho (1:45:11) In honor of Halloween we are revisiting scary movies of the past. Today's movie is the Alfred Hitchcock classic Psycho Your Perfect Partner Doesn't Need to Be Ideal (1:51:01) Dr. Madeleine Fugere, Professor of Psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University, joins u

Does Terrorism Work, Humor Psychology, Health Advice Oct 25, 2016

Show notes

Does Terrorism Work? (22:17) Dr. Richard English is Pro-Vice Chancellor for Internationalization and Engagement at Queen's University Belfast, where he is also Professor of Politics, and Distinguished Professorial Fellow in the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. On June 12th 2016, 49 people were shot and killed at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. This terroristic attack was the largest attack to happen on American soil since September 11th. Although it was the largest, it is not the only terroristic attack to happen since 9/11. Today more foreign governments, groups, and homegrown movements are turning to terrorism as their main mode of communication. Are their messages being heard and are they accomplishing their purposes? Professor Richard English, author of the book Does Terrorism Work? A History, provides some answers. Psychology of Comedy (53:42) Matthew Meese is a sketch comedian and actor who is best known for his role as actor, head writer, and co-creator of Studio C, a popular comedy show on both BYUtv and YouTube. Matt Meese talks about the Psychology of Comedy and Matt and Jeff Simpson perform a radio play. Caitlin Thomas - Haunted Houses (1:22:21) Haunted houses are probably one of the most anticipated parts about Halloween- except for maybe the candy. Why do we do it? Why do we enjoy the thrill of being touched, tortured, and terrified? Caitlin Thomas is here with us this morning to talk a little bit more about the psychology behind haunted houses. How We Eat (1:50:14) Dr. Ron Hager 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. Ron is live from the Utah Senior Games and talks about why we eat the way we do and how we can do it better.

Electoral College, Doctors Can Be Health Role Models Oct 24, 2016

Show notes

The Electoral College and Donald Trump (17:19) Professor Derek Muller is an Associate Professor of Law at Pepperdine School of Law. His research and writing focuses on election law, particularly federalism and the role of states in the administration of elections. As we head closer to the Republican Convention, the reality of Donald Trump gaining the GOP’s presidential nomination solidifies. We’ve talked on the show before about the possibility of a brokered convention and attempts from other third-party candidates, but what about after November? Muller proposes a creative solution to the, Never Trump movement. His solution? The Electoral College. Muller talks about the possibility of state legislators appointing presidential electors, rather than following popular vote. How Doctors Can be Role Models for Health (1:03:09) Dr. Edward Laskowski is a physiatrist in Rochester, Minnesota and is affiliated with Mayo Clinic. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. The holiday season is on the horizon and with that comes plenty of candy, large meals, and cold days spent indoors. But before the holidays get here and you lose your summer body, maybe take a moment and think if there is someone you can look to as an inspiration of health? Dr. Edward Laskowski says that your personal physician should be a role model for health. Revisited Movie Reviews: The Ring (1:33:04) In honor of Halloween we are revisiting scary movies of the past. Today's movie is the 2002 thriller The Ring. Liana Tan: Keeping Warm (1:48:54) The weather at this time of year can be pretty unpredictable. If you’re having weather anything like we are in Utah- it can be 40 degrees one day and 80 degrees the next! You’re never sure how to dress or when the appropriate time to bring out your winter coat is. So today our producer, Liana Tan, is going to teach us 5 inconspicuous ways to keep warm this season. Kim Giles: 14 Ways to Become More Emotionally Matu

Hillary's Trust Problem, Election Causing Significant Stress Oct 21, 2016

Show notes

The Science Behind Voters Trust (19:30) Jillian Jordan is a Ph.D. candidate in psychology at Yale University. She researches human social cognition and behavior, with a focus on cooperation and morality. She is co-author of the article The science behind Hillary Clinton’s problems with trust. There are only 17 days left on the campaign trail, and as the election nears the finish line both parties are working furiously to win over voters. Hillary’s campaign has struggled to assure voters that she can be trusted, while Trump’s campaign has worked to prepare for anything he may say. Jillian Jordan shares her study on how calculated and uncalculated actions could be affecting voter’s trust. Election Causing ‘Significant Stress’ for Majority of Nation (1:03:36) Dr. Vaile Wright is the Director of Research and Special Projects at the American Psychological Association her research has appeared in peer-reviewed articles in Law and Human Behavior, Journal of Traumatic Stress, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. Dr. Wright earned her Phd. In Counseling of Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Earlier this week America heard the third and final Presidential debate. Many have viewed this election as particularly mean spirited, and both candidates have high disapproval ratings. For many Americans, Election day will bring a sigh of relief. A study by the American Psychological Association shows that the election is causing significant stress for the majority of the nation. Dr. Vaile Wright shares the preliminary findings. Revisited Movie Reviews - Young Frankenstine (1:31:50) In honor of Halloween we are revisiting scary movies of the past. Today's movie is the 1974 American horror comedy film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder as the title character Young Frankenstine. Parent Previews (1:50:10) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to review the new movies Ouija: Origin of Evil and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.

Debate, Why Clowns are Creepy, Work-at-Home Parenting Oct 20, 2016

Show notes

Third Presidential Debate Recap (19:17) Joe Cannon is our Washington Insider. Joe served as an assistant administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 1983-1985. Was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1992. He served as the Chairman of the Utah Republican Party from 2002 to 2006. He was named editor of the Deseret Morning News on December 8, 2006. Joe currently is the CEO of Fuel Freedom Foundation. Joe and Dr. Townsend recap the Third Presidential Debate Why Clowns Creep Us Out (1:09:37) Dr. Frank McAndrew is a Professor of Psychology at Knox College. He is an evolutionary social psychologist whose research is guided by the simple desire to make sense of everyday life, and he is currently studying gossip, aggression, and creepiness. He appeared on our show earlier this year to discuss gossip as a social a skill. For the past couple of months’ sightings of people dress up as clowns has caused concern and panic. But aren’t clowns supposed to be fun? In some venues they make jokes and blow up balloon animals but in others they terrify people. Why is it that we are so terrified of clowns? Dr. McAndrews explains. Revisited Movie Reviews - Addams Family Values (1:33:21) In honor of Halloween we are revisiting scary movies of the past. Today's movie is Addams Family Values from 1993. The Truth About Halloween Candy (1:36:47) Halloween is upon us folks. In another week and a half all of the neighborhood kids will be out and about trick-or-treating all dolled up in their costumes. We love it, they love it, but deciding what kind of candy you are going to give out will affect how many trick-or-treaters you get back next year. Caitlin Thomas joins us this morning to talk all about Halloween Candy and what we should give out this year. Productivity Tips for Work-at-home parents (2:00:28) Nicole Carpenter is the best-selling author of "52 Weeks to Fortify Your Family: 5-minute messages"- a devotional book for LDS families, writes a syndicated column for KSL.com, and is the Founder of MOMentity.co

Inequality, Uncomfortable Delegation, Kids Call The Shots Oct 19, 2016

Show notes

How Corporate America Can Curb Income Iinequality and Make More Money To (19:17) Dr. Wallace J. Hopp is a Distinguished University Professor at the Ross School of Business located at the University of Michigan. He has been studying work systems in the manufacturing and service sectors for over 30 years. Employees and companies are supposed to work hand in hand to increase productivity in the work place, increase company earnings, and in bettering the American economy. Just as parents and children both give and take form each other, employees and companies have a special symbiotic relationship. What happens when if the employees or the company only acts in their own self-interest? Who is the ultimate looser? Dr. Hopp explains. Revisited Movie Reviews - The Burbs (1:05:14) In honor of Halloween we are revisiting scary movies of the past. Today's movie is The Burbs with Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher. How Uncomfortable We Are Making Choices for Others (1:07:50) Dr. Mary Steffel is an assistant professor of marketing at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University. Her research examines social judgment and decision making, including when people recruit others to help them make decisions, what are the barriers to choosing effectively on behalf of others, and how to help people make better decisions for themselves and others. Often, we may even find ourselves hesitant to delegate tasks and decision making to others, even when they would benefit from doing so. Yet anyone who has worked in a large organization will tell you that, just as often, decisions can get passed from person to person, making it difficult for everyone to get work done. So how do we encourage delegating when it’s beneficial and reduce it when it’s not? Dr. Steffel shares her research. Why Parents Let Their Kids Bully Them (1:52:46) Dr. Sean Grover is a psychotherapist and author of the book WHEN KIDS CALL THE SHOTS: How to Seize Control from Your Darling Bully – and Enjoy Parenting Again. Dr. Grover has worked with parents

Teaching Cyber Security, Teens and Later School Start Time Oct 18, 2016

Show notes

The Future Teaching of CyberSecurity (17:07) Dr. Nasir Memon is a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at NYU Tandon. His research interests include digital forensics, biometrics, data compression, network security, security, and human behavior. In 2008, Cyber Security Awareness Week, also called (C-SAW), was founded with goal to draw engineering students into cybersecurity. This 13th Annual Conference, over 20,000 students from around the world will participate in CSAW, and is the largest student ran cybersecurity event in the world. The cyber security industry will need 1.5 million more workers than will be qualified for jobs by the year 2020. It is more crucial than ever to educate the next generation of cyber security professionals. Program founder Dr. Memon explains CSAW and the future of cyber security. Why Teen Brains Need Later School Start Time (1:03:12) Dr. Kyla Wahlstrom is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota. Her research work over the past 25 years has examined school and district leadership and the outcomes that result from educational policy initiatives. She has been researching later high school start times for the past 20 years, including her recently completed 3-year study for the CDC. The results of that research were used by the American Academy of Pediatrics to inform their national policy statement in 2014 about the need for later high school starting times. Dr. Wahlstrom shares the research. Catlin Thomas - Cures for the Common Cold (1:28:34) We’ve all had to deal with it before, and we have all suffered its wrath at times. It can knock us out and leave us begging for it to stop. Yes, people, I am talking about the common cold. Our very own producer Caitlin Thomas joins us over the phone this morning to talk more about things we can do to fight that nasty common cold. Scariest Things Kids Have Told Their Parents (1:51:20) Julie Nelson (the "Child Whisperer") has a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. She teach

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