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:

Payday Loans, Finding Meaning in Life, The Leap Apr 26, 2016

Show notes

Payday Loans (16:41) Dr. Richard Evans is a Professor of Economics at Brigham Young University. He earned his PHD from the University of Texas at Austin. Any drive through town is guaranteed to cross paths when at least one of the hundreds of payday and title loan establishments that dot city maps across the country. These companies advertise Paycheck advancements that are convenient, quick, without any sort of credit assessment. These advancements are typically loans in the $150-$400 range with a repayment agreement due when the borrower has a scheduled payment, such as a paycheck. But what are the risks associated with these loans and what are the financial dangers the nearly 12 million users face? Dr. Evans shares what he has learned studying the payday loan industry. Finding Meaning in Life (1:02:59) Dr. Frank Ninivaggi is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine Child Study Center in New Haven, Connecticut, member of the Yale-New Haven Community Medical Group, and the Medical Director of the Devereux Glenholme School in Washington, Connecticut. He has many publications including his most recent books, Biomental Child Development: Perspectives on Psychology and Parenting, and Envy Theory. Dr. Ninivaggi talks about how we find meaning and make sense of life. Bob Dickie: The Leap (1:49:37) Robert Dickie III is president of Crown Financial Ministries, a non-profit dedicated to helping people create long term plans for personal financial, career, and business success. He is also an author, speaker, consultant, and columnist. Bob speaks with Dr. Townsend about his book "The Leap: Launching Your Full-Time Career in Our Part-Time Economy. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:16:41 - Payday Loans 01:62:59 - Finding Meaning in Life 01:109:37 - Bob Dickie: The Leap

Shell Corporations, Original Filmmaking, Parenting Without Force Apr 25, 2016

Show notes

Shell Corporations (17:02) A few weeks ago we learned about the "Panama Papers" which exposed 11.5 million leaked records from a law firm in Panama that specialises in setting up offshore accounts and shell corporations. The leaked documents revealed the hidden offshore assets of around 140 political figures. Dr. Townsend discussed the moral issues behind using these types of accounts. Original Filmmaking (1:05:35) Amanda Klein is an Associate Professor in film history, theory and aesthetics at East Carolina University. She co-authored Cycles, Sequels, Spin-offs, Remakes, and Reboots: Multiplicities in Film and Television. Disney recently announced a line-up of live-action films that include: The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio, and the Sword in the Stone. Many of these will be re-makes of the originals, much like Cinderella in 2015. A number of sequels are also coming up this year. The number of sequels and remakes begs the question, “Where has originality gone?” Dr. Klein explains why sequels are good and bad. Parenting Without Force (1:49:10) Kim Giles, President and founder of Clarity Point Life Coaching. Named one of the top 20 advice gurus in the country by Good Morning America in 2010. Writes a regular column on KSL.com every Monday in the Happy Living Section. Author of the Book Choosing Clarity: A Path to Fearlessness. Today Kim shares some tips on how to parent with love not control and force 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:17:02 - Shell Corporations 01:65:35 - Original Filmmaking 01:109:10 - Parenting Without Force

How Internet Connects Us, Gift of Failure, Meet the Producers Apr 22, 2016

Show notes

How We Think the Internet Connects Us (14:40) Ethan Zuckerman is the Director of the Center for Civic Media at MIT, and a principal research scientist at the MIT Media Lab. His research focuses on the distribution of attention in mainstream and new media, the use of technology for international development, and the use of new media technologies by activists. With just a single click, we can access almost anything; cat videos, the profiles of former classmates, the best cinnamon roll recipe, or the current political turbulence throughout the world. These are all made possible through the every growing online community. But does all this mean we are truly “connected?” Ethan Zuckerman, author of Digital Cosmopolitans: Why We Think the Internet Connects Us, Why It Doesn't, and How to Rewire It. Ethan Zuckerman shares what he learned researching his book and the work being done to create a truly more connected world. The Gift of Failure (1:01:36) Jessica Lahey is the author of The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed. She is an educator, speaker and writer. She writes biweekly Parent-Teacher Conference advice column for the New York Times and is a contributor to the Atlantic. What do we learn from failure? Jessica Lahey, suggests that the best parents learn to let go so their children can succeed. Parent Previews: "The Huntsman: Winter's War" (1:47:20) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to review the new movie The Huntsman: Winter's War Meet the Producers: Are Men or Women Better Leaders? (1:55:32) Student producers Liana Tan and Caitlin Thomas share with Dr. Townsend some data the explains who is the better leader, men or women. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:14:40 - How We Think the Internet Connects Us 01:61:36 - The Gift of Failure 01:107:20 - Parent Previews: "The Huntsman: Winter's War" 01:115:32 - Meet the Producers: Are Men or Women Better Leaders?

Balancing Media Bias, Level Up Your Life, Princess Effect Apr 21, 2016

Show notes

Balancing Media Bias (16:02) Dr. Justin Buchler is a Professor of Political Science at Case Western Reserve University. He studies elections, political parties and Congress. With dozens of media outlets, American voters have more than their fair share of options on political coverage. Outlets like Fox news, CNN, MSNBC, are all seeking to give the latest report of the presidential election. However, according to our guest today, Dr. Justin Buchler these “party-aligned \[outlets] make it difficult for voters to distinguish between valid criticism of one party and biased reporting from a partisan shill.” Dr. Buchler’s research, which uses game theory to show that under right circumstance “ A political party can make excessive demands in negotiations, lie brazenly, or otherwise behave in unusual and problematic ways…. Because journalists today are ill-equipped to stop it or bring attention to it.” Dr. Buchler shares his research. Level Up Your Life (1:02:54) Steve Kamb is the author of “Level Up Your Life: How to Unlock Adventure and Happiness by Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story”. He is the founder of nerdfitness.com. He has guest lectured at Google, Google Dublin, Facebook, TEDxEmory, and regularly speaks at Vanderbilt University. We all have heroes in literature, movies and video games. There are characters who have attributes and skills we wish we did. Our guest today, Steve Kamb, is the author of “Level Up Your Life”, a book that talks about how to become your own superhero. Princess Effect (1:49:51) 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 The Princess Effect and how to build a girl's self-esteem by focusing on accomplishment and ability instead of looks or appearance 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:16:02 - Balancing Media Bias 01:62:54 - Level Up Your Life 01:109:51 - Princess Effect

New York Primary, Religion-Work Conflict, Emotional Complexity Apr 20, 2016

Show notes

New York Primaries (15:08) 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 recaps the New York Primaries and what the results mean for the election process going forward. Kabrina Chang: When Religion and Work Conflict (1:04:11) Kabrina Krebel Chang is the Clinical Associate Professor of Business Law and Ethics at Boston University. She spends a lot of time researching and collaborating with experts on new ways of innovating business strategies and education. Since 2007, the number of complaints for religious discrimination filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has risen significantly. It’s not hard to see why: An increase in immigrants of diverse faiths, greater workforce diversity, and the globalization of business all play a role in more workers from different religious backgrounds meeting on the job. For many employers, it is only a matter of time before they face conflicts between religion and work. As an employee or as a boss, what do you do when this situation comes up in the workplace? Kabring Chang with some steps on addressing religious conflicts in the workplace Emotional Complexity (1:50:32) Dr. Igor Grossmann is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Social Psychology area at the University of Waterloo. We all know the classic scene with the patient lying on the psychologist’s couch and knowing exactly what the psychologist is going to ask. “How do you feel?” It’s such a simple question, but the answer might be quite complex and hard to label with just one word. You probably realize that the answer of how you feel might differ based on your situation and your upbringing, but have you ever thought that your culture could also play a factor i 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:15:08 - New York Primaries 01:64:11 - Kabrina Chang: When Religion and Work Conflict 01:110:32 - Emotional Complexity

Syrian Refugees Next Door, Adulting, Myths of Pregnancy Apr 19, 2016

Show notes

Syrian Refugees Next Door? (16:58) Dr. Jeffrey Cohen is a Professor of Anthropology at The Ohio State University. His research focus in migration and Refugees, Economics and Development, Nutrition, and Research Methodology. Following the bombings in Paris and again in Brussels, fears surrounding refugee placement in the U.S. has surged. Many of the republican presidential candidates issued statements regarding their hesitancy to allow further refugee placement. Dr. Cohen, whose recent article, Syrian refugees next door? Aims to answer these and other questions regarding the estimated 5 million Syrians now seeking refuge. Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up (1:02:16) Kelly Williams Brown is the author of Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps. Growing up is an ever challenging, ever changing endeavor. Each generation deals with it in their own way. Kelly Brown has literally written the book on growing up and shares what she has leaned from interviewing people from all walks of life. Coaches Corner: How to Be an Adult (1:27:37) It is graduation season. High school and college graduations are big steps towards adulthood. How do you teach being an adult? Dr. Matt Townsend with some ideas The Myths of Pregnancy (1:50:55) Julie Nelson (the "Child Whisperer") 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 and debunk pregnancy myths 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:16:58 - Syrian Refugees Next Door? 01:62:16 - Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up 01:87:37 - Coaches Corner: How to Be an Adult 01:110:55 - The Myths of Pregnancy

Tax Day, Spirituality and Mind Body, Worlds Awaiting Apr 18, 2016

Show notes

Tax Day (22:56) Kelly Phillips Erb is an attorney. Her primary practice area is tax law including: tax planning for corporations; domestic and international tax planning; formation and administration of nonprofit and charitable organizations; tax compliance work and tax controversy matters such as delinquencies, offers in compromise and audits. She authors the popular "Taxgirl" blog for Forbes.com. Kelly has also published Ask the TaxGirl: Everything Parents Should Know About Filing Taxes (Including Child Care Expenses, Medical Costs, and the Earned Income Tax Credit) together with Forbes. Kelly Erd offers some last day tax prep ideas on Tax Day. Spirituality and Mind Body (1:03:57) Dr. Lisa Miller is a Professor of Psychology and Education, Director of Clinical Psychology, and Director of the Spirituality & Mind Body Institute at Teachers College Columbia University. So much of our early education focuses on cognitive skills. We learn cursive and spelling, math and science. But teaching principles that the heart needs to understand is a different matter entirely and a delicate one. Dr. Miller discusses how spirituality helps people develop emotionally. Rachel Wadham of Worlds Awaiting (1:54:49) BYU Radio is premiering a new show called Worlds Awaiting, Hosted by Rachel Wadham, which is a weekly program for grownups who care about children. The show discusses topics that will help the rising generation discover literature and experience the world around them. Worlds Awaiting airs every Saturday at 1:30pm Eastern on BYU Radio, Sirius XM, Channel 143, on the tunein app, and at byuradio.org. Rachel Wadham talks about her show and the importance of children's literacy. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:22:56 - Tax Day 01:63:57 - Spirituality and Mind Body 01:114:49 - Rachel Wadham of Worlds Awaiting

Polarized Supreme Court, Debt and Kids, Meet the Producers Apr 15, 2016

Show notes

Polarized Supreme Court (15:12) Dr. Jeffrey Segal is Distinguished Professor in the department of political science at Stony Brook University. With the passing of Justice Scalia and the now vacant seat in the supreme court, much of the political discussion has turned to the future of the supreme court, the nomination process, and the current standoff between the President and the Senate, lead by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. This proves to be a crucial time for the senate and supreme court as the polarization is higher than any other time. Dr. Segal shares his thoughts and research. Parental Debt and Children’s Socioemotional Well-being (1:00:51) Dr. Lawrence Berger is Director of the Institute for Research on Poverty and Professor and PhD Chair in the School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on the ways in which economic resources, sociodemographic characteristics, and public policies affect parental behaviors and child and family wellbeing. Dr. Berger share his thoughts and research , “Parental Debt and Children’s Socioemotional Wellbeing”. Coaches Corner: Kids and Work (1:25:34) Dr. Matt Townsend shares his experience with helping his kids understand the value of work and how learning those lessons will help them for the rest of their lives. Parent Previews: "The Jungle Book" and "Barbershop" (1:47:39) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to review the new movies The Jungle Book and Barber shop Meet the Producers: All Good Things (1:56:35) Student producers Lizz Miller and Kaylee Daines talk with Dr. Townsend about how it is tough to say goodbye. Lizz Miller is graduating from school and leaving the show. Dr. Townsend with an exit interview. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:15:12 - Polarized Supreme Court 01:60:51 - Parental Debt and Children's Socioemotional Well-being (1:00:51) 01:85:34 - Coaches Corner: Kids and Work 01:107:39 - Parent Previews: "The Jungle Book" and "Barbershop" 01:116:35 - Meet the Producers: All Good Things

Actively Oppose a Politician, Getting Stuff Done, Talking to Spouse Apr 14, 2016

Show notes

Voters Who Oppose Politicians Are the Most Active (15:23) Dr. Richard Perry is a distinguished University Professor of psychology at The Ohio State University. Petty's research focuses broadly on the situational and individual difference factors responsible for changes in beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Dr. Petty finds that opposition inspires more confidence in a voter’s position than support. According to Dr. Petty, “Knowing whether candidate preferences are driven by support or opposition, and by anger or fear, can help more accurately determine who is likely to donate money, show up for caucuses and ultimately vote for the chosen candidate.” So what influences a voter’s confidence and how does it affect their behavior? Dr.Petty explains. How to Get Stuff Done (1:03:55) Jason Zook is best known for being the guy that made over $1,000,000 wearing t-shirts for a living and selling his last name (twice). For a lot of us, getting back up once we have already fallen is not always an easy task, and getting over the wall of incomplete projects can become vastly overwhelming. We are joined here this morning with Jason Zook, creator of Jasondoesstuff.com, to talk about some things that can help us get over that wall and back into the groove of success. Coaches Corner: Finishing Projects (1:30:36) Sometimes the toughest part of completing a project is finishing. We start projects but we never quite complete the task. Dr. Matt Townsend offers some tips on how to plan to complete tasks. The Best Ways to Talk to Your Spouse (1:50:55) Lesli Doares, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, marriage coach and author of Blueprint for a Lasting Marriage, How to Create Your Happily Ever After With More Intention, Less Work. Have you ever tried to get out of a sticky situation by saying what you think another person wants to hear, only to have your words come out sarcastic or condescending, and then ended up digging yourself into a deeper hole? On the other hand, have you ever given someone critiques, criticism, o

Cyberwarfare, Tech News, Choosing the Right Apr 13, 2016

Show notes

Cyberwar is Here to Stay (17:50) Paul Rosenzweig is the Founder of Red Branch Consulting PLLC, a homeland security consulting company. Earlier this year, The New York Times reported that the Obama administration prepared a cyberattack, called, Nitro Zeus, set to prevent Iran’s nuclear weapons development. This plan, though never confirmed, was speculated to be capable of disabling Iran’s air defenses, communications system and part of its electric grid, all through hidden computer code, placed inside the Iranian network. Could the U.S. and the rest of the world be moving towards a new form of warfare? What is the future of war and the cyber security? And what does the future of our personal internet usage look like? What the Tech (1:01:38) Jay McFarland joins Dr. Matt to discuss the latest developments in technology and technology related news. Jay is a radio host whose career has taken him to Nevada and Dallas and now has him on the air with a daily show called The Browsers on KSL NewsRadio in Salt Lake City. In addition to his daily radio show Jay has also authored two books, "Freedom Ain't Free" and "Joyful Union," and he has created several popular apps and games for the iPhone and iPad devices. Jay and Dr. Matt talk about Apple Watch 2 rumors, Tesla 3, and the idea of a textalyzer to detect distracted driving Choosing The Right Decisions in Life (1:51:41) Ayodeji Awosika is the author of “The Destiny Formula” book and founder of The Destiny Formula website. He is a personal development blogger, author, and freelance writer. His goal is to help as many people as possible use their talents and strengths to live purposeful and meaningful lives. Every day, we all make hundreds of decisions. We want to get the best results from our choices and end up in the best situation possible. But sometimes, we run into the problem of indecision. Too many options make it hard for us to narrow them down—and we suffer from not being able to choose correctly. Ayodeji Awosika explains his approach to decision making. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:17:50 - Cyberwar is Here to Stay 01:61:38 - What the Tech 01:111:41 - Choosing The Right Decisions in Life

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