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:

Politics and Economies, Good or Bad Advice, Fix a Bad Day Jan 27, 2016

Show notes

Politics and Economies (16:36) While elections are the landmark for a free democracy, research shows that they are also the signal for stock market losses. According to researched, co-authored by our guest today, Dr. Artem Durnev, associate professor of finance in the Tippie College of Business, countries with national elections have increased volatility because businesses are weary of political uncertainty. Dr. Durnev tells us more about his research and the uncertainty of politics affects a country's economy. Why Good Advice Is Often Bad (1:01:32) Professor Jason Dana is an Assistant Professor of Management and Marketing at Yale University. The quest for distinguishing between “good” and “bad” advice can at times seem overwhelming. Dr. Dana is here to help us understand why what we might think is “good advice” is often bad. Fixing a Bad Day (1:47:01) Amy Gallo is the author of the HBR Guide to Managing Conflict at Work, a how-to guidebook about handling conflict professionally and productively. She is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, where she writes and develops ideas for the web, magazine, and press. She covers a range of topics with a focus on managing conflict, managing yourself, leading people, and building your career. Amy Gallo helps us understand how we can overcome a bad day and avoid them in the future. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:16:36 - Politics and Economies 01:61:32 - Why Good Advice Is Often Bad 01:107:01 - Fixing a Bad Day

Iowa and Bloomberg, Mortality Happiness, Kids Gut Flora Jan 26, 2016

Show notes

Iowa and Bloomberg (15:25) 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 the issues leading up to the Iowa Caucuses and a possible Michael Bloomberg run. Does Happiness Itself Directly Affect Mortality? (1:04:31) Sir Richard Peto is a Professor of Medical Statistics & Epidemiology at the University of Oxford. Since 1985, he and Rory Collins have been co-directors of the CTSU. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London (for the introduction of meta-analyses) in 1989, and was knighted (for services to epidemiology and to cancer prevention) in 1999. Sir Peto shares his findings into happiness and how it relates to mortality. Coaches Corner: Mourning With Those Who Mourn (1:21:21) Dr. Matt Townsend shares his thoughts on mourning the death of a loved one and how important it is to go through the process of mourning and why we should support those who are mourning for mental and emotional health. Gut Flora and Kids (1:51:33) 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 her latest book “Keep It Real and Grab a Plunger” providing parenting tips and ideas. Today she shares her thoughts on kids health and gut flora. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:15:25 - Iowa and Bloomberg 01:64:31 - Does Happiness Itself Directly Affect Mortality? 01:81:21 - Coaches Corner: Mourning With Those Who Mourn 01:111:33 - Gut Flora and Kids

Flint Water Crisis, Personalize Learning, Workplace Mental Health Jan 21, 2016

Show notes

Flint Water Crisis (15:58) Dr. Gus Williams is a associate professor of environmental engineering and hydrology at Brigham Young University. Flint, Michigan, located 70 miles from the shore of the Great Lakes is unable to get clean water. Two years ago, the city switched its water source, in an effort to save money. However, this switch has become not only a financial mistake, but a decision that is threatening the health of Flint’s residents. And after researches from Virginia Tech confirmed the water was contaminated with Iron, the president has issued a state of emergency. Dr. Williams joins us to talk about the dangerous of Flint’s water crisis and how aging public infrastructure plays a key part in the crisis. Personalize Learning (1:01:27) Kathleen McClaskey is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Personalize Learning, LLC and Co-Author of Make Learning Personal. She is a recognized Personalized Learning Expert and Digital Learning Consultant with over 30 years experience in using technology in the classroom and in creating learner-centered environments. Kathleen is Founder and President of EdTech Associates, Inc. She co-authored “Make Learning Personal” with Barbara Bray. Coaches Corner - Education (1:26:00) Dr. Matt Townsend talks about how he struggled in school with math until he had a high school teacher who inspired him to learn for himself and not be dragged down by negative influences. Workplace Mental Health (1:46:02) Dr. 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”. Amy Morin joins the show to teach us about the relationship between the workplace and staying healthy.

Life as a Governor, Body Language, Organized Mind Jan 20, 2016

Show notes

Governor Gary Herbert, First Lady Jeanette Herbert - Life as a Governor (7:04) Governor Gary Herbert became Utah’s 17th Governor on August 11th, 2009. As governor, Herbert is focused on four cornerstones to strengthen Utah’s economy: education, energy, jobs, and the ability of the state to solve its own problems. First Lady Jeanette Herbert has served on the Provo-Orem Chamber of Commerce as chair of the Partners in Education Committee. Jeanette also has a personal initiative called Uplift Families, which aims to promote good parenting skills and offers resources to parents throughout the state. The Herberts have been married for 45 years, and are the proud parents of 6 children (3 boys and 3 girls) and the very proud grandparents of 16 grandchildren. Utah's first couple join Dr. Townsend to talk about everyday life and their relationship along with the challenge of the office of governor. Body Language (1:06:31) Vanessa Van Edwards is a Huffington Post columnist and Penguin author. She is a behavioral investigator. She has been featured on NPR, the Wall Street Journal, the Today Show and USA Today. Her science of people approach has benefited both readers and corporations as Vanessa has consulted for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Vanessa Van Edwards shares her expertise on body language "The Organized Mind" (1:49:13) Dr. Dan Levitin is the James McGill Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience at McGill University and is dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at the Minerva Schools at KGI. With his book The Organized Mind, Levitin turns his attention to an issue that affects everyone in the digital age: organization. It’s the reason that some people are more adept than others at managing today’s hyper flow of data. The Organized Mind explains the science behind their success and—with chapters targeted specifically to business readers—shows how all of us can make small but crucial changes to regain mastery over our lives. Coaches Corner - Healthier Online Living (2:04:54) The online world i

Habitat Made Us Human, Coloring Therapy, Low Energy Jan 19, 2016

Show notes

How Habitat Made Us Human (17:31) Dr. John Allen Neuroanthropologist working at the Dornsife Cognitive Neuroscience Imaging Center and Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California. According to Dr. Allen, that “feeling of home” is “more than just an expression: it is a part of our evolutionary heritage.” And “homes have helped us become the species we are today.” Dr. Allen, joins us on the show today to talk about his book, "Home: How Habitat Made Us Human." Coloring Therapy (1:03:11) Marygrace Berberian is a certified art therapist and the Clinical Assistant Professor of Art Therapy at NYU Steinhardt. She is also the Program Coordinator for the Graduate Art Therapy Program at NYU. A trend that many people are finding useful to deal with many ailments in cluding anxiety is the use of adult coloring books. Adult coloring books were 3 of the the top 10 books sold on Amazon.com in 2015. Ms. Berberian explains the therapeutic value of the Adult Coloring Book trend. Fatigue and Low Energy (1:45:55) Dr. Ron Hager is an Associate Professor of Exercise Sciences in the College of Life Sciences at Brigham Young University. Ever have those days when you just can’t seem to get going? If this is a chronic experience it could be a problem that affects your productivity at work, your ability to deal with the stresses of life, your relationships with family and friends. Why? While there may be specific reasons, a great place to start is to consider the quality of diet, regular exercise and physical activity, and quality of sleep. Dr. Hager with ideas on how to have more energy. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:17:31 - How Habitat Made Us Human 01:63:11 - Coloring Therapy 01:105:55 - Fatigue and Low Energy

What Americans Fear Most, Reasons to Marry, Drone Ethics Jan 15, 2016

Show notes

What Americans Fear Most (11:20) Dr. L. Edward Day is an Associate Professor, Chair, Department of Sociology at Chapman University and the Director of the Earl Babbie Research Center in Orange, California. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Washington in 1992. A criminologist by training, he has a special fondness for cross-disciplinary research. Dr. Day shares his research into What Americans Fear Most and how knowledge of that fear can help in the creation of public policy. Five Reasons Not to Get Married and Why They're All Wrong (1:05:40) 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. Wolloughby talks with Dr. Townsend about reasons given to not get married and how they are incorrect. Drone Ethics (1:38:04) Dr. Avery Holton and Dr. Sean Lawson, who created “Drones and Society”, a curriculum at the University of Utah that aims to help students “explore the ways that drones are being imagined and made real” The courses also discuss the moral, ethical and legal issues brought on by drones technology. They are here to tells us more about their program and what we can expect to see in the future of drone regulation.

Gun Safety, Appeal of Newness, Love Resolutions Jan 14, 2016

Show notes

Gun Safety (16:19) Mike Schlappi is a Hall of Fame Gold Medalist and the author of SHOT HAPPENS which details the gun related accident in his youth that paralyzed Mike and changed his life. Mike went on earned his MBA from Arizona State University with an emphasis in healthcare administration. Mike Schlappi also is a public speaker who shares his story of how he came to deal with the accident, overcame challenges and inspires others with by showing audiences “If You Can’t Stand Up, Stand Out!” Mike talks with Dr. Townsend about the dangers of guns and how to overcome life's challenges. The placebo Effect of Newness (1:03:48) Dr. Paul Cairns teaches on the MSc in Human-Centered Interactive Technologies and the Undergraduate computer science degree programs at The University of York Department of Computer Science. He is the Chair of the Board of Examiners for the department. Dr Cairnes explains how we tend to want new things (games, cell phones, etc.) and if new actually means better. Manage Technology (1:26:04) Kids and families can be distracted by phones, tablets, and computers. From games to TV programs technology can expose weakness someones self esteem or your family. Dr. Townsend discusses how to use technology mindfully and realize what the effects of social media and other distractions can be on the ones you care about most. New Year's Love Resolutions (1:50:08) Mario Cloutier is and chief creative officer of xclamat!on Marketing and author (along with his wife Diane) of the new book, Relovenship – Look Within to Love Again which gives inspiration, hope and a step-by-step methodology to people who have had romantic disappointments and are still looking to find “the one.” Mario Cloutier teaches us how we can turn our resolutions into revolutions and just maybe make 2016 the last year we are single.

Triumph of Faith, Redshirting Kids, Overcoming Shyness Jan 13, 2016

Show notes

Triumph of Faith (15:09) Dr. Rodney Stark, a leading expert and sociologists of religion, explores the myth of religious decline in his book, The Triumph of Faith: Why the World is More Religious Than Ever. Dr. Stark claims, “Contrary to the constant predictions that religion is doomed, there is abundant evidence of an ongoing worldwide religious awakening.” Dr. Stark joins us today to discuss his research in religious growth and what it means for the future. Impact of Religion (38:04) Dr. Matt Townsend shares some insight and facts about what participating in religion does for our health and happiness including lowering of blood pressure and improved dietary choices Redshirting Your Kindergartener (1:01:36) Lori Day is an educational psychologist and consultant with Lori Day Consulting. She has worked in education for over 25 years. She has blogged on the topics of parenting, education, gender, media, and culture. Some parents have been “redshirting” or holding their kids back so they don’t start school until they are 6 possibly giving them an advantage. Lori Day joins the show to explain the pros and cons of redshirting you kindergartener. Overcoming Shyness (1:48:03) Dr. Larry Nelson is a professor in the Department of Family Life at Brigham Young University. He received a doctorate degree from the University of Maryland and is affiliated with many societies including the Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood and the Society for Research on Adolescence. Dr. Larry Nelson discusses how shyness affects adolescents and young adults as they transition into adulthood.

Federal Land, Performance Accountability, Parent Resolutions Jan 12, 2016

Show notes

Federal Land (16:34) Robert Keiter is the Director, Wallace Stegner Center of Land, Resources, and the Environment, and law professor at the University of Utah, Robert Keiter is an expert in natural resource law. The US federal government owns 640 million acres of land- that sum adds up to about 28% of the nation. The more shocking numbers come from the vast difference in the federal ownership of western states vs the rest of the nation. The federal government owns 47% of 11 western states while only owning 4% in the other states. Robert Keiter discusses the debate over federal lands and what the future of this disagreement could be. Performance Accountability (1:03:29) 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. Dr. Ninivaggi will help us understand how to use more just and compassionate parenting and how to help our children be more empathetic and accountable. David Bowie (1:36:58) Don Shelline, Program Director for BYU Radio. Don shares his wealth of music knowledge by explaining the influence David Bowie had on modern music. He talks about why David Bowie was important and why he will be missed. Five New Year's Resolutions Parents Can Keep (1:47:32) 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 her latest book “Keep It Real and Grab a Plunger” providing parenting tips and ideas. Today she shares her "5 New Year's Resolutions Parents Can Keep." 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:16:34 - Federal Land 01:63:29 - Performance Accountability 01:96:58 - David Bowie 01:107:32 - FiveNew Year's Resolutions Parents Can Keep

Female Vice President, Self Therapy, Islamophobia Jan 11, 2016

Show notes

Female Vice President (16:55) 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 the last year of the Obama presidency, if a chosing woman would be the best option for Vice President, and the dwindling choices for the GOP. How to do Therapy on Yourself (1:04:06) Jessica Thompson is a therapist in Jamaica and a Buzzfeed contributor. She was previously a Service Coordinator II, at the Hollywood Homeless Services, for the TAY40 Program at Step Up on Second. Jessica Thompson talks with Dr. Townsend about how to do therapy on yourself. Coach's Corner: Be Engaged with Love Ones (1:29:00) Dr. Matt Townsend discusses the importance of being aware of the emotional state of your loved ones. Signs to look for would be negative emotion, misunderstanding, and mistrust. These are signs that your loved one could be dealing with some strong emotions and may need some emotional management, understanding and trust. Islamophobia (1:48:51) Dr. Gregg Henriques is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in depression, suicide and the personality disorders. He has developed a new meta-theoretical system for psychology and is now applying that system to researching well-being, personality and social motivation. He also teaches courses in personality theory, personality assessment, social psychology and integrative adult psychotherapy. Dr. Gregg Henriques discusses ‘Islamophobia’ and how fear of religion is causing discrimination in our society today. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:16:55 - Female Vice President 01:64:06 - How to do Therapy on Yourself 01:89:00 - Coach's Corner: Be Engaged with Love Ones 01:108:51 - Islamophobia

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