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:

Fix D.C., Phones v. Relationships, Fears Nov 02, 2015

Show notes

Can Washington Be Fixed? (13:43) 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 and Matt talk about the World Series, Jeb Bush, and the new Speaker of the House Paul Ryan Cellphones Relationships and Depression (1:01:31) Dr. James Roberts is a well-known author with approximately 75 articles published. He is currently a Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Baylor University in Waco, Texas where he has been a faculty member since 1991. His research regularly appears in many of the top marketing and psychology journals and recently published a book titled “Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?" He joins Dr. Townsend to talk about what cell phones are doing to relationships. Projecting our Fears (1:44:34) 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 and Dr. Matt talk about how we at times project our fears onto our spouse. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:13:43 - Can Washington Be Fixed? 01:61:31 - Cellphones Relationships and Depression 01:104:34 - Projecting our Fears

Cryogenic Carbon, Addiction Recovery Oct 30, 2015

Show notes

Cryogenic Carbon and Climate Change (13:32) Dr. Larry Baxter is a Professor of chemical engineering at BYU. He researches Sustainable Energy, Carbon Capture, Energy Storage, Biomass and Coal Combustion. Dr. Baxter has developed technology that may just be the answer to the world’s climate changes. This approach, which industry experts call, “a game changer”, separates carbon dioxide from other gases, preventing it from escaping into the air by freezing it at -130 degree Celsius temperatures. Dr. Baxter explains this new process to Dr. Townsend and how it can help with climate change. Addiction Recovery (1:00:42) Christine Dixon and her husband have been group leaders for a 12 step addiction recovery program through a religious organization for several years. Served in the prison and local churches, and has sat in on probably hundreds of addiction recovery meetings. Teaches the family support group meetings at the Renaissance Ranch Outpatient Recovery center in Sandy, Utah. Christine Dixon talks with Dr. Townsend about how families can help those recovering from addiction. Parent Previews: Halloween (1:44:47) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to look at Halloween movies that the whole family can enjoy. Meet the Producers (1:53:43) Student producer Caitlin Thomas and Liana Tan join Dr. Townsend to talk about how younger people are paying into social security that they will never benefit from. They also get Matt to share embarrassing stories. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:13:32 - Cryogenic Carbon and Climate Change 01:60:42 - Addiction Recovery 01:104:47 - Parent Previews: Halloween 01:113:43 - Meet the Producers

Conspiracy Theories, Date-onomics, Over Parenting Oct 29, 2015

Show notes

Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories (15:45) Dr. Preston Bost a professor of psychology at Wabash College who researches the cognitive psychology behind conspiracy theories. In an article he writes, "Recent behavioral research suggests that (conspiracy theories) don't' come from lazy thinking but may instead come from normal, rational minds." Dr. Bost explains his research and discusses the origins of conspiracy theories . Date-onomics (1:01:36) Jon Birger is a contributor to Fortune magazine. A former senior writer at Fortune and Money, he’s an award-winning freelance journalist. In his book Date-onomics Mr. Birger looks at the economics of dating and how it seems to be easier for men and more difficult for women. Jon Birger talks about his findings with Dr. Townsend and how there are among college educated singles there are 4 women for every 3 men. 7 Signs You Are Over Parenting (1:44:34) 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 low maintenance mothers.

Facebook Effect, Disability Awareness, Workplace Culture Oct 28, 2015

Show notes

The Facebook Effect (14:28) Dr. Paul R. Brewer, professor of communication, political science, and international relations and director of The University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication. Dr. Brewer talks with Dr. Townsend about a study he conducted titled "The Facebook Effect" which looked at how Facebook users see favorable or unfavorable comments about a political candidate and how those comments influence their own views of the politician Peter Weitzel and Dr. LaNae Valentine Disability Awareness Week (58:02) Delta Alpha Pi International Society was founded in 2004 to honor the academic accomplishments of students with disabilities. The BYU chapter of Delta Alpha Pi is holding a Disabilities Awareness Week at BYU. Peter Weitzel, president of the BYU chapter of Delta Alpha Pi joins Dr. LaNae Valentine BYU staff advisor to talk with Dr. Townsend about the goals of Disabilities Awareness Week and how people with disabilities come from all walks of life. Effective ‘rituals’ in Your Workplace Culture (1:45:43) Kirk Weisler is currently the Chief Morale Officer for companies and organizations around the globe and offers coaching, keynote addresses, and workshops for companies of all services and sizes. He also is the author of the well-known and motivating books, “The Dog Poop Initiative,” and “The Cookie Thief.” Kirk talks with Dr. Townsend about creating a workplace culture.

BMI Is Bogus, Moving Beyond Illusion, Benefits of Longer Fasts Oct 27, 2015

Show notes

Why The BMI Is Bogus (13:55) Andrea Ovard is a Registered Dietitian; she graduated from BYU with a Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics and completed an internship at the University of Idaho. She is currently working at the University of Utah hospital as a clinical dietitian in the cardiac ICU and medical units. She also writes a blog titled "The Baking Dietitian". Her blog focuses on sharing healthy recipes, workouts and nutrition/health/fitness tips with her readers. Her philosophy on nutrition is simple: Everything in Moderation. She promotes living a healthy and happy lifestyle while letting yourself indulge every once in awhile. Today Andrea talks with Dr. Townsend about the pro and cons of the Body Mass Index. Moving Beyond Illusion (57:06) Brad Barton is a professional Keynote Speaker. He is NCAA academic and athletic All-American; and president of the National Speakers Association, Mountain West Chapter. He argues that we each have magic, in the power of our perception. Brad shares how to help people create and see their own “magic” Benefits of Longer Fasts (1:44:05) Dr. Ron Hager is an Associate Professor of Exercise Sciences in the College of Life Sciences at Brigham Young University. His area of expertise is Chronic Disease Prevention. Dr. Hager and Dr. Townsend talk about new research into the benefits of longer fasts and how it might help with weight loss.

Political Polling, Fun Cheap or Free, Emaill vs Voicemail Oct 26, 2015

Show notes

Political Polling (10:13) Dr. Cliff Zukin, is a Professor of Public Policy and Political Science at the Edward J. Bloustein School for Planning and Public Policy and at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University and an expert in public opinion, mass media & American politics, survey research, and research methods. Today Dr. Zukin discuss with Dr. Townsend the problems with political polling. Fun Cheap or Free (57:33) Jordan Page is the “Fun Cheap or Free” Queen. She is the founder of funfreeorcheap.com, a professional blogger, and a family finance and frugal living expert. She has been a popular guest on TLC, Today.com, LifeHacker and Women’s World Magazine. Jordan joins Dr. Townsend to share her story of frugal living and how she has found success in budgeting. To Email or Not to Email? (1:41:47) Dr. Taylor Wells, co-author of the article, “To email or not to email? For those in love, it's better than leaving a voice message.” Dr. Wells received his Ph.D in Information Systems from Indiana University and is now the Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems at California State University, Sacramento. Dr. Wells and Dr/ Townsend discuss some of the decisions we make when using email v. voicemail. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:10:13 - Political Polling 00:57:33 - Fun Cheap or Free 01:101:47 - To Email or Not to Email?

Price of Healthcare, Grandmother Hypothesis, Movies Oct 23, 2015

Show notes

Price on Healthcare (14:34) Dr. Robert Pendleton is a Doctor of internal medicine at the Associate Professor of Medicine (Clinical) at the University of Utah. He is the Quality Officer (CMQO) of University of Utah Hospital and Clinics. Dr. Pendleton joins Dr. Townsend to discuss a study conducted by University of Utah Health Care to find ways to lower the cost of health care. Grandmother Hypothesis (56:41) Dr. Kristen Hawkes is an anthropologist, an expert in human evolution and sociobiology at the University of Utah. She is the author of several studies on the “grandma hypothesis”. Dr. Hawkes shares her most recent study “Grandmothering life histories and human pair bonding” with Dr. Townsend and explains how grandmas are vital to the development of the human family. Parent Previews (1:44:45) Rod and Donna Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to look at the movie "Jem and The Holograms" and "The Last Witch Hunter." Meet the Producers (1:53:34) Producers Kaylee Daines and Liz Miller talk with Dr. Townsend about health food and test Matt about what health foods he has in his fridge right now. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:14:34 - Price on Healthcare 00:56:41 - Grandmother Hypothesis 01:104:45 - Parent Previews(1:44:45) 01:113:34 - Meet the Producers

Protecting Credit, Go Baby Go Project, Your Child and ADHD Oct 22, 2015

Show notes

Chip and PIN Software (14:26) Mark Horwedel is the CEO of the Merchant Advisory Group. As of October 1, 2015 all retail stores were required to have the new chip and PIN software in their stores or they would be blamed for any fraudulent charges. This rollout has left many consumers confused and skeptical of its promised protection. Mr. Horwedel explains how the new credit card system will be more secure and go a long way to protect a customer's personal information. Go Baby Go Project (59:14) Mike Wollenzein is the UCAT (Utah Center for Assistive Technology) director. Kevin Christensen is UCAT’s Occupational Therapist. UCAT is involved in a projects called Go Baby Go that mobilizes kids under the age of 5 by using toy cars. Parents bring the cars and UCAT is able to modify the car to allow the kids to move by the touch of a button. Mike and Kevin talk with Dr. Townsend and explain the program . How to help your child handle ADHD (1:46:18) Dr. Erik von Hahn is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician and the Associate Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. He specializes in working collaboratively with schools to address the interface between the health care system and the educational system. Dr. Von Hahn joins Dr. Townsend to talk about How Can You Help Your Child Handle ADHD.

Authentic Politics, A Better Morning, Broken Recycling Oct 21, 2015

Show notes

Authenticity in Politics (11:24) Dr. Seth Masket is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Denver. Author of No Middle Ground: How Informal Party Organizations Control Nominations and Polarize Legislatures. Worked as a senior writer in the White House Office of Correspondence and as a direct mail consultant on several political campaigns in the mid-1990s. Dr. Masket joins Dr. Townsend to discuss authenticity in politics and how much we really want to know about our politicians. How to Have a Better Morning (57:56) John Boitnott is a journalist and digital consultant who has written on many topics throughout the years. One article that he published for INC.com teaches us all more about what we can do in our mornings to help us improve our health and cure those “Monday morning blues” that impact so many of us. Being an extremely sleep deprived, rushed culture the accompanying stress can add up over time and is unsurprisingly hazardous to our well-being. Today he talks to Dr. Townsend on how to have a better morning. Self-Deceptions of Recycling (1:44:40) Dr. Kenneth Worthy is the author of Invisible Nature: Healing the Destructive Divide between People and the Environment and is a research associate at the University of California. He teaches environmental history, philosophy, and ethics at UC Santa Cruz, St. Mary’s College of California, and UC Berkeley. Dr. Worthy joins Dr. Townsend to discuss the what really goes on when we recycle and how important it is to reduce consumption overall. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:11:24 - Authenticity in Politics 00:57:56 - How to Have a Better Morning 01:104:40 - Self-Deceptions of Recycling

Putin's Wars, Sitting Too Much, Talking To Crazy Oct 20, 2015

Show notes

Putin's Wars (13:37) Marcel Van Herpen is a Security expert specializing in Russia, Eastern Europe, and the post-Soviet states. Author of three books on Putin’s Russia: Putin's Propaganda Machine - Soft Power and Russian Foreign Policy, Putin’s Wars – The Rise of Russia’s New Imperialism, Putinism – The Slow Rise of a Radical Right Regime in Russia. Mr. Van Herpen gives us some insight into Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sitting Too Much (57:19) Dr. Alan Hedge is a Professor in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University. He directs the Human Factors and Ergonomics teaching and research programs. His research and teaching activities have focused on issues of design and workplace ergonomics as these affect the health, comfort and productivity of workers. He shares with Dr. Townsend the pros and cons to sitting vs. standing. Talking To Crazy (1:40:59) Mark Goulston, author of "Talking to Crazy: How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life." Dr. Goulston is a nationally acclaimed psychiatrist, crisis counselor, business consultant, and radio host. For more than twenty years, he served as Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA’s renowned Neuropsychiatric Institute and holds an M.D. from Boston University and a B.A. from UC Berkeley. Dr. Goulston talks with Dr. Townsend about how to deal with Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life

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