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:

Campaign Finance, Chatting or Cheating, Work Confidence Sep 21, 2015

Show notes

Campaign Finance (14:48) 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 current political news, Ben Carson, and how campaigns are financed. Chatting or Cheating (59:32) Dr. Sheri Meyers, author of “Chatting or Cheating” is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA. She is also the TV host of Straight from the Heart. Dr. Sheri Meyers is among the national media's most frequently quoted and interviewed relationship, love, and infidelity experts. Dr. Meyers and Dr. Townsend talk about the line between chatting or cheating in your relationships. More Confident at Work (1:47:05) 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 to be more confident at work

Infant Poverty, Quantity Parenting, Meet the Producers Sep 18, 2015

Show notes

Infant Poverty (14:12) Dr. Scott Sanders, Assistant Professor of Sociology at BYU, co-authored the study “Work and Occupations.” According to the Agriculture Department around 46.5 Million people received food stamps last year. According to a new study 23% of all infants are born into poverty. 35% of Hispanic, 41% Black and 42% of Native American. Sanders shares his research with Matt Townsend. Quality vs. Quantity Parenting (1:09:10) Dr. Amy Hsin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Queens College, City University of New York. Her publications include: “When Does Time Matter? Maternal Employment, Children's Time with Parents and Child Development," 2014. Dr. Melissa Milkie earned her Ph.D. from Indiana University and was Professor at the University of Maryland before joining the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto in 2014. Her expertise lies in the areas of culture, gender & family, the work-family interface, and health. They join Matt to discuss the importance of quality time over quantity time. Rod Gustafson: "Cinderella" (1:42:53) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to look at the movie Everest, The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials. New on DVD: Live action "Cinderella" Meet the Producers: Are We Running Out of Music? (1:53:20) Producers Lizz Miller and Mike Pond ask the question if we are running out of music and how most of our music consists of four cords. They share what they have found with Dr.Townsend who may or may not end the segment singing show tunes. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:14:12 - Infant Poverty 01:69:10 - Quality vs. Quantity Parenting 01:102:53 - Rod Gustafson: "Cinderella" 01:113:20 - Meet the Producers: Are We Running Out of Music?

Internet Accessibility, MRSA, Abandonment Issues Sep 17, 2015

Show notes

Internet Accessibility (14:52) Kosta Grammtis, who founded a non-profit organization, whose goal is to help provide internet access to the world. He was an engineer for SpaceX where he led the design of a satellite now in orbit. Kosta is a correspondent for Al Jazeera America. Kosta joined the show to talk to us about the importance of the internet in the world today. Good in the World: Maurice Osborne (38:06) Maurice Osborne stepped in a stopped a man from assaulting a woman on a NYC subway train. His selfless act saved the woman. Osborne grabbed the man by his shirt, pulling him all the way up the subway station’s steps, across a street and into a NYC police precinct where the perpetrator was arrested. Osborne talks to Kathy Aiken about why he stepped in and helped. Fighting MRSA Infections (57:15) According to the CDC, over 80,000 invasive MRSA infections and 11,285 related deaths occur every year. A MRSA infection can be fatal, and is sometimes called the "Super Bug.” This big bad “superbug” has hurt a lot of families, and one of them decided to fight back. Dr. Brad Berges, an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Biology at BYU and Jacob Hatch, an Undergraduate studying Microbiology, banded together in their research to fight the bug that had taken the leg of their father. They talk with Dr. Townsend and explain their research. Abandonment: "Love Me, Don't Leave Me" (1:43:41) Dr. Michelle Skeen, author of the book, “Love Me, Don’t Leave Me,” says that a single negative childhood memory or even a bad break up can leave the scarring fear of abandonment that can affect your relationships later in life. Dr. Skeen has a Bachelor’s and Master’s from Mills College in Oakland, California and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Write Institute in Berkeley, California. She is here to tell us more about how we can stop holding back from a loving, lasting relationship. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:14:52 - Internet Accessibility 00:38:06 - Good in the World: Maurice Osborne 00:57:15 - FightingMRSA Infections 01:103:41 - Abandonment: "Love Me, Don't Leave Me"

Constant Connection, Children's Moral Sense, Get to Know Matt Sep 16, 2015

Show notes

Perpetual State of Connection (25:25) Michael Harris, Author of The End of Absence: Reclaiming What We've Lost in a World of Constant Connection. In his book, Harris explores the idea of learning to balance the overabundance of technology in our life’s in order to regain a sense of absence. The truth is, most of today’s youth don’t remember a time without immediate access to the internet, constant updates to social media newsfeeds, or life without google. With so much technology, and someone or something always vying for you attention what exactly have we lost as a society and as individuals and can we get it back? The Decline of Children and the Moral Sense (1:05:57) Dr. Darcia Narvaez is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame specializing in ethical development and moral education, and a fellow of the American Psychological Association. Her most recent book, Neurobiology and the Development of Human Morality: Evolution, Culture and Wisdom, was published by W. W. Norton and Company. Dr. Narvaez’ research explores questions of moral cognition and moral development over the lifespan in multiple contexts (e.g., family, school). Get to Know Matt (1:39:47) Everyday Dr. Matt Townsend talks with experts about news, science, and discoveries. Today we find out about what makes Dr. Townsend tick and what he is like when the microphone is off

Secular Worship, Modern Marriage Life, Too Much Sugar Sep 15, 2015

Show notes

Quasi-Religious Secular Communities (13:03) Dr. Michael Price is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Brunel University, London. Co-director of the Brunel Centre for Culture and Evolutionary Psychology. Received a PhD in 2003 from the UC Santa Barbara Center for Evolutionary Psychology. Dr. Price discusses his research into how religious involvement is at the lowest it has ever been- with more and more people opting for a more “secular” or alternative worship and how this impacts individuals and communities. Marriage In the Modern Life, Why it Works When it Works (1:08:07) Dr. Anne Brennan Malec is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder and managing partner of Symmetry Counseling, a counseling, coaching, and psychotherapy group practice located in downtown Chicago. Dr. Malec is a highly experienced and skilled clinician who specializes in assisting clients to develop insight and achieve greater success and fulfillment in their personal and professional relationships. Dr. Malec is the author of the book “Marriage in Modern Life: How it Works, When it Works.” Dr. Malec talks with Dr. Townsend about marriage in the modern world. Dr. Ron Hager: Too Much Sugar (1:41:21) 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. Today Dr. Hager and Dr. Townsend talk about the health disaster that comes from overconsumption of added sugars in the foods we eat. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:13:03 - Quasi-Religious Secular Communities 01:68:07 - Marriage In the Modern Life, Why it Works When it Works 01:68:21 - Dr. Ron Hager: Too Much Sugar

Ben Carson, Improve Marriage, Secret to Optimism Sep 14, 2015

Show notes

Weekend at Burnies (10:47) 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 current political news, Bernie Sanders, and the upcoming debate. How to Improve Your Marriage (1:00:51) Dr. Lee N. Johnson’s research interests focus on examining the relationship between physical exercise, improved sleep, and reduced stress on marital and family therapy outcomes; emotional regulation process in clinical couples and families; and the therapy alliance. Dr. Johnson graduated from BYU with a BS in Family Science. He earned my M.S. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Utah State University and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University. He has since worked at Friends University, University of Georgia and now BYU. The Secret to Optimism (1:54:37) 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 The secret to optimism and how to get it. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:10:47 - Weekend at Burnies 01:60:51 - How to Improve Your Marriage 01:114:37 - The Secret to Optimism

Government Lobbying, Regular Exercise, Meet the Producers Sep 11, 2015

Show notes

The Business of America is Lobbying (14:48) Dr. Lee Drutman is a Senior fellow in the program on political reform at New America. Author of "The Business of America is Lobbying" (Oxford University Press, March 2015). An expert on lobbying, influence, and money in politics Prior to coming to New America, Drutman was a senior fellow at the Sunlight Foundation He has also worked in the U.S. Senate and at the Brookings Institution. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.A. from Brown University. He talks with Dr. Townsend about the issues involved with the government and the money from lobbying. The Trick to Exercising Regularly (1:00:50) Alison Phillips, assistant professor in the department of psychology at Iowa State University suggests that the key to exercising frequently is creating an instigation habit. Dr. Phillips has a Masters and Doctorate in Social and Health Psychology from Rutger’s University and is here today to discuss her recent research study on exercise habits with us. Rod Gusftason: The Visit (1:41:54) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to look at the movie "The Visit" and new on DVD "The Age of Adaline." Meet the Producers (1:52:34) Matt Townsend Show student producers Liana Tan and Caitlin Thomas get advice from Dr. Townsend about lifes challenges. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:14:48 - The Business of America is Lobbying 01:74:50 - The Trick to Exercising Regularly 01:74:54 - Rod Gusftason: The Visit(1:41:54) 01:112:34 - Meet the Producers

Football Mom, Suicide Awareness, BYU Women's Soccer Sep 10, 2015

Show notes

Mrs. Mangum - Being a Football Mom (11:53) Karen Mangum, mother of BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum, talks about her son who achieved notoriety this week after throwing a game winning touchdown against Nebraska. Karen shares the story of how she missed the game winning play because she was in Idaho watching her other son play for Idaho St. Suicide Awareness (46:45) Dr. Gregory A. Hudnall the chairman of the Utah Suicide Prevention Conference in partnership with Brigham Young University. A former high school principal, student service director and associate superintendent with the Provo City School District. He has been involved with suicide prevention for the past twenty years and has personally been involved with over twenty-five suicides as a first responder or consultant. Dr. Hundall has organized a foundation called HOPE4Utah that deals with suicide and helps to educate communities. Caitlin Thomas, the reigning Miss Lehi 2015 and student producer of The Matt Townsend Show, made suicide prevention her platform because of a personal incident that affected her family. They talk with Dr. Townsend about the importance of suicide prevention and how we can help our loved ones who may be struggling. BYU Soccer (1:33:16) Aleisha Rose was recruited as the National High School Players of the year in 1999. She was Four year all-american midfielder and graduated as the No. 1 all-time career assist leader at BYU with 47 assists In 2014 she was inducted into the BYU Hall of fame. She was the third youngest player to ever be called up to play for the national team. She made 11 appearances- gaining 2 assists and 9 stars. She left the national team in the run up to the 2003 World Cup and 2004 Olympics. She talks about her decision to walk away and gives us a preview of this year's BYU Women's Soccer team.

Mental Strength, Controlling Relationships, Future of TV Sep 09, 2015

Show notes

Mental Strength Coach (13:44) Dr. Craig Manning is BYU athletics program “guru of positive thought and mental stability. He works with professional and collegiate athletes to help them overcome and fear or hang-ups to perform to the best of their abilities. Today Dr. Manning talks about his work and how it applies to everyday people trying to improve their lives. Controlling Relationships (56:45) Dr. Lisa Aronson Fontes is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and author of numerous publications including the books: Invisible Chains: Overcoming Coercive Control in Your Intimate Relationship, Interviewing Clients Across Cultures,and Child Abuse & Culture: Working with Diverse Families. She has dedicated two decades to making the mental health, criminal justice, and social service systems more responsive to culturally diverse people. She talks with Dr. Townsend about controlling relationships. Future of TV (1:44:01) Jared Shores is the Creative Development Supervisor at BYU Broadcasting and was Involved in the conception and production of Studio C. He talks with Dr. Townsend about the future of TV and how the internet will and has changed how we watch and consume entertainment. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:13:44 - Mental Strength Coach 00:56:45 - Controlling Relationships 01:104:01 - Future of TV (1:44:01)

China and Oil, Vocal Fry, Reading to Children Sep 08, 2015

Show notes

Chinese Economy & Price of Oil (12:15) Dr. Christian vom Lehn is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Brigham Young University. He received a BS in Mathematics and a BA in Economics from Brigham Young University ('09), and then received a MA ('11) and PhD ('14) in Economics from Princeton University. His primary research interests are in macroeconomics and labor economics. Today he talks with Dr. Townsend about China devaluing their currency and the dropping price of oil. Vocal Fry (56:50) Dr. Mark Liberman is an American linguist. He has a dual appointment at the University of Pennsylvania, as Trustee Professor of Phonetics in the Department of Linguistics, and as a professor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences. He is Faculty Master at Ware College House, Director of Linguistic Data Consortium and Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Linguistics. His recent publications include: “Development of Pitch Contrast in Korean Prosody: A Corpus Study” and “Vocal Fry: ‘Creeping in’ or ‘still here’?” Dr. Liberman talks about the phenomenon of "Vocal Fry" and why it is used. Reading to Children (1:40:07) 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. Julie talk is the author of "Keep It Real and Grab a Plunger" providing parenting tips and ideas. She shares her thoughts on the importance of reading to children for future school success. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:12:15 - Chinese Economy & Price of Oil 01:100:07 - Reading to Children

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