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:

Optimism, Avoid TV Show Binging, Sports Nation May 15, 2015

Show notes

Optimism (12:28) Elizabeth Tenney, assistant Professor of Management at the David Eccles School of Business. She co-wrote the paper “(Too) Optimistic About Optimism: The Belief that Optimism Improves Performance,” which has been published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. She talks with Dr. Townsend here findings on if optimism improve performance. Tips to Prevent Losing your Summer to Netflix Binging (59:10) Hank Smith teaches in the Religious Education Department at BYU. He is the author of such books as: “Mothers are like…” and “Being Happy in an Unhappy World”, and “Wake Up from Your Phone”. Hanks Smith give us tips on how to help our kids have a great summer, and maybe not waste it all in front of the screen Parent Previews (1:25:13) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to look at what is new in theaters this week. Dr Matt and Rod talk about Mad Max: Fury Road and Pitch Perfect 2 What Do Your Earliest Memories Reveal About You? (1:44:35) Dr. Krystine Batcho, Professor at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, says that, “What types of events persist into adult memory may well reflect characteristics of our childhood, as well representing what is integral to what matters to us.” As well as teaching at Le Moyne College, Dr. Batcho writes for psychologytoday.com and studies nostalgia. She is the inventor of the Nostalgia Inventory Test, which measures how often and how deeply people feel nostalgic. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:12:28 - Optimism 00:59:10 - Tips to Prevent Losing your Summer to Netflix Binging 01:85:13 - Parent Previews 01:104:35 - What Do Your Earliest Memories Reveal About You?

ISIS is a Brand, College Athletics For Pay, Un-Clutter Your Life May 14, 2015

Show notes

ISIS as a “Brand” Jeff Bagley Creative Director for University of Utah Marketing joins Dr. Matt Townsend to talk about the marketing techniques of ISIS and how they are using multi-media to attract followers. Jeff talks about why a terrorist group could be attractive to a young person and how tough it is to disrupt an established “brand.” College Athletics for Pay Allen Sanderson Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Chicago. Allen Sanderson researches the money in sports and how the economic success of sports is not trickling down to college athletes. The NCAA brings in billions of dollars in revenue from sponsors and the players never see a penny. The question is should they? What implications would come from paying athletes? And how would this even be regulated. Unclutter Your Life in One Week Erin Rooney Doland is a professional organizer. She is the editor-in-chief of unclutterer.com. She is also the author of “Unclutter Your Life in One Week”. She contributes twice weekly to “Real Simple” online and has been featured on The Washington Post, The New York Times, Slate, House Beautiful, lifehacker.com and BBC and HGTV. Today she shares tip on how to unclutter your life and by doing so reduce stress.

Granite Flats, Measure Your Life, You Are What You Speak May 13, 2015

Show notes

Scott Swofford: Granite Flats (11:22) Scott Swofford began his career producing IMAX films. He then when on to pilot the “I’m a Mormon” publicity campaign while director of media for the LDS Church’s Missionary Department. Today, He acts as director of content for BYUTV. Swofford oversees the programming for shows like Studio C, Turning Point, and the first original series, Granite Flats, set to release on Netflix on May 15th. Today we’ve asked him to our studio to talk to us about what it’s like overseeing an entire cable channel and what we can expect to see next! Karen Dillon: How Will You Measure Your Life? (59:40) Karen Dillon is the editor of the Harvard Business Review Guide to Office Politics and co-author of New York Times Best-seller, “How Will You Measure Your Life”. She was one of only 5 people selected for the Harvard Business Review designated high-potential “Leadership Cohort” development program in 2008. Karen Dillon and Dr. Townsend talk about her book “How Will You Measure Your Life”. Dr. David Ludden: You are What You Speak (1:44:58) Dr. David Ludden, Earned his PhD in psychology from the University of Iowa and his MA and BA from Ohio University. Dr, Ludden is a Professor of psychology at Georgia Gwinnett College. Author of The Psychology of Language: An Integrated Approach. He has taught a wide variety of psychology courses. Dr. Ludden discusses how our personalities are largely tied to our culture and language. So people who speak two different languages may also have 2 different personalities.

Video Games and PTSD, Spirituality and Happiness, Betrayal May 12, 2015

Show notes

Video Games and PTSD (12:35) Dr. Carmen Russoniello, director East Carolina University’s Center for Applied Psychophysiology, former marine machine gunner and decorated Vietnam combat veteran, also directs a biofeedback program for Wounded Warrior Marines at Camp Lejeune. Dr. Russoniello talks about his research which combines video gaming technology and biofeedback techniques to help veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Why Kids Who Believe in Something Are Happier (59:57) Dr. Lisa Miller is a Professor of Psychology and Education, Director of Clinical Psychology, and Director of the Spirituality and Mind Body Institute at Teachers College Columbia University. Today she discusses positive psychology and how spirituality can be a key to happiness. Why Betrayal Hurts So Much (1:45:31) Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne received her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Columbia University. She is a professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, talks about an experiment that tests people’s trust reactions in response to betrayal and the science behind breaking and earning trust. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:12:35 - Video Games and PTSD 00:59:57 - Why Kids Who Believe in Something Are Happier 01:105:31 - Why Betrayal Hurts So Much

News and Politics, Free Range Kids, Less-Reactive Parenting May 11, 2015

Show notes

News and Politics (12:41) Joe Cannon, CEO of Fuel Freedom Foundation, former Chairman of the Utah Republican Party, past assistant administrator in the US EPA, and editor of the Deseret News. Joe talks current political news including the election in the United Kingdom and if Mike Huckabee can find success in Iowa Free Range Kids (59:31) Lenore Skenazy is the Author of “Free Range Kids”. She is a keynote speaker, the host of “The World’s Worst Mom” on Discovery Life and a popular blogger. She has been a columnist for New York Daily News, The New York Sun and has reported for NPR and Mad Magazine. Lenore Skenazy talks about how to raise safe, self-reliant kids. How to Be a Less-Reactive Parent (1:45:11) 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 a less reactive parent

Late Night Snacks, Codependance, Emotional Intelligence May 08, 2015

Show notes

Travis Masterson - Why we indulge in late night snacks (11:51) Travis Masterson has a BS in Exercise and Wellness and is working toward his Masters in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University. His study was published in the journal "Brain Imaging and Behavior." He is the Director of Training and Assessment for "Y be Fit" at Brigham Young University. Mr. Masterson talks about his study about late night snacking. Melody Wilding - Codependent Relationships: How to recognize if you're in one (59:04) Melody Wilding is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She is a licensed therapist who helps women overcome emotional challenges of success. She has been featured in New York Magazine, FastCompany, Glamour, and more. She and Dr. Townsend discuss her article 13 Warning Signs You're in a Codependent Relationship. Rod Gustafson - Parent Previews (1:21:16) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to look at what is new in theaters and on DVD. Dr Matt and Rod talk about The Avengers: Age of Ultron and Hot Pursuit Dr. Travis Bradberry - 18 Behaviors of Emotionally Intelligent People (1:44:33) Dr. Travis Bradberry holds a dual Ph.D. in clinical and industrial/organizational psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and received his bachelor of science in Clinical Psychology from the University of California - San Diego. Dr. Bradberry discusses his article 18 Behaviors of Emotionally Intelligent People.

Economy and Election, Student Athletes, Art of Stillness May 07, 2015

Show notes

Economy and Elections, Student Athletes (12:52) Dr. David Berri is a professor of Economics at Southern Utah University. Dave has over forty published papers in Sports Economics to go along with two books. He also was the president of the North American Association of Sports Economists. He brags he watched all 16 games in the 2008 winless Lions season. Dr Berri talks about how the state of the economy will go a long way to decide the election. He also talks about a recent study from the Pac-12 on how student athletes struggle in academics because of the time spent playing their sport. The Art of Stillness (58:30) Pico Iyer was born in Oxford, England, educated at Eton, Oxford and Harvard, grew up between medieval England and '60s California. Author of twelve books, contributor to roughly 200 magazines, writer of screenplays and liner-notes and introductions to 40 other books. He is the author of many books, among them, "The Art of Stillness." Mr. Lyer talks with Dr. Townsend about why stillness is a luxury. Recovering From a Crash and Walking Again (1:46:06) Abby Stephens was given this prognosis after a devastating crash, but she took the prognosis as a challenge and walks and gives motivational talks today -- more than 17 years later. Abby Stephens is a motivational speaker who encourages others to stay positive and find the good in all situations. She joins the show to share her amazing story. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:12:52 - Economy and Elections, Student Athletes 00:58:30 - The Art of Stillness 01:106:06 - Recovering From a Crash and Walking Again

Power Connector, New Approach to Mental Health, Parenting May 06, 2015

Show notes

How to be a Power Connector (11:24) Judy Robinett, author of "How to Be a Power Connector: the 5+50+150 Rule," which was named the #1 business book of 2014 by Inc. Magazine. In her career Judy has led both public and private companies as CEO, and served in management positions at Fortune 500 companies. Judy Robinette and Dr. Townsend talk about how to be more effective at networking. New Approach to Treating Mental Health (1:08:05) Dr. Jen Hyatt is the CEO and Founder of Big White Wall. Ms. Hyatt was named one of 2013’s Top 100 Healthcare Innovators by Health Service Journal. Ms. Hyatt has founded or helped establish more than 30 social impact organizations in over 20 countries. The Big White Wall is a website where people help each other by sharing what’s troubling them, guided by trained professionals. Contact them and mention The Matt Townsend Show for access to the resources. Resources to Become a Better Parent (1:42:28) 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 the resources she uses to help people be better parents. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:11:24 - How to be a Power Connector 01:68:05 - New Approach to Treating Mental Health 01:102:28 - Resources to Become a Better Parent

End of American Century, Distracted Driving, Poverty to Yale May 05, 2015

Show notes

Dr. Joseph Nye- American Century (12:13) Dr. Joseph S. Nye Jr., University Distinguished Service Professor, and former Dean of the Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. Dr. Nye received his bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Princeton University. He won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University and earned his PhD in political science from Harvard. He has served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and as Chair of the National Intelligence Council, and Deputy Under Secretary of State for Security Assistance, Science and Technology. Today he talks about his book "Is the American Century Over" and how the power to build, influence coalitions will prove key to sustaining global primacy. Peter Kissinger - AAA research shows dangers of distracted driving (58:19) J. Peter Kissinger is the President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic and Safety. Prior to his position with AAA he was the Senior Vice President of the Civil Engineering Research Foundation, the research arm of the American Society of Civil Engineers and was Director of Strategic Programs at Chromalloy \[pr: chrome-al-oy] Gas Turbine Corporation in Florida. Prior to that he was employed for 12 years by the National Transportation Safety Board. Mr. Kissinger talks about a recent AAA study on how distracted driving, from texting to best friend;s stories, are a danger to your driving. Davis Nguyen - From Poverty to Yale (1:46:04) Davis Nguyen, soon-to-be debt-free graduate of Yale University and an example of hard work, diligence, and dreaming big. He went from poverty to Ivy League just by asking himself daily, "What kind of life do I want for myself?" and "Is what I'm doing today going to get my closer to the life I want? If not, why am I doing it?" Raised by his single, disabled mother who didn't finish 3rd grade. Survived on food stamps and welfare every month. He would wake up to gunshots and sometimes when he woke up and turned on the light, nothing came on. He worked diligently with what he had and was acc

Politics, Judging Others Reflects Ourselves, Goal Setting May 04, 2015

Show notes

News and Politics (11:11) Joe Cannon, CEO of Fuel Freedom Foundation, former Chairman of the Utah Republican Party, past assistant administrator in the US EPA, and editor of the Deseret News. Joe talks current political news including Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina joining the 2016 Presidential Race, the events in Baltimore. How Judging Others Is a Reflection of Ourselves (58:51) Martina Weiss is a self-love coach and contributor to tinybuddha.com. She and her partner recently returned from a trip around South East Asia to discover self-love for themselves, and she’s been enthusiastically sharing the message ever since. Martina Weiss talks about how when we judge others it has more to do with ourselves. Set Your Goals in Days (1:45:55) Dr. Daphna Oyserman is Dean’s Professor, Department of Psychology, and Professor of Education and of Communication at the University of Southern California. A recent study conducted by Dr. Neil A. Lewis and Dr. Daphna Oyserman shows that when we start to think of time in smaller units, we’re more likely to start planning earlier. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:11:11 - News and Politics 00:58:51 - How Judging Others Is a Reflection of Ourselves(58:51) 01:105:55 - Set Your Goals in Days(1:45:55)

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