Psychology Takeaway Podcast: Recent Episodes
psychologytakeaway
Psychologytakeaway presents factual podcasts about human development including - development, mental health, cognition, neuroscience and social psychology. Each of the presentations is filled with factual information which you will find helpful. Our goal is to get current information into the hands of people who need it. The major creators of the content of these podcasts are Jim Carroll and Ralph Baber. Each week they tackle topics in psychology, which help people live more balanced lives.
Food, Feelings, and Filters: The Psychology of Eating in the Age of Social MediaThis week, Jim and Ralph dive into the complex psychology of food, eating, and how social media is reshaping our relationship with both.Why do so many people see food as their only friend? And why are young people—especially adolescent girls—facing increasing pressure to be thin in a culture saturated with filtered perfection and restrictive eating trends?We explore:* How food becomes tied to emotional comfort and coping. * The impact of TikTok and Instagram on body image and diet culture. * Why adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders. * The dangerous cycle of restriction and bingeing. * What the research says about intuitive eating, social comparison, and media literacy as tools for change.
With insights from recent psychological and neuroscience research, this episode offers a candid, compassionate look at the invisible forces shaping how we eat, think, and feel—especially in a digital age.LEARN MOREHere is a link to Body Image Journal: https://g.co/kgs/FUL15u1This is specifically about body image and social media: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/smart-parenting-smarter-kids/202304/body-image-and-social-mediaIf you want a free PDF copy of our book email Jim at carro1jl@cmich.edu
In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph dive deep into one of the most sought-after states in psychology and peak performance: Flow. Coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is the state of optimal experience—when you're fully immersed in a task, time melts away, and you're operating at your absolute best.But what exactly triggers flow? Can anyone access it—or is it reserved for elite athletes and artists?Jim and Ralph break it all down:* What the flow state is (and isn’t) * The 7 elements of flow you need to know * How to create the perfect balance between challenge and skill * Why clear goals and immediate feedback are essential * How to eliminate distractions and train your focus like a muscle * Real-world examples—from musicians and athletes to coders and students * And practical tips for bringing more flow into your daily life
This isn’t just about productivity—it’s about experiencing life more fully, one deeply engaged moment at a time. “The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times... The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits.” – Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiLEARN MOREhttps://aeon.co/essays/you-need-to-build-mastery-in-order-to-find-your-flow?
In this week’s episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph dive into the fascinating and complex relationship between creativity and mental health. They explore how creative expression—through art, writing, music, and other forms—can serve as a powerful therapeutic outlet, offering relief from stress, a boost in self-esteem, and a meaningful way to process emotions. Drawing on recent research and clinical insights, the hosts unpack how activities that foster creativity can enhance mental well-being by promoting mindfulness, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. Jim highlights the growing use of art and music therapy in clinical settings, while Ralph explores the science behind the “flow state” and how it benefits mental focus and emotional regulation. The discussion also doesn't shy away from the challenges: the emotional intensity often linked with creative minds, the potential for isolation during deep creative work, and the toll of perfectionism and internal pressure. With thoughtful commentary and real-world examples, Jim and Ralph present a balanced conversation that reveals creativity as both a healing force and a space that requires self-awareness. Whether you're an artist, a therapist, or just curious about the human mind, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how to channel creativity in service of better mental health.LEARN MORECreatuvity for mental health: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZmv0XDLT_LIDxadiYVPHbcoyIA8DFDCUCreative Problem Solving: https://youtu.be/oqwoOpO-4k0?feature=sharedCheck out Jim’s book OVERCOMING Perfectionism: https://a.co/d/9WIpo7j (Kindle) or https://a.co/d/dgsQ6Kp (paperback)
In this episode, Ralph and Jim dig into the question everyone faces online: Who can you trust when you're looking for advice? From health tips and financial hacks to career guidance and DIY fixes, the internet is overflowing with suggestions—but not all of it is worth following. We talk about how to spot the difference between credible, evidence-based advice and the kind that's misleading, manipulative, or just plain wrong.We also explore the role of AI in this space—what it gets right, where it can fall short, and how to use tools like ChatGPT responsibly. Whether you're Googling symptoms, looking for legal shortcuts, or wondering if that “expert” on TikTok knows what they’re talking about, this episode will help you develop a smarter, more skeptical approach to online advice.LEARN MOREhttps://www.vox.com/even-better/413335/tiktok-instagram-relationships-advice-work-better-life-loneliness?category=fascinating_stories&position=5&scheduled_corpus_item_id=dbdadaaa-9d37-4bb1-b087-d1522625e733&sponsored=0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vox.com%2Feven-better%2F413335%2Ftiktok-instagram-relationships-advice-work-better-life-loneliness&utm_source=pocket_shared Jim's new book OVERCOMING Perfectionism, is available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7D784Q7
In this episode, Sheila Carroll and Jim discuss practical strategies for fostering curiosity in children, whether at home, in the classroom, or in everyday life. We’ll touch on the importance of modeling inquisitiveness as adults, creating safe spaces for kids to wonder aloud, and resisting the urge to give quick answers. You’ll also hear from educators and parents who’ve successfully encouraged curiosity in their own families. Whether you're raising a toddler or mentoring a teen, this conversation will offer insights and inspiration to help you raise kids who not only seek knowledge but love the process of discovery itself.LEARN MORESheila's book Nature Study Companion: Simple ways to explore wonders near and far: https://a.co/d/7KGwrMARaising Curious Kids in Nature: https://youtu.be/VRoze3nrI1U?feature=sharedJim’s book Raise Capable Kids is now available at Amazon. For a sample click on this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5MTFTGP
Curiosity is a dynamic and deeply human trait that touches nearly every aspect of our lives—and it's a perfect topic for this episode of Psychology Takeaway. Whether it’s the urge to peek inside a closed drawer, dive into a Wikipedia rabbit hole, or ask the kind of questions that make conversations more meaningful, curiosity drives exploration, learning, and growth. But beyond its obvious intellectual benefits, curiosity also plays a powerful role in both mental and physical health. Research shows that curious individuals tend to experience more positive emotions, greater psychological resilience, and stronger relationships. Physically, curiosity has been linked to healthier lifestyle choices, increased physical activity, and even cognitive protection in later life. It helps people adapt, cope, and stay mentally flexible in a rapidly changing world.With that in mind, this episode features co-hosts Jim and Ralph as they explore the science and humor behind curiosity. The episode blends research-backed insights with everyday examples, playful banter, and a short interactive quiz to help listeners reflect on their own curiosity levels. It's engaging, practical, and just weird enough to make learning feel like fun again.LEARN MORETED talk : Your Brain on Curiosity: https://youtu.be/SmaTPPB-T_s?feature=sharedAnother TED: The Practice of Curiosityhttps://youtu.be/Jb0aQ2gE4tU?feature=sharedIf you are curious about Jim’s new book, Raise Capable Kids, check it out on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5MTFTGP
Jim and Ralph follow up the conversation begun last week about the mental health crisis facing today’s college population.Expanded Counseling Services
In response to rising mental health concerns among students, many colleges and universities have significantly expanded their counseling services. Traditionally limited in scope and capacity, campus counseling centers are now hiring more staff, including specialists trained to support students from marginalized backgrounds, such as LGBTQ+ or BIPOC individuals. One major shift is the increased use of teletherapy platforms like TimelyCare or UWill, which allow students to access professional mental health support remotely, often 24/7 and at no extra cost. These services help reduce barriers related to scheduling, stigma, or location. Additionally, many institutions are adopting a "stepped care" approach, where students begin with less intensive support—such as workshops, group therapy, or drop-in sessions—and progress to individual therapy if needed. Some colleges also provide same-day appointments and crisis intervention services to address urgent needs. However, challenges persist: demand still often exceeds capacity, with long wait times and budget constraints especially common at smaller or under-resourced schools.Peer Support Networks
Peer support has become a vital component of campus mental health strategies, offering a low-cost, accessible, and relatable option for students who may be hesitant to seek professional help. Many colleges have developed student-run peer counseling programs, where trained undergraduate volunteers provide confidential, nonclinical support to their peers. These services—like Harvard’s Room 13 or Columbia’s Nightline—often operate in the evenings and focus on active listening, empathy, and referrals to campus resources. National organizations such as Active Minds also play a major role, with chapters at hundreds of schools hosting events to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster open conversations about mental health. Additionally, identity-based peer groups—such as those for LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, or students of color—offer safe, affirming spaces where individuals can share experiences and build community. By empowering students to support one another, these networks help create a culture of care and connection, which is especially important in combatting isolation and normalizing help-seeking behavior.LEARN MORE-Link to UWill featuring mental health news: https://uwill.com/news/-Here is a link to Harvard’s Room 13 program: https://calendar.college.harvard.edu/event/room_13_peer_counseling-988 Suicide prevention 24 hour hotline: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/crisis-and-access-line
JIm and Ralph are joined by Ms. Jazlyn Coles the host of the popular podcast, Living in Legacy. They talk about mental health on college campuses. Concerns for College Students: Mental Health & Substance Use (with Statistics)1. Anxiety and Stress Stat: Over 63% of college students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety in the past year.
(Source: American College Health Association - ACHA, 2023)*
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Depression Stat: Nearly 44% of students said they felt so depressed it was difficult to function.
(ACHA, 2023)* -
Academic Pressure Stat: About 87% of students identified academics as a primary source of stress.
(National College Health Assessment)* -
Social Isolation and Loneliness Stat: Roughly 67% of college students reported feeling "very lonely" at some point during the academic year.
(ACHA, 2023)* -
Substance Abuse (Alcohol) Stat: Approximately 30% of students reported engaging in binge drinking (5+ drinks in one sitting for men, 4+ for women) in the past two weeks.
(Monitoring the Future Survey, 2023)* -
Prescription Drug Misuse Stat: Around 14% of students admitted to using prescription stimulants (like Adderall) non-medically.
(National Institute on Drug Abuse - NIDA, 2023)* -
Marijuana Use Stat: Over 40% of college students used marijuana in the past year, with 11% reporting daily or near-daily use.
(Monitoring the Future, 2023)* -
Suicide Ideation Stat: About 15% of students seriously considered suicide within the past year.
(ACHA, 2023)* -
Access to Mental Health Services Stat: Only 25% of students with a diagnosable mental health condition seek professional help.
(Active Minds / NAMI College Guide)* -
Stigma and Help-Seeking Barriers Stat: Over 45% of students cited stigma or fear of being judged as reasons for not seeking mental health care.
(Jed Foundation, 2022)*
LEARN MOREFollow Jazlyn at: Founder of Living In Legacy Podcast, Instagram & TikTok: jazlynspeaks2u, Alumni of Oakland Community College, Entrepreneurship Major with a Minor in Management LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazlyn-coles-7a2bb0268 Publications: Wayne State University-Why Teach Competition: https://www.facebook.com/TEDwarriors/videos/jazlyn-coles-why-teach-wsu/2747363355387188/ Juneteenth Vicksburg Daily News: https://vicksburgnews.com/vicksburg-prepares-to-celebrate-a-historic-juneteenth/ Oakland County Times Newspaper: https://oaklandcounty115.com/2022/04/11/young-voices-come-together-for-student-art-show-in-ferndale/ TED talk: https://youtu.be/JEtNxNW0bRU?feature=shared News report on the stigma:https://youtu.be/OXIJsQsQwtg?feature=shared
What drives someone to dedicate their life to a mystery they may never solve? In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, your hosts Jim and Ralph dive into the legendary Oak Island treasure hunt—not through the lens of gold and glory, but through the powerful lens of human psychology. Using Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey as our narrative guide, we trace the emotional and mental journey of modern-day treasure hunters who’ve turned myth into mission.Each stage of the Hero’s Journey—from the Call to Adventure to the Final Reward—mirrors the real-life experiences of those who’ve pursued Oak Island’s elusive secrets. Along the way, we explore the psychological forces at play, including intrinsic motivation, confirmation bias, and the sunk cost fallacy. What we find is a story not just about buried treasure, but about what it means to be human: the need for meaning, the power of belief, and the thrill of the unknown.If you’re fascinated by psychology, storytelling, or just love a good mystery, this episode is for you. Join us as we uncover the treasure that lies beneath the surface—both on Oak Island and within the human mind.
OOPS – we goofed! This is the real part 25 hours ago
We put up the program notes with the wrong audio.Sorry about that.Here is the correct audio podcast for the Oak Island Mystery. Oak Island — Fact or Fiction, Delusion or Obsession For over two centuries, Oak Island—a small, windswept patch of land off Nova Scotia—has captivated treasure hunters, historians, and dreamers with tales of buried riches and mysterious traps. From cryptic symbols carved in stone to legends of pirates and secret societies, the Oak Island mystery has grown into a cultural phenomenon. But what lies beneath the surface—both literally and psychologically?In this episode, Oak Island: Fact or Fiction, Delusion or Obsession, we dig deeper—not into the island itself, but into the minds of those who chase its secrets. Why has this particular legend endured for so long? What fuels the obsession to dig, search, and believe—despite countless setbacks and a lack of definitive proof?We cite the work of psychologists, historians, and fans of the long-running TV series The Curse of Oak Island to explore the cognitive and emotional forces at play. From confirmation bias and pattern recognition to the sunk cost fallacy and the power of myth, this episode unpacks the psychological mechanics behind belief and obsession. Is it treasure hunters’ intuition—or something closer to delusion? Is the hunt a reflection of human curiosity, or a cautionary tale about how far we’ll go to prove a belief?Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, this episode offers fresh insight into why the Oak Island mystery refuses to be laid to rest—and what that reveals about us.Join us as we explore the blurred lines between fact and fiction, reason and obsession, and the enduring allure of the unknown.LEARN MOREHere is a link to all 12 seasons of the Curse: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLob1mZcVWOagZropw9Y8A74h_ILsHP9rkHow does conformation bias as it relate to the Oak Island hunt?In the context of the Oak Island treasure hunt, confirmation bias plays a big role in how people interpret the evidence—or lack thereof, on the island.So in short, confirmation bias keeps the hunt alive, even in the face of a long history of disappointment. It’s a psychological factor that fuels both the passion of the treasure hunters and the ongoing interest of the audience.In case you missed it last time, here is the site for Alicia Carroll’s video channel with funny and sometimes scary, if you really think about it, cop videos (Thin Blue Lens): https://www.youtube.com/@thinbluelens-u7e
Treasure hunting often boosts self-esteem through the achievement of valuable goals—whether material wealth or personal growth—while also offering social recognition and validation. The sense of control and mastery that comes from solving puzzles or overcoming challenges provides further motivation, as does the thrill of uncertainty and risk-taking, which taps into our psychological drive for reward and excitement. For many, treasure hunting also offers an escape from the mundane, fulfilling a deep need for adventure and fantasy.Additionally, treasure hunting offers a sense of purpose and identity, as individuals seek to make a lasting contribution or connect with their heritage through the discovery of hidden treasures. It satisfies the desire for wealth and material gain, fulfilling both practical needs and symbolic aspirations for prosperity. Whether pursued alone or as part of a group, the collaborative nature of treasure hunting fosters social bonding and strengthens relationships. The pursuit itself often mirrors the hero’s journey, where overcoming obstacles leads to profound personal growth and transformation. Ultimately, treasure hunting offers both external rewards and internal satisfaction, making it a deeply psychological endeavor that combines excitement, achievement, and self-discovery.This is a foreshadowing of their upcoming series on modern day fortune hunting in their native land of Canada – in Nova Scotia to be exact. LEARN MOREThe Insanity of Treasure Hunts: https://youtu.be/mr5tVvz7xlc?feature=sharedThe Search for Fenn’s Millions: https://youtu.be/vn8URdMpPas?feature=sharedAlicia Carroll’s channel with funny and sometimes scary, if you really think about it, cop videos(Thin Blue Lens): https://www.youtube.com/@thinbluelens-u7e
Special Podcast: April Fool’s Day After a long winter, many people are eager for novelty and excitement as a way to break from the monotony of cold weather.Spring, the season after winter, is culturally associated with new beginnings, growth, and rejuvenation. This sense of renewal aligns with April Fools' Day, a tradition that allows for a fresh start in social dynamics, where people can act more freely, joke with others, and engage in behaviors that reflect the seasonal shift. The psychological effect of transitioning into spring after a long winter may encourage people to "let loose" with humor and pranks as a way to celebrate the changing season.In the context of modern life, people face a great deal of stress. A day dedicated to harmless tricks can provide a socially acceptable way to let off steam, lighten the mood, and create a sense of relief from routine pressures. The absurdity and non-serious nature of pranks might offer an outlet for creativity and playfulness, serving as a temporary escape from the demands of everyday life. LEARN MOREThe history of April Fools Day: https://youtu.be/RpuGUjfCFVY?feature=shared Jim and Ralph Baber have just released a new book on Amazon. It’s called Podcasting for seniors It is a very simple guide to getting started as a podcaster. You can record and publish quickly and easily following three easy steps. You can read a sample online at: https://a.co/d/aRJdrSqEncourage a senior in your life to consider learning podcasting as a new skill. We will show them how. If Ralph and Jim can do it, anyone can do it!!!
Jim and Ralph continue the series on dreams and visions.
They look at lucid dreams and explore how your nighttime mentation can enhance your daytime creativity.
LEARN MORE
Here is a link to an enlightening Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/OK3SfNxbK3Y?feature=shared
A short but impactful Tedx presentation: https://youtu.be/olGRNeyEJt0?feature=shared
We talked about our vision for having seniors share their wisdom.Today on CNN there was a story out of Argentina that talked about how podcasting helped reduce loneliness for a group of 90+ year olds.Here is the link: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/22/world/video/elders-podcast-argentina-90-year-old-alberto-chab-dominguez-digvid
Jim and Ralph Baber have just released a new book on Amazon. It’s called Podcasting for seniors It is a very simple guide to getting started as a podcaster. You can record and publish quickly and easily following three easy steps. You can read a sample online at: https://a.co/d/aRJdrSqEncourage a senior in your life to consider learning podcasting as a new skill. We will show them how. If Ralph and Jim can do it, anyone can do it!!!
Jim and Ralph follow up on a previous podcast that described the vision of St. Patrick. But what exactly are they?
"Visions" and "hallucinations" and “dreams” involve seeing things that aren't there, a key difference is that hallucinations are perceived as real, while dreams and visions can be understood as a more abstract or symbolic experience.
While both dreams and visions involve imagery and can be powerful experiences, a key difference is that dreams occur during sleep, while visions can occur while awake.
Hallucinations on the other hand are sensory perceptions (like seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling) that occur in the absence of an actual external stimulus, and the person experiencing them believes they are real. Some Examples include hearing voices when no one is speaking, seeing images that aren't there, or smelling odors that don't exist.
LEARN MORE
Your Brain Hallucinates Your Conscious Reality: https://youtu.be/lyu7v7nWzfo?feature=shared
Vision of the Future Meditation | 9-minute Guided Meditation: https://youtu.be/3vIuJhckpT4?feature=shared Our new book is available now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/aRJdrSq
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many are gearing up for green beer, corned beef, and cabbage. Ralph and Jim find themselves pondering the origins of the March 17th stereotype of drunken revelry, as well as whether St. Patrick truly drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Joining them is Jim’s wife, Sheila, who sets the record straight and shares the true story of the man behind the holiday we celebrate each year.
LEARN MORE
Here is the Holiday Helper that Sheila talked about: https://s3.amazonaws.com/CM_Helper/Seasonal/HH_St_Patricks_Day.pdf
-Sheila invites you to join her on Nature Study Notes, where she helps parents and children discover the wonders and mental health benefits of nature.
Here is her latest post: Outdoors Without an Umbrella: Let Children Feel Nature, Not Just See It
How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe (The Hinges of History)
https://a.co/d/hbn7XtS
In this episode, Jim and Ralph, the dynamic hosts of the popular Psychology Takeaway podcast, sit down with artist Kimberly Chapman, whose captivating work is currently featured in the Baber Room Gallery, located on the first floor of the Park Library at Central Michigan University.
The conversation delves into Chapman's artwork, which offers a unique historical and cultural lens. This podcast episode takes a deep dive into the dark history of how mental health concepts were misused to control and oppress women. Jim and Ralph engage with Kimberly to explore the creative processes behind her powerful and thought-provoking installation.
Chapman uses delicate porcelain sculptures and vintage photographs to tell the chilling and heartbreaking stories of women confined to 19th-century mental asylums. Her exhibit, which opened at the end of February, is displayed in the 10,000-square-foot Baber Gallery and will be available for viewing until July 20.
For those wanting to meet the artist in person, there will be a reception at the gallery on March 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Additionally, two gallery walkthroughs are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on March 20. Both the reception and the walkthroughs are free of charge, and everyone—including the public and students—are invited to attend. The exhibit will also be open to visitors whenever the main library is operating.
LEARN MORE
Here is Kimberly’s webpage and Instagram links
https://www.kimberlychapmansculptor.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kimberlychapmansculptor/
you will need to be logged into Facebook on the machine to access/view the Instagram link.
More about Phrenology: https://youtu.be/pR9x3KVmE48?feature=shared
Physiognomy: https://youtu.be/jH4wjKN3cUs?feature=shared
The State Hospital at Traverse City: https://youtu.be/U4D2lPYVRag?feature=shared
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Today we are joined by Ralph’s wife Karen as we continue to explore the psychology of color. This time focusing on the interior and exterior of the house.When choosing colors for rooms in an apartment or house, consider the room's purpose, size, and lighting. Lighter colors work well in small rooms or areas with little natural light to make them feel more spacious and airy, while darker colors can add warmth and intimacy to larger spaces. For living rooms and common areas, neutral tones with accent colors can create an inviting atmosphere, while calming hues like soft blues and greens are ideal for bedrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms typically benefit from fresh, light colors, though bolder shades can add character. Use a consistent color scheme to create flow between rooms, and experiment with accent walls to add drama without overwhelming the space. Keep in mind the psychology of colors—warm shades like reds and yellows stimulate energy, while cool tones like blues and greens promote relaxation. Test samples before committing to ensure the final effect suits your space.When choosing exterior colors for a house, consider the architectural style, neighborhood, and surrounding environment. The color scheme should typically include a main body color, trim, and accent hues, with the main color being neutral or muted, trim offering contrast, and accents adding personality. Lighter colors work well in hot climates, while darker shades can be used in colder regions. Ensure the roof color complements the walls—darker roofs pair well with lighter walls, and lighter roofs look good with richer tones. Take into account the landscaping; vibrant gardens suit neutral tones, while minimalist gardens can handle bolder hues. It’s also important to test colors on larger areas of the exterior to see how they look in different lighting conditions and to consider how the house blends with its natural surroundings. By following these guidelines, you can create a cohesive, attractive exterior.But, of course, it’s only paint – do what makes you happy.LEARN MOREHere is a video that simplifies Color Psychology as it applies to painting coloring the interior: https://youtu.be/Y45kWzybhAU?feature=sharedCrash course on exterior color choice: https://youtu.be/mJxNdXFcviE?feature=sharedBuy the book Make Good Decisions Everyday at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176
Ralph interviews Jim about his new book.
It is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176
FREE OFFER: If you would like to read it and submit a review, I will send the first 100 people a PDF. Contact Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.edu.
Jim and Ralph explore why red makes you hungry, why blue might make you trust someone more, and why you probably shouldn't paint your office all yellow (unless you're a fan of chaos)."
The psychology of color explores how different colors influence our emotions, behaviors, and perceptions. It plays a significant role in marketing, design, and art, where understanding color psychology helps create specific moods and responses
It’s essential to note that the psychological impact of color can vary based on cultural context. For example:
In Western cultures, white symbolizes purity and weddings, while in some Eastern cultures, it can be associated with mourning and funerals.
Red can be seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, while it’s often associated with danger or anger in Western contexts.
Color is a powerful tool in influencing perceptions, so understanding color psychology can help designers, marketers, and creators better communicate their messages and evoke the right emotions from their audiences.
LEARN MORE
Here is a terrific 8 minute video on color: https://youtu.be/6Ten8xjkXhw?feature=shared
SPECIAL NOTE: Jim and Jerry Fuller have a new book on Making Good Decisions. It is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176
FREE OFFER: If you would like to read it and submit a review, I will send the first 100 people a PDF. Contact Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.edu.
Positive Psychology: Optimism Today Ralph and Jim look at one of the pillars of Positive Psychology - OptimismIn Positive Psychology, optimism is central to promoting well-being and psychological resilience. It is the tendency to expect positive outcomes and believe that challenges can be overcome. Optimism is closely linked to improved mental health, as optimistic individuals tend to experience lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Their positive outlook on life helps buffer against mental health challenges. Furthermore, optimism is associated with better physical health outcomes, as optimistic people are more likely to engage in healthier behaviors such as exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced diet. They also tend to recover more quickly from illness or surgery.One of the most important aspects of optimism is its role in fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Optimistic individuals view setbacks as temporary and manageable, rather than permanent or catastrophic, which helps them maintain hope and continue working toward their goals. This resilience is crucial for overcoming life's inevitable challenges. Additionally, optimistic people often experience greater success and achievement. Their positive expectations encourage them to take action, persist through obstacles, and stay motivated, ultimately leading to higher performance in various aspects of life, from academics to careers.Optimism also enhances relationships by fostering positive interactions and emotional support. Optimists are more likely to provide support to others during difficult times, and their outlook on life strengthens their connections. This contributes to greater relationship satisfaction and emotional well-being. Ultimately, optimism plays a key role in overall life satisfaction and happiness. It helps people focus on positive experiences, fostering gratitude and a greater sense of joy in everyday life. In the framework of Positive Psychology, optimism is considered essential for flourishing—a life that embraces growth, fulfillment, and resilience in the face of challenges LEARN MOREMartin Seligman on Positive Psychology: https://youtu.be/9FBxfd7DL3E?feature=sharedSPECIAL NOTE: Jim and Jerry Fuller have a new book on Making Good Decisions. It is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176 If you would like to read it and submit a review, I will send the first 100 people a PDF. Contact Jim at carro1jl@cmich.edu.
This is a follow-up to our recent podcast on loneliness. Today we looked at it in music.
Loneliness has been a powerful and recurring theme in popular music from the 1960s to today, reflecting both personal emotions and broader societal struggles. In the '60s, songs like The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" and The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody" explored isolation and yearning, resonating with listeners in an era of rapid social change. As music evolved in the '70s and '80s, artists such as David Bowie in "Space Oddity" and Madonna in "Like a Prayer" used loneliness to convey feelings of alienation and self-discovery. In the '90s and 2000s, grunge bands like Nirvana and pop icons like Britney Spears tackled loneliness as a form of emotional pain, often linked to fame, identity, or romantic heartache. Today, the theme remains relevant as it taps into the universal human experience of longing, loss, and connection, transcending generations and genres.
From a psychological perspective, listening to music that explores themes of loneliness can be helpful for people in several ways. For many, it can provide a sense of comfort and understanding, as it validates their feelings and reminds them that they are not alone in their struggles. Hearing an artist express emotions of isolation, heartbreak, or longing can create a feeling of connection, offering listeners a safe space to reflect on their own emotions. Music can also be therapeutic, helping people process their feelings and even facilitate healing. It allows individuals to explore complex emotions without judgment, while offering an outlet for catharsis or release. Additionally, these songs can spark introspection, helping listeners gain new perspectives on their own experiences of loneliness and guiding them toward greater self-awareness or acceptance.
LEARN MORE
Phell Williams HAPPY: https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs?feature=shared
SPECIAL NOTE: Jim and Jerry Fuller have a new book on Making Good Decisions. It is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176
The Super Bowl advertising certainly made it plain that AI was now part of the national fabric; for better or worse Since Jim is out, because of this circulating virus hitting Mid-Michigan hard, we thought we would revisit a podcast from last July.
Learn More
Bill Gates, a fan of AI, expresses some reservation. Read his thoughts: https://time.com/6293735/bill-gates-ai-risk/
We mentioned the movie “Metropolis” in the podcast Here is a synopsis from the web and a link to the film: “As social allegory, Metropolis depicts a world in which the privileged sons of society live in ease and luxury on the surface while deep in the bowels of the city a chattel underclass labors out of sight on the machinery that supports Metropolis.: -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFzHH9EL9x0
Here is the quote from Elon Musk that we alluded to in the Podcast:
“AI is more dangerous than, say, mismanaged aircraft design or production maintenance or bad car production, in the sense that it is, it has the potential — however small one may regard that probability, but it is non-trivial — it has the potential of civilization destruction,” Musk said in his interview with Tucker Carlson.
Jim and Ralph discuss some new data from Harvard University indicating that 21 % of adults in America report feelings of loneliness. According to a global survey, about 33 percent of adults experienced feelings of loneliness worldwide. Brazil had the highest percentage of people experiencing this, with 50 percent of respondents declaring that they felt lonelyA survey of approximately 1,100 U.S. college and university students found that nearly two-thirds (64.7%) of college students report they feel lonely, and the majority (51.7%) of college students are concerned about their friends’ mental health, and three in 10 (28.8%) college students report severe psychological distress.The Surgeon General of the US has declared loneliness as a public health epidemic.What can be done?1. Promote a culture of caring and service2. Build a social infrastructure that emphasizes caring and sharing values3. Underscore the importance of simply reaching out to others LEARN MOREAdolescent Loneliness Ted Talk:https://youtu.be/o4m4DPC1jZY?feature=sharedPreventing loneliness: https://youtu.be/IzmjrUM-tnw?feature=shared
After talking about failed New Year's Resolutions and holiday stress, Ralph and Jim get a bit more upbeat
Here is the link to the Guide Andrea is willing to share: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17gmvFury-TmB4dO39OMEVuAO4zwjo_fr/view?usp=sharing
Enjoy!
Join Jim and Ralph as they travel north of the Arctic Circle to see how local inhabitants deal with nearly 24 hour darkness for days on end.
Long, dark winters are associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression. Common effects include being moody, sluggish and unmotivated. The key is our circadian rhythm; it’s like your brain is making up its own time zone based of a 25, not 24 hour cycle.
SAD is serious, but there are some things that people use to cope. One is artificial light (light boxes are available on Amazon). Another hack is to take Vitamin D3 supplements. Enjoy the Northern Lights. Do things that up your Serotonin level.
LEARN MORE
Here is what the Cleveland Clinic reports on Serotonin: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin
Here is a short Ted Talk about life above the Arctic Circle in the winter
The 24 hour cycle
https://youtu.be/-Z-vyLHi2us?feature=shared (if this does not click open just paste it into your browser)
SPECIAL NOTE: Jim and Jerry Fuller have a new book on Making Good Decisions. It is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176
Jim and Ralph are joined again by Andrea Kirk Assaf who has returned to Mid Michigan from Rome on Christmas break. She has revived an old, somewhat lost concept- Kalokagathia, a term relating to holistic health, holiness, and happiness.
She explains its relationship to Mind, Body, Soul and Spirit and how we can nurture each in the New Year.
LEARN MORE
Here is a link to the last podcasts we did with Andrea: https://psychologytakeaway.podbean.com/e/a-special-curriculum-andrea-part-one/
https://psychologytakeaway.podbean.com/e/further-exploration-of-educational-concepts-part-two/
Our New-Years gift to you: over 70 useful hacks for health, wellness and general good living:
https://top101lifehacks.com/genius-life-hacks-youre-missing-out-on-v73.php?aff=2003⊂=T101LH_GDN_TWC_NOAUD&pub=727396378265&aux=101LifeHacks_Listicle&xcode=&ver=18500205%20SEO%20No%20Lazy&aff_unique1=%7Baff_unique1%7D&aff_unique2=EAIaIQobChMIrKbn6M7oigMVt4imBB0nvTTkEAEYASAAEgL7DvD_BwE&aff_unique3=21832192741&aff_unique5=727396378265&logos=&advfont=&adv_policies=
Jim and Ralph discuss why keeping New Year's resolutions is so hard.
They recommend the SMART approach.
HAPPY '25.
A while ago Jim and Ralph did podcasts on the use of Psychedelics to treat previously unresponsive cases of anxiety and PTSD. Psychedelic therapy works when nothing else works.
But not everyone is supportive.
A news story detailing the conflict appeared today. We have posted a link to the story in the Learn More section.
We are reposting some of our previous podcasts on psychedelics so that you have some access to the facts as they are known as of now.
LEARN MORE
Link to the news story mentioned above: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/colorado-psychedelic-therapy-mushrooms-veterans_n_67755d99e4b0d48751534192
The period between December 25 and December 31 can present unique challenges, both socially and emotionally, the week before Christmas also carries its own pressures. But mental health concerns during the week following Christmas and the end of the year are particularly significant for many.
Jim and Ralph look at some of the causes including: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social Isolation, Increased Stress, Holiday Grief, and changes in routine.
The opponent process: What goes up, comes down.
The boys offer some suggestions for beating the blues including:
- Be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling.
- Get enough rest
- Prioritize self-care:
Make time for yourself.
Keep up with your healthy habits.
Make room for your grief
Adopt an attitude of gratitude
If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to seek support, whether from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Many services are available to help people navigate these challenges during the holiday season.
LEARN MORE
Beating the post-Christmas blues: https://youtu.be/M4EPpAsiZqc?feature=shared
Here is opponent process theory as it applies to emotion: https://youtu.be/nNrmB_lyNDY?feature=shared
After the last podcast about brain-eating bacteria, we thought we should discuss seasonal stress in this week's podcast.
A lot of people get stressed out around the holiday season. Right now, I am stressed about a huge dump of snow that is affecting my holiday travel plans. I can't do anything about the weather, but I can control my response. I can choose to be frustrated and upset, or I can just say, "Oh well."
I can't get to the studio to do a new Christmas Stress podcast so I am putting up a past one.
Ralph and Jim examine Christmas stress and offer some antidotes.
Learn More
Depression and Christmas: https://youtu.be/D74VPcaKbAc
Yes, it seems like something out of a cheap sci-fi movie. We know that unchecked, bacteria can wreak havoc. Just this Fall there were news stories of flesh-eating bacteria coming out of Florida https://www.the-scientist.com/are-flesh-eating-bacteria-causing-infections-in-florida-not-exactly-experts-clarify-72281
It seems that was sort of an anomaly but Ralph has some new research that is much more scary – our own, normally friendly, gut bacteria turning rouge and attacking our body!
They cross the blood-brain barrier and start snacking on the brain; now that does seem like a script idea for a movie, or even a series.
Join Jim and Ralph as they unpack this latest horror show.
LEARN MORE
Here is a short video that documents the discovery of the brain eating bacteria that we were talking about: https://youtu.be/IFXOVMBfLuM?feature=shared
If you are freaked out here are some sounds to help you you chill: https://www.youtube.com/live/2OpuFmwuARc?feature=shared
After the sweet dreams of last week, today Ralph, Jim, and Alex look at the scary world of nightmares.
But things get even more weird and scary next week!
Sleep, perchance to Dream
Jim and Ralph visit the world of nighttime mentation – that is, dream states. They look at some theory behind the purpose of dreaming.
There is no single dream theory that fully explains all of the aspects of why we dream. The most prominent theory is that dreams help us to process and consolidate information from the previous day.
Ralph does not usually remember his dreams so they discuss various aides to dream recall.
LEARN MORE
We like the song These Dreams by Heart – a lot of good visual images: https://youtu.be/41P8UxneDJE?feature=shared
For a more informed treatment of dreams, check out this:
https://youtu.be/2W85Dwxx218?feature=shared
In our last podcast, we discussed insomnia. Most of us realize it when we have had a restless, sleepless night. But what about waking up and feeling that you didn’t sleep at all? Or maybe you have been told that you snore like a chainsaw. If either sounds familiar, this episode is for you.
; unrecognized and untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, and even stroke. If you think you might have it, please treat it seriously.
LEARN MORE
Causes, signs and symptoms: https://youtu.be/IMON9zmViu4?feature=shared
Seven Signs: https://youtu.be/csm_nCum2So?feature=shared
Get our free book on Sleep Disorders by emailing Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.rdu
As a follow up to last week's podcast on revenge procrastination, today we deal with involuntary sleep deprivation - insomnia.
At any one time about 12% of American adults suffer from chronic insomnia. Do the math - it is a huge number.
Jim and Ralph look at sleep and the causes of this elusive disorder.
LEARN MORE
E-mail Jim for our book on Sleep Disorders:
carro1jl@cmich.edu
Jim and Ralph are in new studios. Please join us as we talk about sleep. Mainly voluntary sleep deprivation - it is a dangerous concept .
LEARN MORE
If you want our e-book on sleep just send a request to Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.edu
Jim and Ralph look at some numbers that medical doctors (and psychologists) use to classify disorders and interpret data. It is not exactly lying with statistics but, in the words of the Chester Cat, “Things are not quite as they seem”
LEARN MORE
You Tube video on WEIRD numbers: https://youtu.be/vRqCs2SUdxY?feature=shared
Jim and Ralph continue talking with Master Chef, Cindy Walz about food and how we consume it.
Get a free copy of the Mediterranean and Mind Diet by contacting Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.edu
LEARN MORE
Here is a link to Cindy’s web site: http://Yinyang.com
Stanford has a 30 minute You Tube video devoted to the psychology of eating: https://youtu.be/8lkhpkcfMjI?feature=shared
Read more about Cindy and her husband, Bill: https://www.secondwavemedia.com/epicenter/features/international-nights-yin-yang-chefs-stir-craft-cocktails-modern-kitchen.aspx.
Jim and Ralph talk with Master Chef, Cindy Walz about food and how we consume it.
Get a free copy of the Mediterranean and MindDiet by contacting Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.edu
LEARN MORE
Alice Cooper talks about what is bad about school lunches – everything apparently:
https://www.ted.com/talks/ann_cooper_what_s_wrong_with_school_lunches?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
This is the book that Cindy recommended: You Are What You Eat by Alice Waters: https://a.co/d/gWfJcXF
Read more about Cindy and her husband, Bill: https://www.secondwavemedia.com/epicenter/features/international-nights-yin-yang-chefs-stir-craft-cocktails-modern-kitchen.aspx.
Ralph and Jim discuss a growing trend. A significant number of biological adults want to remain kids. They dress like teens, play with tiny action figures, play video games, and pursue various anti-aging regimes. Is this a sign of pathology?
The infant, the schoolboy, the lover, the soldier, the justice, the pantaloon, and old age
Shakespeare's 'Seven Ages of Man' captures some universal human experiences, albeit not all facets of today's complex societal norms. It may not fully reflect the diversity and fluidity of life paths in the contemporary world.
The seeming arrested development of kidultism could, in fact, be helpful and healthy.
Kidulting is trending because we need childhood activities. Activities that are a counterweight to the demands that are becoming increasingly overwhelming.
People are demonstrating that they need to connect with fun activities to remember who they most genuinely are and to recall that life holds as many bags of sugar as lemons.
It's about fully living, not earning one.
All of us once were kids once. We felt more alive because there weren't a whole lot of restrictions on living. Reconnecting to who you were can save you from getting too lost in everything others demand of you right now.
Sure. Make your bed. Get your work done. But take time to free the kid within, too.
Check out our courses at: https://www.ronanpsych.com/CE-Academy
Today Ralph and Jim take on a potentially hot and divisive topic, “Do women manifest greater emotional intelligence than men” or is the reverse true? The factors of EI include: self awareness, self regulation, motivation ,empathy and social skills. The answer appears to be both “yes” and “no”, with age being an influential factor. LEARN MOREHere is a link to the original book on EI: https://www.google.com/search?q=emotional+intelligence+goleman+pdf&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1120US1120&oq=Emotional+intelligence+Golma&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgCEAAYChiABDIGCAAQRRg5MgkIARAuGAoYgAQyCQgCEAAYChiABDIJCAMQABgKGIAEMgkIBBAAGAoYgAQyCQgFEAAYChiABDIJCAYQABgKGIAEMgkIBxAAGAoYgAQyCQgIEAAYChiABNIBCTI5NjI5ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Here is an article that speaks to the topic: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257236324_Gender_differences_in_emotional_intelligence_The_mediating_effect_of_ageRemember, you can still get a copy of Protecting Your Family by contacting Jim at carro1jl@cmich.edu.Meanwhile check out our courses at: https://www.ronanpsych.com/CE-Academy
Ralph and Jim look at decision making style: Rational, Intuitive, Avoidant, Dependent and Spontaneous – to see how they are affected by the Big Five factors and traits measured by the MMPI.
LEARN MORE
Short YouTube video: https://youtu.be/n0zV2ytrd7w?feature=shared
What Dave Ramsey has to say about making decisions: https://youtu.be/UUquj5onSVM?feature=shared
FOMO and making quick decisions: https://youtu.be/cTIUiN6inIQ?feature=shared a TED presentation
We acknowledge that there is an unknown but large contributing genetic factor in individual personality development.
If you want your copy of Protecting Your Family, just email Jim (carro1jl@cmich.edu)
The second part of personality podcast looked at a number of ideas of personality development. One of the ideas was that there are a large number if theories that have basic validity, but no solid proof. The Big Five and the more recent HEXACO theory have perhaps the strongest statistical validity, but not a dead certainty of personality shaping.
LEARN MORE
Here is the brief summary of theories that Ralph mentioned: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338543409_Personality_Theories_A_Brief_Overview/link/5e6b8b29458515e55576bc52/download?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIn19
Andrea Assaf continues to unpack her educational philosophy and wisdom. Jim is awed, and Ralph is speechless!!!
Journalist and mother, Andrea Assaf, describe her approach to home education using a method she call the Four Season School. We discuss her motivation behind her creativity as well educations ’role (or lack of) in developing character in young learners. She shares a phrase SAVERS (you will hear what each letter stands for in the podcast) – which promotes mindfulness and self –assessment.
LEARN MORE
Andrea’s website for Four Season School is: fourseasonschole .If you have not gotten your free copy of Protecting Your Family’s Health, send Jim an e-mail at: carro1jl@cmich.edu
Ralph explains the reason for his absence. He describes his accident and assures us that he is on the road to recovery.
Jim and Ralph discuss theories of personality and the nature-nurture debate surfaces.
Say, if you have not checked out our course yet, click here: https://www.ronanpsych.com/CE-Academy
Ralph has not been available for new podcasts for the past few weeks, so, we are posting some oldies from the archives.
We hope to be back with new material soon.
In the meantime be sure to request your free copy of “Protecting Your Family”. Just email Jim at carro1jl@cmich.edu
To see the available courses go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/CE-Academy
Jim and Ralph conclude their discuss of what constitutes good mental health. Even though they have concluded that no one is” normal”; they posit that a person can have good mental health – even them.
If you want a free copy of Protecting your Family , send an email request to Jim at carro1jl@cmich.edu
Jim and Ralph are taking a week or so off. Here is an archive podcast on humor.
Humor offers a range of benefits, including enhancing mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It promotes social bonding, helping people connect and build stronger relationships through shared laughter. Humor also boosts cognitive function, improving creativity and problem-solving skills by encouraging flexible thinking. Additionally, it can increase physical well-being by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, leading to improved mood and a stronger immune system. Overall, humor is a powerful tool for enhancing both emotional and physical health.
In this podcast Jim and Ralph look at about 10 ways to enhance one’s mental health.
They also introduce a free offer for their book Protecting Your Family’s health.
Just ask for it at: carro1jl@cmich.edu.
Also check out the offer for the course of the same name.
Protecting Your Family’s Heath
Five things to Learn from Protecting Your Family’s Health
- How to avoid the major killers: bloody war is not among them, but dread diseases is.
- How to keep your children’s mental health strong: don’t let TV be your baby sitter.
- How to live a longer and better life: stay in school and stay curious.
- How to keep your cool: don’t initiate, don’t escalate.
- How much exercise is enough? More than you hope, but less than you fear.
There is lots more info on these topics and others on the Protecting your Family course.
Available at : : https://www.ronanpsych.com/CE-Academy
We leave you with the thoughts of our favorite philosopher:
Jimmy Buffett has shared thoughts that reflect on well-being and mental health; this is a relevant quote:
"Breathe in, breathe out, move on."
— Jimmy Buffett
It captures a simple yet powerful approach to maintaining mental health by encouraging resilience and the ability to move forward, no matter the circumstances.
Jim and Ralph talk about the effects of meditation and give some concrete examples that will let you experience calming. relaxing and healing.
Protecting Your Family’s Heath
This course involves everything from avoiding premature death, guarding your family’s mental health, living longer and better lives, to avoiding road rage incidents, and what to say if you do get stopped.
Five things to know from Protecting Your Family’s Health
- How to avoid the major killers: bloody war is not among them, but dread diseases is.
- How to keep your children’s mental health strong: don’t let TV be your baby sitter.
- How to live a longer and better life: stay in school and stay curious.
- How to keep your cool: don’t initiate, don’t escalate.
- How much exercise is enough? More than you hope, but less than you fear.
There is lots more info on these topics and others on the Protecting your Family course.
Available at : : https://www.ronanpsych.com/CE-Academy
Hello fellow You Tubers and Podbeans!
Jim and I are presuming that you are here at Psychology Takeaway because you have an above average interest in the human mind and how it works, fails to work, or deviates from the average – the “norm”, whatever that might mean.
No doubt there are some of you who are involved in psychology at a professional or semi-professional level. For the rest of you who whose interest is just that: an interest, we would like to invite you to take advantage of our $20.00 off offer and take our Implicit Bias or Human Trafficking course (or both) for only $25.00 each. SIGN UP HERE: https://www.ronanpsych.com/CE-Academy
Other courses we offer are more tailored to the professional who needs CE credits, but these two are particularly suited to the person who wants to know more about psychology in the contemporary world.
Coming Soon Protecting Your Family’s Heath
This course involves everything from avoiding premature death, guarding your family’s mental health, living longer and better lives, to avoiding road rage incidents, and what to say if you do get stopped.
Five things to know from Protecting Your Family’s Health
- How to avoid the major killers: bloody war is not among them, but dread diseases is.
- How to keep your children’s mental health strong: don’t let TV be your baby sitter.
- How to live a longer and better life: stay in school and stay curious.
- How to keep your cool: don’t initiate, don’t escalate.
- How much exercise is enough? More than you hope, but less than you fear.
There is lots more info on these topics and others on the Protecting your Family course.
Learn More
This is the address of the CBS show we talked about:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/canada-niagara-falls-child-sexual-abuse-trafficking-arrests/
Jim and Ralph talk with Dylan Banagis, founder of Life Unplugged about his business model which features connectedness, adventure and charity. His goal is to help people “unplug” from their devices long enough to be present, in the present moment, and to be connected with those around.
LEARN MORE
How Social Media is destroying our society a disturbing video that connects with today’s discussion: https://youtu.be/yJ9oEi3Yyg0?feature=shared
Here is more information about Life Unplugged- web site
https://www.lifeunplugged.com/
Email - Dylan@ lifeunplugged.com
Phone 616 644- 2994
You can also learn more about our courses at: . https://www.ronanpsych.com/CE-Academy
Ralph and Jim are joined by a fellow Canadian, Amanda Achtman, for a discussion on life, death and the need for meaning in ones live. The discussion fits into Maslow’s hierarchy with ego-integrity vs. despair in late adulthood.
LEARN MORE
For much more from Amanda, go to amanda.achtman@gmail.com
Here is the essay, by George Orwell, mentioned in the podcast:
https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and-other-works/politics-and-the-english-language/
If you have not yet listened to the Terry Fox podcast, The power of One, here is the YouTube link:
TERRY FOX The power of one (youtube.com). Just click on the Browse button.
Heck out all of our online courses at: Courses (getlearnworlds.com)
Something new; check below for new meditation videos and news about our on line courses.
Today the boys clear up the confusion over the use of the terms in the last podcast. Then, instead of talking about unconscious bias as planned they tackled the rumor that the president could be removed from office by invoking the 35th amendment to the U>S> constitution. As they unpacked that, it became clear that would be a political decision, not one backed by physical health or mental health data.
LEARN MORE
What is the 25th amendment?
https://youtu.be/QH2xPkHmu2w?feature=shared
Check out our 10 minute meditation courses on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/bVj9F0rQ-4s?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/vcYjbInVTvM?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/MGRY5jlp6As?feature=shared
10-minute meditations can significantly benefit the brain and nervous system by reducing stress, enhancing focus, and promoting emotional stability. These brief sessions can lower cortisol levels, improve neural connections, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to better mental clarity, relaxation, and overall well-being.
On line courses we offer:
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a grave issue that represents
modern-day slavery. This comprehensive course aligns with the LARA (Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs) guidelines.
Value for Health Care Professionals : This course equips healthcare providers with the
crucial knowledge to identify and assist victims of human trafficking.
Human Trafficking
Implicit Bias Training
This two-hour t This telecourse training addresses the critical issue of implicit bias within
the healthcare setting.
Value for Health Care Professionals: This course is essential for healthcare providers
seeking to improve their understanding of implicit bias and its impact on patient care.
Implicit Bias Course.
Professional Issues - Social Media
This course explores social media's challenges and potential adverse effects on clients
and healthcare practices.
Value for Health Care Professionals: Given social media's pervasive nature, this
course provides crucial insights into managing professional boundaries and protecting
both the practice and the clients from potential harm.
Professional Issues-Social Media Course
Professional Issues - Record Keeping
Focuses on the legal and ethical obligations of record keeping.
Value for Health Care Professionals: This course ensures that professionals
maintain high documentation standards, protecting patient information and ensuring
compliance with legal requirements.
Professional Issues-Record Keeping Course
We have a new course Understanding ACEs. Click on any of the blue links then click on Courses in the upper right corner.
Here’s an interesting thing about psychology – for the most part everyone regardless of their educational level feels like an expert, This is not true of astrophysics, biochemical engineering or quantum mechanics!!!
However, there are concepts in the field that are difficult to understand and are mixed up. We looked at some of these in our last podcast – we continue to do so in this podcast.
LEARN MORE
Terms you might be misusing:
https://time.com/6262891/psychology-terms-misused-gaslighting-toxic-narcissist/
On line courses we offer:
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a grave issue that represents
modern-day slavery. This comprehensive course aligns with the LARA (Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs) guidelines.
Value for Health Care Professionals : This course equips healthcare providers with the
crucial knowledge to identify and assist victims of human trafficking.
Human Trafficking
Implicit Bias Training
This two-hour t This telecourse training addresses the critical issue of implicit bias within
the healthcare setting.
Value for Health Care Professionals: This course is essential for healthcare providers
seeking to improve their understanding of implicit bias and its impact on patient care.
Implicit Bias Course.
Professional Issues - Social Media
This course explores social media's challenges and potential adverse effects on clients
and healthcare practices.
Value for Health Care Professionals: Given social media's pervasive nature, this
course provides crucial insights into managing professional boundaries and protecting
both the practice and the clients from potential harm.
Professional Issues-Social Media Course
Professional Issues - Record Keeping
Focuses on the legal and ethical obligations of record keeping.
Value for Health Care Professionals: This course ensures that professionals
maintain high documentation standards, protecting patient information and ensuring
compliance with legal requirements.
Professional Issues-Record Keeping Course
We have a new course Understanding ACEs. Click on any of the blue links then click on Courses in the upper right corner.
Why Choose Ronan CE Academy?
Ronan CE Academy is committed to delivering top-tier educational experiences that are
practical and relevant to current health care practices. Our courses are designed by
experts in the field and are structured to provide maximum benefit in a time-efficient
manner. By choosing Ronan CE Academy, health care professionals invest in their
careers and in the quality of care they provide, ensuring they remain at the forefront of
their profession. More courses are in development and will be published soon.
Sometimes it looks like everyone on social media is a psychologist.
Here is what CHAT AI wrote about this:
“The misuse of psychology on social media is a growing concern in today's digital age. Psychology, with its understanding of human behavior and cognition, is often employed on social media platforms not just to enhance user experience but also to manipulate behavior for various purposes, often without the user's explicit awareness or consent.
One significant misuse is the exploitation of psychological vulnerabilities to increase user engagement. Social media algorithms are designed to keep users hooked by leveraging principles such as intermittent reinforcement (rewarding users unpredictably), social validation (likes and shares), and fear of missing out (FOMO). These tactics can lead to addictive behavior and excessive use, affecting mental health negatively.
Moreover, psychological profiling and targeted advertising techniques are used extensively to influence user decisions and opinions. By analyzing user data and behavior, advertisers can create personalized messages that exploit individual preferences, biases, and emotional triggers. This can lead to echo chambers, where users are exposed only to information that confirms their existing beliefs, polarizing society further.
Psychological manipulation on social media can also extend to misinformation campaigns and fake news dissemination. By understanding how cognitive biases like confirmation bias and availability heuristic work, malicious actors can spread false information effectively, exploiting people's tendency to trust information that aligns with their beliefs or is readily available.
In conclusion, while psychology can be used positively to enhance user experience and facilitate meaningful interactions on social media, its misuse poses significant ethical and societal challenges. Addressing these issues requires a balanced approach involving ethical guidelines, transparency in data use, and empowering users with critical thinking skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.”
Jim and Ralph will be further exploring these notions in the weeks ahead.
Course Offerings
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a grave issue that represents
modern-day slavery. This comprehensive course aligns with the LARA (Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs) guidelines.
Value for Health Care Professionals : This course equips healthcare providers with the
crucial knowledge to identify and assist victims of human trafficking.
Human Trafficking
Implicit Bias Training
This two-hour t This telecourse training addresses the critical issue of implicit bias within
the healthcare setting.
Value for Health Care Professionals: This course is essential for healthcare providers
seeking to improve their understanding of implicit bias and its impact on patient care.
Implicit Bias Course.
Professional Issues - Social Media
This course explores social media's challenges and potential adverse effects on clients
and healthcare practices.
Value for Health Care Professionals: Given social media's pervasive nature, this
course provides crucial insights into managing professional boundaries and protecting
both the practice and the clients from potential harm.
Professional Issues-Social Media Course
Professional Issues - Record Keeping
Focuses on the legal and ethical obligations of record keeping.
Value for Health Care Professionals: This course ensures that professionals
maintain high documentation standards, protecting patient information and ensuring
compliance with legal requirements.
Professional Issues-Record Keeping Course
We have a new course Understanding ACEs. Click on any of the blue links then click on Courses in the upper right corner.
Why Choose Ronan CE Academy?
Ronan CE Academy is committed to delivering top-tier educational experiences that are
practical and relevant to current health care practices. Our courses are designed by
experts in the field and are structured to provide maximum benefit in a time-efficient
manner. By choosing Ronan CE Academy, health care professionals invest in their
careers and in the quality of care they provide, ensuring they remain at the forefront of
their profession. More courses are in development and will be published soon.
Ralph and Jim are joined by Dr. Jerry Fuller, professor emeritus and former president of Clinical Psychology publishing Co. They discuss the early days of a university Psychology Department. How it came to flourish, maintain and moves into twilight as funding is cut back for mental health training and gets prioritized for STEM.
They agree that there is a mental health crisis and see that part of the solution is in telemedicine and therapy.
LEARN MORE
Here is a short video on some thoughts:: https://youtu.be/HgIJ69LNloU?feature=shared
Ralph and Jim discuss a recent episode from the NPR series The Pulse. It seems as if more and more people: children, teens and adults are bored with their daily life and are becoming addicted to the dopamine rush they get as they seek external stimulation on their devices.. Ralph compares this to heroin use and what he called “the search for the dragon”.
LEARN MORE
Here is a link to The Pulse episode: https://www.npr.org/2024/04/05/1200586694/the-pulse-04-05-2024
Is Social Media destroying SOCIETY: https://youtu.be/yJ9oEi3Yyg0?feature=shared
What is your experience with boredom? Please respond in our Facebook group.
The focus is on cognition, emotion and behavior in young adulthood - stuff they did not teach us in school. Special guest instructor is Mason Ludlow - THE COACH!!!
The coach helps college students get on to a solid financial footing early in their professional careers.
As you will hear, most of us never got the hard edged advice that the coach hands out to the students he works with.
Jim and Ralph are creating a continuing education course for psychologists, social workers and other health professional. We thought you might like to get our insights in case you are ever offered online healthcare. There are some real advantages, but there are also risks. In this series we will explore both sides.
Sheila is still offering an opportunity to get her Raise Bed Gardening book.
Dear Psychology Takeaway Listeners,
Discover the mental health benefits of organic gardening with my new book, Organic Raised Bed Gardening. This book promotes sustainable and chemical-free gardening and aligns with the values of living a mindful and balanced life. I'm offering a free PDF copy in exchange for an honest review on Amazon. You don’t need to be an expert, just passionate about the topic. If interested, I’ll send you the book and a summary for quick reading. Your support in helping me reach 50 reviews this month would mean a lot!
Reply by emailing the subject line "Free Book." I will send you the PDF and summary immediately. In a few days, I will send you the review link so you can write your review.
EMAIL ME AT: carrollsheila@gmail.com
Thank you,
Sheila Carroll
Ralph and Jim are joined by Jim’s wife Sheila, and the three of them discuss the psychological and health benefits of gardening, particularly raised bed gardening.
Sheila offered to share her new book with our listeners. More details are found in Learn More (below).
LEARN MORE
To learn more about flow click on this link:
https://youtu.be/fXIeFJCqsPs?feature=shared
Here is Sheila’s offer:
Dear Psychology Takeaway Listeners,
Discover the mental health benefits of organic gardening with my new book, Organic Raised Bed Gardening. This book promotes sustainable and chemical-free gardening and aligns with the values of living a mindful and balanced life. I'm offering a free PDF copy in exchange for an honest review on Amazon. You don’t need to be an expert, just passionate about the topic. If interested, I’ll send you the book and a summary for quick reading. Your support in helping me reach 50 reviews this month would mean a lot!
Reply by emailing the subject line "Free Book." I will send you the PDF and summary immediately. In a few days, I will send you the review link so you can write your review.
EMAIL ME AT: carrollsheila@gmail.com
Thank you,
Sheila Carroll
Link to the Man Who Planted Trees:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Planted_Trees
Course Offerings
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a grave issue that represents
modern-day slavery. This comprehensive course aligns with the LARA (Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs) guidelines.
Value for Health Care Professionals : This course equips healthcare providers with the
crucial knowledge to identify and assist victims of human trafficking.
Human Trafficking
Implicit Bias Training
This two-hour t This telecourse training addresses the critical issue of implicit bias within
the healthcare setting.
Value for Health Care Professionals: This course is essential for healthcare providers
seeking to improve their understanding of implicit bias and its impact on patient care.
Implicit Bias Course.
Professional Issues - Social Media
This course explores social media's challenges and potential adverse effects on clients
and healthcare practices.
Value for Health Care Professionals: Given social media's pervasive nature, this
course provides crucial insights into managing professional boundaries and protecting
both the practice and the clients from potential harm.
Professional Issues-Social Media Course
Professional Issues - Record Keeping
Focuses on the legal and ethical obligations of record keeping.
Value for Health Care Professionals: This course ensures that professionals
maintain high documentation standards, protecting patient information and ensuring
compliance with legal requirements.
Professional Issues-Record Keeping Course
Why Choose Ronan CE Academy?
Ronan CE Academy is committed to delivering top-tier educational experiences that are
practical and relevant to current health care practices. Our courses are designed by
experts in the field and are structured to provide maximum benefit in a time-efficient
manner. By choosing Ronan CE Academy, health care professionals invest in their
careers and in the quality of care they provide, ensuring they remain at the forefront of
their profession. More courses are in development and will be published soon.
Jim and Ralph do a short update on last week’s Aggressive Driving podcast – unfortunately it is not too pleasant.
On a more upbeat note they discuss the longevity benefits of pursuing higher education.
LEARN MORE
For a copy of Protecting Your Families’ Health contact either Jim: carro1jl@cmich.edu
Or Ralph: ralph_baber@yahoo.ca
Continuing Education - Jim and Ralph are proud to present a two-hour telecourse on Implicit Bias that fulfils the Michigan mandated.
For more information, click here: https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com/course/implicit-bias-for-health-professionals
Three more courses are also available- Social Media, Human Trafficking and Record Keeping. Just click on the Courses button at the top right of the Implicit Bias page.
Today Jim and Ralph discussed a phenomenon that they believe is on the upswing – aggressive driving. Ralph and Jim share recent experiences. The consequences of this ugly behavior can be horrendous, as you will hear.
LEARN MORE
Here is what AAA has to say about aggressive driving and road rage: https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/aggressive-driving/
Continuing Education for Health Providers
Implicit Bias Training
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
Psychological Truths on T-Shirts
This is a previously unpublished episode that has been in the vault, just waiting for a day like this. Ralph and Jim look at pre-Christmas catalogs. And focus on the sayings- witty, profound or something else that people wear on their chest tp make a point.
LEARN MORE
Here is a link to one of the catalogs they were talking about: https://www.favorites.com/Default.aspx?srccode=NXCFC6&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw3NyxBhBmEiwAyofDYYH1lN5t8lfb0q8sHkjPPyOtLpqkNtZ7LUdcsfnNikZodbB1D2aCghoC3_AQAvD_BwE
Continuing Education for Health Providers
Implicit Bias Training
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
Ralph admits to a degree of social anxiety. He and Jim discuss the impact of this problem on one’s social functioning
LEARN MORE
An estimated 7.1% of U.S. adults had social anxiety disorder in the past year. That is close to 30 million !!! Past year prevalence of social anxiety disorder among adults was higher for females (8.0%) than for males (6.1%). Here are some helpful videos
Social anxiety You Tube video:
https://youtu.be/QLjPrNe63kk?feature=shared
How to fix social anxiety:
https://youtu.be/QJuSm4R8N4E?feature=shared
ontinuing Education for Health Providers
Implicit Bias Training
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
Psychology 2050
It’s hard to predict the future of anything, much less something as large and unwieldy but Jim and Ralph give it a try. They spot 7 or 8 trends that seem set to define new directions for psychology in the next 26 years.
LEARN MORE
Here is a You Tube video that looks at some aspects of the future of psychology:
https://youtu.be/fzFn0gZEPEc?feature=shared
Continuing Education for Health Providers
Implicit Bias Training
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
This week Ralph and Jim have two guests – Mia Dante and Kristin Cooper - neuropsychology students from Central Michigan University. They help us to understand the function of these cells that for 100 years have just been thought of as “glue’ to hold neurons in place.
LEARN MORE
From Science Friday:
https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/glial-cells-important-as-neurons/
Pictures of Glia cells:
https://www.shutterstock.com/search/glia
Continuing Education for Health Providers
Implicit Bias Training
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
We hope you enjoyed the audio and we invite you to take this and other courses that we offer
Ralph and Jim are expanding into YouTube
Learn More:
Here is our first video:
https://editor.flixier.com/home/exports/89c1c2e7-52e3-4df6-9dd8-9df9f4b37fa9
Continuing Education for Health Providers
Implicit Bias Training
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
We hope you enjoyed the audio and we invite you to take this and other courses that we offer
Ralph takes a ‘generosity’ test. He scores in a similar manner to most people who have taken the test. The results suggest that he is generous, but not at his own expense. Note too, the self-serving aspects of some scenarios.
Jim and Ralph discuss various factors related to generosity.
LEARN MORE
This podcast was based on “Infectious Generosity” by TED leader Chris Anderson. On pages 200 – 203 he presents a Long-view Philanthropy plan for curing many of the world’s greatest challenges over the next ten years. The book is a good read and it is available on Amazon.
Continuing Education for Health Providers
Human trafficking, or trafficking in persons, is modern-day slavery It is a crime that involves the unwilling exploitation of people for labor or sex.
Ralph and Jim have created a continuing education course which addresses the four guidelines for professional listening health and mental health care providers, namely:
- Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States.
- Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.
- Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for adults and minors.
- Resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.
The course features
Five E books 5 PDF's
Seven Videos
Five audio discussions
Hundreds of pages of written material
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
We hope you enjoyed the audio and we invite you to take this and other courses that we offer!!!
Jim and Ralph are joined by memory expert Hajami Otani to look at this strange and fascinating aspect of human memory.
LEAR MORY
How does memory work?
https://youtu.be/4tfh7vs0MIc?feature=shared
Continuing Education for Health Providers
Human trafficking, or trafficking in persons, is modern-day slavery It is a crime that involves the unwilling exploitation of people for labor or sex.
Ralph and Jim have created a continuing education course which addresses the four guidelines for professional listening health and mental health care providers, namely:
- Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States.
- Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.
- Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for adults and minors.
- Resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.
The course features
Five E books 5 PDF's
Seven Videos
Five audio discussions
Hundreds of pages of written material
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
We hope you enjoyed the audio and we invite you to take this and other courses that we offer!!!
n this podcast Ralph makes the case for the importance of happiness. But what is happiness. Martin Seligman would say that it is enjoyment, involvement or flow and meaning. As you listen, think about the things in your world, whether that is your job, family or social network that creates happiness for you.
LEARN MORE
This article in Psychology Today investigates the various dimensions of happiness: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness
In this Ted Talk Canadian, Tia Graham, tells how she and her family healed from the trauma of divorce and she shares “the simple secret of being happier: https://youtu.be/gYeHV_nA36c?feature=shared
Continuing Education for Health ProvidersHuman trafficking, or trafficking in persons, is modern-day slavery It is a crime that involves the unwilling exploitation of people for labor or sex.
Ralph and Jim have created a continuing education course which addresses the four guidelines for professional listening health and mental health care providers, namely:
- Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States.
- Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.
- Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for adults and minors.
- Resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.
The course features
Five E books 5 PDF's
Seven Videos
Five audio discussions
Hundreds of pages of written material
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
We hope you enjoyed the audio and we invite you to take this and other courses that we offer!!!
One of the most difficult categories of emotional disturbance to successfully treat. It ranks right up there with major depression and PTSD. Recent research findings disused by Jim and Ralph give hope for sufferers’.
LEARN MORE
Cameron’s Ted Talk stresses ”being yourself”; https://youtu.be/KM4Xe6Dlp0Y?si=ZJTh0C4GfFsSi-pl
For more on The Hero’s Journey, watch: https://youtu.be/d1Zxt28ff-E?si=dcqBG_qcc7BRq4Xr
You Tube Ted Talks Eating Disorders with Dr. Hill: https://youtu.be/UEysOExcwrE?si=7m0RhTBvEQeobe1T
Continuing Education for Health Providers
Human trafficking, or trafficking in persons, is modern-day slavery It is a crime that involves the unwilling exploitation of people for labor or sex.
Ralph and Jim have created a continuing education course which addresses the four guidelines for professional listening health and mental health care providers, namely:
- Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States.
- Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.
- Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for adults and minors.
- Resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.
The course features
Five E books 5 PDF's
Seven Videos
Five audio discussions
Hundreds of pages of written material
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
We hope you enjoyed the audio and we invite you to take this and other courses that we offer!!!
New treatments for anxiety, depression and PTSD – first in a series
Jim and Ralph look at the ground swell of data emerging on the benefits of psychedelics for mental health treatment. In the sixties we were told that drugs like LSD or “magic mushrooms” would lead to nightmarish hallucination with recurring flash backs. The War on Drugs certainly put research on hold. But 50 years later psychedelics are getting looked at anew.
LEARN MORE
Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelic doses
https://youtu.be/abr6CqbNdM4?si=0dd0hhFtoJbPZj6e
How Psychedelics Change the Brain
https://youtu.be/pKR-jvGlkNg?si=In4O8-SQ3I2TFN-Q
Why Dr. Andrew Huberman Changed His Mind About Psychedelics | The Tim Ferriss Showhttps://youtu.be/KkIXevEsupQ?si=oOcNJcDLI_IRxyL-
Announcing
Continuing Education opportunities for health care professional: Record Keeping
Topics include:
Legal and Ethical Obligations in Record Keeping
Documentation Standards
Avoiding Bias in Record Keeping
Responding to Subpoenas and Legal Requests
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
Well, now that winter seems to past over the middle part of our state people are emerging from hibernation.
Children who have been glued to their electronic devices for the last 6 months running, jumping and kicking balls.
Ralph is on assignment this week, but SPECIAL GUEST, Sheila Carroll, discusses the behavioral, emotional and cognitive effects of getting out the house and interacting with each other in the great out-of-doors.
LEARN MORE
Why children need to play in nature: https://youtu.be/Os0fJhHHHiA?feature=shared
Watch this Ted talk if you are interested in the well-being of young children: https://youtu.be/Dhas9OEc1Lk?feature=shared
Quotes from Last Child in the Woods: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3210060-last-child-in-the-woods-saving-our-children-from-nature-deficit-disorde
Today Ralph and Jim again talk with I/O psychologist Cassie Stockner about workplace issues. They look at the work of Hackman and Oldham's (1974) whose job characteristics model suggested that five core job dimensions affect certain personal and work related outcomes, including job satisfaction. The five core job dimensions identified are autonomy, feedback, skill variety, task identity, and task significance.
We look at the Volvo model of job design; 85% of employees would recommend working at Volvo Group to a friend and 77% have a positive outlook for the business. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months. That did not sound like Johnny Paycheck to us.
Seligman’s work with the three types of happiness was reviewed.
We are sorry for the couple of technical glitches in the last podcast. Jim and Ralph got their broadcasting start on live radio in Canada and they have no editing skills!!!
LEARN MORE
This is what Martin Seligman said about psychology in general and happiness in particular in his Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/9FBxfd7DL3E?feature=shared
How to think clearly the thoughts of Marcus Aralias https://youtu.be/HekZLSZ2mpU?si=LdbZTcYUEAWD1EIY
Don’t be lazy: https://youtu.be/bsH6BaXkwn8?si=ZMaV7VPRrh8V8LTf
Announcing
Continuing Education opportunities for health care professional: Record Keeping
Topics include:
Legal and Ethical Obligations in Record Keeping
Documentation Standards
Avoiding Bias in Record Keeping
Responding to Subpoenas and Legal Requests
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
:
Ralph and Jim are joined by psychologist Cassie Stockner as they explore dimensions of job conflict. But is conflict all bad? Walter Lipman said “Where all think alike, no one thinks very much." So it might have a positive side!!!
When it comes to team work, it has been said, "The better able team members are to engage, speak, listen, hear, interpret, and respond constructively, the more likely their teams are to leverage conflict rather than be leveled by it." Runde and Flanagan
Learn More
Two songs were mentioned in the podcast, Take This Job and Shove it, by Johnny Paycheck: https://youtu.be/gj2iGAifSNI?si=uOqXrd23YlQQUXkR
and It’s five o’clock Somewhere, by Allen Jackson: https://youtu.be/BPCjC543llU?si=3yHXNTxebizqCXZc Enjoy!!!
Short video on Employee conflict resolution: https://youtu.be/LR_DLCYqGnA?si=3Q9M9O_abY7VUlFQ
Announcing
Continuing Education opportunities for health care professional: Record Keeping
Topics include:
Legal and Ethical Obligations in Record Keeping
Documentation Standards
Avoiding Bias in Record Keeping
Responding to Subpoenas and Legal Requests
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
We hope you enjoyed the audio and we invite you to take this and other courses that we offer!!
LEARN MORE
Human trafficking, or trafficking in persons, is modern-day slavery It is a crime that involves the unwilling exploitation of people for labor or sex.
Ralph and Jim have created a continuing education course which addresses the four guidelines for professional listening health and mental health care providers, namely:
- Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States.
- Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.
- Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for adults and minors.
- Resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.
The course features
Five E books 5 PDF's
Seven Videos
Five audio discussions
Hundreds of pages of written material
For more information and registration go to: https://www.ronanpsych.com/
- And click on Continuing Education: Clinicians. That takes you to the page where you will see: Continuing Education and Outreach Services by Jim Carroll, EDD and Ralph Baber, MA. Call 989-779-8999 for classes or visit https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com
This will get you to the page where you can see the available courses and sign –up.
We hope you enjoyed the audio and we invite you to take this and other courses that we offer!!!
Ralph and Jim have a guest, Ms. Anita Pia, and we talk about the beneficial effects of chanting/meditation. It seems to promote aspects of both physical health and emotional well-being. It is fun to do and can be done wherever you are as long as you are not ticking off those around you.
LEARN MORE
If you are interested in finding your own Mantra, here is the List that Anita referred to: https://www.bmcm.org/learn/recommended-mantrams/
Here is a You Tube video that you can use to saturate yourself in OM even if you can’t do it yourself – like when you are studying in a Library or falling asleep: https://youtu.be/5BLZNhGVbEk?si=Z2QUpfFWuRv-8WtD
This link explains why orchestras use 440 Hz for tuning:
Why Do Orchestras Tune to an A Note? | Mental Floss
We mentioned the 60’s in the podcast. Here is a fun quiz to test how much you know about that decade. It’s a blast from the past! Apparently most people only get 17 answers right. I wonder how many people who were there get right: https://grizly.com/quizzes/1960s-pop-culture-and-history?utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=qgcc_google_1960sv2_discovery_sv20_10_04_23&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy_iH86GwhAMVgiKHAx0MCA1oEAEYASAAEgJP3PD_BwE
On the day before Valentine’s day Jim and Ralph look at love with the help of a Saint, a poet and the greatest storyteller of all time.
LEARN MORE
We have several You Tube videos for your consideration,. The first two look at the science behind love:
https://youtu.be/eDMwpVUhxAo?si=XGdHIQaIMPS42tRB
This one is about 3 minutes long. The next one is 28 minutes and explains the research of Dr. Helen Fisher: https://youtu.be/9kaZ79MQWrM?si=jA9p-RHL05Goq5JO
The last video is only about 12 minutes long and it is done by a psychiatrist who noticed that successful relationships may have developed even when there were lots of red flags (warnings):
https://youtu.be/BHf0L8dZJbE?si=wFSZRZDGTe6V5A3s
Answer – they have beneficial health and psychological effects. Sleep is important for children and teen , but what about folks in middle age – yep, it is very important to get an optimal amount. As for music, it has a universal ability to arouse or calm – at least that what the research says.
Writing? Jim and Ralph discuss the surprising relationship between keyboarding, handwriting and creativity
Learn More
Ralph and Jim were happily surprised to find that their podcast is rated 64th in the top 100 psychology podcasts: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/psychology_podcasts/
We are now available on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0m6BhwVKCVmiGzPaWBV2ZL
Music for calming that Jim mentioned in the podcast: https://youtu.be/njHvGxZgTPk?si=pGZD_7TmwA1InjJd
Video on hand writing The Power of the Pen: https://youtu.be/FqjDYMtxEYU?si=cS7tqQ8ZnCZ1qEbP
Can Implicit bias be altered or changed?
The short answer is, may be. It depends on awareness, motivation, developing specific strategies and above all, effort
For more information, click here: https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com/course/implicit-bias-for-health-professionals
In this encore presentation Jim and Ralph look at the problem-solving approach called “Brainstorming” and it is not exactly what you might think it is.
In our next Podcast we will be looking at sleep at midlife and the universality of music on physical and emotional wellbeing.
Learn More
We want to direct your attention to the work that we have done to work on Implicit bias.
Can Implicit bias be altered or changed?
The short answer is, may be. It depends on awareness, motivation, developing specific strategies and above all, effort
For more information, click here: https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com/course/implicit-bias-for-health-professionals
Terry Fox – His legacy (or the power of one)
Jim and Ralph discuss the life of Terry Fox; a Canadian who died at age 23. Despite having an aggressive cancer that cost him his leg his name lives on because of what his short life accomplished. We thank Amanda Achtman for the link to her article on Fox: https://humanumreview.com/articles/our-lives-are-a-marathon-of-hope?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Learn More
For much more from Amanda, go to amanda.achtman@gmai.com
There is a story that Jim’s wife tells called “The Man Who Planted Trees and Grew Happiness”. It is set in Europe. Here is the story behind her telling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Planted_Trees
Here is a modern day version from Brazil (the pictures are worth thousands of words!!!: https://www.boredpanda.com/brazilian-couple-recreated-forest-sebastiao-leila-salgado-reforestation/
The Long Now: https://longnow.org/ talk about a long-term perspective!!!
We don’t usually pass on posts from Facebook, but we could not resist this post: Words to Live by in 2024: https://www.facebook.com/100000492245087/posts/7916615405031456/?mibextid=WC7FNe
We are offering our Implicit Bias Training Course now.
What is Implicit bias?
According to the APA, “implicit bias, also known as implicit prejudice or implicit attitude, is a negative attitude, of which one is not consciously aware, against a specific social group.
For more information, click here: https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com/course/implicit-bias-for-health-professionals
Ralph and Jim look at a very popular, and some say dangerous social media platform – TikToc.
Learn More
Here is the written script of the TV 9 and 10 news story . A psychologist says TikToc is harmful to teens:
https://www.9and10news.com/2024/01/04/psychologist-warns-tiktok-invasive-and-abusive-to-teens/
Here is the APA position:https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/09/protecting-teens-on-social-media
Here is the APA health warning: https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use
59 year old woman who describes her very positive TikToc experience https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tiktok-laurafayeten-gardening-club-dress_n_659b0946e4b0bfe5ff638f69
Continuing Education - Jim and Ralph are proud to present a two-hour telecourse on Implicit Bias that fulfils the Michigan mandated.
For more information, click here: https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com/course/implicit-bias-for-health-professionals
Ralph and Jim further explore negative consequences of social media. This includes sleep deprivation a lack of exercising, predatory grooming and bullying
Learn More
A dad explains his rational for limiting his kid’s access to social media:
https://youtu.be/196uW7nnVp4?si=-iTy6LyrXZc8GOxs
How social media is destroying society : https://youtu.be/yJ9oEi3Yyg0?si=Pbtu8QTabZDq9mLJhttps://youtu.be/yJ9oEi3Yyg0?si=Pbtu8QTabZDq9mLJ
After A Few Minutes Of Social Media, This Happens - Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman: https://youtu.be/Zh-AcF_4Hao?si=QybLV_kI7VJYT__Y
Ralph and Jim begin a multi – part series on the promise and hazard of social media use and abuse.
Learn More
The Price of Shame with Monica Lewinsky:
https://youtu.be/H_8y0WLm78U?si=--Huiik06e-TIHX0
Teens and social media –from Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437
Where to eat…what to wear…what do I want to do with the rest of my life?
Jim and Ralph reflect on the countless decisions that confront us daily.
They present suggestions for dealing with decision fatigue.
Learn More
Here is a Ted Talk om combating decision fatigue:
https://youtu.be/N__V-oh7dys?si=137uOc_Wv-DUUzM9
In the 1960’s John Sabastian and the Lovin’ Spoonful performed a song about decision making; her is a link to it. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cEFh9zurug
Last summer we addresses the possible downside of AI.
This week the New Yoek Times has sued OpenAI and Microsoft Let’s listen to what the boys had to say 6 months ago
Learn More:
The Seven Stages of AI:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG8vu0i5juY
Have a happy and safe New Tear!!!
Ralph and Jim examine Christmas stress and offer some antidotes.
Learn More
Depression and Christmas: https://youtu.be/D74VPcaKbAc
URUK (aka Kevin Byrd) joins Jim and Ralph. He shares his unique version of Positive Psychology.
Also Sheila shares a new word with the boys, “comjoy”.
LEARN MORE
When it comes to Positive Psychology, it is hard to beat Sheila Carroll!
Here is a recent post about the Fisher King (King Arthur restores the kingdom and finds healing).
Experience the Power of Sacred Longing in Advent with the Fisher King
https://archive.aweber.com/newsletter/awlist6657927/MjE0OTEwOTE=/experience-the-power-of-sacred-longing-in-advent-with-the-fisher-king.htm
If you would like to subscribe to Sheila's Story & Spirit Newsletter sign up here.
https://storyspirit.aweb.page/p/3a1c3ccc-29c7-4c09-acb7-ac250d718b23
Stress reactions
Fight, flight or freeze!
With the end of the year holidays looming, it seemed like a good time to re-post this podcast that Ralph and Jim did on “stress reactions”.
LEARN MORE
Dealing with holiday stress
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D34RFxIEh6M
Ralph and Jim continue last weeks discussion on Happiness. They focus on how to improve the quality of one's life.
LEARN MORE
Here are 10 things that you can do to improve your life right now:
https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-improve-your-life
We talked about the advice given by a Navy Admiral – “Make your bed” – here is where you can view his talk:
https://youtu.be/3sK3wJAxGfs?si=ls5qpHETHIbEmmE4
What makes a happy life?
When our lives are rich with positive emotions, great relationships, strengths to practice, and a sense of purpose, we are ready to accomplish things. Setting and achieving goals gives us something to put our energy into. It lets us see how we make a difference. Put effort into things that matter to you.
Concrete things you can do
- Eat nourishing food. ...
- Sleep seven to eight hours per night. ...
- Keep company with good people. ...
- Avoid news overdose. ...
- Get regular exercise. ...
- Do something meaningful each day.
- Monitor your energy.
Take your energy "temperature" at various points throughout the day, assigning it a number from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest energy level. Pay attention to the details of your day so you can identify the people or events that impact you the most. - Make incremental changes.
Once you are aware of some of the people or events that sabotage your energy, consider your next steps. Rather than tackling everything at once, choose an area that is important to you, and be realistic with the goals you set. For instance, if disorganization in your home is a big source of daily stress, pick one cabinet, closet or drawer to clear out each week instead of overwhelming yourself with doing it all at once. Then move on to your next goal when you feel ready. - Plan and prioritize.
Take note of the times during the day when your energy levels tend to be the highest. Decide how you can take advantage of those moments by prioritizing important tasks when you are feeling fresh and productive.
LEARN MORE
Martin Seligman talks about Positive Psychology and happiness
https://youtu.be/9FBxfd7DL3E?si=UpiTytRNxkt4k7AZ
Course URL:https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com/author/course?courseid=implicit-bias-for-health-professionals
Provider URL: https://www.ronanpsych.com/community-outreach-and-education
Jim and Ralph discuss hoe adults can help children think about and talk about what they are seeing on TV and Social Media.
With major strikes, a potential Government shutdown, debate over climate change and the rest of the national and international craziness;' we figured this was a good time to revisit our earlier Podcast on conflict resolution.
Implicit bias training course is on track to launch in about two week; we will keep you posted!
Learn More
From the 1A NPR broadcast:
https://the1a.org/segments/why-panic-attacks-happen-and-how-to-prevent-them/
Implicit Bias Series – Part Three Ageism
There are many other “isms” than racism. ”Isms” are usually directed at others who are perceived as being different. One “ism” that we all will face is implicit bias based on age. Join Jim and Ralph as they unpack this.
LEARN MORE
This Ted Talk really nails “ageism” in about 12 minutes: https://youtu.be/WfjzkO6_DEI?si=cq2X7gj5eW2IS36g
Jane Fonda has a age in what she calls “Life’s Third Act”. In this talk she addresses the stair step model of successful aging that Ralph and Jim talked about in today’s podcast: https://youtu.be/IHyR7p6_hn0?si=azdqY_YnZ4TkhXK0
Jane’s friend, Sally Fields, has her own unique spin on growing older: https://youtu.be/SLwZejcVoOU?si=5kTARhsD_ckitHRw
Today Ralph and Jim look at the early research methods for exploring bias. Historically, paper and pencil surveys were used to measure explicit, or known, bias or prejudice. In the 1990’s research work at Yale changed the methodology and new data pointed to an unconscious, darker side, to human nature.
New methods let researchers look at how implicit factors, or factors below awareness, influence memory, cognition and attitudes.
Learn More
You can find the Implicit Association Test at this web link: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
Elizabeth Loftus’ research on false memory is presented in this Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/PB2OegI6wvI?si=PdOkA8W7xbqZwB06
In this multipart series Jim and Ralph discuss the evolutionary and social origins of Implicit bias. They will explore the impact it has on education, the workplace, policing, and health care practices. Strategies for reducing Implicit bias will be explored in this series.
Special note forMichigan health care PR actioners
Ralph and Jim are offering Implicit bias training for Michigan health care professionals who are mandated to take a two hour course in order to receive or renew their license. Training is live, online or available as an asynchronies telecourse. It fulfils the mandate and is sponsored by Ronan Psychological Associates (phone RPA at 989 779 8999 or contact Jim at carro1jl@cmich.edu for more information).
Learn More
Here is a short video that explains Implicit bias: https://youtu.be/BSguud-t1kc
Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.
But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said."
We are at our best when we serve others. Be civilized.
-Submitted by Ira Byock
Learn More
The Power Of Empathy with Brené Brown: You Tube Empsthy - Search (bing.com)
The adverse effects of natural or man-made disasters can haunt us long after the event has passed. Jim and Ralph talk about the long term effects in this repeat Podcast. If you have not heard it, it is certainly worth a listen. If have heard it, it is worth a second hearing!!!
Learn More:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ovIJ3dsNk
How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime
In the past few weeks the boys have been looking at AI; today they focus on HI!
They look at recent attempts to enhance human performance like the Perry School Program and Head Start.
They also comment on the children is discussed.
The conclusion they come to is “stimulation is good”, “deprivation is bad” – like it takes a genius to figure that one out!!!
Learn More.
Here is the Perry School project, from right here in Michigan: https://highscope.org/perry-preschool-project/
Does Head Start work? Yes, take a look: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/does-head-start-work-the-debate-over-the-head-start-impact-study-explained/
Frederick II’s deadly experiment: https://signsofthetimes.org.au/2018/08/fredericks-experiment/ In the Podcast Jim said this was carried out by Frederic the Great of Germany; it was actually done by Frederic II of Sicily – sorry Frederick the Great.
Jim’s daughter Alicia sent a link to him. It was from a video blob that she had watched which warned of the potential dangers of AI, something Jim and Ralph addressed in the last Podcast. We don’t usually feature other people’s work on Psychology take away but we felt that it was important to get this to as many people as possible so here goes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brQLpTnDwyg
If the link does not open when you click on it, just copy and paste it into you browser!
Next week we will start a series on Human Intelligence as opposed to artificial intelligence.
Learn More
Bill Gates, a fan of AI, expresses some reservation. Read his thoughts: https://time.com/6293735/bill-gates-ai-risk/
We mentioned the movie “Metropolis” in the podcast Here is a synopsis from the web and a link to the film: “As social allegory, Metropolis depicts a world in which the privileged sons of society live in ease and luxury on the surface while deep in the bowels of the city a chattel underclass labors out of sight on the machinery that supports Metropolis.: -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFzHH9EL9x0
Here is the quote from Elon Musk that we alluded to in the Podcast:
“AI is more dangerous than, say, mismanaged aircraft design or production maintenance or bad car production, in the sense that it is, it has the potential — however small one may regard that probability, but it is non-trivial — it has the potential of civilization destruction,” Musk said in his interview with Tucker ..
Jim and Ralph pick up on a Podcast from a few weeks ago.
At that time ttey looked at some of the pros and cons of artificial intelligence (AI)programs.
In the past two weeks a program called CHAT GPT has caught their attention.
They talk about AI and the temptation it it presents for academic integrity.
LEARN MORE
This is a link to the New York Times podcat that we mentioned in today’s session:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/podcasts/the-daily/ai-chat-gpt-schools.html
The link below takes you to the APA interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYF6itodA8g
And Ralph discuss the major sigs of stress and burnout. Besides pointing out the problems theyprovide various coping strategies
Learn More.
Interesting Ted Talk on stress and coping:
How stress is killing us (and how you can stop it). | Thijs Launspach | TEDxUniversiteitVanAmsterdam
Ralph and Jim examine the development of artificial intelligence. While there are many important functions for the technology, there exists a dark side.
Learn More
The promise of AI
https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/ai-in-education-where-is-it-now-and-what-is-the-future/
The dark side of AI
https://www.bruegel.org/blog-post/dark-side-artificial-intelligence-manipulation-human-behaviour
Creativity – If at first you don’t succeed try smarter or “different” not necessarily harder!!!
Jim and Ralph have been AWOL with health and moving issues
Hopefully we are back with some new and relevant Podcasts.
Today’s Podcast has to do with a topic that is relevant to the nearly 0ne million health care workers, in Michigan, who need to renew their licenses and for the rest of the population who need to keep up with trends which could impact them!!!
LEARN MORE
Racism and implicit bias – Ted Talk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSq2pg_7lUk
Jim and Ralph share their experiences with early jobs and relate howthey impacted their later professional careers.
LEARN MORE:
Here is the article that Jim and Ralph mentioned in the podcast:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/prepare-teen-first-job_l_643ffb6ce4b04997b56ebdbb
Jobs for teens:
https://novoresume.com/career-blog/jobs-for-teens
Jim and Ralph continue the discussion of HSP- Highly Sensitiv Persons.
LEARN MORE: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/highly-sensitive-person
You can even get an HSP sweatshirt:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1082605985/hsp-highly-sensitive-person-sweatshirt?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ps-b-clothing-other&utm_custom1=_k_EAIaIQobChMI5tiFj-SI_gIVACGtBh2GBAz1EAQYASABEgJEMPD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_12565309393_122486387027_507237199672_pla-297616371983_c__1082605985_12768591&utm_custom2=12565309393&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5tiFj-SI_gIVACGtBh2GBAz1EAQYASABEgJEMPD_BwE
Jim explains the stock and following surgery that has kept him side-lined since New Year's day.the next Podcast will investigate sensitivity and will be posted this coming Friday.
Ralph reviews the last podcast and he and Jim proffer suggestions for making behavior change goals happen.
Soon people will be making New Years resolutions that will quickly fall by he wayside in 2023!!! If you want your resolutions to sand a chance, check out this podcast.
November 27, 2022 - Covid 19's effect on academic performance.Ralph and Jim discuss the results of some recent research coming out of Stanford and Harvard. The results should not be a big surprise to anyone!!!
Jim and Ralph discuss the role of a close consultant and conclude that, in most cases, it is good to listen to your mother!!!
With plenty problems to be solved and tough decisions to make, this series of three podcasts with Jim and Ralph is timely.
Learn More
Ted Talk on creative problem – solving:
https://www.ted.com/talks/navi_radjou_creative_problem_solving_in_the_face_of_extreme_limits?language=en
Collaborative problem-solving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UuTLIoE-6A
It used to be that your T – shirt told the world where you have been in your travels (or more likely where your Grandparents had been).
Today T – shirts have become a way of communicating our positive sentiments or negative angst to the world!
Ralph and Jim examine some contemporary shirt slogans in this fun -filled podcast.
Learn More
What a Fashion Psychologist thinks of your T Shirt message:
https://www.whowhatwear.com/slogan-t-shirt-psychology
This link takes you to tons of outspoken shirts:
https://www.google.com/search?q=catalog+favorites&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS896US896&oq=Catolog&aqs=chrome.3.69i57j0i10i512j0i10i433i512j0i10i131i433i512j0i10i433i512j46i175i199i512j0i512j0i10i433i512j0i512j46i512.15008j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
In this follow – up podcast Ralph and Jim explore Dale Carnegie’s ideas of how to influence people.
October 7, 2022 – How to Win Friends
One of the negative consequences of the pandemic is that people report feeling isolated and lonely, even though the plague seems to have run it’s course!
People have forgotten how to make friends.
Ralph and Jim look to the popular book of the 1930’s, How to Win Friends and Influence People, for tips that may be helpful today. This week they only focus on winning friends.
Learn More
14 Handy Social Skills - The essential social skills you will learn in this article includes the knick-knacks of social interactions ranging from making an appreciable first impression, instigating small talks, being a good listener and to ending a conversation well.
https://themindsjournal.com/social-skills-become-likable/
Tricks to Make Your Self Effortlessly Charming :
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20170627-the-tricks-to-make-yourself-effortlessly-charming
Learn More
Fear of asking for help
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-kids-are-afraid-to-ask-for-help/
How to ask for help
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-ask-for-help/
United States student underachieving
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/u-s-kids-are-falling-behind-global-competition-but-brain-science-shows-how-to-catch-up/
September 29, 2022 Under achievement and Fear
Learn More
Fear of asking for help
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-kids-are-afraid-to-ask-for-help/
How to ask for help
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-ask-for-help/
United States student underachieving
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/u-s-kids-are-falling-behind-global-competition-but-brain-science-shows-how-to-catch-up/
This week Ralph and Jim discuss nutrition as a means of dealing with pain. They present the three M’s:
Macrobiotic
Mediterranean
Mind
Learn More
Supersize me – what not to do!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSZWxjeua3g
The Mind Diet – do this instead!!!
https://bebrainfit.com/mind-diet-recipes/
If you want a free e-copy of our book “Protecting Your Family” send Jim an email at carro1jl@cmich.edu
Non -drug approaches
Reflexology
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-reflexology
Acupressure
https://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/alternative/acupressure-safe-alternative-therapy
Emu oil therapy
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-825/emu-oil
Aromatherapy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5192342/
Homeopathy
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/act.2017.29129.ble
Most people are familiar with medical approaches to pain management (along with some of the unwanted side effects!)., However, there are promising alternative therapies that seem promising. This week Jim and Ralph discuss four of them.
Learn More
None drug approaches
Herbal Therapy
https://seattleneuro.com/6-herbal-remedies-for-pain-relief/
Aromatherapy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5192342/
Homeopathy
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/act.2017.29129.ble
CBD therapy
https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-for-pain
August 12, 2022 Pain
In this new series Ralph and Jim examine acute and chronic pain from a physical, social and psychological point of view.
Learn More
What is chronic pain?
“ Chronic pain is long standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis. Chronic pain may be "on" and "off" or continuous. It may affect people to the point that they can't work, eat properly, take part in physical activity, or enjoy life”.
This is the Ted Ed where the story of the construction worker is documented: https://www.ted.com/talks/joshua_w_pate_the_mysterious_science_of_pain
This week in the continuing Creativity series, Ralph and Jim explore a problem-solving program that was introduced by Paul Torrance in 1974 and is very popular to this very day – almost 50 years later namely Future Problem Solving.
Here is a link to the Michigan FPS site:
http://www.michiganfps.org/
Learn More
Steve Jobs tells three stories about his life:
https://youtu.be/UF8uR6Z6KLc
Ted Talk on Future Problem Solving:
https://www.ted.com/talks/maria_aasbo_empowering_the_future_problem_solvers
The Secrets of Problem Solving:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lOsakZNXRQ
Creative People and the Creative Process
In the second Podcast in the series Jim and Ralph cite some examples of people who are considered to be creative. They also discuss the characteristics often associated with the creative process and muse as to whether emotional disturbance or social maladjustment is linked to creativity.
Learn More:
Creative People:
https://thinkcreative.uk.com/7-great-creative-thinkers-in-history/
Characteristics of creative people:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/traits-of-creative-people
This week Jim and Ralph start a series exploring creativity. They look at the roots of the creative process and discuss how creativity can be taught or at least nurtured.
In today’s podcast they look at a creative competition, Odyssey of the Mind, which is global in scope.
Learn More
These links will provide you with more interesting information about OM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWHP64kUhWc
https://www.odysseyofthemind.com/world-finals-highlight-video/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhGUUUw7PwM
Wikipedia can explain more about OM:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey_of_the_Mind
Ralph and Jim begin a multi-part series focusing on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association.
Ralph and Jim look at the various environmental and social factors that keep us from having a good night’s sleep.
Learn More.
Why do we sleep? https://www.ted.com/talks/russell_foster_why_do_we_sleep
Understanding the sleep cycle: https://www.ted.com/talks/jessa_gamble_our_natural_sleep_cycle_is_nothing_like_what_we_do_now
How to succeed? Get more sleep: https://www.ted.com/talks/arianna_huffington_how_to_succeed_get_more_sleep
Today Ralph and Jim examine a short document sent to them by Jim’s wife, Sheila. While it is related to being a monk in the hectic world 2022, Jim and Ralph see that it is related to the discipline of Positive Psychology.
Learn More
The Monk Manifesto:
https://vimeo.com/692250159?embedded=true&source=video_title&owner=6791069
The URL for Abbey of the Arts:
https://abbeyofthearts.com/
Martin Seligman explains Positive Psychology at TED:
https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_seligman_the_new_era_of_positive_psychology
Today Ralph and Jim focus on one of the seven deadly sins. To refresh your memory here is a list:
(1) vainglory, or pride
(2) greed, or covetousness,
(3) lust, or inordinate or illicit sexual desire
(4) envy
(5)
gluttony, which is usually understood to include drunkenness
(6) wrath, or anger
(7) sloth
We focus on the first one which we rename hubris because of some comments made by a retired U.S. General.
Learn More
A Basic Hubris Definition
It means arrogance and excessive pride. This can be something a character feels internally, but it usually translates to the character's actions. A modern, real-life example of hubris might be a politician who thinks he's too beloved to lose an election and chooses to skip campaigning.
Is hubris positive or negative?
Based on the ancient Greek meaning, hubris is always seen as negative. It refers to too much pride or arrogance, and does not refer to simple self-confidence or ambition, traits which can be neutral or even positive.
What causes hubris?
Hubris Syndrome is an 'acquired personality change' ie. Molded over a period of time. It is sparked by a specific trigger – exercising power. In other words, people who appear normal achieve positions of leadership, but once in power seem to alter their behavior.
How does hubris affect our society?
When found alongside contempt for the advice and criticism of others, hubris causes leaders to significantly overreach themselves, taking risky and reckless decisions with harmful, sometimes catastrophic consequences for themselves, their organizations, institutions, and even for society .
This is where our concerns about President Putin led us.
A Putin profile: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/763/the-other-mr-president
There was a song called "Put on a Happy Face" that was popular many years ago. Well, Jim and Ralph discover that it might not be the best advice for people suffering from clinical depression.
Learn More
Definition, signs for and treatment of smiling depression: https://www.healthline.com/health/smiling-depression
Popular teen comedian talks about his near fatal experience with depression: https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_breel_confessions_of_a_depressed_comic
A list of depressed comedians: https://psychologia.co/comedians-and-depression/
Sarah Silverman
“I was put on Xanax at 13,” she says in “Laughing Matters,” a new documentary that digs deep into the journeys of 12 comedians as they juggle telling jokes and their own struggles with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Learn more at: https://nypost.com/2019/10/10/sarah-silverman-i-took-16-xanax-a-day-as-a-teen/
Today Ralph and Jim look at “fake news”. They discuss the motives behind spreading it and how to evaluate the veracity of content of news posted online.
Learn More. In this Ted Talk we are warned that we may all be guilty of promulgating fake news:
https://www.ted.com/talks/christina_nicholson_fake_news_it_s_your_fault
A 14 year old unpacks the terms CRAPP and Fable as acronyms to help us the identify real and fake news: https://www.ted.com/talks/hannah_logue_how_to_spot_fake_news
This is the Wikipedia site that Jim mentioned. It is comprehensive but if you print it you will use a lot of paper, not to mention ink: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fake_news
Today Jim and Ralph explore the link between depression and sleep. Does depression cause sleep disorders or do sleep disorders cause depression. Tune in and listen as we unpack this complex relationship.
Learn More This study adds to the evidence that, particularly for middle-school boys and girls, inadequate sleep is a risk factor for early adolescent obesity. Future research needs to examine the relationship longitudinally and to study potential mediators of the relationship.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2010.242
Not depressed by not feeling great? You may be languishing. This Ted Talk by Adam how to combat feeling of emptiness and alienation .
https://www.ted.com/talks/adam_grant_how_to_stop_languishing_and_start_finding_flow
Six tips for getting a better night’s sleep.
https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_6_tips_for_better_sleep
We need to be able to talk about depression.
https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_breel_confessions_of_a_depressed_comic
Here is what the Mayo Clinic writes about transcranial stimulation.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625
Ralph and Jim look at active listening and importance of it at the personal and even the geo-political level.
We also preview upcoming Podcast topics and foreshadow the coming Video Podcasts.
Earn More
What is Deep Listening and how you can learn how to do it - https://www.mindful.org/deep-listening/
An article from Forbes about Deep Listening - https://www.forbes.com/sites/nazbeheshti/2020/01/30/reclaim-the-lost-art-of-deep-listening/?sh=7c837f593d83
Ted Talk on the difference between hearing and listening - https://youtu.be/_QHfOuRrJB8
We talked about Narative Therapy in this Podcast. Here is a link that will tell you more about it - https://youtu.be/_QHfOuRrJB8
Ralph and Jim Look at studies that report on memory improvement.
Learn More Seven Ways to Improve your memory
This is a short but helpful video - https://youtu.be/4xSwAySqE48
Most Effective Way to Improve Memory
This site is oriented toward student learning and memory - https://youtu.be/G49R744t4Ew
Brain Exercises - Weird Memory Games To Improve Your Memory -
https://youtu.be/WNfTEl6sJ-4
Today Ralph and Jim look at a recent study out of McGill University that identified 3 factors that were highly predictive of mental health problems. We discuss those factors and their implications for early identification and intervention.
Learn more
Here are the links that we promised in the Podcast.
Jon Ronson talks about the Psychopath test (this is funny): https://youtu.be/xYemnKEKx0c
The Lunch Lady talks about providing healthy and appealing school lunches (you will understand why we mentioned her when you listen to the Podcast: https://youtu.be/IVJv91n39Q8
Here is the link to the Positive Psychology website: https://positivepsychology.com/
If you liked Ronson (above), here is another story that may make you smile and scratch your head.
Jon Ronson tells the story of how his parents decided to commission a family portrait, and how things went awry because of the brilliant but troubled local artist they hired for the job. In the story, Jon circles in a reluctant orbit around his parents, and his parents are in a rather energetic orbit of their own. Jon’s new podcast series is Things Fell Apart: Eight Strange Tales from the Culture Wars. (13 minutes): https://www.thisamericanlife.org/214/family-physics/act-two-10
Jim and Ralph explore methods for improving memory. Exercise, sleep and specific training all work.
Learn More How to increase your memory for words: https://youtu.be/JsC9ZHi79jo
A “memory athlete shares her story: https://youtu.be/_gA2lcNWloU
Ancient methods of memory encoding: https://youtu.be/k9kpJtHI8jQ
Role of the hippocampus: https://youtu.be/2K3GAaC2SEI
Today Jim and Ralph talk about the long term consequences of adverse childhood experiences on physical health, mental health and social competence.
earn More
Here is the Ted Talk by Nadine Harris that we mentioned in the podcast: https://youtu.be/95ovIJ3dsNk
More about childhood trauma: https://youtu.be/8NkZO3_h7vI
How can we heal the wound: https://youtu.be/x-7khA9g8m4
Jim and Ralph discuss mask wearing, forgiveness and the importance of reading for enjoyment.
Learn More
Here is the link to the study on forgiveness that Ralph and Jim discussed: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211208110307.htm
Here is the link to reading for pleasure and later verbal skills: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210316165011.htm
The link to the mask wearing news is here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/13/face-masks-make-people-look-more-attractive-study-finds
Today Jim and Ralph look at simple ways to increase happiness, reduce stress, reduce inflammation and blood pressure and improve sleep – take a hike!!!
Jim reviews a recent study from the University of British Columbia while Ralph muses upon a time when he and a colleague took several inner-city students into the woods sans electronics!!!
Learn More
Walking and nature:
https://therapyintampa.com/the-positive-effects-of-nature-on-mental-health-and-wellness/
The benefits of getting outdoors:
https://tripoutside.com/health-benefits-of-getting-outdoors/
In the spirit of Last Child in the Woods Jim’s wife Sheila, a home educator and Narrative Therapist has published two articles containing helpful hints for parents who want to encourage outdoor exploration in nature .The first is how to do nature study:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/LBC_Curriculum/Articles/Nature_Study_a_time_for_wonder.pdf
While the second is on taking a nature walk:
https://s3.console.aws.amazon.com/s3/object/LBC_Curriculum?region=us-east-1&prefix=Articles/Nature-Walk-article.pdf
The President is pushing for universal preschool education. That will be costly!!! Is it worth the expense DEFINITELY - IF DONE RIGHT.
Jim and Ralph underscore the costs/benefits of a good preschool education.
LEARN MORE
This is the link to the Penn State study discussed by Ralph:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201210145728.htm
Here is the link to the Perry School Project – Highscope:
https://highscope.org/
Ralph and Jim want to wish you a joyful holiday season. We are taking a bit of a break. Will post our next Podcast around January 7,2022. Meanwhile, KEEP YOUR STICK ON THE ICE…
Ralph and Jim discuss new meta-studies about the relationship between physical and mental health. They also offer some tips on handling the stress of the Christmas season.
Ralph and Jim are joined by Uruk in a discussion of planning and personal problem-solving. We touched on quite a few areas and the Learn More section reflects some of the topics that you may want to dig deeper into.
Learn More
More about plastic waste:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2021/12/01/plastic-waste-ocean-us/
The power of music:
https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_gupta_music_is_medicine_music_is_sanity?language=en
Are GMOs bad for you? You decide:
https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/will-gmos-hurt-my-body/
:
Jim and Ralph are joined by Sheila for a discussion of the human condition and our need to express and receive compassion
LEARN MORE
What are the benefits of compassion?
There are numerous proven benefits of both self-compassion and compassion toward others, such as increased happiness, improved medical outcomes, reduced stress, reduced psychopathology, and increased social connectedness
What are examples of compassion
Open the door for someone. ...
Motivate others. ...
Practice acts of kindness. ...
Allocate time to bond with friends and family. ...
Say encouraging words. ...
Share a hug or a handshake. ...
Incorporate the phrase “thank you” into your daily routine. ...
Offer to help someone with their to-do list.
Open the door for someone. ...
Motivate others. ...
Practice acts of kindness. ...
Allocate time to bond with friends and family. ...
Say encouraging words. ...
Share a hug or a handshake. ...
Incorporate the phrase “thank you” into your daily routine. ...
Offer to help someone with their to-do list.
Why is compassion important?
https://positivepsychology.com/why-is-compassion-important/
Jim and Ralph discuss the power of positivity when it comes to handling some of the problems we are currently facing.
Learn More:
Dealing with loneliness? Click here:
Feeling Lonely? Discover 18 Ways to Overcome Loneliness | Psychology Today
Here is the magazine that we were talking about:
real simple magazine - Search (bing.com)
If you cannot make it to Mount Pleasant to visit the Karma Kat Kafe in person, here is where to click to make a virtual visit:
HOURS & MAP | Karma Kat Cafe
Jim and Ralph are joined by psychologist, Elizabeth Husbands for a discussion of mental health shortfalls nationally and globally.
Ralph and Jim look at rituals that enhance social adhesion and individual identity.
Learn More
https://www.google.com/search?q=Ted+alks+Make+your+bed&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS896US896&oq=Ted+alks+Make+your+bed&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i13.11454j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_qpl5YbiWL4-0tQaxp4KQDw41
The past few Podcasts were pretty heavy. This week Ralph and Jim lighten things a bit as they talk about positive parenting.
Creating a safe and open home environment - Eight tips on making your home a safe haven: https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/creating-a-safe-open-home-environment/
Building a positive family environment – 5 Practical Steps – Children learn how to be human and how to fit in to the world by observing their family environment: https://socalmentalwellness.com/family-therapy/building-positive-family-environment/
Four things kid’s don’t need and what to give them instead – Tips for parents : https://dailymom.com/nurture/4-things-kids-dont-need-and-what-to-give-them-instead/
Ralph and Jim examine the reasons for bullying and the consequences of bulling this week.
Learn More
Bullying: https://www.stopbullying.gov/
Bullying quotes – here is the link to the quotes that Jim was citing in this Podcast: https://onlinesense.org/bullying-quotes/
Ted Talks about bullying: https://www.ted.com/playlists/578/ted_talks_for_national_bully_prevention_month
Monica Lewinski talks about her experience being bullied (and the sad story of the Rutgers student):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_8y0WLm78U
We mentioned Westwood Church toward the last part of the Podcast. How do you think it fits in with what we were talking about today? https://www.ted.com/talks/megan_phelps_roper_i_grew_up_in_the_westboro_baptist_church_here_s_why_i_left?language=en
Jim and Ralph give an update on the work being done with CRISP CAS 9. Then they look at how quantum physics informs Positive Psychology.
Learn More
7 Things
https://www.facebook.com/1204957837/posts/10224122229702558/?d=n
Hidden messages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Moz82i89JAw
Double blind study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16979104/
Also look at the similar studies listed.
This is about the end of the universe
https://www.ted.com/talks/katie_mack_the_death_of_the_universe_and_what_it_means_for_life
The focus is on cognition, emotion and behavior in young adulthood - stuff they did not teach us in school. Special guest instructor is Mason Ludlow - THE COACH!!!
Understanding Child and adolescent Suicide.
A recent study presented on the weekly radio program, Science Friday underscored the rise in suicides for black and brown youth whilenoting a slight decline among white youth.
Jim and Ralph are joined by scholar, musician and educator Uruk as they unpack this disturbing trend.
Learn More
Here is the Science Friday story that we mention early in the podcast:
https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/suicide-crisis-communities-of-color/
Here is the Chill web site mentioned in the podcast – check it out:
https://chillheal.com/
Jim and Ralph talk to neuropsychologist, Cayla Mitzkovitz, about her research into the psychological effects of mask wearing on the processing of emotional information.
July 31, 2021 Current Events…
Ralph and Jim look at some recent news stories – Simone Biles and Child Suicide and try to put them into a psychological perspective.
Learn More
A movie about Biles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ugQA1SzQcg
The NPR child suicide story: https://www.npr.org/2021/07/27/1021373104/more-children-are-dying-by-suicide-recently-study-shows
This American Life reporting on The Psychopath Test: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/436/the-psychopath-test
Simone Biles Bio: https://www.biography.com/athlete/simone-biles
July 23, 2021 – Panic Disorders
Jim and Ralph with the assistance of a Creative Commons Ted-Ed from You Tube explore the frightening world of persons who experience overwhelming anxiety and panic symptom
July 14 – Sleep
Sleep deprivation continues to be a huge side effect of the current pandemic crisis. Jim and Ralph are bringing back a popular Podcast that addresses the problem.
July 5, 2021 – A Backward Look
During the past two years or so Jim and Ralph have produced over 100 Psychologytakeaway Podcasts. Recently we reviewed the most popular oldies but goodies!!!
They fall into the 10 categories listed below. If you missed some feel free to go back. Also, if you are enjoying listening, be sure to tell a friend.
- Problem solving
- Strong emotional connections
- Healthy risk taking
- Asking good questions
- Labeling emotional feelings
- Demonstrate centering skills
- Learning sleeping skills
- Embrace mistakes
- Promote the bright side
- Go outside
Ralph and Jim reveal their long-term life goals and begin to make plans as to how to attain them. This week’s Podcast focuses on RESILIANCE and its importance to achieving positive life success.
In this podcast Ralph and Jim explore the concept of GRI. The memory cue is CCRPP.
Ralph throws out a challenge at the end of the session.
Learn More
Duckworth’s Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance?language=en
Duckworth’s book:
https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth-ebook/dp/B010MH9V3W/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Grit&qid=1624458356&s=books&sr=1-1
Ted Talk by Ferris:
https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_ferriss_why_you_should_define_your_fears_instead_of_your_goals?language=en
Movie – True Grit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYkkZDpnKss
June 13 2021 Positive Psychology Part Three.
Jim and Ralph continue unpacking the basic concepts of modern Positive Psychology.
Learn More
Stoicism as a philosophy for an ordinary life | Massimo Pigliucci
https://www.ted.com/talks/massimo_pigliucci_stoicism_as_a_philosophy_for_an_ordinary_life?language=en
How Stoicism Can Cure Anger https://www.ted.com/talks/donald_robertson_how_stoicism_can_cure_anger
Jim and Ralph unpack PERMA.
Learn More
Jim will add this info later - take a look tomorrow. It will have the links we mentioned in this Podcast.
May 31, The beginning of a new five part series on Positive Psychology. Jim and Ralph trace the history of Positive Psychology from the work of the Stoics - particularly Seneca.
Learn More
Positive Psychology with Martin Seligman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FBxfd7DL3E
Course of Study for Positive Psychology
https://www.coursera.org/learn/positive-psychology-visionary-science
Seneca’s letter – Here is the quote that Jim alluded to in today’s Podcast:
First I shall deal with the fact, which your love is longing to hear, that I am suffering no affliction. I shall make it clear, if I can, that those very circumstances which you think are crushing me can be borne; but if you cannot believe that, at least I shall be more pleased with myself for being happy in conditions which normally make men wretched. There is no need to believe others about me: I am telling you firmly that I am not wretched, so that you won’t be agitated by uncertainty. To reassure you further, I shall add that I cannot even be made wretched.
We are born under circumstances that would be favorable if we did not abandon them. It was nature’s intention that there should be no need of great equipment for a good life: every individual can make himself happy. External goods are of trivial importance and without much influence in either direction: prosperity does not elevate the sage and adversity does not depress him. For he has always made the effort to rely as much as possible on himself and to derive all delight from himself.
This week Ralph and Jim conclude their discussion of compassion. Being kind is not as easy as it seems on the surface. Listen and see what you think!!!
By the way, if you enjoy these podcasts tell a like-minded friend.
Learn More: Here is a link to the 3442 quotes on compassion mentioned by Jim:
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/compassion
In 2008 Karen Armstrong won the TED prize for her ideas about making the world more compassionate. 13 years later Jim and Ralph agree with her still unattained premise and examine her wisdom from the perspective of Positive Psychology
Learn More:
Here is Armstrong’s Compassion Charter:
https://charterforcompassion.org/charter/resolution
Ten Ways to Show Compassion:
https://montessorirocks.org/10-ways-to-show-compassion/
Armstrong’s 2008 Ted Talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/karen_armstrong_my_wish_the_charter_for_compassion#t-1264307
This week Jim and Ralph continue with Positive Psychology, Satisfaction and Happiness.
Learn More:
Here is a brand new TED Talk on Happiness:
https://www.ted.com/talks/dominic_price_what_s_your_happiness_score
Can optimism be overdone? Yes, there is something referred to as Toxic Optimism – but generally speaking, optimism beat pessimism.
Ralph and Jim look at the work of Duckworth and Seligman as they have investigated the relationship between optimism, pessimism and various cognitive, emotional and behavioral outcomes.
Learn More
Here is Duckworth’s Ted Talk on Grit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8
Here is a short clip of Seligman defining optimism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-rMuJW-UKg
April 16,2021 – Ralph and Jim conclude the series on attachment disorder.
Learn More:
Here is a link to the article that they were discussing - https://elemental.medium.com/anxiety-is-in-your-body-not-your-mind-93031abd14eb
March 29, 2021 - The importance of Attachment
Jim and Ralph look at the various styles of attachment and discuss the consequences of attachment that is not secure.
Learn More
How adverse experiences in childhood affect physical and emotional health in adulthood.
https://youtu.be/95ovIJ3dsNk
Decisions, decisions, decisions!!!
Today is March 15 – the dyes of March. If Caesar had had made a decision to avoid the Forum in Rome on this particular day, his fate may have been different.
Ralph and Jim look at the psychology behind decision making.
Ralph supplies the Six R’s of decision making:
- Do the right thing
- For the right reasons
- With the right people
- At the right time
- And you will not regret it
- For the rest of your life
If only Julius had listened to Ralph.
Learn More:
The Art of making good decisions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jka7Q9LqlUg
his podcast is a bit longer than most, actually it is QUITE a bit longer. Jim and Ralph sink there teeth into the antidote for getting bogged down when an emergency occurs – RESILIENCE!!!
Lean More
Becoming more resilient:
https://www.ted.com/talks/lucy_hone_the_three_secrets_of_resilient_people
What trauma teaches us about resilience:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qELiw_1Ddg
In the podcast Ralph uses the metaphor of the yearly life cycle of a tree to illustrate resilience. Jim mentioned a song by Phil Oakes that mirrors, to some extent that metaphor - Changes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8uk8kEz3UM
Consider some recent disasters: freezing weather in the South, world wide Pandemic, climate change, economic instability, political instability…Other???
Ralph and Jim look at the psychological consequences of these events and assess the social and emotional impact – and the impact is huge!
Learn More:
You may find these helpful
How emotion short-circuits logic – and how to prevent it from happening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u3UvXqArqs
Disaster preparation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deBfDn-H1ws
This week Ralph and Jim are joined by Central Michigan University’s Psychology Chair, Dr. Hajime Otani. The three discuss the strange memory phenomenon called Hypermnesia. Instead of forgetting over time this effect shows that, in some cases, memory actually improved.
They also talk about some ways to help learners of all ages to remember material presented to them (this is particularly helpful if you are now helping your child to learn from home.
Learn More:
What if you never forget ANYTHING!!! Check out this story:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/feb/08/total-recall-the-people-who-never-forget
Memory is one of the most thoroughly studied areas in psychology – yet there is more that is revealed – the activities in Washington over the past few weeks attest to that fact.
Jim and Ralph examine the eye-witness memory and show that our memory is not a video camera that records everything with pain staking accuracy - it is more like muddy water in a bucket!
Learn More:
- Psychologist Elizabeth Loftus studies memories. More precisely, she studies false memories, when people either remember things that didn't happen or remember them differently from the way they really were. It's more common than you might think, and Loftus shares some startling stories and statistics, and raises some important ethical questions we should all remember to consider.
https://youtu.be/PB2OegI6wvI
- Scott Fraser studies how humans remember crimes -- and bear witness to them. In this powerful talk, which focuses on a deadly shooting at sunset, he suggests that even close-up eyewitnesses to a crime can create "memories" they could not have seen. Why? Because the brain abhors a vacuum.
https://youtu.be/buhMdC7MO0U
Last week’s Podcast concluded with Ralph saying he was going to present an argument for “It’s good to be grumpy”. Jim countered that laughter might be a good medicine – but grumpiness, not so much.
This week Ralph presents his thesis and Jim sees the point.
January 31, 2021 - Jim and Ralph discuss the concepts of "being nice" and "being kind" and conclude that one has more positive traction than the other.
The last year has not given us much to laugh about!!! Ralph and Jim talk about three theories of humor that may shed light upon the state of our humor responses to ongoing events. We DO however, end on a positive note – take heart!!!
Ralph and Jim reflect on some of the factors that seem to be sharply dividing the people of this nation. They look at some field research done by Sherif that may give answers about where to start in the healing process.
Learn more:
The Psychology of Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc3VhvgUtB8 Why Trust is So Important and how can we get more of it?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHyApqVjddQ
Cultivating Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53cIQTvJlxE
Ralph tells the story of John Haskel, a bright, hardworking young man who had his eye on a highly sought after goal. Unfortunately, a poor decision on his part short-circuits his plans.
Jim and Ralph examine the decision making process. They examine the role of emotion and reactive defiance on poor judgement.
If you want to influence behavior, it’s not what you say, but what you do.
Why are they hard to keep and give suggestions (based of course on sound psychological principles) as to how to increase your chances of success. Listeners can request one of our e-books and possibly win a prize for answering a question we posed near the end of the podcast.
LEARN MORE
Whether you’re hoping to cut down on sweets, improve your writing skills or brush up on some advanced quantum mechanics, we’ve got you covered.
https://blog.ed.ted.com/2015/01/07/10-ted-ed-lessons-to-inspire-your-new-years-resolutions/
Ralph and Jim, along with their guest, therapist Amy Perschbacher, look at the mental health challenges people face as the pandemic drags on and on. Substance abuse, domestic violence and aggression are surging. Social isolation is leading to increased depression and suicide.
No one, regardless of age, education or social standing is immune – however, some are more vulnerable than others.
The three, Ralph, Jim and Amy, do not take the current situation lightly, but they are able to spot some bright spots midst the chaos. They end the podcast on an optimistic note, predicting that the upcoming year will be better than the one we are quickly exiting.
Learn more
How to build a resilient future using ancient wisdom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DOOJx7AZfM
We went over the first 6 last week. This week we review those 6 and focus on the next six.
Learn More - Here is where you can get more info on Jordon Peterson, including access to Beyond Order - the new book that Ralph talked about: https://www.jordanbpeterson.com/
Here is a Ted Talk that he gave (Redefining Reality) that He gave 9 years ago – you can sort of see his maverick streak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOgSqHtTtHY
December 4, 2020 Education and Psychotherapy in a Covid 19 world
Ralph expresses some concerns about virtual learning and then asks Jim about what it is like to do psychotherapy with children within a virtual world. Jim’s comments surprised Ralph.
WARNING – this podcast is about 40 minutes long, you may want to take a break after 20 minutes, but we do not think so!!!
Jim and Ralph discuss the cognitive, emotional and behavioral components of living and thriving in such a time as this. Ralph gets a little gristly toward the end but redeems himself with a 500 year old quote from Martin Luther!!!
Ralph and Jim lighten up this week as they discuss the various theories of humor and assess the effect of humor on physical and emotional health. Click down below the Learn More section to hear Ralph and Jim
LEARN MORE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bOriPEk7S8
Karyn Buxman (Neurohumorist) dives into the topic of just how powerful humor can be in our daily lives, and how it may even be able to change the world. Karyn Buxman is an international speaker, successful author, and neurohumorist. (A neurohumorist is one who studies the intersection of the brain and humor.) A pioneer in the emerging science of applied humor, Karyn helps leaders, and those they serve, achieve peak performance and optimum health. She is one of 181 people (and only 39 women) in the world to be inducted into the National Speakers Association's Speaker Hall of Fame. Wowing audiences with her high content and high energy—Karyn Buxman is serious about humor.
Jim and Ralph discuss the cognitive, emotional and behavioral components of living and thriving in such a time as this. Ralph gets a little gristly toward the end but redeems himself with a 500 year old quote from Martin Luther!!!
Covid Fatigue? Election Anxiety? Listen as Jim and Ralph solve the problems of the world!!!
Jim and Ralph have a special guest Kelvin Byrd. He was featured last fall in the creativity series. He joins us now to share some of his insights about how to not only cope with the covid 19 challenge but how to thrive.. We pack a lot into this half hour. Kelvin and Ralph unpack the “moral necessity” of happiness and Kelvin gives us a brief glimpse into a new project that he will unveil on next week’s podcast – Ralph and Jim are still pretty much in the dark, so be sure to join us.
Meanwhile, tomorrow is Halloween – get spooky BUT stay safe.
Learn more - Ted Talk about using Minecraft with Autistic children
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iclWth_VvBs
Using Minecraft in education (a kid”s point of view):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urbuT5Tkv-E
Bonus If you want some non-psychology spookiness, check out these two offerings on You Tube:
Legend of Sleepy Hollow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qrfTSnfGHE
Night on Bald Mountain:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLCuL-K39eQ
Episode 78 Today Jim follows up on last week’s ideas about shaking the blues and the blahs by getting out in the woods and learning some new creative outlets and also some survival skills. Ralph examines how mood shapes circumstances and circumstances shape mood.
Audio Player
00:00 00:00 https://amzn.to/3jpOPxa ; while the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy manual, Mind Over Mood, is available at: https://amzn.to/2Hux0A0
Ralph and Jim continue discussing the positive results of having a happy life-style and they, with the help of the Peanuts gang, put forth some concrete suggestions for developing a happy disposition.
In this podcast Jim and Ralph discuss happiness and physical and psychological consequences. Ralph puts up a strong argument that happiness is a true social responsibility.
We mentioned Martin Seligman – here is his Ted Talk on happiness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flqx4zjLljI
“Nothing is either bad nor good, but thinking makes it so.” – Shakespeare. But what about people? Ralph and Jim tackle the issue of human nature – is it basically good or basically evil!!!
The Stanford Prison Experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsWJPNhLCUU
The Psychology of Evil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsFEV35tWsg
Short animated video 'Bad or Good": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGpPw5MKhtc
Jim looks at how the current pandemic is affecting the basic processes associated with sleep.
Here is a classic Heart tune words and dream images: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41P8UxneDJE
If you want to learn more about sleep and dreams check out some early podcasts or request a digital copy of Sleep Perchance to Dream from carro1jl@cmich.edu.>
This week Jim is joined by his wife Sheila and they discuss the psychological – behavioral, cognitive and emotional – benefits of outdoor activity,
Here is a short Ted Talk given by a young man named Brody Gray. In the talk he makes a case for the importance of outdoor play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqJ6f-cddbk
Here are suggestions for parents to help encourage outdoor activities: https://activeforlife.com/18-ways-to-get-kids-outside/
The book that we mentioned, How to play in the woods, is available from our Amazon partner at: https://amzn.to/3iqmkzZ
Ralph and Jim talk about collateral damage felt by the LGBTQ community - particularly among teens.
Ralph and Jim talk about helping children (and their parents) deal with stressors associated with these complicated times.
Ralph and Jim explore OPTIMISM with Helen Keller and examine principles for living the regret free life.
Today global anxiety abounds BUT you do not have to get rocked by it. Ralph and Jim present some different perspectives on how to cope.
Part One - Defining "normal" is tricky, as the discussion between Jim and Ralph reveals. By the end of this Podcast you will see that neither Jim or Ralph fills the bill!!!
Narrative Therapy Part 4 - Sheila again joins Ralph and Jim in a discussion of the fourth dimension of self - Spiritual Self.
In this episode Sheila explains to Ralph and Jim how mythic images, calld Archetypes, affect emotion, behavior and health.
Ralph and Jim talk about the apparent setbacks in the fight against Covid 19.
Here is the link to the entire You Tube Stoicism talk by Tim Ferris and Ryan Holiday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU9UHiUEdnU
This is part two of Ralph, Sheila and Jim discussing Narrative Therapy principals and techniques.
Ralph and Jim give more tips on how to successfully deal with anxiety and depression using Cognitive Behavioral principles.
Here is a link to the resources that were discussed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4TAatCe5uk
Learn More – here are the cognitive behavioral exercises we talked about today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VIL1L_ypMg
Jim and his wife Sheila discuss the application of narrative therapy to current issues in psychology..
Also, here is the linjk to her home page:
https://sheilacarroll.com/
Here is the course that Sheila will be starting next Tuesday:
https://naturopathiccommunitycenter.org/introduction-to-narrative-medicine/
Ralph ad Jim conclude this series with some concrete suggestions for conquering depression
In this podcast Ralph and Jim explore therapeutic techniques for treating depression. The choices range for medical approaches to talking therapy to natural and herbal approaches. Jim debunks several widely held myths concerning the treatment for depression.
Episode 56 - Depression Part One.
Jim and Ralph examine the prevalence this illness. Causes are examined and some antedotes are explored
Motivation Part Five – Jim and Ralph conclude the series on motivation with some application tips from the literature.
Motivation Part Four – Jim and Ralph talk about motivation in the work place. Ralph makes a good point about people who are “working for the weekend”.
Jim and Ralph conclude this series with some practical applications based on current research
Motivation Part Four – Jim and Ralph talk about motivation in the work place. Ralph makes a good point about people who are “working for the weekend”. Jobs that provide meaningfulness, autonomy and feedback are very motivating,
Episode 52:
Motivation Part Three - Jim’s wife Sheila sent us a positive set of outcomes for this scary Covid-19 time. Ralph talks about personal goal setting and positive motivation for such a time as this.
Episode 51 Covid 19 Part 3
Ralph and Jim practice safe social distancing as they continue to explore the psychological dynamics associated with the world wide pandemic.
Continued discussion of COVId19. Ralph and Jim continue to emphasize the most harmful consequence of the virus pandemic for most of us is psychological. Anxiety, stress, fear these are more likely to compromise our health than the actual disease.
Here is a brand new Ted Talk Ted Talk about the pandemic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGTtGCq9grE
Episode 49 Special Podcast on the Corona virus.
Jim and Ralph talk about the negative consequences of panic, stress and anxiety with personal reactions to COVID 19. Catastrophizing behavior has influences on the immune system which may make an individual more likely to contract the disease.
Here is a link to the book Ralph recommended, Rumor, Fear and the Madness of Crowds: https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tedtalkpsycho-20&keywords=Rumor Fear and the Madness of Crowds&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=xm2&linkId=e994126347b538d0ab3cdc7f5ae3c7a2. It costs $9.95.
For the latest active map of the spread of COVID 19 go to John’s Hopkins. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=center+for+systems+science+and+engineering+johns+hopkins
Here is a link to the Bill Gates Ted Talk that we mentioned: https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready?language=en
In 2014, the world avoided a global outbreak of Ebola, thanks to thousands of selfless health workers -- plus, frankly, some very good luck. In hindsight, we know what we should have done better. So, now's the time, Bill Gates suggests, to put all our good ideas into practice, from scenario planning to vaccine research to health worker training. As he says, "There's no need to panic ... but we need to get going."
Motivation Part Two: Goals and Barriers to Goals Today, Jim and Ralph talk about goals, barriers to achievement and reaction to frustrations. They discuss why some individuals withdraw, some act out and others flourish in similar environments. LEARN MORE
What does make us change our actions? Tali Sharot reveals three ingredients to doing what's good for yourself. Dr. Tali Sharot is a neuroscientist at University College London and the director of the Affective Brain Lab. She is a faculty member of the department of Experimental Psychology, and a Visiting Professor at Harvard Medical School. Her research focuses on how emotion, motivation, and social factors influence our expectations, decisions, and memories.
https://youtu.be/xp0O2vi8DX4
Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward.
https://youtu.be/rrkrvAUbU9Y
Podcast Series on Motivation Why do we do what we do? Jim and Ralph begin discussing motivation by establishing some basic definitions. They talk about motivation in terms of internal (pull motivation) and external (push motivation). They talk about how motivation affects your behavior in ways you may not have ever considered. Episode 47 Motivation Part One: Push Me, Pull You.
Ralph and Jim are joined by neuropsychologist Dr. Reid Skeels as they search for the physical location of the elusive memory engram.
Learn More: Here is a link to a Ted Ed lesson on H.M. – the men without a memory: https://youtu.be/KkaXNvzE4pk
Memory Part Four - Jim and Ralph present three different schemas, or ways of thinking about memory formation. They go on to discuss and provide examples of seven areas where memory fails *"The Seven Sins of Memory"
Episode 44 Memory Part 3 Jim and Ralph discuss whether memory lapses as people age are a sign of Alzheimer's or other medical pathology. We go on to present seventeen ways that you can improve your memory.
Learn more.
Here are some practical suggestions to improve memory: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=improving+your+memory+psychology The Psychology of Forgetting: https://www.verywellmind.com/forgetting-about-psychology-2795034 Enhance Your Memory: https://www.apa.org/topics/learning/enhance-memory Memory and aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/do-memory-problems-always-mean-alzheimers-disease Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease
Jim and Ralph focus on forgetting.
Learn more - How to improve your memory: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-improve-your-memory.htm
The Puzzle of Memory.
Memory is the most widely studied area in psychology, but we still don’t understand memory perfectly. Why, for example could the Bards of old hold in their minds thousands of lines? Today most children have difficulty recalling a 20 line poem! However, they can repeat dialog from Frozen or Star Wars verbatim.
In this series Jim and Ralph will discuss what we do know and give suggestions as to how you might use this knowledge to improve your own memory.
Learn more
Psychologist Elizabeth Loftus studies memories. More precisely, she studies false memories, when people either remember things that didn't happen or remember them differently from the way they really were. It's more common than you might think, and Loftus shares some startling stories and statistics, and raises some important ethical questions we should all remember to consider.
: Here is a Ted Talk by memory expert Elizabeth Loftus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB2OegI6wvI
Here is a book you may be interested in Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything ; it is available from amazon at: https://amzn.to/2PZWh6I, and cost around $11.00. If you purchase I through our Amazon link t we get a few pennies to help keep these Podcasts coming to you free of charge.
Stress Part Four. Ralph and Jim present some concrete suggestions for dealing with stress.
Send Jim an e-mail requesting your free copy of Protecting Your Family's Health - his e-mail address is or contact Ralph at
Episode 40 - Stress Part Three. Jim and Ralph discuss the Industrial Psychologist's Job Characteristic Model and find that jobs in teaching, nursing and policing are way over the top when it comes to being stressful!
We present the General Adaptation Syndrome and show that persistent chronic stress is more harmful that acute stress. We leave our listeners with two factors to help them cope. More on coping with stress in our next Podcast.
Episode 39 - Stress Part Two. Stress research started in Canada with Hungarian researcher Hans Seyle - he concluded that physical pain resulted in the General Adaptation Syndrome - physical and emotional collapse. Other researchers have found that psychological factors cause stress. Join Ralph and Jim as they continue their exploration of the negative side of stress.
Episode 38 - Stress Part One. What are some of the signs of stress? How does your body and mind react to stressful situations? Ralph and Jim begin to look at how stress affects both physical and mental health.
Learn More –
How Stress Affects Your Body - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-t1Z5-oPtU
Emotions, Stress and Health - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KbSRXP0wik
How Stress Affects Your Brain - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuyPuH9ojCE
Love Part Three - The Down Side of Romantic Love. If there is one perfect person and we feel we have found them, the potential emotional devastation if they reject us is huge. There are some warning signs. Also, if it does, there are ways to cope. Counseling may help but Stoic endurance may be the best advice. Bad advice on dating: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dating-advice-married-people_l_5dc5ebb0e4b00927b23317e2
40 BEST pick up lines: https://athlonsports.com/pick-up-lines-funny
Interesting episode of This American Life on relationships: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/486/valentines-day/act-one-6
Today Ralph and Jim talk about the "love" and "cuddle" hormone and we discuss the history and socio-cultural aspects of love and marriage. For millennia these were separate entities, but that all changed around 1774 AD - at least in the West.
This is the first part of a multipart series one of the most widely explored and still mysterious emotion – LOVE. In this Podcast we talk about the seven kinds of love identified by the Greeks; Ralph looks at some research on dating behavior, and what happens when love goes wrong.
Ralph and Jim conclude this series with a positive psychology exercise created by Jim’s wife – the story scroll. By looking at helpful people, healthy habits and the chapters in your life, you can increase happiness, engagement and meaning. You can move from wherever you are at the present to your ideal future.
Episode 33 Positive Psychology Part 5 – Ralph and Jim look at the concept of Optimism and relate the positive impact of optimism on their own lives. For people who lack optimism, Ralph provides strategies to decrease pessimism, thus avoiding what Seligman called “learned helplessness”.
Learn More
The Power of Optimism with Bert Jacobs:
https://youtu.be/yYGNWIT4eqA
Alison Ledgerwood presents a simple trick for turning pessimistic thoughts into optimistic outcomes:
https://www.ted.com/talks/alison_ledgerwood_a_simple_trick_to_improve_positive_thinking?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare