Jedi Counsel

Dr. David Klonsky is a clinical psychology professor who conducts research on suicidal behavior, personality, emotion, and assessment. He developed the three-step theory, which is an important and parsimonious theory of suicidal behavior. David also conducted foundational work on the functions of nonsuicidal self-injury. After discussing suicidal behavior research, we shifted the conversation to open … Continue reading Suicidal Behavior, Science, & Mixed Martial Arts with Dr. David Klonsky

Jesse Singal is a journalist who writes about a range of fascinating topics, including psychology and behavioral science. Journalism plays an important role in communicating research findings to the public, and Jesse shared his insight about how that process works. We also talked about his concerns about current directions in journalism, college mental health, the … Continue reading Journalism & Psychology with Jesse Singal

Note: This episode was co-created and produced by Randolph Brickey. Randolph Brickey is a trial attorney, writer, and former public defender who joined us to talk about the movie, Primal Fear. First, we gave an overview of the plot and characters in the movie. Then, Randolph explained legal terms, such as not guilty by reason … Continue reading Primal Fear: The Intersection of Law & Psychology with Randolph Brickey

Dr. Chris Martin is a sociologist who does fascinating research on a range of topics that include culture, mental health, and well-being. He joined us to talk about a college course he teaches on happiness, his stand-up comedy experiences, and the podcast he hosts, Half Hour of Heterodoxy. First, we talked about how Chris got … Continue reading Happiness with Dr. Chris Martin

Michael Sargent is a social psychology professor and the host of Tatter, an excellent podcast about politics, policy, and many other interesting topics. We invited Michael on Jedi Counsel to talk about his pathway to becoming a social psychologist, including his research on need for cognition and punitive responses to crime. Then, Michael told us … Continue reading Tatter, Masculinity, & Pulp Fiction with Michael Sargent

This episode is an interview with Dr. Emily Pisetsky, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and licensed psychologist. First, Dr. Pisetsky shared how she became interested in clinical psychology and the pathway she took toward studying and treating eating disorders. Next, we talked about research on body image and eating disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum … Continue reading Eating Disorders During & After Pregnancy with Dr. Emily Pisetsky

This episode is an interview with Dr. Mun Yee Kwan, an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology. First, Dr. Kwan shared how she became interested in clinical psychology and the journey she took toward becoming an eating disorder researcher. Next, we talked about the ways that social factors both increase risk, and are negatively impacted by, … Continue reading Causes & Consequences of Eating Disorders with Dr. Mun Yee Kwan

Hey Jedi Counsel friends! This week we are checking back in with three-peat guest-host, Dr. Keith Donohue! You might remember him from past episodes on myths around substance use as well as the fictional character James Bond. In this episode, we expanded our episode on Black Mirror: Bandersnatch by talking about “Choose Your Own Adventures” … Continue reading Choosing Our Own Adventures with Dr. Keith Donohue

This episode is an interview with Dr. April Smith, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology. First, Dr. Smith shared how she became interested in her current research areas. Next, we talked about potential explanations for elevated suicidal behavior rates among people with eating disorders. Dr. Smith shared how her lab has investigated underlying factors through … Continue reading Eating Disorders & Suicidal Behavior with Dr. April Smith

Hey, Jedi Counsel fans! This week we decided to finally catch up with the world and check out Black Mirror: Bandersnatch! We know, we are a bit behind everyone else, but we were excited to talk about it anyways! Listen in as we both go through our individual choices and discuss some of the psychological … Continue reading The Psychology of Black Mirror: Bandersnatch

NOTE: This episode includes frank discussion of eating disorder symptoms, weight, body image, depression, and related struggles. Music critic and award-winning writer, Ken Capobianco, shares his story about recovering from anorexia nervosa after 30 years. We talked about the ways that dieting in his teen years escalated into an eating disorder and the painful effects … Continue reading Ken Capobianco Tells His Story about Recovering from Anorexia

Hey folks! Thanks so much for tuning in. This week we had the absolute pleasure of doing a cross-over episode with the Head Space and Timing Podcast hosted by Duane France. Duane is an individual with the unique experience and background of having served both as a veteran as well as a mental health therapist. … Continue reading The Psychology of Saving Private Ryan with Duane France

Randolph Brickey is a writer, recovering attorney, struggling internet personality, and former public defender. He joined us to discuss his fantastic article comparing Batman: The Animated Series (TAS) to Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy. Brandon and Randolph talked about what TAS meant to them growing up and what it means to them now. Then, we discussed … Continue reading Episode 121: The Morality and Psychology of Batman with Randolph Brickey

We spoke to Dr. Tracy Witte, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, about her fascinating research on suicidal behavior. First, she told us about the interesting path that led her to clinical psychology. Next, she shared how openness to new opportunities led to important interdisciplinary work with different populations (e.g., military, LGBTQ+ veterinarians and students). … Continue reading Episode 120: The Science of Suicide Prevention with Dr. Tracy Witte

Note from Katie: I realized after recording that I should have used the term “romantic partner selection” instead of “mate selection.” So sorry about that! Please mentally edit me throughout while listening to put my mind at ease – thank you! In honor of Valentine’s Day, this episode is all about relationships, couples therapy, and … Continue reading Episode 119: Relationship Research, Couples Therapy, & Romance in The Office

Geek Therapy’s Josué Cardona has hijacked this feed to make a special announcement. The Geek Therapy Network, including Jedi Counsel, is brought to you in part by member of Geek Therapy on Patreon. For the month of February GT is holding a special offer for all new and current members. Listen to learn more and … Continue reading Geek Therapy Patreon Special Offer

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of depictions of suicide and self-harm. Hey folks! We are back this week and we decided to check out the new Netflix film Bird Box. We started off by visiting about our overall impressions of the film and some relevant background information. Following that, we dig into some of the … Continue reading Episode 118 – The Psychology of Bird Box

Professor and clinical psychologist, Dr. Leonardo Bobadilla, joined us to discuss examples of narcissism in characters from The Office. We first discussed where the term narcissism came from and what it means to the public, therapists, and researchers. Then, we talked about different aspects of narcissism: pathological vs. adaptive and grandiose vs. vulnerable. Next, we … Continue reading Episode 117 – Narcissism in The Office Characters with Dr. Leonardo Bobadilla

This week’s episode is all about Aquaman, the movie. First, we talked about our overall impressions (which included some tangents about movie theater seats and movie lengths). Next, we discussed how we think Aquaman has low levels of the personality trait neuroticism, while King Orm has high levels of the personality trait narcissism. Then, we … Continue reading Episode 116 – The Psychology of Aquaman

Hey Jedi Counsel fans! This week we had the great opportunity to stop over and chat with our friends at Paradox Comics-N-Cards! They invited us on to talk a bit about Tom King’s recent comic book series called “Heroes in Crisis“. Listen in as we chat with the comic professionals about some of the themes … Continue reading Episode 115 – Talking Therapy in Tom King’s Heroes in Crisis

Heads Up From Your Friends at Jedi Counsel: This episode has lots of SPOILERS. This week, we recorded a podcast episode after seeing A Star Is Born. We opened up with some fun facts about the movie and then chatted about our overall impressions of it. Next, we discussed the depictions of mental health issues … Continue reading Episode 114 – Mental Health Themes in A Star is Born

We spoke to Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, a Professor of Psychology, about his research on personality and social dynamics, personality tests, the podcast he co-hosts (The Black Goat), and his blog (The Hardest Science). First, he told us about the interesting pathway that led him to where he is today. Next, we talked about the appeal … Continue reading Episode 113 – Personality Tests, The Hardest Science, & The Black Goat with Dr. Sanjay Srivastava

Katie spoke to Dr. Jack Arnal, an Associate Professor of Psychology and Zombie Science Instructor, about how he uses pop culture to teach college classes. First, he talked about the interesting pathway that led him to cognitive psychology and the similarities between teaching and stand-up comedy. Next, he shared how he got involved with the … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Episode 112 – Doctor Who and Psychology with Dr. Jack Arnal

We spoke to Dr. Joshua Grubbs, an Assistant Professor of Psychology, about his research on behavioral addictions (e.g., compulsive sexual behavior, gambling), narcissism, and religious beliefs. First, he told us about the interesting pathway that led him to clinical psychology. Next, he shared how his observations led him to fascinating scientific questions and nuanced answers … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Episode 111 – Addiction, Personality, & Religion with Dr. Joshua Grubbs

Note: This episode includes discussion of drug use, self-harm, and overdose deaths.   We invited Dr. Ted Bender, the CEO of Turning Point at Addiction Campuses, to talk to us about his expertise in the treatment of substance use disorders. The episode included an overview of the risk factors and consequences associated with addiction. We … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Episode 110 – Discussing the Opioid Crisis with Dr. Ted Bender, CEO of Turning Point at Addiction Campuses

Dr. Gina Hiraoka is a clinical psychologist with expertise in mental health treatment for veterans.* In this episode, we discussed misconceptions about treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (e.g., short-term vs. long-term decisions related to avoidance and exposure). Next, we talked about Crazy Rich Asians and Dr. Hiraoka’s experiences with (lack of) representation growing up. She … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 109 – Asian Representation in Crazy Rich Asians & Hamilton with Dr. Gina Hiraoka

Note: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault. We invited Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Leonardo Bobadilla, back to talk about his expertise in restorative justice for cases of sexual violence. The episode included an overview of a blog post he wrote titled Restorative Justice and the #MeToo movement: The Kavanaugh hearings as a case … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 108 – Restorative Justice & the #MeToo Movement with Dr. Leonardo Bobadilla

We invited Dr. Jonathan Corbin to talk to us about his expertise in memory research. We first asked Dr. Corbin’s thoughts on media claims about Dr. Ford’s allegations. He described current scientific knowledge about how memory works, including explanations of flashbulb memories, eyewitness testimony, false memories, repressed memories, and best practices for asking people about … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 107 – The Science of Memory and the Kavanaugh Allegations with Dr. Jonathan Corbin

We spoke to Dr. Andrea Letamendi, who is a clinical psychologist and the Associate Director of Mental Health for Residential Life at UCLA. In addition to her work helping college students with their mental health needs, she also admirably shares scientifically accurate mental health information with the public. She does this through co-hosting an amazing Batman … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 106 – Giving Away Psychology with The Arkham Asylum Doc, Dr. Andrea Letamendi

Hi folks! For suicide prevention month, we decided to take the week and chat just a bit about suicide. We started off by talking a bit about how we got involved in suicide prevention research and then talked about some of the causes of suicide and Dr. Thomas Joiner’s interpersonal theory of suicide. We finished … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 105 – Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 2018

Hello, Jedi Counsel listeners! In this episode, we talked about some of our favorite moments from the Netflix series Queer Eye and how they map on to concepts in the field of psychology. We talked about advice given in the show that is consistent with principles of behavioral activation for depression, exposure for social anxiety, … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 104 – Mental Health Themes in Queer Eye

We spoke to Dr. Patrick O’Connor, who was a pioneer in the use of geek culture (e.g., comic books, science fiction movies, video games) in therapy! He is a professor who uses innovative teaching methods like gamification of learning to engage students in his psychology classes. Dr. O’Connor has published and presented on his use of … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 103 – Geek Culture in Therapy with Dr. Patrick O’Connor

We spoke to Dr. Ali Mattu, who is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York City. In addition to treating individuals with anxiety and related disorders, he also does an admirable job of sharing accurate mental health information with the public. He does this through his YouTube channel on The Psych Show, through his blog on … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast Episode 102 – Sharing Psychology with the Public with Dr. Ali Mattu

Dr. Aaron Hanlon is an Assistant Professor of English at Colby College and a visiting scholar in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge. He is a literary historian with expertise in the Enlightenment, 18th century literature, epistemology and the organization of knowledge, and fictionality. He also writes articles … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 101 – Science and Fiction with Dr. Aaron Hanlon

It’s our 100th episode of the Jedi Counsel Podcast! We are grateful for all of our listeners, readers, and other people who we have connected with through Jedi Counsel! Frasier Crane celebrated 1000 radio episodes with Frasier Crane Day, so we decided to celebrate 100 podcast episodes with Frasier Crane Day as well. We talked … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 100 – Frasier Crane Day

We spoke to Aryeh Cohen-Wade, who is the executive editor of bloggingheads.tv and meaningoflife.tv, the host of the podcast Culturally Determined, an excellent writer, and a funny tweeter. First, he provided us with some background on bloggingheads.tv and walked us through his podcasting process. Culturally Determined includes discussions of a broad range of controversial and interesting topics (e.g., cultural appropriation, the Rick & Morty … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 99 – Podcasting, Mental Health, & Humor with Aryeh Cohen-Wade

In this episode, we responded to super-interesting questions that we received through Twitter and e-mail from you all! We opened up by responding to a letter that The Black Goat podcast received (you should totally check out their excellent podcast about psychological science: http://www.theblackgoatpodcast.com/!). The questions ranged from whether it is appropriate to have a podcast … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 98 – Ask Us Anything

We are completely opposed to children being separated from their parents after crossing the border into the United States. The purpose of this episode is to 1) suggest resources with research and information on the long-lasting, damaging effects of parent-child separation and 2) suggest actions that you can take to fight this abhorrent policy. While … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 97 – Reunite Families who were Separated at the Border

We were profoundly moved after hearing about Dr. Janina Scarlet’s life story and her contributions to the mental health world. Dr. Scarlet was born in Ukraine and experienced radiation poisoning as a toddler due to the Chernobyl disaster. Then, she and her family experienced dangerous anti-Semitic threats until they were eventually granted refugee status. Once … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 96 – Superhero Therapy with Dr. Janina Scarlet

Hello, wonderful listeners. There was a lot of heartbreaking suicide-related news this week. We tragically lost Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain to suicide, and the CDC released a report showing that suicide rates have increased in the United States. This brief episode is about tending to your mental health needs, helping someone if they have … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 95 – Suicide in the News

Hi, everyone! This week, we informally discussed our thoughts about four movies we’ve seen relatively recently. First, we talked about the scary movie A Quiet Place and tied it with some anxiety-related concepts. Next, we talked about the movie Blockers – how funny it was and the parent-child relationship depictions. Then, we went into more … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 94 – Reactions to A Quiet Place, Blockers, Deadpool 2, & Solo

Hello, wonderful listeners! We had a special guest, Rudy Caseres, on this week’s episode, and we talked all about his incredible work as a mental health advocate! Rudy speaks and writes publicly about his experiences with bipolar disorder and surviving suicide. In addition to hosting a Facebook show (No Restraints) with a variety of interesting … Continue reading Jedi Counsel Podcast 93 – Talking Mental Health Advocacy & Lived Experience with Rudy Caseres