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Scott Barry Kaufman is a big inspiration to me in research and the human sciences. He is a humanistic psychologist, the creator of self-actualization coaching, and simply a refreshing person who brings a sense of “keeping it real” to the world of self-development.Scott is a professor of psychology at Columbia University, the director of the Center for Human Potential, and among the top 1% most-cited scientists in the world for his research on intelligence and creativity (= wow, the academic sisu this has required).He also hosts The Psychology Podcast. With over 25 million downloads, it's one of the leading psychology podcasts globally.Scott's foundation lies in humanistic psychology, which emphasizes the importance of meaning, wholeness, and the lived experience of being human. Rather than sinking into all sorts of neurosis over what the ego likes to label as “good–bad” or “right–wrong,” this perspective invites us to feel into all the complexity (and wonder) that comes with being human.We spoke about a wide range of topics, such as creativity, human potential, feeling like an impostor at times (and why it can actually be a good thing), his hopes and hesitations about the future, and what it means to be true to your heart.Last year, Scott published his 11th (!) book, Rise above! You can explore Scott's work and many valuable resources at scottbarrykaufman.com. I warmly recommend checking it out. The site is a treasure trove of insight.The conversation we had moved something in me, which I felt afterward. What I can make of it is that witnessing authenticity stirs us, brings us closer to our center and to each other. It feels grounded and safe, and we are indeed finely tuned to sense it.Especially in the context of a recorded conversation, where we tend to seek to perform and give “the right answers” (which is, of course, very human), it felt beautiful to witness such realness.The discussion brought back a thought my Aikido teacher once shared with me: “It's easy to be clever. It's much harder to be loving.”Thanks for listening and for being part of the sisu journey
Today's conversation is all about shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of empowerment and possibility. My guest is Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a psychologist, professor, and bestselling author whose work focuses on helping all kinds of minds live creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized lives. In our conversation, Scott shares insights from his latest book, Rise Above, which explores the concept of the victim mindset and how we can move beyond it. We talk about the role of neurodivergence in shaping perspective, the traps of learned helplessness and rejection sensitivity, and the character strengths that help us cultivate resilience and personal growth. Scott also reflects on his own journey toward empowerment and what it means to truly rise above our limitations—both real and perceived. About Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast, which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top psychology podcasts in the world. Things you'll learn from this episode How Scott Barry Kaufman's personal experiences shaped Rise Above and his exploration of the victim mindset Why a victim mindset is not fixed—and how self-empowerment and learned hopefulness can transform it How rejection sensitivity and cognitive distortions can reinforce feelings of victimhood, especially in children Why leveraging character strengths and modeling emotional flexibility builds resilience and growth How an empowerment mindset helps individuals take ownership of their challenges and personal development Why self-compassion and realistic expectations are essential parts of the ongoing journey toward self-actualization Resources mentioned Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman's website Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential by Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD Via Institute on Character VIA Youth-103 (Age 13-17) (Currently being tested) Dr. David Yeager on the Science of Motivating Young People (Full-Tilt Parenting) 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by David Yeager, PhD Mindset: How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential by Carol Dweck Dr. Tamar Chansky on Children & Negative Thinking (Tilt Parenting episode) Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking: Powerful, Practical Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Resilience, Flexibility, and Happiness by Dr. Tamar Chansky Dr. Sharon Saline on Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) in Tweens and Teens (Tilt Parenting episode) Dr. David Yeager on the Science of Motivating Young People (Tilt Parenting episode) 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by David Yeager, PhD Victim Culture & Self-Actualization (Scott on the Last Meal with Tom Nash podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
For the past few months, I've been working as a teaching assistant in a special educational needs school and whilst there are lots of psychological reflections and lessons I could talk about, there is one I want to focus on. The link between anxiety and diabetes. This relationship is something I've seen first-hand multiple times as a teaching assistant and as an aspiring psychologist, I always enjoy learning about the relationship between psychological experiences, like anxiety, and how they impact our physical health like diabetes. Therefore, by the end of this biological psychology podcast episode, you'll learn how does anxiety impact diabetes, why does this happen and more. If you enjoy learning about the mind-body connection, clinical psychology and biopsychology, then this will be a brilliant episode for you. LISTEN NOW!If you want to support the podcast, please check out:FREE AND EXCLUSIVE 8 PSYCHOLOGY BOOK BOXSET- https://www.subscribepage.io/psychologyboxsetBiological Psychology- https://www.connorwhiteley.net/biologicalpsychology Available from all major eBook retailers and you can order the paperback and hardback copies from Amazon, your local bookstore and local library, if you request it. Also available as an AI-narrated audiobook from selected audiobook platforms and libraries systems. For example, Kobo, Spotify, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, Overdrive, Baker and Taylor and Bibliotheca. Patreon- patreon.com/ThePsychologyWorldPodcast#diabetes #anxiety #anxietyawareness #diabetesawareness #diabetesmanagement #diabetestype 1 #clinicalpsychology #mentalhealth #clinicalmentalhealth #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthadvocate #psychology #psychology_facts #psychologyfacts #psychologyfact #psychologystudent #psychologystudents #podcast #podcasts
Even though failure is part of life, it can still hurt. For example, you can fail to pass an exam, you can fail a driving test and you might fail to get a date for a party. Everyone fails at things in life. Yet depending on your mindset towards failure, failure can decrease your self-esteem, increase your critical thoughts and it can even make you feel a little depressed. Therefore, by the end of this social psychology podcast episode, you'll learn why failure can hurt, how to recover after failure and more. If you're interested in social psychology, psychology of failure and more then this is a great episode for you. LISTEN NOW!If you want to support the podcast, please check out:FREE AND EXCLUSIVE 8 PSYCHOLOGY BOOK BOXSET- https://www.subscribepage.io/psychologyboxsetSocial Psychology: A Guide To Social and Cultural Psychology- https://www.connorwhiteley.net/socioculturalpsychology Available from all major eBook retailers and you can order the paperback and hardback copies from Amazon, your local bookstore and local library, if you request it. Also available as an AI-narrated audiobook from selected audiobook platforms and libraries systems. For example, Kobo, Spotify, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, Overdrive, Baker and Taylor and Bibliotheca. Patreon- patreon.com/ThePsychologyWorldPodcast#failure #failuretosuccess #failureispartofsuccess #HowtoRecoverAfterFailure #failurelesson #failureisfeedback #failureeducation #clinicalpsychology #mentalhealth #clinicalmentalhealth #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthadvocate #psychology #psychology_facts #psychologyfacts #psychologyfact #psychologystudent #psychologystudents #podcast #podcasts
Our guest today is Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a social psychologist, author, and Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute. He is host of the Sex and Psychology Podcast and is author of the popular book Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It WillHelp You Improve Your Sex Life. Dr. Lehmiller is an award-winning educator, having been honored three times with the Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Harvard University, where he taught for several years. He is also a prolific researcher who has published more than 50 academic works, including a textbook titled The Psychology of Human Sexuality that is used in college classrooms around the world. Dr. Lehmiller is a much sought-after voice in the media on sexuality research and education. He's been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CNN, and he has appeared on dozens of international radio, podcast, and television programs. We talked about the seven categories of sexual fantasies, how fantasies change as we age, and their current study on masturbation and menopause. Click here if you'd like to learn more about Dr. Justin Lehmiller's work and check out his blog and his podcast too. If you're interested in Justin Lehmiller's immersive study abroad programs, go to Sexual Health Alliance Study Abroad for lots of great information! You can follow him on Instagram @JustinJLehmiller. If you want to catch up on other shows, just visit our website and please subscribe! We love our listeners and welcome your feedback, so if you love Our Better Half, please give us a 5-star rating and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. It really helps support our show! As always, thanks for listening!
Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. and Steve Wood, Ph.D. answer another batch of podcast viewer and listener questions: • When is the right time to conduct a focus group—should I wait until discovery is complete? • Can I test my opening statement in front of staff members or family? • Why is it important to test opening statements with mock jurors? • Should a consultant or moderator sit inside the jury deliberation room during a mock trial? • What are the most common trial mistakes defense attorneys make in opening statements, voir dire, and cross-examination?
A lot of us think about career transitions and career changes during our working lives and especially towards the end and start of a new year. We consider what we want for the year ahead, where we want to be and what changes we want to make to our careers. This isn't unique to psychology careers because everyone considers changes. Yet career changes are scary, intimidating and this fear can stop us from taking good opportunities and exploring what the job market has to offer us. Therefore, in this business psychology podcast episode, you'll understand why is career change scary, what are the benefits of career transitioning with others and why social groups are critical during career changes. If you enjoy learning about careers, organisational psychology and social psychology, then you'll love today's episode.In the psychology news, you'll learn about what it takes to be cool, working on identity and personal meaning in extremists behind bar, and how neurodivergent people have mixed feelings about neurodiversity terms. LISTEN NOW!If you want to support the podcast, please check out:FREE AND EXCLUSIVE 8 PSYCHOLOGY BOOK BOXSET- https://www.subscribepage.io/psychologyboxsetCareers in Psychology: A Guide to Careers In Clinical Psychology , Forensic Psychology and More- https://www.connorwhiteley.net/careers-in-psychology Available from all major eBook retailers and you can order the paperback and hardback copies from Amazon, your local bookstore and local library, if you request it. Also available as an AI-narrated audiobook from selected audiobook platforms and libraries systems. For example, Kobo, Spotify, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, Overdrive, Baker and Taylor and Bibliotheca. Patreon- patreon.com/ThePsychologyWorldPodcast#careerchange #changingcareers #businesspsychology #organisationalpsychology #industrialpsychology #clinicalpsychology #mentalhealth #clinicalmentalhealth #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthadvocate #psychology #psychology_facts #psychologyfacts #psychologyfact #psychologystudent #psychologystudents #podcast #podcasts
Tune in to hear:What does Swiss-born British author Alain de Botton have to say about Macbeth's cynical soliloquy on the brevity and meaningless of life? Why does he state that despair and hope are two sides of the same coin?How does storytelling make a truth durable in our minds by linking an idea to an ego?Why is our internal dialogue one of the most important stories that we tell? How can we go about making it a more productive dialogue and less self-depricating?How can Albert Ellis' “ABC Model” help us counteract irrational thoughts and cognitive distortions?What is an exercise you can work through to help correct detrimental self-speak?What is The Significant Objects Project and what can it teach us about the importance of narrative as it relates to valuation?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 3328-U-25338
Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. breaks down why the single most powerful testimony tool in depositions and trial is the disciplined use of “No” or “I disagree”, followed by silence. Bill explains how witnesses get into trouble when they add explanations after a comma (“No, because…”), which leads to defensive or evasive answers and creates damaging credibility issues. Instead, he emphasizes a strategy rooted in cognitive science: reject the premise cleanly, elevate tone and composure, and force opposing counsel into an open-ended follow-up like “Why?”, which gives the witness more time to think and respond from the logical (not emotional) part of the brain. Bill also clarifies common misconceptions about witnesses who answer with "No" appearing evasive, why jurors dislike pivoting or arguing witnesses, and how “reject and elevate” protects credibility while maintaining emotional control. He explains how witnesses can later provide explanations, during defense follow-up at deposition or rehabilitation at trial, without exposing themselves to attack when they're under pressure.
Adoption is a brilliant topic that I've always wanted to cover on The Psychology World Podcast. It can be seen as an opportunity to give a child a new life, a new home and a great childhood that they might not have had otherwise. Yet similar to deciding whether or not to have a biological child, there are a lot of questions to think about. Ultimately, you need to decide is adopting right for you. Also, aspiring and qualified psychologists and other mental health professionals need to be aware of adoption because adoption concerns, fear or possibilities might be a maintaining factor for our clients regardless of their mental health conditions. I'll discuss this more in today's podcast episode. Lastly, as a gay person, adoption is the most likely choice for me to have a child. I would love to have a kid because I would care for them, give them the best life possible and I would love them like my own. Yet I am also aware that adoption isn't right for everyone. Therefore, in this social psychology podcast episode, you'll learn why is adoption important for psychologists to be aware of, what are the questions people should answer before they adopt and much more. If you enjoy learning about development psychology, relationship psychology and more, then this will be a great episode for you. In the psychology news section, you'll learn could these be the mechanics of autistic meltdowns, how Thai hallucinations echo nature, spirits and cultural themes, and how embodying your younger face boosts childhood memory recall. LISTEN NOW!If you want to support the podcast, please check out:FREE AND EXCLUSIVE 8 PSYCHOLOGY BOOK BOXSET- https://www.subscribepage.io/psychologyboxsetDevelopmental Psychology: A Guide To Developmental and Child Psychology- https://www.connorwhiteley.net/developmentalpsychology Available from all major eBook retailers and you can order the paperback and hardback copies from Amazon, your local bookstore and local library, if you request it. Also available as an AI-narrated audiobook from selected audiobook platforms and libraries systems. For example, Kobo, Spotify, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, Overdrive, Baker and Taylor and Bibliotheca. Patreon- patreon.com/ThePsychologyWorldPodcast#adoption #socialpsychology #clinicalpsychology #mentalhealth #clinicalmentalhealth #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthadvocate #psychology #psychology_facts #psychologyfacts #psychologyfact #psychologystudent #psychologystudents #podcast
After 11 years, 478 episodes, and countless conversations exploring the depths of human potential, this episode marks the final chapter of The Psychology Podcast in its current form. In this deeply meaningful farewell episode for Scott, he sits down with acclaimed science writer Annie Murphy Paul — fittingly, the very first guest ever featured on the show back in 2014. Together, they reflect on the podcast’s evolution, its mission, and the major themes that have shaped more than a decade of inquiry into what it means to be fully human. Scott opens up about why he’s choosing to step away: to recenter, recharge, and make space for his own continued growth. He discusses how the podcast landscape has transformed since he launched the show at a time when psychology podcasts were virtually nonexistent, and shares what he hopes listeners will carry forward from this body of work. This episode explores the seven core insights Scott has gleaned from hosting the show — themes that have come to define its spirit:• Being over doing• Creativity over efficiency• Self-actualization over achievement• Deep fulfillment over temporary happiness• Self-transcendence over self-enhancement… along with lessons about meaning, compassion, and human possibility. With honesty and gratitude, Scott takes a moment to thank the listeners who have supported the show since its inception — a community that made this journey possible week after week, year after year. If you get a chance, please leave a comment telling Scott what the show has meant to you. He would love to hear from you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tune in to hear:What does the Japanese Tea Ceremony, Chanoyu, symbolize beyond the ritualized preparation of tea? Why are rituals so important and how can we incorporate ritual into our modern lives?What did Polish Anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski discover about the importance of fisherman's rituals in Papua New Guinea?How can rituals ease neural tension after a difficult day and give us a sense of control during chaotic times in our lives?Why is active participation in a ritual a prerequisite of reaping their potential benefits?How do we, practically, go about ritualizing our own life purpose? LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code:
Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. expands on the “disruptive voir dire” approach, focusing on how to neutralize juror confirmation bias, which is one of the most dangerous psychological forces in the courtroom, and in life. Bill explains why all humans are hardwired to make rapid, belief-driven judgments and how those cognitive shortcuts can lock jurors into the plaintiff's narrative before the defense even begins its case. He outlines a structured voir dire method that exposes confirmation bias directly. Bill emphasizes the importance of normalizing confirmation bias through the sharing of personal examples and guiding jurors to reflect on times when they changed their minds after learning more. By forcing jurors to engage cognitively rather than reactively, attorneys can dramatically reduce the likelihood of premature, biased conclusions. Bill closes with specific question structures and strategic sequencing that reprogram juror thinking and prevent snap judgments during trial.
In this episode, Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. explains why most defense teams misuse jury research by relying solely on a single mock trial and skipping the exploratory phase required by the scientific method for validity and reliability. Bill breaks down how early focus groups are critical in revealing juror confusion, hidden vulnerabilities in your case, and dangerous misconceptions that mock trials are unable to uncover. He also emphasizes that early exploratory research can shape discovery, expert strategy, themes, and voir dire long before mediation or trial. Bill warns that when defense teams skip this exploratory step, they enter mediation and trial preparation with major blind spots and lacking data while the plaintiff's side often has extensive exploratory data and ammunition, which is particularly impactful with mediators. Bill closes by urging defense counsel to adopt a disciplined, phased research process that begins early with exploratory focus groups to reduce risk and improve litigation outcomes.
Tune in to hear:How did Florence Nightingale transform the healthcare landscape in her time?How did Rachel Carson and her book, Silent Spring, call for a greater awareness of environmental degredation and a heightened awareness of the fragility of our planet?Why did Norman Borlaug win The Nobel Prize, The Presidential Medal of Freedom and The Congressional Gold Medal? Where can his legacy be seen in the present day?Why does participating in activism lead to a greater sense of wellbeing?Why are greater levels of activism also correlated to greater physical health?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 3005-U-25304
Steve Wood, Ph.D. and Linda Khzam, M.A. break down the topic of hindsight bias and its impact on juror decision-making. They explain how learning an outcome makes jurors believe it was predictable all along, leading to exaggerated foreseeability and unrealistic expectations of what defendants “should have known.” Steve and Linda discuss how hindsight bias appears across different case types from trucking and transportation to incidents involving police officers to decades-old sexual assault and molestation cases where jurors often apply modern norms and knowledge to past events. They also highlight how technology, especially video evidence, further expands hindsight bias by giving jurors clarity and insight that defendants never had in real time. Steve and Linda also cover counterfactual thinking (i.e., “If only they had done X”) and how plaintiffs use it to oversimplify causation. Lastly, they outline how defense counsel can confront hindsight bias during voir dire by using relatable examples and consistently reframing what was knowable in the moment rather than after the fact.
Tune in to hear:How can southern author Flannery O'Conner's emphasis on the importance of truth be seen in both her writing and the way she lived her life?What did German-American psychoanalyst Erich Fromm have to say about the difference between the “having” and the “being” modes of existence? Also, what can Tennyson's and Basho's poems on flowers teach us about each mode of existence?How does contemporary advertising encourage us to confuse having and being?Why does a focus on having often come at the expense of being?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2978-U-25303
Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. discusses a recurring problem in wrongful death cases: jurors' tendency to mistakenly believe their job is to assign a monetary value to a life. Bill explains how this cognitive shortcut often leads to inflated damage awards because jurors default to emotional reasoning rather than following the legal instructions. To prevent this, Bill emphasizes that the issue must be addressed proactively during voir dire. He outlines a process that begins with exposing the problem - acknowledging that jurors will naturally think, “How do we put a value on a life?” - and then clearly explaining that the law does not ask them to do that. Instead, jurors are asked to compensate surviving family members for measurable economic and emotional losses. Bill walks through a step-by-step strategy for correcting this misconception: expose and normalize the cognitive shortcut, redefine the juror's task in line with the law, and secure public, verbal pre-commitments from jurors to follow the court's instructions. He also recommends going a step further by asking jurors to commit to keeping one another on track during deliberations. Bill concludes by noting that this structured approach not only prevents confusion and emotional decision-making by jurors but also strengthens the defense's position by grounding jurors in rational, law-based reasoning right from the start.
We inherit shame like an unspoken family heirloom — stitched into our bodies, our ambition, our idea of enough. It's the quiet undertone behind so many brilliant women asking, “Why do I still feel like I'm not enough?”In this conversation, Jennifer Walter sits down with therapist and facilitator Kyira Wackett to unpack the hidden ways shame shapes our lives — from body image and burnout to perfectionism and belonging. Together, they explore how shame isn't just a feeling — it's a learned survival strategy. One we can unlearn.You'll hear about the difference between “good” and “bad” pain, why setting boundaries feels so hard, and how to start building shame resilience without burning yourself out.This episode is part psychology, part real talk — a compassionate deep dive into the quiet stories that keep women performing, proving, and people-pleasing.If you're tired of hustling for worth, this one's your permission slip to rest, reflect, and begin again.
Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. talks about several issues he sees with opening statements. Bill highlights the biggest issue the CSI team comes across in opening statements: starting the opening statement in the wrong spot. Bill emphasizes the importance of the first two minutes of the opening and how those first two minutes frame how you want the jury to see your case (i.e., the cognitive lens.) The first thing that the defense attorney has to do in their opening is put someone or something else on trial, state emphatically what the case is about, and not talk about what the case is not about, which only reinforces the plaintiff's perspective. The goal with the opening statement is to reframe what the plaintiff presents in their opening. The next issue Bill discusses is how lengthy opening statements that include the attorney thanking the jury for their service, talking about themselves or their client, or sharing a story from their childhood are a waste of those critical first two minutes in front of the jurors. What attorneys have to realize is that jurors don't remember facts and details; they remember how you made them feel. Lastly, Bill talks about the importance of testing opening statements with mock jurors. Getting direct feedback from jurors and practicing the delivery and story is a critical, but often skipped, step in the trial preparation process and attorneys who do not test their opening statements with mock jurors in a focus group risk their entire case.
Tune in to hear:How was the Japanese art of ceramic repair, kintsugi, born out of Ashikaga Yoshimasa's happy accident with a piece of Chinese ceramics? What lessons can we take from the art of kintsugi, or more broadly Wabi-sabi, regarding resilience, rebirth and the acceptance of imperfection?What has scientific research uncovered about the value of learning from past mistakes?Why does nearly winning provide more motivation than winning or losing by a big margin?What do scientific studies have to say about the optimal rate of failure for personal growth? Why might this hold true for both LLMs and humans alike?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code:
Bill Kanasky, Jr. Ph.D. shares a comparison between two different performances by witnesses at a recent mock trial and how their deposition performance impacted jurors' perceptions of the credibility of the witnesses and jurors' views of the case. One of the witnesses gave several pivoting responses, using phrases like "Yeah, but...." many times, which the jurors found evasive and did not like. Bill talks about how to handle situations where witnesses are asked questions related to bad facts or potentially problematic information and describes a much better approach than pivoting or arguing with the questioning attorney. Bill emphasizes the importance of owning your conduct and why that's the best way to diffuse this line of questioning from opposing counsel. Lastly, Bill addresses how to help witnesses address accusatory questions without pivoting.
Tune in to hear:Why did Diogenes of Sinope stand out among other Cynic Philosophers of the time and how did he use “principled unseriousness” to bring levity and illuminate truths about life?What did the lantern that Diogenes carried with him symbolize metaphorically?Why was Plato such a strong critic of laughter and why did he believe that it was an emotion that can override self-control?What styles of humor are most predictive of improved functioning and thriving? What styles of humor predict just the opposite?What did Viktor Frankl say about the critical role of humor in his work Man's Search for Meaning?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2886-U-25295
Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. talks about what attorneys and defendants get wrong about jury research. Defense teams that follow the traditional jury research model and only conduct mock trials ignore the scientific method. If you want results you can have confidence in, you have to follow the proven scientific method. Bill describes the two biggest issues with mock trials: - conducting a mock trial as the first, and often only, research project invites a significant amount of error into your results, risking false positives and false negatives - mock trials are built on argument and persuasion and when presentations are not balanced and when the presenters for both sides are not equal in their communication skills, their persuasion skills, and their appeal to jurors, significant bias can skew the results The solution is to follow the scientific method and conduct focus groups before the mock trial. Focus groups allow the defense team to find hidden vulnerabilities and juror comprehension issues and avoid false positives and false negatives well before conducting the confirmatory research step that is the mock trial. The focus group is the necessary screening tool for litigation.
Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. discusses setting proper expectations when it comes to managing litigation and the relationship between each element in litigation. For example, Bill highlights that success in trial depends on a constellation of factors, not just one element like jury selection, and that defense teams often place too much weight on a single component while neglecting others. He explains that having a consultant present for jury selection without supporting jury research is ineffective, comparing it to a surgeon operating without diagnostic scans. Meaningful jury selection requires data to build juror profiles and well-structured, insightful questions and follow-ups to extract useful responses to identify safe and risky jurors. Bill stresses that winning cases demands balance across all stages of litigation: witness training for both deposition and trial, early and iterative jury research, scientifically-based voir dire, and tested and compelling opening statements. He notes that even a perfect jury selection is useless if the attorney is delivering a poor opening statement or putting up unprepared witnesses, and that cutting corners in these areas leads to predictable losses. Instead, he urges defense teams to invest in comprehensive preparation and ongoing training to strengthen performance across the board. Lastly, Bill shares a recent example of a defense verdict that came down to witness credibility and preparation. He outlines the techniques that led to success including the witness controlling the pace, avoiding argumentative “pivoting,” and keeping testimony clear, concise, and authentic. He closes by encouraging law firms to adopt structured, science-based training for attorneys to move the needle toward more consistent defense wins.
Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Doctor Is In Series – where we will discuss understandings and developments in the field of psychology. In today's episode, Chris and Dr. Abbie explore the intriguing phenomena of dreams, the placebo effect, and déjà vu. They delve into the mysteries of why dreams can feel more emotionally intense than reality, how belief can trigger real physiological changes, and the perplexing sensation of déjà vu that leaves us questioning our memories. Through engaging discussions, they uncover what science knows and the many questions that remain unanswered about these fascinating topics. [Oct 6, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Dr. Abbie Maroño Intro 01:14 - Intro Links - Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ - Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ - Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ - Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb - CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ - innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 03:17 - The Topic of the Day: Dreams, Placebo and Deja Vu 04:11 - Why Do We Dream? 07:01 - Information Integration 09:36 - Second-Hand Emotion 11:41 - What We Don't Know 14:28 - Uploading Your Dreams 17:26 - The Placebo Effect 22:57 - Context Dependent 26:09 - Non-Responders 28:21 - Deja Vu 30:01 - The Smell Trigger 31:31 - The Emotional Aspect 34:43 - What's Your Sign? 35:44 - Wrap Up 35:59 - Next Month: Ambition 36:34 - Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org Find us online: - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd - Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy References: Barrett, D. (2001). The committee of sleep: How artists, scientists, and athletes use dreams for creative problem solving—and how you can too. Oneiroi Press. de la Fuente-Fernández, R., Ruth, T. J., Sossi, V., Schulzer, M., Calne, D. B., & Stoessl, A. J. (2001). Expectation and dopamine release: Mechanism of the placebo effect in Parkinson's disease. Science, 293(5532), 1164–1166. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1060937 Hobson, J. A. (2009). REM sleep and dreaming: Towards a theory of protoconsciousness. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(11), 803–813. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2716 Hobson, J. A., & McCarley, R. W. (1977). The brain as a dream state generator: An activation-synthesis hypothesis of the dream process. Cognitive Psychology, 5(4), 448–502. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0285(77)90005-9 Platek, S. M., Critton, S. R., Myers, T. E., & Gallup, G. G. (2003). Contagious yawning: The role of self-awareness and mental state attribution. Cognitive Brain Research, 17(2), 223–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-6410(03)00109-5 Revonsuo, A. (2000). The reinterpretation of dreams: An evolutionary hypothesis of the function of dreaming. Consciousness and Cognition, 9(2), 210–218. https://doi.org/10.1006/ccog.2000.0422 Stickgold, R., & Walker, M. P. (2013). Sleep-dependent memory triage: Evolving generalization through selective processing. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(10), 501–507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2013.06.003 Voss, U., Holzmann, R., Tuin, I., & Hobson, J. A. (2009). Lucid dreaming: A state of consciousness with features of both waking and non-lucid dreaming. Sleep, 32(9), 1191–1200. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/32.9.1191 Wager, T. D., Scott, D. J., & Zubieta, J.-K. (2007). Placebo effects on human μ-opioid activity during pain. NeuroImage, 35(1), 253–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2006.11.026
In this episode of The Litigation Psychology Podcast, Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. discusses confirmation bias and its destructive impact on litigation decision-making. He explains that confirmation bias — when attorneys or claims professionals interpret case facts in ways that support their preexisting beliefs — is one of the most dangerous cognitive traps in civil litigation. Plaintiff attorneys have recognized this risk in their own thinking and combat it through early and consistent jury research, conducting multiple focus groups throughout case development to uncover blind spots and test themes. Bill contrasts this with defense teams that often rely on gut feelings, hunches, or prior cases rather than data from the case at hand. Using a real fatality case example, he illustrates how an insurance company's refusal to fund jury research, despite facing a potential $25 million exposure, left the defense flying blind while the plaintiff likely had extensive data on juror perceptions, themes, and damages. This imbalance, he argues, fuels nuclear verdicts and demonstrates why relying on instinct instead of evidence is so costly. To counter confirmation bias, Bill advocates for early, cost-effective jury research, even pre-suit. He emphasizes that small, exploratory focus groups can act as pilot studies that guide case strategy, discovery, witness preparation, and expert planning long before trial. By investing early in data-driven insights, defense teams can make more informed settlement decisions, reduce uncertainty, and prevent disastrous verdicts.
Text us, PsyclithidsSession Zero isn't just about rolling stats and swapping backstories—it's the primary emotional regulation tool for your group. In this episode of The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we dive into why Session Zero matters so much, and how it sets the tone for your entire campaign.We'll explore:Player Contracts: Setting clear expectations for behavior and table norms.Aligning Expectations: Making sure everyone's on the same page about tone, style, and play focus.Safety Tools: How tools like the X-card and emotional check-ins act as guardrails to keep play fun and safe.The Art of the Break: Why stepping away from the table is one of the most powerful conflict-resolution tools you have.Plus, in Tricks of the Trade, I'll share actionable steps for both players and DMs to strengthen collaboration, prevent burnout, and keep the story immersive.Because at the end of the day, conflict belongs in the narrative—not between the people around the table.
Tune in to hear:What is “The Betty Crocker Effect” and what psychological principle explains this phenomenon? What does this say about the perceived relationship between effort and value?Why is effort generally thought of as a cost in classical economics and why does this way of thinking about it often get it wrong?Thomas Payne stated “that which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.” How does this play out in the case of money that is inherited, or won, versus money that was worked for?Do animals also show a preference for rewards they worked for versus those they were just given?Why are we so wired for laziness, and conserving energy, even though we derive so much pleasure from hard work?Why is our proclivity for energy conservation particularly dangerous in contemporary life?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2511-U-25260
Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. breaks down two critical mistakes attorneys make in opening statements: dilution of their message and their communication frequency. Frequency refers to the attorney's delivery dynamics - energy level, confidence, rhythm, and emotional tone - that either engages jurors or turns them off. Common problems with communication frequency include defensiveness, nervousness, over-talking, and coming across as if trying to sell something to the jury rather than telling them a compelling story. Dilution occurs when attorneys talk too long, over-explain, or defend unnecessarily, which weakens the message and causes jurors to tune out. Bill explains why less is more and that potency comes from repetition, silence, and reframing the narrative right from the start. He urges attorneys to avoid “dead zones” in the middle of openings, stay high-level (“in the clouds, not the weeds”), and let witnesses handle details later. Finally, Bill highlights the value and importance of testing openings with focus groups to gather feedback from mock jurors to help guide and fine-tune delivery, frequency, and clarity before trial.
Text us, PsyclithidsDo you ever feel like you're “not good enough” to be a Dungeon Master? That pressure to run the perfect game… That voice in your head saying, “I'm a fraud”?This week on The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we dive into the psychology of impostor syndrome, why so many DMs struggle with it, and how to build real confidence in your storytelling.Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player's Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Patreon EtsyLinkTree Session ZeroThe Player's Handbook for Real LifePodcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Support the showEmail: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4GamesAmazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X Amazon Link to The Player's Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0 Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR Facebook: @dungeonsdragonspsychology https://www.facebook.com/dungeonsdragonspsychology/ Insta: @dungeons_dragons_psychology https://www.instagram.com/dungeons_dragons_psychology/
Tune in to hear:What did Siddhartha Gautama, The Buddha, discover when he left his father's palace and how did this inform his philosophy going forward? What are Buddhism's “four signs” that he then witnessed and how did this spur on his quest for enlightenment?For Proust, what is the only true voyage of discovery and foundation of eternal youth?What does mindfulness look like in practice? Also, what have researchers discovered as the constituent parts of mindfulness?How do “reappraisal” and “savoring” play into the relationship between mindfulness and meaning in MMT (Mindfulness to Meaning Theory)?Try an exercise in mindfulness while listening to today's show.LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2500-U-25259
Text us, PsyclithidsIs the bard's silver tongue just a fun game mechanic, or does it reflect real-world psychology? In this episode of The Dungeons, Dragons, and Psychology Podcast, we explore the fascinating connection between the bard's abilities and the science of persuasion, charisma, and social influence.We'll break down key psychological principles like reciprocity, liking, authority, and social proof, and connect them directly to bardic abilities such as Bardic Inspiration, Charm Person, and Hypnotic Pattern. Along the way, we'll discuss why communication—even with NPCs—can transform your game world into a living, breathing story.Finally, I'll share practical tips for bringing bardic charisma into your own life: how to listen actively, find common ground, and master your confidence both at the table and in the real world.Whether you're a bard main or just want to level up your influence, this episode will inspire you to see the bard in a whole new light.✨ Ways to Support the Show:
In this episode of the Litigation Psychology Podcast, Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. talks about common missteps in litigation and explains why defense teams must “stop losing before they can start winning.” He argues that many losses stem not from case facts but from preventable mistakes, as the plaintiff's bar continues to be proactive while the defense often remains reactive. Bill highlights three key areas for improvement: early and accurate case assessment via frequent jury research, early witness evaluation to address psychological and emotional issues, and early deposition preparation using neurocognitive remapping and systematic desensitization to ensure witnesses are protected from cognitive autopilot issues and plaintiff attacks. By eliminating these common errors, defense teams can significantly reduce the risk in their cases and position themselves for more consistent wins.
Tune in to hear:What can we learn from circus animals about learned helplessness and how can we free ourselves from the chains of a small existence we feel we can't escape?What are the positive and negative implications of habituation? How does it serve us evolutionarily and how can it hold us back?How does habituation affect the joy we get from our favorite songs and how can we renew this joy when we've overplayed a song?How can we change things up to disrupt our status quo and tendency for habituation?Why is diversifying your experiences, and your life overall, just as vital as diversifying your portfolio?What does Existentialist Jean Paul Sartre mean by his example of a waiter who is “playing at being a waiter in a cafe?” What does Sartre mean that he is acting in “bad faith” and how can we think about this in our own lives?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2371-U-25246
Trucking defense attorneys Shane O'Dell and Larry Hall join hosts Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. and Steve Wood, Ph.D. to talk through several topics in trucking and transportation litigation. They begin by discussing the devastating illegal U-turn trucking accident in Florida resulting in multiple fatalities and the political fallout due to immigration issues with the driver. The group talk about how to address this horrible accident in jury selection and how to solicit honest perspectives from jurors about the trucking industry in order to identify biased jurors. Next the group discuss the need for the defense to be less reactive and to become more proactive and how to help clients see the value in starting early. Shane and Larry talk about the benefits of conducting early jury research, even pre-suit, and how finding hidden and unexpected vulnerabilities early is incredibly valuable in figuring out how to handle the claim or case. They also share how jury research is highly useful in protecting the defense team from confirmation biases that may be clouding their perspective on the case. Lastly, the group discuss the complexities in litigation when there are multiple defendants, how the attorneys manage co-defendants, and the best ways to conduct jury research when you have co-defendants.
Tune in to hear:What did psychiatrist Dr. Derek Summerfield learn about the importance of treating social circumstances, as opposed to just brain chemistry, during his research in Cambodia on the psychological effects of unexploded landmines?What did St. Francis of Assisi, Leo Tolstoy, Winston Churchill and other luminaries have to say about the importance of giving and charitable service?What do longitudinal studies show about the mental and physical health benefits gained by those who volunteer on behalf of others?Does volunteering make us happier, or are happy people just more likely to volunteer in the first place?Why does our will power often diminish when we feel threatened and swell when we focus on contributing to the greater good? How does this play out in psychological research?What does Adam Grant's book, Give and Take, illustrate about the power of focusing on others in the context of telemarketing? How can this lesson be applied more generally to our lives and our careers?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2361-U-25246
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Today we are joined by Lauren Gawne. Lauren is a Senior Lecturer in linguistics at La Trobe University. Her work focuses on understanding how people use gestures and grammar, with a particular focus on cross-cultural gesture use. Lauren also does research on emoji, scicomm and the grammar of Tibetan languages in Nepal. [Sept 8, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 01:40 - Intro Links - Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ - Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ - Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ - Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb - CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ - innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 02:40 - Lauren Gawne Intro 03:02 - Foreign Gestures 03:59 - Linguistical Mad Libs 05:37 - Universal Traits 07:47 - This Isn't Taught 10:07 - Head Shaking Confusion 12:41 - The Weirdness of Writing 14:31 - Deception Detection 17:46 - Got The Time? 21:39 - Assigning Space 23:06 - The Cross Culture Conundrum 27:31 - Find Lauren Gawne Online - Website: https://lingthusiasm.com/ - Blog: https://www.superlinguo.com/ - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/superlinguo.bsky.social 28:48 - Book Recommendations - The Murderbot Diaries - Martha Wells - Gesture - Lauren Gawne 30:39 - Mentors - Barbara Kelly 31:58 - Guest Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org
Tune in to hear:Why did François Clemmons not initially want to take on the role of police officer on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood?How does psychological research bear out the fact that relationships are the most succinct route to attaining a purposeful life?What are some unique benefits that accrue to those who focus on cultivating meaningful relationships and friendships?Is living a purposeful life also predictive of having better relationships?What effect does leading a meaningful life have on one's romantic relationships?What is the exact mechanism by which living meaningfully makes our relationships stronger and relationships make our lives more meaningful?What does the famous Harvard longevity study show about the power of relationships in both extending our lives and making them more fulfilling?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2360-U-25246
Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Doctor Is In Series – where we will discuss understandings and developments in the field of psychology. In today's episode, Chris and Abbie delve into the fascinating world of intuition and gut feelings. They explore whether these instincts are rooted in biology or shaped by past experiences and discuss the science behind how our brains process environmental cues to make quick decisions. [Sept 1, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:44 - Dr. Abbie Maroño Intro 01:02 - Intro Links - Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ - Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ - Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ - Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb - CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ - innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 02:23 - New Book Announcement - Lilly the Brave Lion - Dr. Abbie Maroño 03:34 - The Topic of the Day: All About Intuition 06:04 - Is Intuition Always Right? 10:39 - Training Over Instinct 13:56 - Teaching Autonomy 16:39 - Facing Hard Truths 20:19 - Lack of Self Trust 24:06 - Intuition or Trauma Response? 26:16 - Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org Find us online: - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maroño-phd - Instagram: @DoctorAbbieofficial - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy References: American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Intuition. In APA Dictionary of Psychology. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://dictionary.apa.org/intuition Bechara, A., Damasio, H., Tranel, D., & Damasio, A. R. (1997). Deciding advantageously before knowing the advantageous strategy. Science, 275(5304), 1293–1295. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.275.5304.1293 Dane, E., & Pratt, M. G. (2007). Exploring intuition and its role in managerial decision making. Academy of Management Review, 32(1), 33–54. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2007.23463682 Gigerenzer, G. (2007). Gut feelings: The intelligence of the unconscious. Viking. Hodgkinson, G. P., Langan-Fox, J., & Sadler-Smith, E. (2008). Intuition: A fundamental bridging construct in the behavioral sciences. British Journal of Psychology, 99(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1348/000712607X216666 Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Lieberman, M. D. (2000). Intuition: A social cognitive neuroscience approach. Psychological Bulletin, 126(1), 109–137. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.126.1.109 Sadler-Smith, E., & Shefy, E. (2004). The intuitive executive: Understanding and applying 'gut feel' in decision-making. Academy of Management Executive, 18(4), 76–91. https://doi.org/10.5465/ame.2004.15268692
Tune in to hear:What are Victor Frankl's 3 paths to a meaningful existence? For Frankl, which of these is the first and most path to meaning?How does the French Existentialist, Jean Paul Sartre, further validate Frankl's emphasis on having meaningful work, or a project?Why did Schuller and Seligmann believe that pleasure, meaning and engagement are 3 unique predictors of subjective wellbeing?Why is finding purpose and fulfillment in your dayjob so important?What are “global” and “domain-specific” types of meaning?According to Psychological research, what does meaningful work usually look like?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2293-U-25234
Tune in to hear:What is “manufactured desire” and what sinister role does it often play in contemporary life?Why is our tendency to let others' influence our decisions a dramatic outlier from much of the Animal Kingdom?What is French Theorist René Girard's Mimetic Theory and why can understanding it help inform the ways in which we make important decisions?Luke Burgis, one of Girard's disciples, categorizes desires as either thin or thick. What distinguishes the two types of desire and why is this delineation so important?What are a series of questions you can ask yourself to parse whether the desire in question is thin or thick?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 2295-U-25234
Abraham Maslow and the Science of Self-Actualization with Scott Barry Kaufman Scott Barry Kaufman is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast which has received over 30 million downloads. He is the author and editor of 11 books. His most recent book is Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, … Continue reading "Abraham Maslow and the Science of Self-Actualization with Scott Barry Kaufman"
Tune in to hear:How does Guy de Maupassant's short story, The Necklace, illustrate the importance of gratitude and how a lack of it can lead to personal misfortune?What does contemporary Psychology research show about the transformative power of gratitude in our lives?What are some examples of reciprocal altruism in the Animal Kingdom, aside from humans?Why is gratitude sometimes called the mother of all virtues?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code:
Tune in to hear:What novel approach did Hungarian Mathematician Abraham Wald utilize to better understand which parts of American planes needed improved armor during WWII?What is “survivorship bias” and how did Abraham Wald avoid this?Why does professor Scott Galloway suggest that we should follow our talent, or gift, rather than our passion?What are the key differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and what do life's outcomes for each mindset look like, on average?Why is effort more predictive of success in romantic relationships than passion?Why do we tend to lose intrinsic motivation, or passion, for tasks for which there is an extrinsic reward like a paycheck?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code:
What if the biggest obstacle holding you back isn't your past but your mindset? Psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, challenges everything you think you know about trauma, resilience, and personal growth. In this episode, you'll discover why labeling every setback as “trauma” can keep you stuck, how social media turns psychology terms into empty buzzwords, and why blaming the world won't set you free. Host Gabe Howard dives deep into the difference between being a victim and living with a victim mindset — and why refusing to let go of a painful past can quietly sabotage your future. Learn about post-traumatic growth, the empowering idea that you can transform adversity into strength. Explore how to replace learned helplessness with learned hopefulness, and why embracing an empowerment mindset might be the key to unlocking your full potential. Key takeaways: how to recognize a victim mindset — and break free from it why trauma doesn't have to define you the difference between acknowledging pain and living in it practical ways to build resilience and reclaim your life If you're ready to stop waiting for someone else to fix your life, this conversation will show you how to rise above and live your best life. Cold Open Transcript: “I'm not a fan of blanket labeling things as a disorder or an illness, which are actually just extreme versions of personality traits. You can be a victim to your past. You can be a victim to your emotions. You can be a victim to your self-esteem. You could be a victim to your need to please. I am trying to help and empower people, wherever they've come from, to consider their hope for the future and consider what they still have left within themselves what resources they have left and what strengths they can draw on. I It's a choice. It's a choice. It's not always the obviously easiest route. It's not always the path of least resistance, but it's one that's ultimately more satisfying and meaningful.” ~Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD Our guest, Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, is a cognitive psychologist who is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world for his groundbreaking research on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. He is the host of The Psychology Podcast, which has received more than 30 million downloads and is frequently ranked the #1 psychology podcast in the world. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. Dr. Kaufman's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review, and he is the author of ten previous books, including Transcend, Wired to Create, and Ungifted. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can't imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tune in to hear:What can we learn from Leonardo da Vinci about harnessing curiosity to fill our lives with purpose?Why does science writer Sharon Begley think that curiosity is the mental counterpart to physical hunger?What is an example of how curiosity is hardwired into our genetic makeup?What can “convergent” and “divergent” ways of thinking tell us about why creativity must be actively cultivated to avoid squelching it?What did author Susan Engle discover about how curiosity steadily diminishes throughout grade school if it's not actively attended to?How is curiosity correlated to longevity, if at all?What are some actionable ways we can cultivate creativity in our daily lives?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code:
What if the greatest obstacle to reaching your potential isn't external barriers, but a mindset in which you see yourself as a victim? Today, I'm stoked to welcome back my good friend and one of my favorite thinkers, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman. This is Scott's third time on the podcast, and he always delivers. Scott is a humanistic psychologist, bestselling author, and host of The Psychology Podcast. His new book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential dives deep into what it means to move through suffering with both self-awareness and strength.In this conversation, we talk about the difference between victimization and a victim mindset, how subtle thought patterns like hostile attribution bias or over-personalization can limit growth, and why a mindset rooted in empowerment is the key to self-actualization.As you listen, reflect on your own internal narratives…. Maybe even the core triggers for when you tend to blame, deflect, or shrink back when things get hard? How might a shift toward a more powerful mindset — toward a deeper trust in yourself — change how you respond to life's challenges? Please enjoy this powerful conversation with my friend, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman.__________________Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletterDownload Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine!Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XScott Barry Kaufman: https://scottbarrykaufman.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.