Today we welcome Robert Waldinger to the podcast. Robert is a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and Zen priest. He is Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where he directs the Harvard Study of Adult Development. His TEDx talk on this subject has received nearly 44 million views, and is the 9th most watched TED talk of all time. He is the co-author of The Good Life with Dr. Marc Schulz.In this episode, I talk to Robert Waldinger about the secret to a happy life. Robert shares with us the recent findings of The Grant Study, which is the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted. It’s been ongoing for more than 80 years now, and has had high profile participants like US President John F. Kennedy. Robert and I get into the details of how they continue to conduct research and how to make sense of both the new and old data. Sure enough, what the study has found consistent is the power of connection. We also touch on the topics of psychodynamic therapy, defense mechanisms, attachment, and psychological research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Psychology Podcast

The Secret to a Happy Life || Robert Waldinger

Today we welcome Orin Davis to the podcast. Orin Davis earned the first doctorate in positive psychology, and is a self-actualization engineer who enables people to do and be their best. As the Principal Investigator of the Quality of Life Laboratory, he conducts research on flow, creativity, hypnosis, and mentoring. Dr. Davis consults for companies from startups to multinationals on hiring strategies, culture, innovation, and employee well-being. He is the author of Team Flow: The psychology of optimal collaboration. In this episode, I talk to Orin Davis about the new science of flow. A lot of people are familiar with the concept of flow, but according to Dr. Davis, the experience of it is not very common. We discuss Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s work and how Dr. Davis is expanding the research of flow by studying it at a group level. He talks about how we can increase the chances of experiencing flow for both individuals and teams. We also touch on the topics of microflow, hypnosis, absorption, positive psychology, and self-actualization. Website: https://qllab.org/Twitter: @DrOrinDavis Topics02:11 Orin’s dissertation03:18 What is the flow experience?09:01 Neuroscience of flow11:57 Team flow18:53 The whole team needs to be in flow20:32 Flow is rare22:07 How to increase flow28:42 Democratizing flow31:00 Microflow 35:14 How to spark team flow36:43 Hypnosis and absorption44:59 The autotelic personality47:03 Modern-day positive psychology51:44 Know thyself See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Science of Flow || Orin Davis

Today we welcome Michael Slepian to the podcast. Michael is the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Associate Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia University. A recipient of the Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science, he is the leading expert on the psychology of secrets. He’s authored more than fifty articles on secrecy, truth, and deception. Michael’s research has been covered by The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, BBC, The Wall Street Journal and more. He is the author of The Secret Life of Secrets. In this episode, I talk to Michael Slepian about the psychology of secrets. Everyone has secrets that they keep from others—how does this affect our relationships and well-being? According to Michael, maintaining privacy is not the most burdensome aspect. Carrying a secret all by ourselves is what weighs us down. Michael and I explore the different categories of secrets and we talk about when to reveal the deepest parts of ourselves and who to reveal them to. We also touch on the topics of personality, morality, trauma, developmental psychology and communication. Website: michaelslepian.comTwitter: @michaelslepian Topics02:04 Michael’s family secret05:38 Defining secrecy11:12 Correlation of personality with secret keeping13:01 Revealing secrets18:56 Categories of secrets24:31 Healthy communication with children29:50 Morality of secret keeping34:20 Jamie Kunz and Dale Coventry's secret36:27 Journaling and emotional support40:25 Three dimensions of secrets44:09 How to deflect direct questions46:05 Sharing secrets anonymously47:46 Secret joysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Psychology of Secrets || Michael Slepian

Today we welcome Monica Parker to the podcast. Monica is the founder of global human analytics and change consultancy HATCH, whose clients include blue-chip companies such as LinkedIn, Google, Prudential, and LEGO. Her career has been nothing short of colorful, having been an opera singer, a museum exhibition designer, a policy director, a Chamber of Commerce CEO, and a homicide investigator. She is also a world-renowned speaker, writer, and the author of The Power of Wonder.In this episode, I talk to Monica Parker about the power of wonder. In today’s fast-paced world, most people fail to notice the richness of life. To become more wonder-prone, Monica encourages us all to slow down and pursue meaningful exploration. When we pay more careful attention to the world, we become more empathetic, resilient, and exuberant. Monica shares with us her cycle of wonder framework and how we can be more open and present in our daily lives. We also touch on the topics of personality, post-traumatic growth, mindfulness, and education. Website: www.monica-parker.comInstagram: @monicacparker Topics02:06 Monica’s background and expertise03:26 The Power of Wonder06:41 Cycle of Wonder17:22 The wandering mind22:18 Wonder shifts our perception27:15 Slow thought and quality sleep30:21 Wonder-prone mindset32:28 Wonderstruck during crisis36:26 Wonder bringers39:14 Teaching wonder in schools45:29 There’s more to life47:37 Take a daily wonder walkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Power of Wonder || Monica Parker

Today we welcome Robert Sapolsky to the podcast. ​​Robert is professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and a research associate with the Institute of Primate Research at the National Museum of Kenya. His research has been featured in the National Geographic documentary "Stress: Portrait of a Killer". At age 30, Robert received the MacArthur Foundation's "genius" grant. He is author of Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, A Primate's Memoir, The Trouble with Testosterone and Monkeyluv. His latest book is called Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will.In this episode, I talk to Robert Sapolsky about life without free will. Humans like the idea of having control over their lives, but Robert asserts that free will is just an illusion. Life beyond free will may sound unpleasant, but Robert explains the profound consequences of this belief in reforming the justice system, meritocracy, and education. We also touch on the topics of philosophy, quantum physics, mindfulness, grit, and responsibility.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robertsapolsky/ Topics02:38 Robert’s background and upbringing05:43 Life without free will13:16 Believing in free will24:05 Responsibility and punishment33:14 The future cannot be determined43:45 Mindfulness - a form of free will?48:37 The human experience53:41 Abolish the justice system and meritocracy1:04:03 Statistical guilt1:07:21 Effort, grit and taking credit1:16:40 Nobody is more “worthy” 1:23:29 Life is worth livingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Without Free Will || Robert Sapolsky

Today we welcome Bob Mankoff to the podcast. For over 40 years, Bob Mankoff has been the driving force of comedy and satire at some of the most honored publications in America, including The New Yorker and Esquire. He is the founder of Cartoon Collections, parent company to CartoonStock.com, the world’s most successful cartoon licensing platform. For twenty years as Cartoon Editor for The New Yorker,  Bob pored over thousands of submissions each week, analyzing, critiquing, and selecting each cartoon. In 2005, he helped start the “New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest.” Bob is the author of numerous books, including his New York Times bestselling memoir, How About Never – Is Never Good For You?: My Life In Cartoons.In this episode, I talk to Bob Mankoff about the psychology of humor. Looking back at his illustrious career as a cartoonist, Bob talks about his early beginnings and the people he's mentored in the field. He explains the anatomy of a joke and reveals his all-time favorite cartoons. While humans are creative creatures, Bob believes that using AI and technology can further augment our intelligence and humor by opening up worlds of possibilities. Website: www.bobmankoff.com/Twitter: @BobMankoff Topics02:14 Bob’s childhood & upbringing10:42 Personality of cartoonists and comedians19:54 Types of humor23:44 The grand scheme of time26:28 Augmenting intelligence and creativity38:30 Cartoon Bank44:24 All-time favorite cartoons52:17 Theory of humor57:49 Censorship & cancel culture01:01:24 Bob Mankoff’s legacySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Psychology of Humor || Bob Mankoff

Today we welcome Joseph Goldstein to the podcast. Joseph is a co-founder and the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) along with Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg. He is one of the first American vipassana teachers and has been teaching Buddhist meditation worldwide since 1974. A contemporary author of numerous popular books on Buddhism, his publications include Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening, One Dharma, Insight Meditation and others.In this episode, I talk to Joseph Goldstein about Buddhism and the impermanence of life. Being too attached to the self can bring suffering. However, this doesn’t mean that we need to forego our identities or self-care. Joseph explains that enlightenment can be achieved when the mind is free from clinging. He talks about the different states that can help us realize the insight of impermanence and selflessness. We also touch on the topics of mindfulness, compassion, creativity, and wisdom.Website: www.dharma.org/Twitter: @onedharma Topics03:01 Joseph’s background and expertise09:31 Enlightenment15:11 Balance of mind24:15 Noticing per minute31:02 Mindfulness and flow35:38 Wisdom is insight38:00 Creativity41:20 Different mind states49:51 The tales of Sisyphus and Icarus55:29 Skillful means58:53 Flow of being1:02:04 Unprompted mindfulness 1:04:42 Equanimity1:09:24 Compassion and connectionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buddhism and the Impermanence of Life || Joseph Goldstein

Today we welcome Dan Siegel to the podcast. Dr. Siegel is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. Dr. Siegel is also the Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute. He’s authored numerous articles, chapters, and books including the New York Times bestsellers Mind: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human and Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence. His latest book is called IntraConnected: MWe (Me + We) as the Integration of Self, Identity, and Belonging.In this episode, I talk to Dr. Dan Siegel about expanding the notion of the self. Modern culture has taught us that the self is all about individual identity and personal experiences. But Dr. Siegel posits that who we are is not limited to the brain or body. He argues that the self is not isolated, it’s composed of our relationships to other living beings and to the natural world. This expanded view of the self has important implications for the trajectory of humanity. We also touch on the topics of consciousness, neuroscience, quantum physics, and the flow state.Website: drdansiegel.comInstagram: @DrDanSiegel Topics02:20 Me + We06:08 Expand your self 12:58 The self, the mind, and consciousness42:15 Integrating all brain networks59:43 Different styles of daydreaming1:02:08 Wheel of awareness 1:08:38 We’re IntraConnected1:11:21 Widening the window of toleranceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expand Your Self || Dan Siegel

Today we welcome Nick Holton to the podcast. Nick is an international speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. His work focuses on helping individuals become better versions of themselves through the application of the cutting-edge science of human flourishing, a synergistic development of both peak performance and overall well-being and fulfillment. He works with individuals, teams, businesses, and organizations ranging from professional athletes, NCAA programs, educational institutions, first responders and Fortune 100 executives. He is co-founder of The Antifragile Academy and he also co-hosts the podcast, FlourishFM which is sponsored by the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard and the Department of Education at Oxford. Nick has worked with clients, given talks, and delivered training across the U.S., Europe, India, Australia, Uganda, Singapore, Mexico, and South America.In this episode, I talk to Nick Holton about human flourishing. Our current education system is primarily concerned with teaching academic subjects. While building knowledge is essential, this  is not enough to allow students to self-actualize. Nick points out that young people’s need to matter should be addressed as well. To facilitate human flourishing, we need to embed the different principles of positive psychology both inside and outside of the classroom. Nick and I believe that education can transform society for the better, and we exchange ideas on how we can build an ecosystem that fosters holistic development. Website: www.nickholton.comTwitter: @dr_nickholton Topics02:23 Nick’s background and expertise11:16 Coaching each individual 13:35 The need for mattering21:49 What is human flourishing?25:21 Education can transform society29:56 Positive education38:59 The Shipley School 42:40 Holistic development51:38 FlourishFM55:41 Flourishing outside the classroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human Flourishing in Education || Nick Holton

Today we welcome Jeffrey Hull to the podcast. Jeffrey is a highly sought-after facilitator, keynote speaker and executive coach to both nonprofit and for-profit global organizations. He is the Executive Director of the Institute of Coaching, based at McLean Hospital. Jeffrey is also a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and an adjunct professor of leadership at New York University. His latest book is called Flex: The Art and Science of Leadership in a Changing World. In this episode, I talk to Jeffrey Hull about the new landscape of leadership. The world is changing, and alpha leadership is not the only way to manage a team. Jeffrey highlights the importance of beta leadership, a style that values emotion and collaboration. According to him, the most effective leaders know which style to lead with, depending on the situation. In addition to learning other ways of being, Jeffrey believes we need to leverage perspectives from the indigenous and neurodiverse communities. We also touch on the topics of emotional intelligence, coaching, creativity, and authenticity.Website: www.jeffreyhull.comTwitter: @JeffreyHullPhDTopics02:18 The beta boss09:07 Inclusivity in all ways12:50 Flexible communication18:29 Emotional intelligence and vulnerability25:48 Physical energy of being28:27 Engagement: productivity or creativity30:35 Collaboration occurs in safe spaces33:01 Self-coaching37:49 The future of coaching43:46  We all have unique gifts46:40 Dialogue, not disagreement49:08 Age of convergenceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Landscape of Leadership || Jeffrey Hull

Today we welcome back Arthur Brooks to the podcast. ​​Arthur is the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. He is also a columnist at The Atlantic, where he writes the popular weekly “How to Build a Life” column. A world-renowned speaker, he talks about human happiness, and works to raise well-being within private companies, universities, public agencies, and community organizations. His latest book, which he co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, is called Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier. In this episode, I talk to Arthur Brooks about building the life you want. People often think that happiness is a static end goal. But in reality, life will always have its ups and downs. According to Arthur, we can make choices that can improve our well-being despite the presence of challenges. He talks about how to find satisfaction through family, friends, meaningful work, and faith. Arthur also shares actionable steps around managing emotions and habits that can help us create a better life. We also touch on the topics of neuroscience, transcendence, evolutionary psychology, and love.Website: arthurbrooks.comTwitter: @arthurbrooks Topics02:50 Build the Life You Want03:55 Writing the book with Oprah10:14 Extremes are unhealthy15:35 Unhappiness is not your enemy17:38 Faith and transcendental experiences21:22 Look for real friends, not deal friends 25:09 Work is love made visible27:27 Love your enemies37:28 Conflict is not hatred39:59 Patterns of happiness vs individual variation44:04 Family as a source of growth47:36 The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)49:07 Emotional substitution51:13 Overcoming the negativity bias55:40 Keep it simpleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Build the Life You Want || Arthur Brooks

Today we welcome Troy Carter to the podcast. Troy is the co-founder and CEO of Venice Music, a technology and media company focused on powering the business of music via distribution, services, and data analytics. Formerly, Troy was the founder and CEO of Atom Factory, where he rose to prominence, nurturing the careers of global superstars including Lady Gaga and John Legend. He most recently served at Spotify as its Global Head of Creator Services, overseeing the company's growth strategy for artists and record labels.In this episode, I talk to Troy Carter about spotting creative potential. Working in the entertainment industry has given Troy an eye for talent, but that’s not all it takes to become successful. Hard work, determination, and letting your personality shine through are also key components. Troy and I talk about musical geniuses and the future of the music industry with the advent of sophisticated AI tools. Website: www.venicemusic.co/Twitter: @justcallmetroy Topics02:21 The golden age of hip hop06:50 Spotting creative potential13:26 East coast VS West coast hip hop19:16 Discovering Lady Gaga 26:35 Be willing to bet on yourself29:50 Musical geniuses 36:00 The creative process41:59 How AI is changing music49:36 Discovering new artists53:19 Helping independent labelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spotting Creative Potential || Troy Carter

Today we welcome Maya Shankar to the podcast. Maya is a cognitive scientist and the creator and host of the podcast, “A Slight Change of Plans”. It was awarded as the Best Show of 2021 by Apple and received an Ambie award from the Podcast Academy in 2022. Maya has a postdoctoral fellowship in cognitive neuroscience from Stanford and a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Oxford. She's a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music's pre-college program, where she was a private violin student of Itzhak Perlman.In this episode, I talk to Maya Shankar about change. Humans have a desire to attach roles to identities. But when events disrupt that, we may feel unsure of who we are. Having gone through huge shifts herself, Maya shares with us ways in which we can reconfigure our identities and pivot to pursue our goals in different ways. Change can be disorienting, but it affords us a deeper understanding of ourselves. Maya also believes it’s also an opportunity to re-examine our long held beliefs and values. We also touch on the topics of cognitive science, mindfulness, awe, and hope.Website: mayashankar.comTwitter: @MayaUmaShankar Topics02:43 Maya as a violinist06:00 Identity paralysis13:02 Reconfiguring identity18:08 A blind cook becomes a master chef21:10 Post ecstatic growth24:07 It’s okay to change values28:38 Mindfulness and awe 34:15 Re-examining our values 38:29 Embracing a flexible mindset40:49 Cognitive closure44:51 Maya’s Slight Change of Plans48:31 Pivot your goalsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find the Potential in Change || Maya Shankar

Today we welcome Seth Gillihan to the podcast. Seth is a licensed psychologist who specializes in mindful cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Seth is also a therapy advisor with the self-therapy app Bloom, a medical reviewer for Everyday Health, and host of the Think Act Be podcast. Over the years, he’s authored multiple books on mindfulness and CBT. His latest book is called Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simple Path to Healing, Hope, and Peace.In this episode, I talk to Seth Gillihan about mindful CBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to address mental health issues. Although proven to be helpful, Seth Gillihan believes that adding the component of mindfulness will not only improve our well-being, but can also help us find meaning, purpose, and peace. He shares with us the Think Act Be paradigm and ways we can be more in tune with ourselves. We also touch on the topics of alignment, spirituality, suffering, and openness to experience.Website: https://sethgillihan.com/Instagram: @sethjgillihan Topics02:30 Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy11:11 Finding spiritual peace17:17 Think Act Be paradigm21:56 Connect with yourself28:06 Saying yes to life34:59 Work in alignment40:53 Alignment practice44:50 Coming home to yourselfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding Spiritual Peace through Mindful CBT || Seth Gillihan

Today we welcome Dr. Robert L. Leahy, the Director of The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy NYC and clinical professor of psychology in psychiatry at Weill-Cornell University Medical School. Dr. Leahy serves on a number of scientific committees for international conferences on cognitive behavioral therapy and is a frequent keynote speaker throughout the world. He has authored 27 books about CBT, depression, worry, anxiety, and emotion regulation, which have been translated in 20 languages. His latest book is called If Only...: Finding Freedom from Regret.In this episode, I talked to Dr. Robert Leahy about finding freedom from regret. Regret is an unpleasant emotion that can motivate us to learn and grow, but there are times when it can keep us frozen in place. According to Dr. Leahy, this is why it’s important to make a distinction between productive and unproductive rumination. He shares the cognitive biases we have about loss and opportunity as well as strategies on how to let go of regret when it no longer serves us. Website: cognitivetherapynyc.comLinkedIn: Robert Leahy Topics02:12 Why do we feel regret?07:30 Regret is tied to expectations12:57 Affective forecasting, coping, resilience18:31 Existential perfectionism20:45 The free lunch myth24:19 Inaction inertia26:58 Hindsight bias28:32 Adaptive humility32:39 Letting go of regret36:36 The boredom technique40:01 Productive guilt43:45 The 8 habits of highly regretful peopleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find Freedom from Regret || Roberty Leahy

In each episode, we talk with inspiring scientists, thinkers, and other self-actualized individuals who will give you a greater understanding of yourself, others, and the world we live in. Scott Barry Kaufman explores the depths of human potential and tries to get a glimpse into human possibility in every episode.

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The Psychology Podcast

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