Speaking of Psychology

What moral psychology has to say about charitable giving, with Joshua Greene, PhD

It’s December, which means it’s peak season for charitable donations. But how do you decide which organizations to support? Joshua Greene, PhD, discusses how people make moral choices and the implications for where they donate their money; how people can donate using their head and their heart; and how moral psychology can offer avenues to help people cooperate across partisan divisions in a polarized world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Why nature is good for your brain, with Marc Berman, PhD

In an age of increasing distractions, researchers have found that spending time in nature can be an antidote that helps us restore our focus and attention. Marc Berman, PhD, talks about why natural environments are “softly fascinating” and why that’s beneficial for the brain; why even cold, rainy walks can be good for you; whether bringing nature inside – through plants, art or patterns – may have some benefits; and what implications this research has for policymakers, urban planners and others who shape our physical world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

How to raise grateful kids, with Andrea Hussong, PhD

Studies have shown that gratitude can help us cope with challenges and is good for our relationships and our health. But figuring out how to foster gratitude in kids isn't always easy or obvious. Andrea Hussong, PhD, talks about why gratitude matters; how to help kids feel thankful, recognize generosity and think about others; and how to respond productively in the moment when kids do something ungrateful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

When sounds are unbearable: Understanding misophonia, with Heather Hansen, PhD

For people with misophonia, certain sounds – like chewing, coughing or pen clicking – can trigger strong emotional reactions including anxiety, disgust and rage. Heather Hansen, PhD, director of the Misophonia Research Network, talks about scientists’ evolving understanding of misophonia; what’s happening in the brain when someone hears a trigger sound; whether misophonia is related to other mental health conditions; and advice for those living with misophonia and their friends and family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Navigating the mental health impact of GLP-1s, with Rachel Goldman, PhD

Over the past several years, the rise of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy has changed the conversation around weight and obesity in the U.S. Rachel Goldman, PhD, talks about how GLP-1s work; the effects they can have on mental health; what questions to ask if you’re considering trying these medications; how weight loss can shift people's relationships with their family, friends and partners; and why there’s still stigma around the use of GLP-1s and how patients can navigate that. Find Dr. Rachel's new book at When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence, and Break Free. [https://whenlifehappensbook.com/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]