The Adaptive Mind

Kaiwei Tang, co-founder of Light Phone, joins the show to unpack how the attention economy shapes our habits, steals our focus, and impacts our mental well-being. We dive into the philosophy behind Light Phone, why minimalist technology matters, and how designing with less can actually give us more freedom. In this conversation, Kaiwei shares the story behind Light Phone, the thinking behind its m...

In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, host Brady Dowling is joined by Jody Bechtold, founder of Better Institute, to discuss the growing issue of gambling and problematic gambling. They explore the impact of expanded legalized gambling across the United States, the normalization of gambling among younger demographics, and the psychological aspects that make gambling addictive. Jody shares insights...

Join us in this episode of "The Adaptive Mind" as we dive into the world of video gaming with Matt Missar. Explore the addictive nature of modern games, the psychology behind game design, and how to maintain a healthy relationship with gaming. Whether you're a gamer or a concerned parent, this conversation offers valuable insights into the balance between gaming and life. Tune in for...

Unlock the power of breath in this transformative episode of "The Adaptive Mind" with special guest Anthony Abbagnano, author of "Outer Chaos, Inner Calm." Discover how to turn inner emptiness into resilience, even when outward success suggests the contrary. Gain insights into: How breathwork can be a tool for breaking free from addictive cycles and finding peace The essential...

Discover the secret to conquering urges with expert insights from Dr. Sarah Bowen, a leading clinical psychologist specializing in mindfulness-based practices for overcoming addictive behaviors. 🎧 Press play to learn practical, life-changing techniques! 🎯 What You'll Gain: Learn to "ride the wave" and handle urges without giving in Explore how mindfulness-based relapse prevention can transform l...

Tired of feeling isolated or micromanaged while working from home? Discover how to thrive in remote work environments with insights from workplace psychologist Craig Knight. In this revealing episode, Craig debunks common remote work myths and shares the three critical elements that make any work environment successful: Autonomy, Resource, and Trust (ART). The Real History of Remote Work Remote wo...

In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, I talk with Dr. Alice Rizzi, a psychologist and mindfulness expert who helps demystify mindfulness practice. Dr. Rizzi explains her refreshing definition of mindfulness as "being present in the moment with awareness, acceptance, kindness, compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment" - a practice that embraces imperfection rather than requiring perfect fo...

In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, I talk with Jaleel Mackey, a sales leader turned meditation and business coach who discovered meditation at age 17 while struggling with depression. Jaleel explains how breathwork helped him release "30 years of trauma in one hour" and shares techniques anyone can use to find calm amid life's chaos. Links from This Episode jaleelmackey.com The Un...

Ever noticed how much better you feel after listening to your favorite songs? There's science behind that feeling! In this eye-opening episode of The Adaptive Mind, host Brady Dowling sits down with Dr. Elaine Paravati Harrigan to explore fascinating research showing how solo music listening can actually boost our social wellbeing. Dr. Paravati's groundbreaking research reveals that listening to m...

In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, I talk with Andy Tubman, a music therapist and co-founder of SingFit. Andy reveals how singing activates multiple regions of the brain simultaneously while boosting key neurochemicals that affect our mood and wellbeing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Introduction to Therapeutic Music 04:18 Singing and Emotional Release 07:42 Listening vs. Singing Benefits 1...

Ever wondered if therapy is right for you? In this episode, postdoctoral fellow Katherine Seldin breaks down everything you need to know about finding the right therapist, what to expect in your sessions, and when therapy might (or might not) be the right fit. Katherine's expertise in emotional impulsivity, mood disorders, and evidence-based therapies makes her the perfect guide through the of...

In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we sit down with Eliane Boucher, a social psychologist and behavioral scientist who transitioned from academia to become a leader in digital mental health. After spending a decade in psychology education, Eliane found her calling in the digital health industry where she's worked to develop evidence-based digital interventions that make an immediate impact on p...

On this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we're joined by Ron Squire, a licensed social worker with a master's degree in social work from Brigham Young University. Ron specializes in adolescent treatment and addiction recovery, offering profound insights shaped by his incredible personal journey of overcoming temporary paralysis. Join us as Ron shares his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy and...

In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Myah Revis, a 5th year clinical psychology doctoral student specializing in trauma psychology. Myah shares her expertise on the therapeutic power of journaling and writing prompts, explaining how these tools can help process challenging experiences and promote mental wellbeing. Myah offers practical tips for both beginners and experienced jour...

In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Dr. Sui H. Wong, a neuroscientist and neuro-ophthalmologist based in London. Dr. Wong shares her expertise on the science of sleep and its crucial role in mental health, habit formation, and overall wellbeing. Drawing from her experience as both a physician and researcher, she explains the fascinating cycles of sleep, discusses how quality res...

In this episode, we are joined by Markus Pesonen, an award-winning composer and co-founder of Olo, a wellness app that harnesses the power of sound for mental health. We explore the science behind sound's effect on the nervous system, discussing how immersive audio experiences can reduce anxiety and stress, promote neuroplasticity, and help us reconnect with ourselves. Links & Resources Ol...

In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Hassan Aleem, PhD in Neuroscience and co-founder of Nuance Behavior, an agency leveraging behavioral science for digital behavior change. Hassan draws upon his research in neuroaesthetics to explain how visual and interactive elements shape our moods, decisions, and motivations—especially when it comes to our phones. We discuss the irresistibl...

In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Aly Bullock (@relationshipswithaly), a couple and family therapist specializing in effective communication within relationships. Aly shares her expertise on navigating sensitive challenges such as alcohol or porn use within couples, offering practical advice on maintaining open communication without making your partner an accountability crutch...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Rebekah Jazdzewski, a PhD in clinical psychology and a staff psychologist specializing in substance use disorders. With her extensive experience, she also serves as a clinical advisor for Neurture, bringing valuable expertise to the conversation about dopamine and its effects on our behaviors. Dr. Rebekah dives into the fascinating world of dopamine, explainin...