Psychology Life Lessons

In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dan talks with distinguished professor and Brewer Award winner Eric Landrum about teaching, career development, and what sustains a life in academia. Eric shares how his approach to teaching evolved over more than 3 decades—including why he stopped giving tests—and reflects on the challenges psychology majors face when planning for life after graduation....

In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dan talks with existential therapist and author Emmy van Deurzen about what it means to live authentically in the face of life’s challenges. Emmy reflects on her journey from the Netherlands to France and eventually the UK, where she became a leading voice in existential therapy and education. She shares how philosophy and psychology can work together to...

In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dr. Dan Lannin talks with author Elizabeth Weingarten about how to navigate life’s most uncertain moments. Drawing from her new book How to Fall in Love with Questions, Weingarten explores how big, unanswerable questions about purpose, relationships, and identity can be sources of growth rather than anxiety. She discusses how binary questions and societa...

In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dr. Steven Heine joins Dr. Dan Lannin to explore the psychology of meaning in an increasingly fragmented world. Drawing on decades of work in cultural and existential psychology, Dr. Heine explains how cultural contexts shape the way people see themselves, what it means to live a "good" life, and how psychological universals are often misunderstood. They...

In this episode of "Psychology Life Lessons," Dr. Yi Du takes over hosting duties to interview Dr. Dan Lannin about their co-authored book, "The Art and Science of Helping." After introducing Dr. Lannin's background in psychology, research, and helping behavior, they discuss how effective helping requires both artistic creativity and scientific evidence. Dr. Lannin shares the powerful "help maze"...

Psychology Life Lessons features Dr. Dan Lannin in conversation with Dr. Michele Sherman, a seasoned clinical psychologist. They explore challenges faced by those loving individuals with mental health issues, offering insights on emotional validation and navigating healthcare systems. Dr. Sherman emphasizes compassion's role in healing for both patients and their families. More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin interviews Jessica Chen, a global communications expert and author of Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons. Jessica shares her journey from being an Emmy award-winning journalist to founding a communications training company that has reached millions. She discusses the challenges of navigating "quiet" versus "loud" cultures in the wo...

Psychology Life Lessons is a podcast featuring conversations with experts to glean wisdom. In an episode, Dr. Dan Lannin talks to Mo Bunnell, founder of a company aiding in relationship building and business growth. Mo discusses his book "Give to Grow," emphasizing proactive, mutually beneficial business relationships, challenging traditional sales methods, and advocating for a helping-centered st...

The Psychology Life Lessons podcast features Dr. Dan Lannin interviewing Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy. Harrison's approach to happiness emphasizes well-being and challenges societal views, focusing on self-worth and community connections. With a master’s degree in positive psychology and a track record in promoting well-being, her company reaches millions worldwide, and her book is...

"Psychology Life Lessons" podcast features Elaine Lin Hering, discussing her book "Unlearning Silence." She shares insights on effective communication and her extensive experience in global collaboration and conflict management, preluding the release of her upcoming book. More

This podcast features an interview with Dr. Steve Joordens, a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, known for his innovative approach to large-scale education. Joordens discusses his journey into teaching large classes effectively using technology to enhance learning experiences. He shares insights into several advocacy causes he is passionate about, including improving diversity i...

Psychology Life Lessons podcast features Dr. Dan Lannin's conversation with Dr. Eric Potterat and Alan Eagle, coauthors of "Learned Excellence." Eric, a former US Navy commander, discusses mental disciplines in high-end performance. Alan is an author and executive communications consultant with 16 years at Google. The episode offers practical tips for personal improvement. More

Psychology Life Lessons is a podcast featuring conversations with psychology experts, extracting wisdom and life lessons. In a recent episode, Dr. Huggy Rao talks about leadership and his new book, The Friction Project. Huggy shares insights on how smart leaders navigate friction and offers profound life lessons applicable to various aspects of life and work. More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Matt Abrahams, author of book Think Faster, Talk Smarter. More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Patricia Ryan Madson--a world expert on incorporating principles of improvisation into everyday life to improve health, well-being, and performance. Patricia shares some of her improv wisdom with the podcast, highlighting four important As: Attention, Acceptance, Appreciation, and Action. More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Bill O’Hanlon–a renaissance man who has had a distinguished career as a therapist, writer, public speaker, and now as a professional songwriter. More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Dr. James C. Kaufman, Ph. D., about creativity and how it can affect our personal and professional lives. James is one of the world experts on creativity, and it is fascinating to learn from him about how creativity is conceptualized, how it can be developed, and how it affects the world. More Drs. Dan Lannin and James C. Kaufman

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with the author and educator Clay Drinko about how to apply principles of improvisation to a person's everyday life. Performing improvisational theater requires listening, reacting, and living in the moment--and learning these skills are also beneficial for bolstering mental health and "getting our of your head." More Dan Lannin and Clay Drinko

In this 12th episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Dr. John Pryor, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Illinois State University. John had a distinguished career studying a host of areas--and notably sexual harassment. More Dr. John Pryor

In this 11th episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Drs. Laura Finan and Julie Campbell--both professors of Developmental Psychology at Illinois State University. Both are brilliant professors that study interesting areas related to development. More

The conversation starts with a discussion of the benefit of taking risks and betting on yourself, moves to a discussion of strengths and wounds. The guests talk about how we form our identities, and that a part of being authentic is sometimes being clear about "who you are not." The podcast concludes with some wonderful rapid fire life lessons that include a challenge to think of authenticity as a...

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Drs. Luke Russell and Chang Su-Russell from Illinois State University. In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Drs. Luke Russell and Chang Su-Russell from Illinois State University. Luke studies resilience in relationships, and especially within families of divorce and stepfamilies. Chang studies development in early childhood...

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with two prominent psychology researchers -- Dr. David Vogel and Dr. Nathaniel Wade from Iowa State University. The conversation starts by talking about finding and pursuing passions in work and in life, and continues with thoughts on what it means to be true to one's self. More Episode 8. Dr. David Vogel and Dr. Nathaniel Wade

Life is really lived in the moments when we are not distracted. More Episode 7: Dr. Andrew Seidman

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Marcia O'Donnell and Dr. Diane Zosky--two social workers at heart. Marcia reflects on her journey through a serious illness, and how it stripped away different false selves and fostered self-acceptance. Diane reflects on her own transitions in her life, and how big changes and transition can prompt a process of "returning to oneself." More Ep...