Psychology Takeaway Podcast

Jim and Ralph take the emotional pulse of the campus outward and find a high level of negative affect. People express personal and global concerns freely. We talk about Jim’s new book, OVERCOMING ANXIETY, and make a free offer if you contact carro1jl@cmich.edu

Yes, by now you have made and broken your resolutions. It happens every year! If you want a reset Ralph and Jim suggest the SMART approach. The guys look at the psychology of some numbers – not 67 but 39,000 and 650,600. Learn More Make good decisions get some rest :    • How to make smart decisions more easily   Check out the book: Make Good Decisions Everyday at Amazon: https://a.co/d/5r8IX4l

After the decorations come down and the gatherings end, many people experience a surprising emotional drop. In this episode, Jim and Ralph explain why post-Christmas sadness is so common—and how to respond to it with psychological wisdom rather than self-criticism.

Why does Christmas feel so emotionally powerful—for better and worse? In this episode, Jim and Ralph explore the psychology behind Christmas: why it amplifies joy, stress, nostalgia, generosity, and longing all at once. From family dynamics to ritual and meaning-making, they unpack what’s really happening beneath the tinsel.

Why do we name ours and that our pets think lofty thoughts? In this episode, Jim and Ralph look at this strange behavior. Don't forget to give that certain one on your gift list a copy of Overcoming Perfectionism, by Jim- https://a.co/d/bJCp6vh (you know who that person is, right.)

Ralph and Jim talk about preparing for final exams.

Jim and Ralph break down the real psychology of gratitude and how to practice it without slipping into toxic positivity. As Thanksgiving approaches, the hosts explore why genuine thankfulness boosts mental health — and why pretending to “just be positive” can actually make things worse. What You’ll Learn The psychological and neurological benefits of gratitude Why gratitude isn’t about ignoring ne...

Jim and Ralph continue their conversation with wildlife media producer Ryan Pearce. They contrast wildlife viewing in Michigan with that of Ryan’s native Australia.   LEARN MORE Here are the links to a playlist of all the Crocodile Hunter episodes and the Outdoor Boys channel on YouTube : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMilupvERrnBCeJ_tXMIWuZSAGSxpHk_A&si=Q6RzLCF7BJd3uy2W   https://youtube...

Ralph is a strong advocate of using the natural world for tension reduction and stress release, but what is difficult or impossible? Jim and Ralph talk with guest Ryan Pearce a wild life photographer about what some neuroscientists see as the next best thing using video. It can’t replace the entire experience but research says there are some positive benefits. LEARN MORE Healing power of natural w...

Understanding Personality Disorders — Clearing Up the Myths Around “Sociopaths,” “Psychopaths,” and “Narcissists” In this week’s episode, Jim and Ralph take on one of the most misunderstood corners of modern psychology: personality disorders. Popular culture and the internet are full of talk about “sociopaths,” “psychopaths,” and “narcissists,” but how much of that is actually grounded in clinical...

  ​From Samhain to Candy Corn: The Psychology Behind Halloween’s Evolution In this Halloween special, Jim and Ralph uncover how an ancient Celtic festival honoring the dead transformed into today’s playful, candy-filled celebration. From Samhain’s bonfires to trick-or-treating traditions, they explore how fear, faith, and community shaped the holiday — and what our fascination with costumes and sc...

Jim and Ralph continue the exploration of toxic online content - AND come up with some answers!!!

In this first episode of our two-part series, retired psychology professors Jim Carroll and Ralph Baber dive into a troubling trend: the rise of toxic, emotionally charged content on platforms like YouTube. From personal attacks to polarizing rants, the digital space seems louder and more hostile than ever. But why? We explore the psychology behind call-out culture, emotional contagion, and how al...

Psychology is the study of actions, emotions, and thoughts—the very elements that art engages with and expresses. In this episode, Jim and Ralph dive into the fascinating intersection between psychology and art, exploring how creative expression influences the way we think, feel, and behave. From Edvard Munch’s The Scream to the curious effects of pink prison cells, discover how art shapes our emo...

Watch for this spooky episode, if you dare!!!

Ralph and Jim continue their discussion of recent developments in Autism with Ms. Bridget Eagleson. Topics include diagnosis, neurodiversity and treatment.   LEARN MORE New genetic discoveries and autism: https://youtu.be/JUc5YchucpU?si=MfH_HL_n8SmlFz0A Get the monograph Understanding Autism by contacting Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.edu Read a sample and purchase Curious Kids at: https://www.amazon.com...

Jim and Ralph are joined by autism expert, Bridget Eagleson, to discuss the rise in the rate of autism in America. If the rise is real, what is the cause? More pathogens? Better diagnosis? Some other factors? Does Tylenol and vaccines cause autism? What was the historical background? Let’s take a look. We can go back to Eugen Bleuler in 1911 and later used by Kanner in the ‘40’s in connection with...

In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph are joined by Dr. Reid Skeel, Program Director for Clinical Psychology at Central Michigan University, to explore a timely and important question: Is psychology still a worthwhile major? The short answer: yes—and maybe more than ever. Psychology remains one of the most popular undergraduate degrees in the U.S., with steady growth over the past...

In this chilling but eye-opening episode, Ralph and Jim explore one of psychology’s most disturbing questions: What makes ordinary people do evil things? From war crimes and systemic abuse to everyday cruelty and moral disengagement, they unpack the psychological processes and social conditions that allow evil to emerge—not just in history books, but in our own workplaces, communities, and persona...

Why do we sometimes derail our own progress just as things are going well? In this week’s episode, Ralph takes the lead in unpacking the psychology of self-sabotage, while Jim—licensed psychologist and professor emeritus—joins with insight, experience, and his signature dry wit. From procrastination and perfectionism to fear of success and deep-rooted impostor syndrome, the duo explores how self-s...

In this follow-up episode, we welcome back Fr. Matt Gembroski, the young and insightful Catholic priest serving students at St. Mary’s Parish on the campus of Central Michigan University. After a strong listener response to our conversation on spiritual health, Fr. Matt returns to unpack a topic that resonates deeply with both young adults and those navigating relationships of all kinds: fear of i...

We talk about mental health or emotional health all the time. But what about Spiritual Health? Today Ralph, Jim and Father Matt Gembrowski tackle this important question. When someone’s spiritual health is poor, it can affect many aspects of their life — emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Although spiritual health is less visible than a physical injury or illness, its impact can be just a...

So… you’ve hit that point. You’ve had enough. The “I’m fine” mask is slipping, and suddenly the idea of talking to someone who isn’t your dog or your group chat sounds kind of appealing. But where do you even start? In this follow-up to last week’s episode (“Why Don’t People Just Go Into Therapy?”), Jim and Ralph get real—and a little ridiculous—about what actually happens when you do decide to ge...