Psychology Takeaway Podcast

  In this episode of Psychologytakeaway, Jim and Ralph—two actual psychologists, not just guys with microphones—dig into the surprising and often frustrating reasons why so many people avoid or delay getting therapy. From the weight of stigma to the myth that “it’s not that bad,” they explore the internal and social barriers that keep people from seeking help—even when they need it most. Expect re...

This episode follows up on something we sort of stumbled on last week – helicopter parenting. Jim and Ralph discuss what it is and some of the long term negative consequences. They continue with tips on parenting a curious kid. If you want an ecopy of their soon-to-be-released book on the subject, take a look below at LEARN MORE. LEARN MORE If you're looking for active, well-regarded educational Y...

Curiosity isn’t just adorable—it’s a powerful force in a child’s growth. Today Jim and Ralph move from Capable Kids to Curious Kids.  When children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and follow their interests, it stimulates more than just their imaginations.  Research indicates that curious children tend to do better in school, with stronger skills in reading, math, and memory—even when fa...

Last week Jim and Ralph looked at how parents can help their children to be focused, able to take another’s perspective and communicate effectively. In this episode they look at problem-solving, critical thinking and self-directed learning. Ralph, as always, has a slightly off beat perspective!   LEARN MORE Inside Out 2 Trailer:  https://youtu.be/LEjhY15eCx0?si=AYAXf9JGBlt1VOIS Here is an article...

This week on Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph respond to audience concerns about raising children in today’s world. Ralph shares his growing unease about the direction of modern childhood and education, comparing today’s youth to what Gertrude Stein famously described as “The Lost Generation” a century ago. This sparks a thought-provoking discussion about what young people truly need to thrive i...

More on the effects of marijuana use with a special guest Kristin Cooper Ralph and Jim are joined by neuroscience researcher Kristin Cooper to discuss cognitive decline associated with marijuana use. Like many researchers, she uses animal models (mice) to study long-term effects. But the data gathered applies to humans who have been using stronger and stronger pot over the last 50 years, when the...

We did a great video podcast with neuroscientist Kristin Cooper. We talked to her work exploring the long-term effects of marijuana use. You are going to want to listen to or view the Podcast. Unfortunately that will have to be later. We are having some technical problems publishing the Episode – but we think that we should have the it published by Monday afternoon. Check back then. Next Friday’s...

This week on Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph go deep into a trend that’s reshaping health behavior in the U.S.: marijuana use has now surpassed tobacco use. What’s driving the shift? Is weed really safer? And what long-term consequences might we be ignoring? In this special early episode—released ahead of the July 4th holiday—they break down the science, debunk common myths, and explore what ps...

In this thought-provoking episode, Jim and Ralph explore a deceptively simple question: Why do people—often smart, educated, well-meaning people—make irrational, harmful, or downright dumb choices? We begin with the haunting insights of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who warned that the greatest threat to humanity may not be evil—but unthinking obedience. From there, we travel through some of psy...

Food, Feelings, and Filters: The Psychology of Eating in the Age of Social Media This week, Jim and Ralph dive into the complex psychology of food, eating, and how social media is reshaping our relationship with both. Why do so many people see food as their only friend? And why are young people—especially adolescent girls—facing increasing pressure to be thin in a culture saturated with filtered p...

In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph dive deep into one of the most sought-after states in psychology and peak performance: Flow. Coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is the state of optimal experience—when you're fully immersed in a task, time melts away, and you're operating at your absolute best. But what exactly triggers flow? Can anyone access it—or is it rese...

In this week’s episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph dive into the fascinating and complex relationship between creativity and mental health. They explore how creative expression—through art, writing, music, and other forms—can serve as a powerful therapeutic outlet, offering relief from stress, a boost in self-esteem, and a meaningful way to process emotions. Drawing on recent research an...

In this episode, Ralph and Jim dig into the question everyone faces online: Who can you trust when you're looking for advice? From health tips and financial hacks to career guidance and DIY fixes, the internet is overflowing with suggestions—but not all of it is worth following. We talk about how to spot the difference between credible, evidence-based advice and the kind that's misleading, manipul...

In this episode, Sheila Carroll and Jim discuss practical strategies for fostering curiosity in children, whether at home, in the classroom, or in everyday life. We’ll touch on the importance of modeling inquisitiveness as adults, creating safe spaces for kids to wonder aloud, and resisting the urge to give quick answers. You’ll also hear from educators and parents who’ve successfully encouraged c...

Curiosity is a dynamic and deeply human trait that touches nearly every aspect of our lives—and it's a perfect topic for this episode of Psychology Takeaway. Whether it’s the urge to peek inside a closed drawer, dive into a Wikipedia rabbit hole, or ask the kind of questions that make conversations more meaningful, curiosity drives exploration, learning, and growth. But beyond its obvious intellec...

Jim and Ralph follow up the conversation begun last week about the mental health crisis facing today’s college population. Expanded Counseling Services In response to rising mental health concerns among students, many colleges and universities have significantly expanded their counseling services. Traditionally limited in scope and capacity, campus counseling centers are now hiring more staff, inc...

      JIm and Ralph are joined by Ms. Jazlyn Coles the host of the popular podcast, Living in Legacy. They talk about mental health on college campuses.   Concerns for College Students: Mental Health & Substance Use (with Statistics) 1. Anxiety and Stress Stat: Over 63% of college students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety in the past year. (Source: American College Health Association...

  What drives someone to dedicate their life to a mystery they may never solve? In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, your hosts Jim and Ralph dive into the legendary Oak Island treasure hunt—not through the lens of gold and glory, but through the powerful lens of human psychology. Using Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey as our narrative guide, we trace the emotional and mental journey of modern-...

  OOPS – we goofed! This is the real part 2 5 hours ago   We put up the program notes with the wrong audio. Sorry about that. Here is the correct audio podcast for the Oak Island Mystery.   Oak Island — Fact or Fiction, Delusion or Obsession  For over two centuries, Oak Island—a small, windswept patch of land off Nova Scotia—has captivated treasure hunters, historians, and dreamers with tales of b...

Treasure hunting often boosts self-esteem through the achievement of valuable goals—whether material wealth or personal growth—while also offering social recognition and validation. The sense of control and mastery that comes from solving puzzles or overcoming challenges provides further motivation, as does the thrill of uncertainty and risk-taking, which taps into our psychological drive for rewa...

Special Podcast: April Fool’s Day  After a long winter, many people are eager for novelty and excitement as a way to break from the monotony of cold weather. Spring, the season after winter, is culturally associated with new beginnings, growth, and rejuvenation. This sense of renewal aligns with April Fools' Day, a tradition that allows for a fresh start in social dynamics, where people can act mo...

Jim and Ralph continue the series on dreams and visions. They look at lucid dreams and explore how your nighttime mentation can enhance your daytime creativity. LEARN MORE Here is a link to an enlightening Ted Talk:  https://youtu.be/OK3SfNxbK3Y?feature=shared A short but impactful Tedx presentation:  https://youtu.be/olGRNeyEJt0?feature=shared    

We talked about our vision for having seniors share their wisdom. Today on CNN there was a story out of Argentina that talked about how podcasting helped reduce loneliness for a group of 90+ year olds. Here is the link: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/22/world/video/elders-podcast-argentina-90-year-old-alberto-chab-dominguez-digvid Jim and Ralph Baber have just released a new book on Amazon. It’s call...

  Jim and Ralph follow up on a previous podcast that described the vision of St. Patrick. But what exactly are they? "Visions" and "hallucinations"  and “dreams” involve seeing things that aren't there, a key difference is that hallucinations are perceived as real, while dreams and visions can be understood as a more abstract or symbolic experience. While both dreams and visions involve imagery an...

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many are gearing up for green beer, corned beef, and cabbage. Ralph and Jim find themselves pondering the origins of the March 17th stereotype of drunken revelry, as well as whether St. Patrick truly drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Joining them is Jim’s wife, Sheila, who sets the record straight and shares the true story of the man behind the holiday we celebr...