This week Scott is joined by Robert Biswas-Diener and Christian van Nieuwerburgh, pioneers in positive psychology coaching and co-authors of the new book Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection. Together, they share powerful insights on how to deepen our conversations and relationships through the transformative practice of radical listening.

Robert and Christian explore their framework for truly listening, which includes the practices of noticing, quieting, accepting, acknowledging, questioning, and interjecting. This conversation is a masterclass in co-creating meaning and cultivating empathy in our interactions. They also provide guidance through the science and art of connection—something the world deeply needs right now.

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In this special episode, Scott welcomes the legendary Dr. Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist and professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Best known for his groundbreaking Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Dr. Gardner’s 1983 book Frames of Mind challenged the traditional view of intelligence as a singular ability measured by IQ tests.

Scott and Dr. Gardner explore the impact of his theory on education and psychology, discussing its strengths, limitations, and evolution over time. This conversation is both a deep dive into human intelligence and a personal one as Scott shares how Dr. Gardner’s work shaped his own journey into psychology.

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This week, Scott is joined by Dr. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist renowned for his work on magic, illusion, deception, luck, and self-development. As the UK's only Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, Dr. Wiseman has published over 100 academic papers and authored bestselling books such as The Luck Factor, Paranormality, Quirkology, and Rip It Up. Dr. Wiseman’s research bridges science and everyday life, offering insights into success, well-being, and the quirks of human perception. In this episode Scott and Dr. Wiseman explore the fascinating psychology behind magic, and his attempts to scientifically study what appears to be psychic phenomenon. We also discuss the secrets of self-transformation. 

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This week, Scott is joined by Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell—an integrative medical doctor, neuropsychiatrist, and researcher of extraordinary states of consciousness. Dr. Powell's research explores the neuroscience behind psychic phenomena, telepathy, and the incredible abilities of autistic savants. She is the author of "The ESP Enigma: The Scientific Case for Psychic Phenomena" and has been featured in "The Telepathy Tapes" podcast for her groundbreaking work with children who appear to demonstrate mind-reading abilities.

Scott and Dr. Powell dive into the scientific challenges of studying telepathy, the mysteries of prophetic dreams, and Dr. Powell’s theories of consciousness. This conversation explores the limits of human potential and what it means to be an open skeptic in the search for truth.

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In this special episode, Scott is joined by two legendary figures in social psychology: Dr. Elliot Aronson and his son, Dr. Joshua Aronson. At 93, Elliot Aronson remains a towering influence in psychology, known for pioneering the Jigsaw Classroom—a groundbreaking cooperative learning technique that reduces interethnic hostility and enhances learning. He is the only person in American Psychological Association history to receive all three of its major awards for research, teaching, and writing, including the prestigious William James Award for Lifetime Achievement.

His son, Dr. Joshua Aronson, is a distinguished social psychologist and Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at NYU. His pioneering research on stereotype threat has reshaped our understanding of learning and performance under stress. As the director of the Mindful Education Lab, he leads efforts to improve psychological resilience and learning environments.

Together, Elliot and Joshua co-authored The Social Animal, a seminal textbook in psychology. In this conversation, Scott, Elliot and Joshua explore this groundbreaking work, their personal journeys, and the lasting impact of their research on education, social behavior, and human psychology.

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This week Scott is joined by Barnard College Professor Dr. Tovah Klein. Scott and Dr. Klein discuss her groundbreaking research on child development including the importance of being a safe anchor for your children by providing them safety in their worst moments, accepting them for who they are, and being there for them no matter what.

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This week Scott is joined by Stanford Psychiatrist and addiction expert, Dr. Anna Lembke. Scott and Dr. Lembke discuss how to reset your dopamine system to take back control of your life and turn the things that you really want into their own reward.

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Happy New Year! As we prepare for the new season of the Psychology Podcast, here's one of our favorites to get you through the holidays. 

This week Scott is joined by happiness researcher and best selling author, Dr. Emma Seppala. Scott and Dr,. Seppala discuss the concept of “sovereign", an emancipation from all the ways you subjugate yourself in your own existence. Emma teaches us all how to reconnect with yourself in a healthy way. 

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Happy New Year! As we prepare for the new season of the Psychology Podcast, here's one of our favorites to get you through the holidays. 

This week Scott is joined by sociologist and psychologist, Corey Keyes. Scott and Corey discuss the pervasiveness of languishing in our society today and how to feel alive again. Dr. Keyes explains the 5 psychological vitamins we should all be taking to live life to avoid depression and live life to the fullest.

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This week Scott is joined by author, speaker and pioneer in the global happiness movement, Karen Guggenheim. Scott and Karen discuss overcoming trauma with happiness, how happiness can be learned by making small daily changes, and how to use compassion to overcome diversity. 

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This week Scott is joined by author, philosopher, and professor at Durham University, Philip Goff. Scott and Philip discuss evidence for the existence of god, whether the universe has any purpose, and the function of religion in society. 

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This week Scott is joined by author, businessman and public speaker, Stedman Graham. Scott and Stedman discuss the importance of identity leadership, centering your worth around your own strengths and talents, and self actualization. 

 

Stedman's Book--> https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Leadership-Others-First-Yourself/dp/1546083375

 

Stedman's Website--> stedmangraham.com

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This week Scott is joined by one of Australia's foremost practitioners of acceptance and commitment therapy, Dr. Russ Harris. Scott and Russ discuss Dr. Harris'' "Happiness Trap? cards, which are designed to invigorate one's mental health with ideas to boost self-esteem and challenge intrusive thoughts among other mental health practices. 

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This week Scott is joined by best-selling author and former dating coach Mark Manson about what women really want in a man. In addition to writing multiple bestselling books such as ?The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck? and ?Everything is Fucked?, Mark put a lot of his insights into dating and seduction in his 2011 book ?Models: Attract Women through Honesty?. In this episode Scott and Mark discuss whether nice guys really finish last and the importance of authenticity in attracting a mate. From dating to seduction and more, Scott and Mark cover it all.

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For this special 10th anniversary episode of The Psychology Podcast, Scott draws on science to answer the age-old question: Do nice guys really finish last? First, Scott pinpoints exactly what women mean when they use terms such as ?bad boy? and ?nice guy.? Then he discusses the psychology of individuals who are primarily driven by selfish desires, and how they go about obtaining their mating goals. Then, Scott looks at what women actually want, including what some women want, and what some women want some of the time. Finally, Scott presents what he thinks are the most reasonable conclusions based on all of the current evidence and he offers advice for nice guys, women, and bad boys.

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This week Scott is joined by author and professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Kurt Gray. Scott and Dr. Gray discuss why Americans seem so divided at this point in time, the psychology of self-righteous indignation, how we all share harm-based moral minds, and what we can do to find common ground.

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This week Scott is joined by Jodi Wellman. Jodi is an author, executive coach, and expert on resiliency. Scott and Jodi discuss living well with no regrets, and learning to embrace the bright side of your limited time on Earth. 

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This week Scott is joined by author, speaker and therapist, Israa Nasir. Scott and Israa discuss toxic productivity, the connection between productivity and self-worth, and how to transform shame into curiosity.

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This week Scott is joined by author and professor of leadership at the Columbia Business School, Dr. Michael Morris. Scott and Dr. Morris discuss the upsides of tribalism?  from uniting different tribes to practical implications for workplace inclusion to how tribal psychology may be our best hope for social change. 

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In this solo episode of The Human Potential Lab, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman shines a light in the intersection of personality, well-being, and creativity. After describing each of the major personality traits on offer among humans, he then discusses how personality is related to creative achievement and which traits are related to which forms of well-being. He concludes with a hopeful message about the important of accepting your traits.

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This week Scott is joined by "The World's Greatest Mind Reader", Banachek. Scott and Banachek discuss criticisms of self-described psychics, the link between psychology and magic, and Banachek's successful attempts to fool professional paranormal psychologists. 

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This week Scott is joined by activist, podcaster and author, Wallo 267. Scott and Wallo discuss Wallo's early life of crime and incarceration, what he did after his release to change his path in life for the better, his impact on the youth and hip hop community, and his mission to show the world that there are no straight lines to healing. 

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This week Scott has a chat with clinical psychologist Michael Alcee, where they have a humanistic discussion about obsessive compulsive disorder. Michael is critical of the standard medical model of OCD and points out the upsides of OCD. He argues that people with OCD have a unique temperament, which includes heightened existential sensitivity and a richer imagination. While people with OCD certainly have their struggles, and tend to be obsessed about causing harm or receiving harm, Michael also points us to all the ways that OCD have historically been channeled into some of the greatest works of art and literature, and how everyone with OCD can have a healthier relationship with their OCD.

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This week, Scott is joined by The Cosmic Romantics? the husband and wife magic team consisting of Eric Thirsting and Elizabeth Messick! Scott talks to the couple about balancing a romantic and professional relationship, Elizabeth?s own struggles with mental health, and the different kind of magic archetypes. They even do magic for each other!

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This week Scott is joined by author and professor of psychology at Stanford University, Dr. Jamil Zaki. Scott and Dr. Zaki discuss tribal cynicism, how hopeful skepticism is different from naive optimism, and the importance of countering ?social shark attacks?.

 

Dr. Zaki's website- https://www.jamil-zaki.com/

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This week Scott is joined by Kim Shapira, a celebrity dietician, author and nutritional therapist. Scott and Kim discuss the rules of the ?Kim Shapira Method?, the psychology behind losing weight (and keeping it off) as well as the fact that a craving is not a hunger. Kim shows how changing your relationship to food can truly change your entire life.

 

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This week Scott is joined by author and cultural critic, Ruth Whippman. Scott and Ruth discuss what it's like being a mother raising boys in modern society, the role of "masculinity influencers?, and what healthy masculinity looks like. 

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This week Scott is joined by true crime and morbid curiosity psychologist, Dr. Coltan Scrivner. Scott and Dr. Scrivner discuss how to determine your level of interest in morbid curiosity, why some people have a higher level of tolerance (and even attraction) to scary things, and how to spot a ?bleeding-heart" horror fan. 

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This week Scott is joined by NYU professor and expert on social identity, Dr. Jay Van Bavel. Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Van Bavel discuss how to escape your echo chambers and overcome your biases, the role social media plays in creating a funhouse mirror, and how to make connections with fellow humans even if they're in your out-group. 

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This week Scott is joined by consultant, coach, speaker, and author Africa Brooke. In this lively conversation, Scott and Africa discuss the importance of diversity of thought, expressing yourself in an age of intolerance, and why sometimes it's important to listen to people that you don't necessarily agree with.

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This week Scott is joined by NYU professor and author Dr. Tessa West. Scott and Dr. West discuss how to find a fulfilling job, how to deal with jerks in the workplace, five common sources of career frustration, and how to make a resume more appealing. 

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This week Scott is joined by evolutionary biologist and author, Dr. Marc Hauser. Scott and Marc discuss adverse child experiences and why it's important to distinguish them from trauma. They also discuss Marc's framework for thinking about childhood adversity and how to help all kinds of vulnerable minds.

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This week Scott is joined by author and social health expert Kasley Killam. Scott and Kasley discuss the importance of prioritizing social health and why cultivating relationships is as important as diet, exercise and sleep.  

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This week Scott is joined by NYU social psychologist and author Dr. Jonathan Haidt. Scott and Jonathan discuss the "great rewiring of childhood" and how it is negatively affecting the mental health of teenagers. They also discuss why a return to play based childhoods are better for kids in the long run and review the criticism of his research with an eye toward nuance and the recommendation of better studies to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.

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This week Scott is joined  by author and podcaster, Cory Allen. Scott and Cory discuss how to live better through teachings on mindfulness, mental clarity, facing reality, and personal growth through the lens of Buddhism.

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This week Scott is joined by standup comedian and co-host of the critically acclaimed "Guys We F**ed: The Anti Slut Shaming Podcast", Krystyna Hutchinson. Scott and Krystyna discuss the psychology of standup comedy, psychological theory about relationships, and what to do when you find out your father isn't actually your father.

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This week Scott is joined by author, former monk, spiritual mindfulness guide, and friend Cory Muscara. Scott and Cory discuss the value of self-connection, whether or not there is a "true self", and the role of mindfulness in the self actualization journey.

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This week Scott is joined by author and neuroscientist, Dr. James Doty. Scott and James discuss whether there is any science behind the law of attraction, the importance of "value tagging", and the neuroscience behind manifestation. 

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This week Scott is joined by clinical psychologist and author Dr. Ramani Durvasula. Dr. Durvasula is one of the world?s leading experts on narcissism. In this episode, they the common myths about narcissism, the warning signs of narcissism to look for when a new person enters your life, and how to heal and move on with your life after you've been hurt by a narcissistic person. 

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This week Scott is joined by Dr. Agnieszka Golec, the world?s expert on collective narcissism. Scott and Agnieszka dive deep into this relevant and rich topic, touching on the effects that this thinking has on broader society, how it has fanned the flames of populism around the world, and how it can be curbed to bring people closer together and foster more peace.

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This week Scott is joined by developmental psychologist Ellen Winner. Scott and Ellen discuss Ellen's views on IQ and giftedness, the myth that gifted children are gifted in all subject areas, and the importance of artistic giftedness. 

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This week Scott is joined by NY Times bestselling author, A.J Jacobs, who spent a year living his life living like a founding father down to every single detail? quill pens and all. A.J. reveals what he learned using his adopted colonial mindset, how the constitution affects our lives as well as ways we can interpret it, and the best ways to pursue happiness. 

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This week Scott is joined by happiness researcher and best selling author, Dr. Emma Seppala. Scott and Dr,. Seppala discuss the concept of ?sovereign", an emancipation from all the ways you subjugate yourself in your own existence. Emma teaches us all how to reconnect with yourself in a healthy way. 

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This week Scott is joined by sociologist and psychologist, Corey Keyes. Scott and Corey discuss the pervasiveness of languishing in our society today and how to feel alive again. Dr. Keyes explains the 5 psychological vitamins we should all be taking to live life to avoid depression and live life to the fullest.

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This week Scott is joined by clinical psychologist Lisa Damour where they have a nuance and compassionate discussion about the emotional and social lives of teenagers. In this episode they dispel many myths, including the idea that emotional means fragile. Lisa also offers the best evidence-based ways to support teens through their emotional and social journeys and help them thrive.

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This week Scott is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning reporter and best selling author, Charles Duhigg. Scott and Charles discuss why some conversations succeed while others fail, the 3 main types of conversations, and how to be a supercommunicator.  Timestamps

2:15- How?d Charles Think of The Cover of his book?

3:33- Are there super communicator prodigies

6:40- When did Charles get interested in this topic?

8:29- What are the three types of conversations?

10:50- How can we apply super communication to politics?

18:23- People who disagree historically come together

20:36- Common mistakes people make when talking with each other

23:12- Are great therapists great super communicators?

25:01- What?s going on in ?The Big Bang Theory? writer?s room?

33:51- How can you improve connection if you?re shy?

37:25- How can people who have trouble with social cues improve connection?

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This week Scott is joined by one of the world's foremost sports psychologists, Michael Gervais. Scott and Michael discuss FOPO (Fear of People's Opinions), the importance of grounding your actions in authenticity, and the dangers of performance-based identities. 

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This week Scott is joined by Assistant Principal Cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Yumi Kendall. They discuss classical music's role in human flourishing and human transcendence, how life changes once you're a mother, and the sublime coincidence of Yumi occupying the same chair as Scott's grandfather in the Philadelphia Orchestra.  2:01-The Suzuki Method 7:53-What Is A Waldorf Education? 12:19-Yumi's Crystalizing Experience With The Cello 15:59-What Does Talent Mean? 25:33-What Are The Characteristics Of A Creative Musician? 32:28-What Are Tiers Of Transcendence? 40:32-The Importance of Self Compassion 42:12-How Can We Cultivate Healthy Organizations? 48:59-How Motherhood Has Enriched Yumi's Life

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This week Scott is joined Modern Elder Academy Founder and best selling author, Chip Conley. Scott and Chip discuss the joys of living in midlife, the importance of being a part of something bigger than yourself, and why life gets better with age.

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This week Scott is joined by author and creator of Farnham Street blog Shane Parrish. Scott and Shane discuss mastering the skill of clear thinking, taming emotions and one's ego, and practical tips for strength and resilience.

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