This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
This month at The Psychology Podcast we discussed the connection between comedy and science with Shannon Odell, the replication crisis with Michael Inzlicht, the importance of unsafe thinking with Jonah Sachs, and how to care for your mental health with Kati Morton.
Drunk Science with Shannon Odell
Shannon Odell is a Brooklyn based writer, comedian, and scientist. She co-hosts and produces Drunk Science, an experimental comedy show deemed “a stroke of genius” by Gothamist and a finalist in TruTV’s comedy break out initiative. She also co-created, writes, and stars in the Inverse original series “Your Brain on Blank”, where she explains the science behind how everything-from alcohol to caffeine to puppies- affects the brain. She can also be seen at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she is a Neuroscience PhD candidate studying the epigenetic underpinnings of hippocampal function. You can visit Shannon’s YouTube channel here.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
In this episode we discuss:
How Shannon got into science comedy
How science can be funny
Similarities between the personalities of comedians and scientists
Political correctness in comedy and science
How science communication is often so humorless
Your brain on… the flu.
Your brain on… breakups.
Your brain on… puppies.
Your brain on… caffeine.
Your brain on… social media.
Epigenetics and the effects of early life adversity on the brain
How science can inform treatment options
Barriers for women entering science
The Replication Crisis with Michael Inzlicht
Dr. Michael Inzlicht’s primary appointment at the University of Toronto is as professor in the Department of Psychology, but he is also cross-appointed as Professor at the Roman School of Management, and he is a Research Fellow at the Behavioral Economics in Action group. Michael conducts research that sits at the boundaries of social psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. Along with Yoel Inbar, he hosts the podcast “Two Psychologists Four Beers.”
In this episode we discuss:
How serious is the replication crisis in psychology?
Can the human social realm ever be removed from scientific critique?
Do psychologists need to grow a thicker skin?
Academic bullying vs. respectful critique
Is there a gendered element to bullying in science?
Is ego depletion real?
Methodological issues with the ego depletion paradigm
Real world ego depletion vs. laboratory-based ego depletion
The lack of correspondence between self-report measures of self-control and performance measures
The importance of distinguishing between self-control and self-regulation
The paradoxical relationship between trait self-control and state self-control
The “law of least work” or why we are so lazy most of the time
The psychology of boredom
Unsafe Thinking with Jonah Sachs
Jonah Sachs is an author, speaker, storyteller, designer, and entrepreneur. He is the author of Winning the Story Wars: Why Those Who Tell— and Live— The Best Stories Will Rule the Future, and most recently, Unsafe Thinking: How to Be Nimble and Bold When You Need It Most.
In this episode we discuss:
What is safe unsafe thinking?
The power of intuition for creativity
Does your subconscious have free will?
Dual-process theory and creativity
How can you challenge and change yourself when you need it most?
The importance of context for creativity
The different phases of the creative process
The importance of rocking the boat
The benefits of collaborating with your enemies
How can you stay motivated when changing habits is so hard?
What’s the difference between flow and deliberate practice?
The difference between values and identity
Making a safe culture for risks
How to gamify dissent
How to Care for Your Mental Health with Kati Morton
Kati Morton is as an entrepreneur, YouTube creator, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Santa Monica, CA. Morton has built a global mental health online community, and is author of the book “Are U OK?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health.”
In this episode we discuss:
What’s the difference between mental health and mental illness?
Breaking down the stigma of mental illness
What should you look for when looking for a therapist?
What are some warning signs of a terrible therapist?
What’s the best way to deal with a toxic co-worker?
What’s the link between vulnerable narcissism and borderline personality disorder?
How do you know if you need mental help?
What are some of the most validated forms of therapy available today?
How do you break up with friends that you’ve outgrown?
The importance of healthy assertiveness
How a very small no can equate to a very large yes
How can you get more mental help when you need it?