x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Psychology Takeaway Podcast

psychologytakeaway

Psychologytakeaway presents factual podcasts about human development including - development, mental health, cognition, neuroscience and social psychology. Each of the presentations is filled with factual information which you will find helpful. Our goal is to get current information into the hands of people who need it. The major creators of the content of these podcasts are Jim Carroll and Ralph Baber. Each week they tackle topics in psychology, which help people live more balanced lives.

science social sciences

All Episodes

38:30

Is Psychology Still a Popular Major—and Where Can It...

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/09/19

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 two decades. But what does that popularity actually mean for students in terms of career paths, job

en

33:46

Psychology Takeaway: The Psychology of Evil

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/09/12

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 personal lives. Are monsters born—or made? Key Topics Covered What is “evil” from a psychological

en

27:03

Why Do We Undermine Ourselves? Dissecting Self-Sabotage

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/09/05

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-sabotage shows up in everyday life—and why it’s more about protection than failure.Drawing

en

24:14

Fear of Intimacy: What’s Holding Us Back?

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/09/03

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 intimacy. Together, we explore how fear of emotional closeness often masks deeper struggles with

en

34:41

Spiritual Health With Father Matt

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/08/29

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 as deep and disruptive. One of the most common signs of poor spiritual health is a lack of meaning or

en

22:27

You’ve Decided to Get Help. Now What?

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/08/22

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 get help. They break down the basics of finding a therapist, what kinds of support exist (hint: it’s not

en

22:27

Why Don’t People Just Go to Therapy When They need...

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/08/15

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 real talk, a few laughs, and zero judgment as they unpack the psychology behind not going to a

en

25:54

Curious Kids - Part Two

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/08/07

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 YouTube channels for curious kids, here are some widely recommended options: SciShow Kids: Fun science

en

34:14

Raise Curious Kids – Part One

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/08/01

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 factors like attention span or socioeconomic background are considered. But the benefits extend far beyond

en

27:55

Capable Kids Part 2

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/07/25

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 on the effects of social media on teens and

en

29:36

Raising Capable Kids

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/07/18

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 in the 21st century. It's not just the traditional "three Rs"—reading, writing, and arithmetic—nor is it

en

26:18

Marijuana and the Brain: Long-Term Effects Explained...

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/07/12

More on the effects of marijuana use with a special guest Kristin CooperRalph 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 use rate climbed from about 5% to around 50% according to a recent Gallup poll. They discuss the medical

en

01:22

Episode for July 11, 2025 OOPS

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/07/11

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 Podcast is on raising capable kids – you won’t want to miss it even if you do not have kids of your

en

16:56

Marijuana vs. Tobacco: Myths, Risks & the Road Ahead

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/07/02

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 psychology tells us about addiction, motivation, and cultural perception. From chronic lung damage to

en

31:40

When Smart People Do Dumb Things

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/06/27

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 psychology’s most famous experiments: Milgram’s obedience study, where participants delivered what they

en

27:43

Feelings, and Filters: The Psychology of Eating in...

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/06/19

Food, Feelings, and Filters: The Psychology of Eating in the Age of Social MediaThis 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 perfection and restrictive eating trends? We explore: How food becomes tied to emotional comfort and

en

30:52

Flow: How to Get in the Zone and Stay There"

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/06/13

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 reserved for elite athletes and artists? Jim and Ralph break it all down: What the flow state is (and

en

26:08

Creativity and mental health

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/06/06

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 and clinical insights, the hosts unpack how activities that foster creativity can enhance mental

en

25:28

Who can you trust for advice?

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/05/30

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, manipulative, or just plain wrong.We also explore the role of AI in this space—what it gets right, where it

en

19:26

Curiosity with guest Sheila Carroll

Psychology Takeaway Podcast ·

2025/05/23

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 curiosity in their own families. Whether you're raising a toddler or mentoring a teen, this conversation

en

53 results

Similar Podcasts

Classic Radio Science Fiction

solgoodmedia.com

Mission to Mars

Inception Point Ai

The 365 Days of Astronomy

365DaysOfAstronomy.org

Creek Devil

william Jevning

UFO Chronicles Podcast

Nik Hunter