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PODCAST

Planting Thoughts

Planting Thoughts is a podcast where we explore the intersection of psychology, politics, life’s mysteries, and the weird stuff that keeps us curious. Each episode delves into the intricacies of human behavior, offers fresh perspectives on current events, and sometimes takes a wild detour into the unknown. Whether we’re unraveling the complexities of the mind, dissecting societal trends, or diving into the quirky and unconventional, "Planting Thoughts" is all about planting seeds of new ideas and

science social sciences

All Episodes

00:28:27

Cravings, Chemicals, and the Psychology of Drug Use

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/09/19

In this solo episode, Mike dives deep into the world of drugs, addiction, and the culture surrounding them. From brain chemistry to Hollywood glamorization, this conversation unpacks the science, psychology, and real-life consequences of substance use.What you’ll hear in this episode:🎯 Addiction & the Brain — how dopamine, memory, stress, and reinforcement learning wire us to crave.🧠 Behavioral Traps — conditioning, cognitive biases, and why relapse is so common.💊 Drug Categories — opioids,

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00:05:48

Brain Blossoms – Episode 1: Anxiety Unlocked

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/09/12

Brain Blossoms – Episode 1: Anxiety UnlockedIn this debut mini-episode of Brain Blossoms—the quick, 5–7 minute sibling podcast to Planting Thoughts—Mike breaks down anxiety in a way that’s relatable, research-backed, and even a little funny. From flat tires to racing thoughts, you’ll learn what anxiety really is, how it hijacks your brain, and why your nervous system sometimes acts like a drama queen. Backed by cutting-edge studies, Mike explores mindfulness, CBT, breathing techniques, and even

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00:17:05

The Tingling Truth about ASMR (and Its Weird Cousins)

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/09/06

SummaryIn this episode of Planting Thoughts, the host delves into the intriguing world of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) and its psychological implications. The conversation explores the science behind ASMR, its effects on relaxation and mood, and the contrasting phenomenon of misophonia, where certain sounds trigger negative emotional responses. The discussion also touches on the cultural significance of ASMR, its applications in coping with overstimulation, and related sensory

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00:20:12

Help! I Can’t Turn My Brain Off: The Psychology of...

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/08/22

In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike and Manon tackle one of the most universal struggles of modern life—overthinking. Why does your brain replay conversations on loop? Why do “what if” scenarios hijack your sleep? And most importantly—how do you stop?Together, the co-hosts dig into the science of anxiety and rumination from multiple perspectives:Evolutionary psychology – how an overactive threat system once kept us safe from predators but now flares up over emails and text

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00:24:53

Grief, Growth & Gliomas: The Inner Terrain of Cancer

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/08/09

In this deeply personal and research-driven episode, Mike and Manon explore the emotional and psychological realities of living with terminal illness, caring for those facing it, and grieving their loss. Using the lens of psychological research and lived experiences, they unpack the complexity of grief — from the Kübler-Ross model to anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and the Dual Process Model.Special guest Ruthan shares her story of living with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, offering raw insights

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00:25:30

When Fear Goes Viral: From Salem to Satanic Panic

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/07/25

🎙 “When Fear Goes Viral: From Salem to Satanic Panic”🎧 Episode OverviewA chilling exploration of mass hysteria, false memory, conformity, and moral panics, told through three historical lenses: the Salem Witch Trials, the 1980s Satanic Panic, and the 1518 Dancing Plague in France. The episode dissects how fear and authority can spiral into collective delusion, injustice, and long-lasting societal trauma.Salem Witch TrialsManon tells a vivid (and partly dramatized) story of Bridget Bishop, the

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00:22:11

Persuaded: The Hidden Forces Behind Every 'Yes'

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/07/11

Episode 13 Summary: Persuaded: The Hidden Forces Behind Every ‘Yes’In this eye-opening episode, Mike and Manon dig into the psychology of influence and why we often say “yes” when we mean “no.” From subtle social cues to full-on memory rewrites, this episode explores how easily our perceptions, beliefs, and even memories can be shaped by those around us.Highlights:Classic Conformity StudiesSolomon Asch’s famous line experiment shows how 75% ofpeople conform to group pressure—even when they know the

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00:12:50

Let Go or Lose Yourself: Detachment, Love & Identity

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/06/27

In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike dives deep into the power of detachment—what it really means, how it’s different from emotional suppression, and why learning to “let them” is one of the most freeing things you can do. Inspired by the viral Let Them Theory, Buddhist philosophy, and psychological research, this episode explores how letting go of control and people-pleasing can lead to healthier relationships, more peace, and a stronger sense of self.Mike shares a personal story of growth,

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00:44:27

Psychopathy Unmasked: The Frightening Truths of...

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/06/13

In this gripping and unsettling episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike and Manon take listeners deep into the chilling world of psychopathy—what it is, how it develops, and why it matters.🔍 What You’ll Learn:The science behind psychopathy: From brain abnormalities in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex to the role of serotonin and dopamine.The difference between psychopathy and other disorders like autism, narcissism, and schizophrenia.Evolutionary theories explaining psychopathy as a survival

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00:29:36

Reel Roots: Digging Deep Into Our Favorite Films

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/05/30

Mike and Manon welcome listeners to their video debut with a spoiler-filled disclaimer and a preview of the episode's theme: why certain films become part of our emotional DNA. From last week’s tribute to beloved pets to today’s discussion, this episode blends psychology, nostalgia, and storytelling.From mirror neurons to moral reasoning, the hosts explore how our brains process movies—and why they leave such lasting impressions.Neuroscience: Emotional triggers, physiological synchrony, and chemical

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00:30:18

Fur Real Love: Why Pets Feel Like Soulmates

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/05/16

Keywords: pets, emotional connection, attachment theory, human-animal bond, grief, child development, pet therapy, oxytocin, dopamine, mental healthsummaryThis episode explores the profound emotional connections we share with our pets, delving into the science behind the human-animal bond, attachment styles, and the impact of pets on our mental health and child development. It also addresses the grief experienced when losing a pet and how these relationships can serve as emotional support and social

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00:37:39

Different, Not Less: The Power of Neurodivergence

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/05/04

In this powerful episode of Planting Thoughts, host Mike opens with the true story of Jonah—a boy once labeled as "withdrawn" in preschool who went on to publish in a major optics journal by age 15. Diagnosed with autism, Jonah's journey sets the tone for an episode that challenges conventional views of neurodivergence.Titled “Different, Not Less,” this episode dives deep into what autism really is—not a disease, but a neurological difference that shapes perception, thought, and

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00:22:00

The Attraction Equation: Decoding Desire

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/04/26

In this insightful episode, Mike takes listeners on a deep dive into the science and psychology of attraction. From brain chemicals to cultural norms, he breaks down the forces that shape desire—and why we fall for the people we do (even when they text "lol" and nothing else).Key Segments:Brain Chemistry & Love: Attraction activates the same brain areas as cocaine. (Yes, really.)Facial Symmetry & Confidence: Your brain is drawn to balance, but confidence steals the show.Emotional

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00:26:01

Traffic Jams & Temper Tantrums: The Psychology of...

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/04/15

Ah, the sound of the modern battlefield: the morning commute. Welcome back to Planting Thoughts, where we usually explore mindfulness, joy, and inner peace—but this week, we’re trading “zen” for “zoom” and diving headfirst into the raw, unfiltered emotion that is road rage.In this fiery and fast-paced episode, Mike kicks things off with some hilariously dramatic shouting from behind the wheel (yes, bleeped for your safety), before pulling the car over—figuratively—and walking us through the real

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00:28:25

Laugh Your Way to Happiness: The Science of Positive...

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/03/31

In this episode of Planting Thoughts, host Mike explores the powerful link between laughter and happiness, diving into the science of positive psychology and laughter yoga. Laughter is more than just a feel-good experience; it triggers the release of endorphins, reduces stress hormones like cortisol, and fosters social bonds through the release of oxytocin. Studies reveal laughter's potential to boost mood, enhance relationships, and even improve cognitive function.Mike delves into the concept

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00:17:53

Swipe, Play, Repeat: Why Social Media and Video Games...

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/03/22

In this episode, we dive deep into the brain science behind our obsession with social media and video games. Why can’t we put down our phones or stop playing just one more level? It’s all about dopamine—the brain's feel-good neurotransmitter, which fuels the endless cycle of rewards that keep us hooked. From the unpredictable “hits” of likes and loot boxes to the infinite scroll and FOMO, we break down how these platforms are designed to trigger our brains’ reward system and make us crave more

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00:22:28

Passion Over Perfection: Uncovering the Psychology...

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/03/11

In this episode of Planting Thoughts, host Mike dives deep into the psychology of passion and why pursuing what excites us is so fulfilling. Through fascinating research and real-life stories, Mike uncovers the brain science behind passion, examining how it shapes our lives and motivates us to succeed. He discusses the difference between harmonious passion, which enriches our lives, and obsessive passion, which can lead to stress and burnout. Guests Nick and Dylan share their personal experiences

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00:26:41

Father-Daughter Foundations: Unlocking the Secrets of...

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/03/03

In this episode of Planting Thoughts, host Mike explores the profound impact of father-daughter relationships with his daughters, Haley and Madalyn. They discuss the importance of emotional availability, involvement, and positive reinforcement in shaping a daughter's self-esteem and confidence. Through personal stories and insights from psychology, they highlight how quality time, humor, and open communication can strengthen these bonds. The conversation emphasizes the lasting influence fathers

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00:23:46

Deceptive Influences: Social Media and the...

Planting Thoughts ·

2025/03/02

In this mind-bending episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of gullibility. What makes us believe the unbelievable? From social influence to cognitive biases, we’ll explore the hidden psychological forces that can trick even the sharpest minds. But that’s not all—stick around for a special story that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about trust and deception. Get ready for an eye-opening journey into the human mind—where the line between truth and trickery is often

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