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PODCAST

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world

Dr. Leslie Poston, Research Psychologist: Applied Psychology, Media Psychology, Organizational Psychology

PsyberSpace® is a weekly psychology podcast for curious people who want to understand why the world feels the way it does, online and offline. The show helps you name what you’re seeing and feeling, understand the science behind it, and figure out what to do next. If you"ve ever wondered what makes "reply guys" tick, why we fall for emotionally manipulative language in politics, why meetings suck, why comfort can keep us stuck, why limerence hits so hard, or how music and media reshape your brain,

science social sciences

All Episodes

65:08

Mind Locked: The Surprising Psychology Behind Our...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2025/03/03

The Psychology of Changing Minds: Unpacking Cognitive Barriers and StrategiesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs deep into the complex psychology behind changing minds in a divided society. The episode, which runs longer than usual at 60 minutes, explores how cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, and identity protection influence our resistance to belief revision. Leslie discusses the neurological discomfort of encountering contradictory information, the role of group

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21:49

The Shadows Within: How Disgust and Shame Break Society

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2025/02/24

The Hidden Power of Disgust and Shame: Unveiling Ancient Emotions in Modern SocietyIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychological forces of disgust and shame, exploring their ancient roots and modern implications. The episode sheds light on how these emotions shape our identities, enforce social norms, and influence political and social landscapes. Through neuroimaging studies and research from sociology and psychology, Leslie explains how physical disgust

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30:26

Breaking the Cycle: Confronting and Changing Toxic...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2025/02/17

Navigating and Transforming Toxic WorkplacesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the pervasive issue of toxic workplaces. The discussion covers identifying toxic behaviors such as micromanagement, harassment, and discriminatory practices and their detrimental effects on mental and physical health. The role of leadership, particularly toxic leaders, and their impact on workplace culture is highlighted. Strategies for survival and transformation are provided, including

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19:57

Extinction Burst: The Desperate Ways Extremists and...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2025/02/11

Extinction Burst: The Desperate Ways Extremists and their Movements React When Losing GroundIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the concept of extinction bursts—predictable patterns of intensifying behavior when long-standing negative behaviors lose effectiveness. Drawing on examples from political, social, and historical contexts, the episode explains how these bursts manifest in both individual and group behaviors, and why they're particularly relevant given

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23:10

Small Steps, Big Impact: Psychology To Help You Take...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2025/02/03

Harnessing Small Actions for Big Change in Overwhelming ChallengesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores how to take meaningful actions when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through insights from various psychological studies, Leslie explains why our brains often shut down when faced with massive issues, and how small, strategic steps can break this paralysis. The episode dives into concepts such as learned helplessness, behavioral activation, and small wins,

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18:42

The Psychological Power of Art and Creativity: Why We...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2025/01/27

The Psychological Power of Art and Creativity: Exploring Why We CreateIn this episode of PsyberSpace, hosted by Leslie Poston, we explore the profound psychological impact of art and creativity. Using examples like Dylan Thomas's poem 'Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night' and Maya Angelou's 'Still I Rise,' the episode delves into why art moves us and how creativity nurtures our mental well-being. The discussion touches on how art activates brain reward centers, fosters empathy, and acts

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10:52

Shields Up: Recognizing and Resisting Propaganda in...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2025/01/20

Understanding and Resisting Authoritarian PropagandaIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston looks into the mechanisms of propaganda used by authoritarian regimes. The episode covers the psychological strategies behind media manipulation, revisionist history, and language control intended to mold public perception and behavior. Using historical and contemporary examples, Leslie highlights the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in recognizing and resisting these

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25:44

Busting Brain Busters: Unraveling Popular Psychology...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2025/01/14

Debunking Psychology Myths: From Brain Function to VaccinesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston critically examines several long-standing psychology myths and their impacts. The discussion covers misconceptions such as the left-brained/right-brained theory, the myth that we use only 10% of our brain, the idea that opposites attract in relationships, and the belief that venting anger is beneficial. Further myths debunked include the notion that memory functions like a video

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22:24

Billionaire Brain: How Extreme Wealth Rewires Human...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2025/01/06

PsyberSpace S2E1: The Neuroscience of Wealth and PowerIn the season two opener of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores how extreme wealth and power transform the human mind. The episode gets into neuroscientific research revealing that power and wealth can rewire neural pathways, decrease empathy, alter decision-making, and increase risk-taking behaviors. Examples from real-world events, including actions by billionaires like Jeff Bezos, illustrate the psychological changes that

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20:08

The Resolution Revolution: Why Your Brain Doesn't...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/12/30

The Psychology Behind New Year's Resolutions and Lasting ChangeIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the psychology behind New Year's resolutions and why many people abandon them by February. Discussing neuroscience and behavioral psychology, Leslie examines how our brains resist change and the significance of setting realistic, intrinsic goals. The episode highlights the importance of flexibility, self-compassion, and the role of environmental cues. It also debunks

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26:14

The Psychology of Holiday Consumption: From Black...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/12/23

The Psychology of Holiday Consumerism: Understanding Impact and WellbeingIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the timely subject of holiday consumerism and its various impacts on mental health, community well-being, and global issues. Through recent events like the Amazon workers' strike, the episode highlights the complex interplay of psychological, social, and economic forces influencing consumer behavior. Leslie discusses the neuroscience behind decision-making

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27:30

Unpacking Our Psychological Reactions to High-Profile...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/12/16

Understanding Psychological Reactions to High-Profile ViolenceIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the complex psychological reactions to high-profile acts of violence, using a recent incident involving the death of a healthcare CEO as a case study. The discussion delves into the psychological phenomena of priming, scapegoating, and how media framing affects public sentiment. The episode also examines the collective responses to systemic healthcare failures and the

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20:51

Decoding Morals: Why We Think and Act the Way We Do

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/12/09

Decoding Morality: Vertical vs. Horizontal Morality and Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic MotivationsIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the complexities of our moral compass by exploring the dimensions of vertical versus horizontal morality and intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Through real-life scenarios and psychological theories, the episode examines how our upbringing, cultural background, and neurological processes influence our ethical decisions. Additionally, the

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21:01

Is Social Media Actually Good for Your Kids? What the...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/12/02

Understanding the Positive Impacts of Social Media on YouthIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston discusses the often overlooked benefits of social media for kids and teens. Through a review of recent research and peer-reviewed studies, the episode explores how digital platforms like Discord, Instagram, and TikTok serve as modern 'third spaces' for social interaction, support psychological development, and offer educational and career development opportunities. The episode also

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18:50

Without Conscience: How Psychopaths Shape Our World

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/11/25

Understanding Psychopaths and Sociopaths: Traits, Impacts, and InteractionsIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the complex and often misunderstood personality types of psychopaths and sociopaths. The discussion delves into how these individuals navigate through life and the distinct behaviors that characterize them. It highlights the dangers when such individuals rise to positions of power, particularly in corporate and political environments, and the impact they can

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18:25

The Fire Within: Understanding the Psychology of Anger

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/11/18

The Paradox of Anger: Understanding and Channeling a Primal EmotionIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston delves into the complex emotion of anger. Exploring recent neuroscience findings, Leslie reveals that anger can activate the brain's reward centers, making it feel satisfying. The episode covers the physiological and psychological mechanisms of anger, its impact on relationships and society, and how it plays out in the digital world. It also discusses cross-cultural

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22:48

The Invisible Chains: Understanding the Psychology of...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/11/11

Understanding the Psychology of White Supremacy: Historical Roots and Modern ImpactsIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the complex psychology behind white supremacy, tracing its historical roots and examining its current manifestations. The discussion delves into how white supremacy perpetuates racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. Drawing on extensive research, Leslie highlights how this ideology harms not only marginalized communities but also those who

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21:36

Staying Grounded In Turbulent Times

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/11/04

Resilience and Coping Strategies During Turbulent TimesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston, a business strategist and research psychologist, explores coping strategies to foster resilience and understanding during periods of stress and uncertainty, such as the volatile election period in the United States. Drawing on recent scientific research, Leslie discusses the importance of belief systems, mindfulness, communal coping, and emotional regulation. She highlights practical

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22:43

Masking Insecurity: Studies in Compensatory Masculinity

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/10/28

Compensatory MasculinityIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the concept of compensatory masculinity, where men display extreme masculine behaviors when feeling their masculinity is threatened. The episode uncovers the adverse effects on men's health, relationships, family dynamics, workplace efficiency, and politics. It also discusses the impact on political decisions, media portrayal, and crisis management, as well as how art and music challenge these norms. The

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26:21

Truth in the Digital Age: Mastering 4 Essential...

PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world ·

2024/10/21

PsyberSpace: Mastering Essential Digital Literacies for a Resilient FutureIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the essential literacies needed to navigate the modern digital landscape. These include media literacy, information literacy, AI verification literacy, and digital literacy. The discussion covers the historical context and the significant impact these skills have on personal and societal levels, such as discerning misinformation and enhancing civic

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127 results

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