The next episode in our exploration of the human senses: this time we dig into the psychology of taste. We discuss neurogastronomy, how emotions and sensations impact flavor, comfort foods, super tasters, picky eaters, food aversions, and Brian's stance on the best sodas. Let's chew on this topic together: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Twitter: …

Lots of sad things are happening in our lives right now and in the lives of many people we love. So this week, we're replaying our 2020 episode on the psychology of melancholy. For mental health support please call SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Talk psych to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Twitter: @talkpsych2me Email: tp2m…

Over the next few episodes, we'll be talking about the psychology of our senses. On this episode, we touch on the surprising psychology of touch: how it impacts our communication, associations, relationships, influence, and wellbeing. Keep in touch! Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Twitter: @talkpsych2me Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Co-hosted by Br…

Over the next few episodes, we'll be talking about the psychology of our senses. This week, we're stopping to admire and explore the little-known psychology of smell, including: smell evolution, odor evaluation, smell and memory, social odors, olfactory dysfunction, and the world's worst scent. Let us nose what you think! Instagram: @talkpsychtomep…

Tania's birthday is this week, so we're rerunning our episode on the psychology of age and aging. Does being slightly older or slightly younger than your classmates in school impact you later in life? (Spoiler alert: yes!) What are some of the benefits of aging? And what advice do older adults have that we should all pay attention to today? Talk ps…

In honor of Brian’s sniffles, we’re exploring the psychology of “sickness behavior.” What are the psychological symptoms of colds and flus? What makes some of us more susceptible to sickness than others? And is it possible that our germs are controlling our actions? Cough up your questions: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Twitter: @talkpsych2me Em…

Were the infamous Milgram Experiments evidence of obedience, conformity, ideology, or something more sinister about human nature? Join us for a deep dive of the shocking ;) research and its many little-known replications. We’ll explore why good people sometimes do bad things, and Tania will recreate the Milgram experiment to see if Brian will follo…

Set your skepticism aside and come explore the psychology of the paranormal! From ghost sightings to clairvoyance, we examine the research behind our most mysterious human experiences. Come haunt us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Twitter: @talkpsych2me Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Co-hosted by Brian Luna and Tania Luna Theme music by Barrie Gled…

What's good about feeling bad? In this episode, we explore the psychology of emotional complexity, how to benefit from unpleasant emotions, and the upside of being down. Share your feelings with us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Twitter: @talkpsych2me Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Co-hosted by Brian Luna and Tania Luna Theme music by Barrie Gledd…

Calling all activists and change-makers! In our last episode, we tackled the topic of direct influence. This time, we explore the research on framing, protests, mass media, influencers, and public policy. Which of them has the power to change our minds? The complete meta-analysis we reference in this episode is available here: https://www.sentience…

In this two-parter, we explore findings on public opinion change. Is it even possible to change people's minds and, if so, how the heck do you do it? This is a great episode for anyone looking to change one mind or one million. The complete meta-analysis we reference in this episode is available here: https://www.sentienceinstitute.org/public-opini…

Is Brian's morning ritual of doing a set number of deodorant swipes an odd quirk or is it a legitimate strategy to improve performance, reduce anxiety, and spark connection? Come learn about the psychology of ritual and how you can put it to good use in your own life. Make it your ritual to connect with us! Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Twitter:…

This week author and psychotherapist Whitney Goodman joins the show to talk about toxic positivity. Find out if your attempts to be positive actually cause harm and how to stop saying "everything happens for a reason" and "at least you still have your health"! Learn more: Read the book: Toxic Positivity: Keeping it Real in a World Obsessed with Bei…

Why is it that so many of us have the urge to help others, and what stands in our way? Discover the many surprising benefits of compassion (from accelerating your healing factor to increasing your sexiness), and add even more meaning and fulfillment to your life. Feeling compassionate? Here are some of our favorite organizations supporting the urge…

What happens to us when we get pumped up on power or deflated by powerlessness? Does power corrupt us or does it set us free? And how can we escape, what psychologist Dacher Keltner calls, the "power paradox"? Do you have the power to help people and animals in Ukraine? Here are some of our favorite organizations in urgent need of donations: Humane…

With a war looming in Ukraine (where Tania was born), many of us need a whole lot more hope right now. So we're pulling one of our earliest episodes from our archive on the psychology of hope, first aired on Jan 25, 2020. We talk about the difference between hope and optimism, the truth behind learned helplessness, and how to bulk up our hope muscl…

In this episode, we celebrate Black History Month by spotlighting some Black psychologists whose research has had profound impacts. We talk stereotype threat, implicit bias, Optimal Psychology, and attempt to recreate the famous Doll Test on an adult(ish) man. Researchers mentioned include: Francis Sumner, Inez Prosser, Solomon Fuller, Maxie Maults…

In this episode we investigate whether there's truth to the saying "you can't love someone until you love yourself." Join the conversation to discover your love style and build your self-compassion skills. Show us some love: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Scarlet Moon Things Co-hosted by Brian Luna and Tan…

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you do, you’re still not doing enough? To get to the bottom of that emotion, Tania and Brian talk about the psychology of guilt, guilt proneness, and hyper-responsibility. Come take a guilt trip with us to discover the benefits, risks, and alternatives to chronic guilt. We spent hours making this episode -- …

In this episode, Tania attempts to induce the nocebo effect -- placebo's evil twin -- on Brian. They explore placebo research (in areas ranging from pain to creativity), why it works, and how to put it to good use! It turns out "mind over matter" really does matter. P.S. Because we mentioned drug use in this episode, we also wanted to mention the S…

94% of people admit that procrastinating is bad for them. So why do so many of us still do it, how do we stop, and is there any way to get Brian to finally go to the dentist? Don't delay! Talk psych to us today: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Scarlet Moon Things Co-hosted by Brian Luna and Tania Luna Edite…

In this not-at-all-boring episode, Tania and Brian explore the psychology of boredom. They answer fascinating questions like, "what is boredom?" "is it good or bad for us?" "how can we become less boredom-prone?" and "what will happen if you leave Brian in a room for 15 minutes with nothing to do?" Share your questions and boredom-busting tips at: …

Tania and Brian are back this week to talk about the psychology of grief and mourning. Brian opens up about his father’s death, we explore the psychology of grief, funeral faux pas, coping with loss, and how to be there for others. SAMHSA'S free counseling hotline: 800-662-HELP Share your stories, questions, and feedback (and tell us how you define…

Brian's therapist, Dr. Lynn Saladino, joins the show to answer our therapy and mental health questions with special guest, Dr. Alyssa Greene, co-creator of our web series The Way Through. Don't miss out on this great deal. It's basically free therapy. Show notes: The Way Through web series Dr. Lynn Saladino: Website & Instagram Say Podcast and Die:…

In honor of Halloween, we're talking about the spookiest of subjects: John Gottman's theory of the 4 Horsemen of the Relationship Apocalypse. Find out the biggest predictors of a relationship downfall and how to prevent these common romance killers from creeping into your life. Give us some love: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@…

Since we've been busy training our pig, Outlaw Josey, we wanted to break down the psychology of learning through Operant Conditioning. We talk about reinforcement, punishment, the difference between punishers and aversives, and the power of shaping. We even test out B.F. Skinner's theory of language acquisition by trying to teach Brian to say a wor…

What is narcissism? Why do so many people suspect their partner is a narcissist? Are we becoming more narcissistic as a society? And most importantly... are YOU a narcissist? Talk to us about yourself: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Scarlet Moon Things Theme music by Barrie Gledden, Kes Loy, and Richard Ki…

Let's talk about the psychology of motivation! We explore the research behind intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and answer big questions like: What truly motivates us? Should we stop paying people for performance? And why did we adopt a pig? Feeling motivated to talk to us? Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Produced by …

In this episode, we'll help you get the most out of music and answer tough questions like: Did we evolve to make music? Does music help or harm our performance? What causes chills (aka skin orgasms)? And - most importantly - whose character had it right in Footloose, Kevin Bacon or John Lithgow? Tell us about your music origin theories and fav chil…

Do you know how to be a psychological time traveler? Spend 20 minutes with us today learning how reminiscence and anticipatory joy impact our mental health, relationships, and happiness. (And find out about that one time Brian and Tania both got food poisoning.) Reminisce with us about this episode: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodca…

It's clear that feelings impact our facial expressions, but can it work the other way around? Can fake smiles turn to real happiness? Can Botox treat depression? And what do facial expressions have to do with empathy? Express yourself on social! Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Scarlet Moon Things Music by B…

Author Irshad Manji shares her vision for honest diversity and a pluralistic society that doesn't treat labels as our finish line. Tune in to learn how our most common change tactics will probably backfire and how to engage in courageous conversations instead. Links from the show: http://irshadmanji.com https://moralcourage.com/learn Don't Label Me…

In our final episode of the Psychology of the 7+ Deadly Sins, we take on lust. We tackle sexy questions like: what makes us lust after some people and not others? Does lust really make us stupid? How can you feel more lust in your relationship? And just how lusty is Brian? Talk psych to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.…

Eating too much causes more illness worldwide than eating too little. So, why do we do it and, how can we stop? In this episode, Brian and Tania take on the psychology and sociology of gluttony! If you think you may have an eating disorder, please speak with a healthcare professional or contact the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 1-…

Let's unpack the psychology of envy. Is it a psychological poison? A sin? A catalyst for resentment, gossip, hostility, and crime? Or is it fuel for social progress and personal growth? Tania and Brian reveal their own envy episodes and discuss the #1 secret to transforming envy into empathy. Talk psych to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email…

We're celebrating Pride Month with an exploration of the psychology of pride. Is it the deadliest of the 7 Deadly Sins or is it one of our greatest virtues? Come find out! Talk psych to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Scarlet Moon Things Music by Barrie Gledden, Kes Loy, and Richard Kimmings…

So many of us are feeling weary and on the brink of hopelessness. This week, we talk about the psychology of melancholy - one of the original Eight Deadly Sins. We discuss the benefits of sadness, cultural norms, and how to use our small hope windows right now to stay in the fight. For mental health support please call SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1…

In the wake of more black deaths and ongoing protests and riots - we tackle the psychology of anger, rage, and outrage. Should wrath really be categorized as a sin, or can be it be fuel for progress? Does violence lead to more violence, or can it propel social change? And is there such a thing as learning to be angry well? #blacklivesmatter Talk ps…

We continue our journey through the psychology of the seven deadly sins. This week, we're talking greed! Is greed the root of all progress or the root of all suffering? What makes someone greedy, and just how greedy are you? Talk psych to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Produced by Scarlet Moon Things Music by Barr…

Feeling lazy? Tune in to understand why as we explore the psychology of the seven deadly sins, starting with sloth. At best, you'll walk away with greater motivation or self-acceptance. At the very least, you can put off doing more important things for 35 minutes! Don't be too lazy to talk to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@…

Can psychology help us understand the mysterious worlds we visit and lives we lead while we're asleep? In this episode, we tackle questions like: Why do we dream? What do our dreams mean? Why didn't Brian join The Smurfs when he had the chance? And how can we become better dreamers? It would be real dreamy to hear from you: Instagram: @talkpsychtom…

Mucus. Puss. Maggots. Feces. Eating bats. Eating cows. Racism. In this episode, we discuss the benefits and dangers of disgust and tackle some tough questions like: Is anything objectively disgusting? Why are some people more easily disgusted than others? And... what's that smell? Discuss disgust with us! Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2…

Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, author of What's Your Problem? joins us this week to talk about the psychology of problem solving. Learn his top tips for problem reframing and how to become a skillful problem solver. Talk psych to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Further Reading: What's Your Problem? by Wedell-Wedellsbor…

In honor of Brian's birthday, we talk about the psychology of age and aging. Does being slightly older or slightly younger than your classmates in school impact you later in life? (Spoiler alert: yes!) What are some of the benefits of aging? And what advice do older adults have that we should all pay attention to today? Talk psych to us: Instagram:…

Come join the Luna family debate about empathy. Does it do more good or harm in a zombie apocalypse? How about in today's world? What exactly is empathy anyway? And how can we learn to use it well? Talk psych to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Further Reading: “Toronto Empathy Questionnaire” by Spreng et. al. (2009…

As quarantine drags on, we have to shift out of crisis mode and into Perseverance Mode. In this episode, we learn from neuroscience, prisoners of war, homelessness, and Brian's dad to unpack the psychology of persistence. Talk psych to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Further Reading: “Psychiatric illness in U.S. Ai…

Just what is luck, exactly? How does it play a role in our lives? Are some people luckier than others? Can an overdose of luck result in 'luck guilt'? And what can all of us do to become luckier? Talk psych to us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.com Further reading: “Moral and Epistemic Luck” by Statman (1991) “The Psychol…

Special guest, psychologist Vaneeta Sandhu, joins the show this week to talk about the psychology of cursing. Why do we do curse (or is it cuss)? Can other animals swear? How does profanity impact us and our teams? Does it shape how people see us? And why does it feel so f@#king good? Talk (or curse) with us: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email:…

A strange thing happened while we were recording Episode 11 on the topic of infectious mass reactions. We had one ourselves. Did it happen to you too?! Tell us over: Instagram: @talkpsychtomepodcast Email: tp2mpodcast@gmail.comBy Scarlet Moon Things Co.

We are up again two infections right now: COVID-19 and panic. In this episode, Tania and Brian break down the psychology of mass panic (like panic shopping, dance plague, and penis panic), moral panic (like xenophobia), and individual panic. They explain why mental health = physical health and share their favorite ideas for how to keep your cool. T…