Psychology Takeaway Podcast

April Fool's Special

Special Podcast: April Fool’s Day

 After a long winter, many people are eager for novelty and excitement as a way to break from the monotony of cold weather.

Spring, the season after winter, is culturally associated with new beginnings, growth, and rejuvenation. This sense of renewal aligns with April Fools' Day, a tradition that allows for a fresh start in social dynamics, where people can act more freely, joke with others, and engage in behaviors that reflect the seasonal shift. The psychological effect of transitioning into spring after a long winter may encourage people to "let loose" with humor and pranks as a way to celebrate the changing season.

In the context of modern life, people face a great deal of stress. A day dedicated to harmless tricks can provide a socially acceptable way to let off steam, lighten the mood, and create a sense of relief from routine pressures. The absurdity and non-serious nature of pranks might offer an outlet for creativity and playfulness, serving as a temporary escape from the demands of everyday life.

 

LEARN MORE

The history of April Fools Day: https://youtu.be/RpuGUjfCFVY?feature=shared

 

Jim and Ralph Baber have just released a new book on Amazon. It’s called Podcasting for seniors It is a very simple guide to getting started as a podcaster. You can record and publish quickly and easily following three easy steps. You can read a sample online at: https://a.co/d/aRJdrSq

Encourage a senior in your life to consider learning podcasting as a new skill. We will show them how. If Ralph and Jim can do it, anyone can do it!!!

 

 

Lucid Dreaming

Jim and Ralph continue the series on dreams and visions.

They look at lucid dreams and explore how your nighttime mentation can enhance your daytime creativity.

LEARN MORE

Here is a link to an enlightening Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/OK3SfNxbK3Y?feature=shared

A short but impactful Tedx presentation: https://youtu.be/olGRNeyEJt0?feature=shared

 

 

Follow Up to the Podcast on Dreams and Visions

We talked about our vision for having seniors share their wisdom.

Today on CNN there was a story out of Argentina that talked about how podcasting helped reduce loneliness for a group of 90+ year olds.

Here is the link: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/22/world/video/elders-podcast-argentina-90-year-old-alberto-chab-dominguez-digvid

Jim and Ralph Baber have just released a new book on Amazon. It’s called Podcasting for seniors It is a very simple guide to getting started as a podcaster. You can record and publish quickly and easily following three easy steps. You can read a sample online at: https://a.co/d/aRJdrSq

Encourage a senior in your life to consider learning podcasting as a new skill. We will show them how. If Ralph and Jim can do it, anyone can do it!!!

 

Dreams, Visions and Hallucinations

 

Jim and Ralph follow up on a previous podcast that described the vision of St. Patrick. But what exactly are they?

"Visions" and "hallucinations"  and “dreams” involve seeing things that aren't there, a key difference is that hallucinations are perceived as real, while dreams and visions can be understood as a more abstract or symbolic experience.

While both dreams and visions involve imagery and can be powerful experiences, a key difference is that dreams occur during sleep, while visions can occur while awake.  

Hallucinations on the other hand are sensory perceptions (like seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling) that occur in the absence of an actual external stimulus, and the person experiencing them believes they are real. Some Examples include hearing voices when no one is speaking, seeing images that aren't there, or smelling odors that don't exist. 

 

LEARN MORE

Your Brain Hallucinates Your Conscious Reality: https://youtu.be/lyu7v7nWzfo?feature=shared

Vision of the Future Meditation | 9-minute Guided Meditation: https://youtu.be/3vIuJhckpT4?feature=shared

 

Our new book is available now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/aRJdrSq

 

 

 

 

 

Will the Real St. Patrick Please Stand Up?

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many are gearing up for green beer, corned beef, and cabbage. Ralph and Jim find themselves pondering the origins of the March 17th stereotype of drunken revelry, as well as whether St. Patrick truly drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Joining them is Jim’s wife, Sheila, who sets the record straight and shares the true story of the man behind the holiday we celebrate each year.

LEARN MORE

Here is the Holiday Helper that Sheila talked about: https://s3.amazonaws.com/CM_Helper/Seasonal/HH_St_Patricks_Day.pdf

-Sheila invites you to join her on Nature Study Notes, where she helps parents and children  discover the wonders and mental health benefits  of nature.

Here is her latest post: Outdoors Without an Umbrella: Let Children Feel Nature, Not Just See It

How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe (The Hinges of History)

https://a.co/d/hbn7XtS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

86 Reasons for Asylum Admission

 

In this episode, Jim and Ralph, the dynamic hosts of the popular Psychology Takeaway podcast, sit down with artist Kimberly Chapman, whose captivating work is currently featured in the Baber Room Gallery, located on the first floor of the Park Library at Central Michigan University.

The conversation delves into Chapman's artwork, which offers a unique historical and cultural lens. This podcast episode takes a deep dive into the dark history of how mental health concepts were misused to control and oppress women. Jim and Ralph engage with Kimberly to explore the creative processes behind her powerful and thought-provoking installation.

Chapman uses delicate porcelain sculptures and vintage photographs to tell the chilling and heartbreaking stories of women confined to 19th-century mental asylums. Her exhibit, which opened at the end of February, is displayed in the 10,000-square-foot Baber Gallery and will be available for viewing until July 20.

For those wanting to meet the artist in person, there will be a reception at the gallery on March 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Additionally, two gallery walkthroughs are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on March 20. Both the reception and the walkthroughs are free of charge, and everyone—including the public and students—are invited to attend. The exhibit will also be open to visitors whenever the main library is operating.

 

LEARN MORE
Here is Kimberly’s webpage and Instagram links

https://www.kimberlychapmansculptor.com/

 

https://www.instagram.com/kimberlychapmansculptor/

you will need to be logged into Facebook on the machine to access/view the Instagram link.

 

More about Phrenology: https://youtu.be/pR9x3KVmE48?feature=shared

 

Physiognomy: https://youtu.be/jH4wjKN3cUs?feature=shared

 

The State Hospital at Traverse City: https://youtu.be/U4D2lPYVRag?feature=shared

 

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Color My World

 

Today we are joined by Ralph’s wife Karen as we continue to explore the psychology of color. This time focusing on the interior and exterior of the house.

When choosing colors for rooms in an apartment or house, consider the room's purpose, size, and lighting. Lighter colors work well in small rooms or areas with little natural light to make them feel more spacious and airy, while darker colors can add warmth and intimacy to larger spaces. For living rooms and common areas, neutral tones with accent colors can create an inviting atmosphere, while calming hues like soft blues and greens are ideal for bedrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms typically benefit from fresh, light colors, though bolder shades can add character. Use a consistent color scheme to create flow between rooms, and experiment with accent walls to add drama without overwhelming the space. Keep in mind the psychology of colors—warm shades like reds and yellows stimulate energy, while cool tones like blues and greens promote relaxation. Test samples before committing to ensure the final effect suits your space.

When choosing exterior colors for a house, consider the architectural style, neighborhood, and surrounding environment. The color scheme should typically include a main body color, trim, and accent hues, with the main color being neutral or muted, trim offering contrast, and accents adding personality. Lighter colors work well in hot climates, while darker shades can be used in colder regions. Ensure the roof color complements the walls—darker roofs pair well with lighter walls, and lighter roofs look good with richer tones. Take into account the landscaping; vibrant gardens suit neutral tones, while minimalist gardens can handle bolder hues. It’s also important to test colors on larger areas of the exterior to see how they look in different lighting conditions and to consider how the house blends with its natural surroundings. By following these guidelines, you can create a cohesive, attractive exterior.

But, of course, it’s only paint – do what makes you happy.

LEARN MORE

Here is a video that simplifies Color Psychology as it applies to painting coloring the interior: https://youtu.be/Y45kWzybhAU?feature=shared

Crash course on exterior color choice: https://youtu.be/mJxNdXFcviE?feature=shared

Buy the book Make Good Decisions Everyday at  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176

 

 

 

 

 

Make Good Decisions Everyday

Ralph interviews Jim about his new book.

 It is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176

FREE OFFER: If you would like to read it and submit a review, I will send the first 100 people a PDF. Contact Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.edu.

 

Psychology of Color

Jim and Ralph explore why red makes you hungry, why blue might make you trust someone more, and why you probably shouldn't paint your office all yellow (unless you're a fan of chaos)."

The psychology of color explores how different colors influence our emotions, behaviors, and perceptions. It plays a significant role in marketing, design, and art, where understanding color psychology helps create specific moods and responses

It’s essential to note that the psychological impact of color can vary based on cultural context. For example:

In Western cultures, white symbolizes purity and weddings, while in some Eastern cultures, it can be associated with mourning and funerals.

Red can be seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, while it’s often associated with danger or anger in Western contexts.

Color is a powerful tool in influencing perceptions, so understanding color psychology can help designers, marketers, and creators better communicate their messages and evoke the right emotions from their audiences.

LEARN MORE

Here is a terrific 8 minute video on color: https://youtu.be/6Ten8xjkXhw?feature=shared

 

SPECIAL NOTE: Jim and Jerry Fuller have a new book on Making Good Decisions. It is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176

 

FREE OFFER: If you would like to read it and submit a review, I will send the first 100 people a PDF. Contact Jim at: carro1jl@cmich.edu.

Optimism and health

Positive Psychology: Optimism

 

Today Ralph and Jim look at one of the pillars of Positive Psychology - Optimism

In Positive Psychology, optimism is central to promoting well-being and psychological resilience. It is the tendency to expect positive outcomes and believe that challenges can be overcome. Optimism is closely linked to improved mental health, as optimistic individuals tend to experience lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Their positive outlook on life helps buffer against mental health challenges. Furthermore, optimism is associated with better physical health outcomes, as optimistic people are more likely to engage in healthier behaviors such as exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced diet. They also tend to recover more quickly from illness or surgery.

One of the most important aspects of optimism is its role in fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Optimistic individuals view setbacks as temporary and manageable, rather than permanent or catastrophic, which helps them maintain hope and continue working toward their goals. This resilience is crucial for overcoming life's inevitable challenges. Additionally, optimistic people often experience greater success and achievement. Their positive expectations encourage them to take action, persist through obstacles, and stay motivated, ultimately leading to higher performance in various aspects of life, from academics to careers.

Optimism also enhances relationships by fostering positive interactions and emotional support. Optimists are more likely to provide support to others during difficult times, and their outlook on life strengthens their connections. This contributes to greater relationship satisfaction and emotional well-being. Ultimately, optimism plays a key role in overall life satisfaction and happiness. It helps people focus on positive experiences, fostering gratitude and a greater sense of joy in everyday life. In the framework of Positive Psychology, optimism is considered essential for flourishing—a life that embraces growth, fulfillment, and resilience in the face of challenges

 

LEARN MORE

Martin Seligman on Positive Psychology: https://youtu.be/9FBxfd7DL3E?feature=shared

SPECIAL NOTE: Jim and Jerry Fuller have a new book on Making Good Decisions. It is available at:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176

 

If you would like to read it and submit a review, I will send the first 100 people a PDF. Contact Jim at carro1jl@cmich.edu.