Psychology Takeaway Podcast

Psychology of Christmas

Why does Christmas feel so emotionally powerful—for better and worse? In this episode, Jim and Ralph explore the psychology behind Christmas: why it amplifies joy, stress, nostalgia, generosity, and longing all at once. From family dynamics to ritual and meaning-making, they unpack what’s really happening beneath the tinsel.

Human-ish The Anthropomorphize Episode

Why do we name ours and that our pets think lofty thoughts? In this episode, Jim and Ralph look at this strange behavior. Don't forget to give that certain one on your gift list a copy of Overcoming Perfectionism, by Jim- https://a.co/d/bJCp6vh

(you know who that person is, right.)

Final Exams!

Ralph and Jim talk about preparing for final exams.

The Thanksgiving Show: : Gratitude Without the Sugarcoat

Jim and Ralph break down the real psychology of gratitude and how to practice it without slipping into toxic positivity. As Thanksgiving approaches, the hosts explore why genuine thankfulness boosts mental health — and why pretending to “just be positive” can actually make things worse.

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What You’ll Learn

• The psychological and neurological benefits of gratitude
• Why gratitude isn’t about ignoring negative feelings
• How toxic positivity invalidates real emotion
• Simple ways to practice grounded, honest gratitude over the holidays

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Key Insights

• Gratitude makes room for hard feelings; toxic positivity shuts them down.
• Thankfulness activates the brain’s reward system and reduces stress.
• “This is hard and I’m grateful for…” is healthier than “Just be grateful.”
• Small, specific moments of appreciation are more powerful than forced cheer.

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Practical Tips

• Try a “Real + Grateful” statement before Thanksgiving dinner.
• Validate emotions — yours and others’ — before offering encouragement.
• Notice one small thing today that brings comfort or meaning.

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Quote of the Episode

“Gratitude isn’t pretending things are good — it’s noticing what’s good within reality.”

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Natural world Healing part 2

Jim and Ralph continue their conversation with wildlife media producer Ryan Pearce. They contrast wildlife viewing in Michigan with that of Ryan’s native Australia.

 

LEARN MORE
Here are the links to a playlist of all the Crocodile Hunter episodes and the Outdoor Boys channel on YouTube :

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMilupvERrnBCeJ_tXMIWuZSAGSxpHk_A&si=Q6RzLCF7BJd3uy2W

 

https://youtube.com/@outdoorboys?si=20TIc2euguPyw6Ti

 

Friday Healing Power of the Natural Part One

Ralph is a strong advocate of using the natural world for tension reduction and stress release, but what is difficult or impossible? Jim and Ralph talk with guest Ryan Pearce a wild life photographer about what some neuroscientists see as the next best thing using video. It can’t replace the entire experience but research says there are some positive benefits. LEARN MORE Healing power of natural world: https://youtu.be/FEb0J2--nF0?si=xVQC7sRtLHdNu1ct Cancer survivor’s story about nature: https://youtu.be/xL6V142FmQo?si=MNJKz6Uk5i93sudY You can contact Ryan at: Ryan ryman.pearce@gmail.com​ To see our updated author page and acess our books go to: Amazon.com/author/jimcarroll Have a look at Sheila Carroll's Nature Study Notes—short, fascinating studies of the wild world right outside your door. Here is her latest, just in time for Thanksgiving: The Wonderful Wild Turkey

Do sociopaths and psychopaths really exist?

Understanding Personality Disorders — Clearing Up the Myths Around “Sociopaths,” “Psychopaths,” and “Narcissists”

In this week’s episode, Jim and Ralph take on one of the most misunderstood corners of modern psychology: personality disorders. Popular culture and the internet are full of talk about “sociopaths,” “psychopaths,” and “narcissists,” but how much of that is actually grounded in clinical reality? The hosts unpack where these terms come from, what they really mean, and why only narcissistic personality disorder remains a recognized diagnosis in the DSM-5.

Through a thoughtful and down-to-earth discussion, Jim and Ralph explore what defines a personality disorder—persistent patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that cause significant distress or impairment—and how these differ from temporary traits or pop-psychology labels. Along the way, they correct some of the biggest misconceptions fueled by movies, media, and social media, and they help listeners understand the importance of compassion and nuance when talking about mental health. Whether you’re a student of psychology or just curious about the truth behind the buzzwords, this episode offers a grounded and insightful takeaway.

From Samhain to Candy Corn: The Psychology Behind Halloween’s Evolution

 

​From Samhain to Candy Corn: The Psychology Behind Halloween’s Evolution

In this Halloween special, Jim and Ralph uncover how an ancient Celtic festival honoring the dead transformed into today’s playful, candy-filled celebration. From Samhain’s bonfires to trick-or-treating traditions, they explore how fear, faith, and community shaped the holiday — and what our fascination with costumes and scares reveals about human psychology.

LEARN MORE

Go to our You Tube channel and Halloween 2025 – it is our treat to you.

Try this

The Witch’s Brew" — A Spooky Halloween Punch

Serves: 6–8 | Prep time: 10 minutes

 Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup ginger ale or lemon-lime soda (for fizz)
• 1/2 cup vodka or dark rum (optional – skip for mocktail)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup blackberries or raspberries (for garnish)
• A few slices of orange or lime
• Ice cubes (or frozen “eyeballs” — peeled grapes!)

Directions:

1. In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine cranberry, orange, and pineapple juices.
2. Add vodka or rum if using, then stir in the lime juice.
3. Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale for that bubbly, witchy fizz.
4. Add fruit and ice — or drop in peeled grapes as creepy “eyeballs.”
5. Serve in clear glasses or cauldrons with a gummy worm or black sugar rim for extra Halloween flair.

Optional Twist:

Add a few drops of blue curaçao for an eerie purple hue, or use dry ice (handled safely!) for a misty, cauldron effect.

 

For an extra treat read a sample of Jim’s Oak Island Obsession and then buy the book: https://a.co/d/aBllLDr

 

 

Toxic Talk Part Two: The Answer

Jim and Ralph continue the exploration of toxic online content - AND come up with some answers!!!

Invitation to Halloween