Psychology Takeaway Podcast

CRISPR and TIGR and Bears Oh My!

There is a new Tiger out there

 

Jim and Ralph revisit CRISPR to see if it has become the tool that will eliminate illness forever. They answer that question and point to new developments using TIGR

 

Learn More

 

CRISP and TIGR: https://youtu.be/_UimlaolxiA?si=jXLYJM5528GKn71z

New Years Resolutions Continued with Guest Andrea Assaf

Jim and Ralph are joined by international jet-setter Andrea Assaf. They continue to look at the downside of making New Years Resolutions while Andrea comes up with her own brilliant solution.

They also investigate the Psychology of Travel.

Finally, Ralph unpacks a host of things we Americans should be thankful for in 2026!

This is a fast paced and podcast that you will want to share with friends, family and random strangers

2026 Anxiety Part Two

2026 Anxiety Part One

Jim and Ralph take the emotional pulse of the campus outward and find a high level of negative affect. People express personal and global concerns freely. We talk about Jim’s new book, OVERCOMING ANXIETY, and make a free offer if you contact carro1jl@cmich.edu

Annual New Year’s Resolution Show

Yes, by now you have made and broken your resolutions. It happens every year! If you want a reset Ralph and Jim suggest the SMART approach. The guys look at the psychology of some numbers – not 67 but 39,000 and 650,600. Learn More Make good decisions get some rest :    • How to make smart decisions more easily   Check out the book: Make Good Decisions Everyday at Amazon: https://a.co/d/5r8IX4l

Beating the Christmas Blues

After the decorations come down and the gatherings end, many people experience a surprising emotional drop. In this episode, Jim and Ralph explain why post-Christmas sadness is so common—and how to respond to it with psychological wisdom rather than self-criticism.

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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