Psychology Takeaway Podcast

When Smart People Do Dumb Things

In this thought-provoking episode, Jim and Ralph explore a deceptively simple question: Why do people—often smart, educated, well-meaning people—make irrational, harmful, or downright dumb choices?

We begin with the haunting insights of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who warned that the greatest threat to humanity may not be evil—but unthinking obedience. From there, we travel through some of psychology’s most famous experiments:

• Milgram’s obedience study, where participants delivered what they believed were deadly shocks
• Asch’s conformity experiment, showing how people abandon truth to fit in
• Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment, revealing how roles and environments can distort behavior

We then shift to real-world consequences, unpacking how groupthink helped cause the Challenger shuttle disaster—a moment where silence and pressure led to tragedy.

Finally, we look at a different kind of “dumb”: the decades-long search for treasure on Oak Island. Why do people cling to hope, even when reason says let go?

With insights from Dunning-Kruger, pluralistic ignorance, and motivated reasoning, this episode is a crash course in how psychology explains the irrational—and how we might guard against it.

LEARN MORE

How Stupid People Become a Threat to Everyone – Cipolla Was Right

https://youtu.be/eql0wxgwFXU?feature=shared

A good short intro to intelligence.https://www.verywellmind.com/theories-of-intelligence-2795035?utm_source=1440-st&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=view-content-pr&user_id=66c4c743600ae15075a4f2b5

Stoics on the topic of stupidity https://youtu.be/d9TaVsF6YUw?feature=shared

The Terrifying Theory of Stupidity You Were Never Meant to Hear – Dietrich Bonhoefferhttps://youtu.be/Sfekgjfh1Rk?feature=shared

 

Watch for- The Treasure Trap: What fuels the Oak Island obsession

Into the pit, uncovering a 230 year old mystery and the minds behind the search

Coming Soon

Feelings, and Filters: The Psychology of Eating in the Age of Social Media

Food, Feelings, and Filters: The Psychology of Eating in the Age of Social Media

This week, Jim and Ralph dive into the complex psychology of food, eating, and how social media is reshaping our relationship with both.

Why do so many people see food as their only friend? And why are young people—especially adolescent girls—facing increasing pressure to be thin in a culture saturated with filtered perfection and restrictive eating trends?

We explore:

• How food becomes tied to emotional comfort and coping.
• The impact of TikTok and Instagram on body image and diet culture.
• Why adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders.
• The dangerous cycle of restriction and bingeing.
• What the research says about intuitive eating, social comparison, and media literacy as tools for change.

With insights from recent psychological and neuroscience research, this episode offers a candid, compassionate look at the invisible forces shaping how we eat, think, and feel—especially in a digital age.

LEARN MORE

Here is a link to Body Image Journal: https://g.co/kgs/FUL15u1

This is specifically about body image and social media: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/smart-parenting-smarter-kids/202304/body-image-and-social-media

If you want a free PDF copy of our book email Jim at carro1jl@cmich.edu

Flow: How to Get in the Zone and Stay There"

In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph dive deep into one of the most sought-after states in psychology and peak performance: Flow. Coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is the state of optimal experience—when you're fully immersed in a task, time melts away, and you're operating at your absolute best.

But what exactly triggers flow? Can anyone access it—or is it reserved for elite athletes and artists?

Jim and Ralph break it all down:

• What the flow state is (and isn’t)
• The 7 elements of flow you need to know
• How to create the perfect balance between challenge and skill
• Why clear goals and immediate feedback are essential
• How to eliminate distractions and train your focus like a muscle
• Real-world examples—from musicians and athletes to coders and students
• And practical tips for bringing more flow into your daily life

This isn’t just about productivity—it’s about experiencing life more fully, one deeply engaged moment at a time.

 “The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times... The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits.” – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

LEARN MORE

https://aeon.co/essays/you-need-to-build-mastery-in-order-to-find-your-flow?

Creativity and mental health

In this week’s episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph dive into the fascinating and complex relationship between creativity and mental health. They explore how creative expression—through art, writing, music, and other forms—can serve as a powerful therapeutic outlet, offering relief from stress, a boost in self-esteem, and a meaningful way to process emotions. Drawing on recent research and clinical insights, the hosts unpack how activities that foster creativity can enhance mental well-being by promoting mindfulness, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. Jim highlights the growing use of art and music therapy in clinical settings, while Ralph explores the science behind the “flow state” and how it benefits mental focus and emotional regulation. The discussion also doesn't shy away from the challenges: the emotional intensity often linked with creative minds, the potential for isolation during deep creative work, and the toll of perfectionism and internal pressure. With thoughtful commentary and real-world examples, Jim and Ralph present a balanced conversation that reveals creativity as both a healing force and a space that requires self-awareness. Whether you're an artist, a therapist, or just curious about the human mind, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how to channel creativity in service of better mental health.

LEARN MORE

Creatuvity for mental health: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZmv0XDLT_LIDxadiYVPHbcoyIA8DFDCU

Creative Problem Solving: https://youtu.be/oqwoOpO-4k0?feature=shared

Check out Jim’s book OVERCOMING Perfectionism: https://a.co/d/9WIpo7j (Kindle) or https://a.co/d/dgsQ6Kp (paperback)

Who can you trust for advice?

In this episode, Ralph and Jim dig into the question everyone faces online: Who can you trust when you're looking for advice? From health tips and financial hacks to career guidance and DIY fixes, the internet is overflowing with suggestions—but not all of it is worth following. We talk about how to spot the difference between credible, evidence-based advice and the kind that's misleading, manipulative, or just plain wrong.

We also explore the role of AI in this space—what it gets right, where it can fall short, and how to use tools like ChatGPT responsibly. Whether you're Googling symptoms, looking for legal shortcuts, or wondering if that “expert” on TikTok knows what they’re talking about, this episode will help you develop a smarter, more skeptical approach to online advice.

LEARN MORE

https://www.vox.com/even-better/413335/tiktok-instagram-relationships-advice-work-better-life-loneliness?category=fascinating_stories&position=5&scheduled_corpus_item_id=dbdadaaa-9d37-4bb1-b087-d1522625e733&sponsored=0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vox.com%2Feven-better%2F413335%2Ftiktok-instagram-relationships-advice-work-better-life-loneliness&utm_source=pocket_shared

 

Jim's new book OVERCOMING Perfectionism, is available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7D784Q7

Curiosity with guest Sheila Carroll

In this episode, Sheila Carroll and Jim discuss practical strategies for fostering curiosity in children, whether at home, in the classroom, or in everyday life. We’ll touch on the importance of modeling inquisitiveness as adults, creating safe spaces for kids to wonder aloud, and resisting the urge to give quick answers. You’ll also hear from educators and parents who’ve successfully encouraged curiosity in their own families. Whether you're raising a toddler or mentoring a teen, this conversation will offer insights and inspiration to help you raise kids who not only seek knowledge but love the process of discovery itself.

LEARN MORE

Sheila's book Nature Study Companion: Simple ways to explore wonders near and far: https://a.co/d/7KGwrMA

Raising Curious Kids in Nature: https://youtu.be/VRoze3nrI1U?feature=shared

Jim’s book Raise Capable Kids is now available at Amazon. For a sample click on this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5MTFTGP

Curiosity Didn't Kill the Cat - It Made It Healthier

Curiosity is a dynamic and deeply human trait that touches nearly every aspect of our lives—and it's a perfect topic for this episode of Psychology Takeaway. Whether it’s the urge to peek inside a closed drawer, dive into a Wikipedia rabbit hole, or ask the kind of questions that make conversations more meaningful, curiosity drives exploration, learning, and growth. But beyond its obvious intellectual benefits, curiosity also plays a powerful role in both mental and physical health. Research shows that curious individuals tend to experience more positive emotions, greater psychological resilience, and stronger relationships. Physically, curiosity has been linked to healthier lifestyle choices, increased physical activity, and even cognitive protection in later life. It helps people adapt, cope, and stay mentally flexible in a rapidly changing world.

With that in mind, this episode features co-hosts Jim and Ralph as they explore the science and humor behind curiosity. The episode blends research-backed insights with everyday examples, playful banter, and a short interactive quiz to help listeners reflect on their own curiosity levels. It's engaging, practical, and just weird enough to make learning feel like fun again.

LEARN MORE

TED talk : Your Brain on Curiosity: https://youtu.be/SmaTPPB-T_s?feature=shared

Another TED: The Practice of Curiosityhttps://youtu.be/Jb0aQ2gE4tU?feature=shared

If you are curious about Jim’s new book, Raise Capable Kids, check it out on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5MTFTGP

 

Mental Health on College Campuses

Jim and Ralph follow up the conversation begun last week about the mental health crisis facing today’s college population.

Expanded Counseling Services
In response to rising mental health concerns among students, many colleges and universities have significantly expanded their counseling services. Traditionally limited in scope and capacity, campus counseling centers are now hiring more staff, including specialists trained to support students from marginalized backgrounds, such as LGBTQ+ or BIPOC individuals. One major shift is the increased use of teletherapy platforms like TimelyCare or UWill, which allow students to access professional mental health support remotely, often 24/7 and at no extra cost. These services help reduce barriers related to scheduling, stigma, or location. Additionally, many institutions are adopting a "stepped care" approach, where students begin with less intensive support—such as workshops, group therapy, or drop-in sessions—and progress to individual therapy if needed. Some colleges also provide same-day appointments and crisis intervention services to address urgent needs. However, challenges persist: demand still often exceeds capacity, with long wait times and budget constraints especially common at smaller or under-resourced schools.

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Peer Support Networks
Peer support has become a vital component of campus mental health strategies, offering a low-cost, accessible, and relatable option for students who may be hesitant to seek professional help. Many colleges have developed student-run peer counseling programs, where trained undergraduate volunteers provide confidential, nonclinical support to their peers. These services—like Harvard’s Room 13 or Columbia’s Nightline—often operate in the evenings and focus on active listening, empathy, and referrals to campus resources. National organizations such as Active Minds also play a major role, with chapters at hundreds of schools hosting events to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster open conversations about mental health. Additionally, identity-based peer groups—such as those for LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, or students of color—offer safe, affirming spaces where individuals can share experiences and build community. By empowering students to support one another, these networks help create a culture of care and connection, which is especially important in combatting isolation and normalizing help-seeking behavior.

LEARN MORE

-Link to UWill featuring mental health news: https://uwill.com/news/

-Here is a link to Harvard’s Room 13 program: https://calendar.college.harvard.edu/event/room_13_peer_counseling

-988 Suicide prevention 24 hour hotline: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/crisis-and-access-line

College Mental Health- with a special guest

 

 

 

JIm and Ralph are joined by Ms. Jazlyn Coles the host of the popular podcast, Living in Legacy. They talk about mental health on college campuses.

 

Concerns for College Students: Mental Health & Substance Use (with Statistics)

1. Anxiety and Stress

• Stat: Over 63% of college students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety in the past year.
  (Source: American College Health Association - ACHA, 2023)

2. Depression

• Stat: Nearly 44% of students said they felt so depressed it was difficult to function.
  (ACHA, 2023)

3. Academic Pressure

• Stat: About 87% of students identified academics as a primary source of stress.
  (National College Health Assessment)

4. Social Isolation and Loneliness

• Stat: Roughly 67% of college students reported feeling "very lonely" at some point during the academic year.
  (ACHA, 2023)

5. Substance Abuse (Alcohol)

• Stat: Approximately 30% of students reported engaging in binge drinking (5+ drinks in one sitting for men, 4+ for women) in the past two weeks.
  (Monitoring the Future Survey, 2023)

6. Prescription Drug Misuse

• Stat: Around 14% of students admitted to using prescription stimulants (like Adderall) non-medically.
  (National Institute on Drug Abuse - NIDA, 2023)

7. Marijuana Use

• Stat: Over 40% of college students used marijuana in the past year, with 11% reporting daily or near-daily use.
  (Monitoring the Future, 2023)

8. Suicide Ideation

• Stat: About 15% of students seriously considered suicide within the past year.
  (ACHA, 2023)

9. Access to Mental Health Services

• Stat: Only 25% of students with a diagnosable mental health condition seek professional help.
  (Active Minds / NAMI College Guide)

10. Stigma and Help-Seeking Barriers

• Stat: Over 45% of students cited stigma or fear of being judged as reasons for not seeking mental health care.
  (Jed Foundation, 2022)

LEARN MORE

Follow Jazlyn at: Founder of Living In Legacy Podcast, Instagram & TikTok: jazlynspeaks2u, Alumni of Oakland Community College, Entrepreneurship Major with a Minor in Management

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazlyn-coles-7a2bb0268 

 

Publications: 

Wayne State University-Why Teach Competition: https://www.facebook.com/TEDwarriors/videos/jazlyn-coles-why-teach-wsu/2747363355387188/ 

Juneteenth Vicksburg Daily News: https://vicksburgnews.com/vicksburg-prepares-to-celebrate-a-historic-juneteenth/

Oakland County Times Newspaper: https://oaklandcounty115.com/2022/04/11/young-voices-come-together-for-student-art-show-in-ferndale/ 

T

ED talk: https://youtu.be/JEtNxNW0bRU?feature=shared

 

News report on the stigma:https://youtu.be/OXIJsQsQwtg?feature=shared

 

 

 

Oak Island: The hero's journey with Ralph and Jim

 

What drives someone to dedicate their life to a mystery they may never solve? In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, your hosts Jim and Ralph dive into the legendary Oak Island treasure hunt—not through the lens of gold and glory, but through the powerful lens of human psychology. Using Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey as our narrative guide, we trace the emotional and mental journey of modern-day treasure hunters who’ve turned myth into mission.

Each stage of the Hero’s Journey—from the Call to Adventure to the Final Reward—mirrors the real-life experiences of those who’ve pursued Oak Island’s elusive secrets. Along the way, we explore the psychological forces at play, including intrinsic motivation, confirmation bias, and the sunk cost fallacy. What we find is a story not just about buried treasure, but about what it means to be human: the need for meaning, the power of belief, and the thrill of the unknown.

If you’re fascinated by psychology, storytelling, or just love a good mystery, this episode is for you. Join us as we uncover the treasure that lies beneath the surface—both on Oak Island and within the human mind.