Psychology Takeaway Podcast

A discussion of Mel Robbins block buster Best Seller!!!

Ralph and Jim are joined by Jazlynn Coles as they follow up on last week's episode.

Gen Alpha gets a bad rap and Gen Z is not far behind.  Older generations, starting with Socrates, think that todays kids are going to hell in a handbag. On our podcast we are joined by popular young adult podcaster Jazlyn Coles:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/06AmYyyU714RQiRsciswFm?si=_zuQF2AHRnyFfjYYCDeQ1w  

She gives an authentic Gen Z/Gen Alpha voice instead of simply talking about young people from the outside.

 

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Jim’s book Raise  Capable Kids is available for preview at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5MTFTGP

A sample of Ralph’s book Raise Curious kids can be read on Amazon as well: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMG1GVYL

Today Ralph and Jim quickly review a handful of recent research highlights in cognition, neuroscience and social psychology.

Jim's new book, Good Enough Parenting, is available as an eBook at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H1649Q1W.

It will soon be available in paperback

“Maybe you don’t need a better life this week—maybe you just need a better next 10 minutes.” In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind small wins and why they matter more than big overhauls when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. We talk about how motivation actually works (hint: it usually follows action), why tiny steps can create powerful momentum, and how a simple 10-minute shift can help you move forward without pressure or perfection. You’ll hear practical ideas, a relatable “stuck in the mud” analogy, and a reminder that sometimes the most important step isn’t productivity—it’s connection. If you’ve been waiting to feel ready, this episode offers a different path: start small, start now.

 

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Ted Talk on 10 minute mindfulness: https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe_all_it_takes_is_10_mindful_minutes?

 

Six Little Habits: https://youtu.be/C07DdQbnFMs?si=Z_4C1z1FQ4WTr7qp

 

Jim's new book - Making Peace with your Inner Dragon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY44SJ8C

 

 

In this episode, Jim and Ralph explore why asking for help can feel so uncomfortable—even when we truly need it. From hyper-independence and perfectionism to fear of vulnerability and low self-worth, they unpack five deeper psychological patterns that quietly keep people stuck in “I’ve got this” mode. Along the way, they share personal insights, a bit of humor, and real-life examples that reveal the hidden cost of never reaching out—burnout, isolation, and missed connection. The conversation then shifts toward a healthier reframe: what if asking for help isn’t weakness, but a skill that builds stronger relationships and personal growth? Listeners will walk away with a simple, practical challenge to try this week—and maybe a new way of understanding the “inner dragon” that’s been holding them back.

 

This week on Psychology Takeaway, we dive into the ever-evolving world of slang—those playful, powerful, and sometimes puzzling words that shape how we connect, signal identity, and keep language alive. From expressions that explode across platforms like TikTok to phrases that echo all the way back to William Shakespeare, slang reveals the psychology of belonging, creativity, and cultural change. Jim and Ralph explore where slang comes from, why it spreads so quickly, and what it tells us about generations trying to define themselves—often in ways that leave the rest of us scrambling to keep up. Along the way, they invite listeners into a fun, interactive “Guess the Meaning” challenge that proves one thing: language isn’t just something we use—it’s something we play with.

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Slang brings people together: https://www.ted.com/talks/matilda_lanner_i_am_a_slang_user_slang_is_good_and_here_s_why?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

 

A professor looks at slang: https://youtu.be/UwV9RBGFBdg?si=OexsIg6zSgjIJi5v

 

 

​We recently heard a term that seemed strange to us, but your generation may hear that word very differently.

 

Some of Jim’s students admitted to rawdogging most of their life experiences . This left the dynamic duo to muse, “If we’re ‘rawdogging life’—without reflection, without tools—what does that do to our well-being?” What would Victor Frankel say? Or Shakespeare or George Orwell?

We tend to think of slang as something new—or even a decline in language. But Shakespeare was doing the same thing. The difference is, his slang became literature… and ours is still working its way through TikTok.

 

We laugh at modern slang like ‘rawdogging,’ but Shakespeare’s audiences were enjoying jokes with just as much edge. The difference? Time has sanitized them. What was once a wink… now feels like literature.

 

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Ted Talk on how language shapes of thoghts: https://youtu.be/RKK7wGAYP6k?si=toDu888WvqYVF-Xc

 

The neuroscience of words: https://youtu.be/5-QQDTqLMWA?si=Eq8kmT64DYJcwjXV

 

How languages evolved: https://youtu.be/iWDKsHm6gTA?si=pAuPvnSlB1Om7e7g

Why sleep is important

 

In this remote podcast Jim and Ralph discuss:

 Importance of sleep

 What are the signs of excessive sleepiness?

 Amount of sleep needed

 What causes sleep problems?

 How environment and behavior affect a person’s sleep

 Health problems and sleep disorders

 

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Here is a short Ted Talk by Arianna  Huffington discussing her sleep challrnges: https://youtu.be/nncY-MA1Iu8?si=QLTA6DtZxZaZz6AA

Anxiety keeping you awake? Hrtr is a link to Jim’s new book: https://a.co/d/09uWwLvG

 

No, the world will not melt into chaos if we embrace the LET THEM theory!!!

Here is what Jim and Ralph think.