Psychology Takeaway Podcast

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

OOPS – we goofed! This is the real part 2

5 hours ago

 

We put up the program notes with the wrong audio.

Sorry about that.

Here is the correct audio podcast for the Oak Island Mystery.

 

Oak Island — Fact or Fiction, Delusion or Obsession

 For over two centuries, Oak Island—a small, windswept patch of land off Nova Scotia—has captivated treasure hunters, historians, and dreamers with tales of buried riches and mysterious traps. From cryptic symbols carved in stone to legends of pirates and secret societies, the Oak Island mystery has grown into a cultural phenomenon. But what lies beneath the surface—both literally and psychologically?

In this episode, Oak Island: Fact or Fiction, Delusion or Obsession, we dig deeper—not into the island itself, but into the minds of those who chase its secrets. Why has this particular legend endured for so long? What fuels the obsession to dig, search, and believe—despite countless setbacks and a lack of definitive proof?

We cite the work of psychologists, historians, and fans of the long-running TV series The Curse of Oak Island to explore the cognitive and emotional forces at play. From confirmation bias and pattern recognition to the sunk cost fallacy and the power of myth, this episode unpacks the psychological mechanics behind belief and obsession. Is it treasure hunters’ intuition—or something closer to delusion? Is the hunt a reflection of human curiosity, or a cautionary tale about how far we’ll go to prove a belief?

Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, this episode offers fresh insight into why the Oak Island mystery refuses to be laid to rest—and what that reveals about us.

Join us as we explore the blurred lines between fact and fiction, reason and obsession, and the enduring allure of the unknown.

LEARN MORE

Here is a link to all 12 seasons of the Curse: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLob1mZcVWOagZropw9Y8A74h_ILsHP9rk

How does  conformation bias as it relate  to the Oak Island hunt?

In the context of the Oak Island treasure hunt, confirmation bias plays a big role in how people interpret the evidence—or lack thereof, on the island.

So in short, confirmation bias keeps the hunt alive, even in the face of a long history of disappointment. It’s a psychological factor that fuels both the passion of the treasure hunters and the ongoing interest of the audience.

In case you missed it last time, here is the site for Alicia Carroll’s video channel with funny and sometimes scary, if you really think about it, cop videos (Thin Blue Lens): https://www.youtube.com/@thinbluelens-u7e

 

 

We put up the program notes with the wrong audio.

Sorry about that.

Here is the correct audio podcast for the Oak Island Mystery.

 

Oak Island — Fact or Fiction, Delusion or Obsession

 For over two centuries, Oak Island—a small, windswept patch of land off Nova Scotia—has captivated treasure hunters, historians, and dreamers with tales of buried riches and mysterious traps. From cryptic symbols carved in stone to legends of pirates and secret societies, the Oak Island mystery has grown into a cultural phenomenon. But what lies beneath the surface—both literally and psychologically?

In this episode, Oak Island: Fact or Fiction, Delusion or Obsession, we dig deeper—not into the island itself, but into the minds of those who chase its secrets. Why has this particular legend endured for so long? What fuels the obsession to dig, search, and believe—despite countless setbacks and a lack of definitive proof?

We cite the work of psychologists, historians, and fans of the long-running TV series The Curse of Oak Island to explore the cognitive and emotional forces at play. From confirmation bias and pattern recognition to the sunk cost fallacy and the power of myth, this episode unpacks the psychological mechanics behind belief and obsession. Is it treasure hunters’ intuition—or something closer to delusion? Is the hunt a reflection of human curiosity, or a cautionary tale about how far we’ll go to prove a belief?

Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, this episode offers fresh insight into why the Oak Island mystery refuses to be laid to rest—and what that reveals about us.

Join us as we explore the blurred lines between fact and fiction, reason and obsession, and the enduring allure of the unknown.

LEARN MORE

Here is a link to all 12 seasons of the Curse: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLob1mZcVWOagZropw9Y8A74h_ILsHP9rk

How does  conformation bias as it relate  to the Oak Island hunt?

In the context of the Oak Island treasure hunt, confirmation bias plays a big role in how people interpret the evidence—or lack thereof, on the island.

So in short, confirmation bias keeps the hunt alive, even in the face of a long history of disappointment. It’s a psychological factor that fuels both the passion of the treasure hunters and the ongoing interest of the audience.

In case you missed it last time, here is the site for Alicia Carroll’s video channel with funny and sometimes scary, if you really think about it, cop videos (Thin Blue Lens): https://www.youtube.com/@thinbluelens-u7e

Treasure hunting often boosts self-esteem through the achievement of valuable goals—whether material wealth or personal growth—while also offering social recognition and validation. The sense of control and mastery that comes from solving puzzles or overcoming challenges provides further motivation, as does the thrill of uncertainty and risk-taking, which taps into our psychological drive for reward and excitement. For many, treasure hunting also offers an escape from the mundane, fulfilling a deep need for adventure and fantasy.

Additionally, treasure hunting offers a sense of purpose and identity, as individuals seek to make a lasting contribution or connect with their heritage through the discovery of hidden treasures. It satisfies the desire for wealth and material gain, fulfilling both practical needs and symbolic aspirations for prosperity. Whether pursued alone or as part of a group, the collaborative nature of treasure hunting fosters social bonding and strengthens relationships. The pursuit itself often mirrors the hero’s journey, where overcoming obstacles leads to profound personal growth and transformation. Ultimately, treasure hunting offers both external rewards and internal satisfaction, making it a deeply psychological endeavor that combines excitement, achievement, and self-discovery.

This is a foreshadowing of their upcoming series on modern day fortune hunting in their native land of Canada – in Nova Scotia to be exact.

 

LEARN MORE

The Insanity of Treasure Hunts: https://youtu.be/mr5tVvz7xlc?feature=shared

The Search for Fenn’s Millions: https://youtu.be/vn8URdMpPas?feature=shared

Alicia Carroll’s channel with funny and sometimes scary, if you really think about it, cop videos(Thin Blue Lens): https://www.youtube.com/@thinbluelens-u7e

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!!!

 

 

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

 

 

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!!!

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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