Do you ever wonder why do some people’s lives seem so exciting and other's are - well - still great, but seem to lack the thrilling and terrifying aspect of living on the edge? Clinical psychologist, speaker, and science writer Dr. Ken Carter has made a career out of examining why some people are thrill seekers, daredevils, and adrenaline junkies... and why some aren’t. And it’s rooted in a central emotion: fear. So if you’re listening and you’re wondering where you fall on the thrill seeking scale, we’re about to find out about the adventures you can expect in your life. (You can take the sensation seeking quiz we discuss in this episode here.)

Dr. Kenneth Carter is Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology at Oxford College of Emory University. He has published in both academic and lay publications, translating psychology research into engaging everyday language. His articles have been published in magazines such as Psychology Today and Women’s Health, and he has appeared on news programs such as CNN Tonight, NPR’s: ShortWave, and NBC’s Today show. The psychology of thrill-seeking is the current focus of Dr. Carter’s research. He has delivered TEDx talk on thrill-seekers and is the host of Mind of a Motorhead an NBC Sports web series that examines the personalities of motorsport athletes. His most recent book is Buzz!: Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies (Cambridge University Press). When not teaching, speaking, or writing, Dr. Carter prefers reading and relaxing on the beach to wingsuit flying or BASE jumping.

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