Episodes

  • 284 Why Good People Commit Horrific Crimes

    284 Why Good People Commit Horrific Crimes
    Jul 1 2025
    It is one of the most unsettling truths about humanity: under certain conditions, good people—those who are compassionate, loving, charitable, and often admired by peers—can commit crimes so horrific that they seem to defy all logic. When faced with such atrocities, society is often quick to label the perpetrator as inherently evil, mentally ill, or irredeemable. Yet the reality is much more complex and disturbing. The psychological, social, and situational factors that can transform ordinary individuals into agents of cruelty offer a sobering glimpse into the human condition and challenge the very foundations of moral certainty.
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    8 mins
  • 283 The Fallacy of the “Chemical Imbalance” Theory in Mental Illness

    283 The Fallacy of the “Chemical Imbalance” Theory in Mental Illness
    Jun 15 2025
    For a long time, the main story about mental illness—like depression and anxiety—has been that there's a "chemical imbalance" in the brain. This idea, which is usually explained in simple terms, says that mood disorders come from problems with neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. According to this idea, mental illnesses are like diabetes or high blood pressure: a glitch in brain chemistry that needs a pharmaceutical fix, usually in the form of antidepressants or other psychiatric meds. This model has been useful in some ways, especially in reducing stigma by promoting the idea that mental illness is a medical condition rather than a moral failing. However, it is also deeply flawed and is increasingly recognized as scientifically outdated.
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    7 mins
  • 282 The Dark Triad- Unveiling the Dark Side of Personality

    282 The Dark Triad- Unveiling the Dark Side of Personality
    Jun 2 2025
    The concept of personality has long been a subject of intense study in the field of psychology. Researchers have explored not only the positive aspects of personality but also the darker side of human nature. A particularly intriguing area of study is the Dark Triad, a set of personality traits regarded as representing the darkest aspects of human nature.
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    5 mins
  • 281 Anchoring Bias

    281 Anchoring Bias
    May 9 2025
    Anchoring bias is a cognitive bias that causes individuals to rely heavily on the first piece of information they receive about a topic, even when subsequent information becomes available. This initial piece of information, known as the "anchor," serves as a reference point that influences all subsequent judgments and decisions, often leading to poor choices in various contexts.
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    4 mins
  • 280 The Myth That A College Degree Equates To Intelligence

    280 The Myth That A College Degree Equates To Intelligence
    Apr 24 2025
    Society has long promoted the idea that a college degree is a clear sign of intelligence. This assumption, firmly entrenched in cultural narratives and perpetuated by employers, educators, and even parents, equates formal education with cognitive ability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This notion is flawed and misleading. While a college degree can signify perseverance, dedication, and specialized knowledge in a particular field, it is not an absolute measure of intelligence.
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    6 mins
  • 279 The Effect Of Q Scores On News Credibility

    279 The Effect Of Q Scores On News Credibility
    Apr 11 2025
    In today's digital age, where news consumption is heavily influenced by digital engagement and personality-driven journalism, Q Scores, also known as Q Ratings, have become a critical tool for assessing the appeal of media personalities. Originally developed as a marketing tool to measure the popularity of celebrities, Q Scores have seeped into the world of news reporting, shaping which journalists and anchors gain prominence. But the reliance on Q Scores raises an important question: does the metric prioritize likeability over credibility in the news media?
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    7 mins
  • 278 The Toxicity Of Social Media

    278 The Toxicity Of Social Media
    Apr 4 2025
    Social media is now a vital part of modern life, providing platforms for communication, expression, and networking. But beware: beneath its benefits lies a complex web of negative psychological effects that can be profoundly damaging to mental health. This podcast will provide hard statistics and data that clearly illustrate the toxicity of social media and explore the reasons why it poses such significant risks.
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    6 mins
  • 277 The Epidemic Of Mental Illness

    277 The Epidemic Of Mental Illness
    Mar 27 2025
    It seems that Americans are in the midst of a raging epidemic of mental illness at least as judged by the increase in the numbers treated for it.
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    6 mins