The concept of narcissism can be broadly defined, including malignant narcissism or sociopathy, but there are ways in which a person can think outside of themselves and in a kinder way towards others. While nuanced, definitions of narcissism, empathy, and envy are widely accepted in psychology and psychiatry.
This podcast discusses the psychology of Samsung and Apple users and how it is similar to a political campaign, only trying to convince those who already believe in their brand, instead of potential new customers. It also touches upon the honesty of having reputational skin in the game, as Apple products were known for quality because Jobs would never ship a bad product.
The chimp system is a way of looking at how chimpanzees and humans think differently. While chimpanzees operate primarily under the chimp system, humans have a more complex thought process, which can sometimes prevent them from behaving in line with their values.
The way we assess our own appearance and value in relation to others is often tied to our need for social status, or what economists call 'positional goods', as seen in research demonstrating people's preference for lower pay with higher rank within their social group, and individuals' harsher view of their own appearance in comparison to others.
All animals, including humans, engage in low stakes contingency testing and rule breaking, which serve an important role in learning and development. Sport is different, as it has clearly defined rules and consequences.
This podcast episode explores why approaching people by complimenting and flattering them isn't always the best tactic. Using examples such as politicians and rebellious teenagers, it explains why it's important to understand people's motivations and approach them in a way that speaks to what really matters to them.
This episode talks about the psychology behind wanting to be liked by people and how it affects our self-esteem. It also explores the concept of attraction and the push and pull of trying to convince someone to like you.
In this transcript snippet, the speaker expresses their thoughts about someone else's behavior possibly being influenced by their difficult childhood with their mom.
In this episode, the speaker explains the nature of fun memories, and how we tend to use the word "fun" to describe anything we do in our leisure time even if it's not enjoyable at all.
This podcast discusses the disturbing details of serial killers and their psychological profiles, including questions about how they became killers, who they target, and why.
Contrary to popular belief, dominance is not the only path to alpha status. Other traits that contribute to group success and effective leadership can also lead to alpha status.
Dr. Philip Zimbardo discusses his famous Stanford prison experiment and explores the question of what causes some people to become perpetrators of evil while others act heroically on behalf of those in need.
A discussion about the psychology behind confessions and how evidence plays a crucial role in determining a suspect's guilt or innocence.
The podcast episode delves into the mindset of pedophiles and abusive parents, exploring how they justify their behaviors and why it is important to hold them accountable for their actions.
The concept of loss aversion suggests that people are more concerned with avoiding loss than achieving success. Studies have shown that the ratio of how much we value loss versus gain is about two to one.
Rock, paper, scissors isn't just a game of chance. The psychology of your opponent can be relied upon, and certain factors like trying to outsmart them and not being too obvious can influence the decisions made.
The struggle of a defendant to clear their name in front of a jury and the impact of public opinion, proven by studies and expert opinions from psychologists, on their chances of succeeding is discussed in detail on this podcast.
A discussion about the anxiety that comes with realizing you have similar flaws and traits to your parents.
In this episode, the speaker talks about the influence of diet culture on our society, and how it affects the way we perceive our bodies. They also discuss ways to embrace our bodies in any shape or form despite societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards.
The speaker discusses the effects of his childhood trauma and how it impacted his fear of authority figures.
The podcast discusses an interview with a psychological legend who was viewed as a crank and dark. The guest speaker shares their insight on how the interview impacted their view of this individual.
The speaker explains how the brain is hardwired to react to insults and shares a technique to mitigate their effects, reminding oneself that the insulter is thinking of them and viewing them at a distance.
The human mind tends to remember negative experiences more strongly than positive ones due to a shift in attention as we age. Even though very young infants initially pay greater attention to positive facial expressions and tone of voice, this changes as they near the age of 1.
The chemical structure in our body changes when we experience nervousness or excitement, causing the famous "butterflies in the stomach" feeling. Understanding this process can help people use "confidence anchors" to alleviate anxiety and boost confidence in stressful situations.
Historians and Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman argue that resistance to killing is strongest at close range, and the idea of bayonet fighting is largely a myth. Soldiers like the British Gurkhas, who are comfortable with hand-to-hand combat, are considered more intimidating in battle than others.
The modulation of psychological and psychiatric disorders and conditions can be addressed through various practices such as breath, meditation, diet, and sleep rather than solely relying on medication. While traditional SSRIs work for some, there are multiple medications that can metabolically work differently and provide alternatives for those who thought medication would never be effective.
The podcast discusses the unsettling nature of the mind of a serial killer and the allure of trying to understand the behavior of such individuals.
The desire for validation is a natural human instinct, but social media has amplified this need and made it easier to seek approval from others. This can lead to a cycle of seeking external validation and feeling insecure without it.
The speakers discuss the concept of losing sense of self during momentous and dramatic incidents. They examine when it's unclear if the person had lost control or if they thought they were in control until it was too late.
The withholding of love can drive people to pursue power as a means of feeling safe, and for those who don't thrive in reactivity, it can be difficult to understand. The characterization of Shiv in this season of Succession explores the complex intersection of a woman's power and disempowerment in the face of scandal.
The podcast explores various forms of gossip and why we engage in it, including positive gossip, and how our perception of gossip can be influenced by our reputation.
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the difficulty in differentiating between cult members who willingly join versus those who do not. Using Heaven's Gate as an example, they question the reasons why people would stay and the tragedy that often occurs within these groups.
The podcast explores the psychological impact of war on soldiers, including the development of a 'God complex,' as well as the impact on their behavior upon returning home.
Podcast hosts discuss what motivates people to choose honesty over fraud, even in situations where they could easily run away with large amounts of money. Slow eye contact is noted as a sign of mutual understanding during the conversation.
