Just in time for toy-buying season, Barry Kudrowitz, PhD, a toy designer and professor of product design at the University of Minnesota, and Doris Bergen, PhD, a professor emerita of educational psychology at Miami University in Ohio, discuss the psychology of toys. What makes something a good toy? Why do some toys stand the test of time while others fizzle ... Show More
Nov 4
How people respond to extreme weather risks, with Brett Gelino, PhD, and Gabrielle Wong-Parodi, PhD
Wildfires, hurricanes, heat waves and floods are growing more frequent and more costly, and communities are racing to adapt. But new infrastructure only helps if people use it, and warnings only work if people act on them. Gabrielle Wong-Parodi, PhD, of Stanford University, and B ... Show More
30m 28s
Oct 28
Helping humans and wildlife coexist, with Suzanne MacDonald, PhD
Many of us share our cities and neighborhoods with animals that lived there before we moved in, such as raccoons, turtles and crows. Suzanne MacDonald, PhD, of York University, discusses why some species thrive in urban environments while others struggle; how city living changes ... Show More
39m 14s
Oct 21
Why we complain and how to do it better, with Robin Kowalski, PhD
Whether it’s grumbling about a boss, the weather, or a spouse’s most annoying habit, we all complain. Robin Kowalski, PhD, of Clemson University, discusses why we complain; the difference between venting and complaining to get results; how to complain in a way that doesn’t wear p ... Show More
26m 54s
Oct 2025
Do fidget toys really help people focus?
Fidget toys are everywhere. There are ones you can squeeze, or click, or spin. Others are puzzles or have cool textures to touch. Some classrooms even have fidget toys for students, but do they help kids concentrate or are they just a distraction? Molly and co-host Penelope team ... Show More
36m 27s
Sep 2021
213. Back To School! How To Talk With Kids To Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance and A Happy Home with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
Parenting and education experts, Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, discuss how to talk with kids about anxiety, stress, motivation and technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee P ... Show More
1h 5m