In this episode of Savvy Psychologist, host Dr. Monica Johnson delves deep into the world of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that influences our behavior, motivation, and pleasure. While dopamine is a vital part of our brain's functioning, an over-reliance on it can lead to various downsides affecting our mental and physical well-being.
Feb 4
How to speak up in a meeting
549. Meetings are everywhere—from work and faculty meetings to HOAs and book clubs. But speaking up can feel intimidating, especially if you struggle with social anxiety, perfectionism, or power dynamics. In this episode, we unpack why staying silent feels safer and why it rarely ... Show More
5m 38s
Jan 28
How to deal with the midlife crisis (Reissue)
113. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen channels her best Talking Heads and asks, on behalf of every middle-aged adult: "How did I get here?" Plus, Dr. Hendriksen explains why time seems to fly as we get older. Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack. Find a transcr ... Show More
10m 27s
Jan 21
How to know you did a good job (without asking for approval)
548. In a culture of likes, reviews, and constant comparison, deciding if you’ve "done well" can feel impossible. This week, interim host Dr. Ellen Hendriksen unpacks the trap of tying your value to others’ approval. She explores when external evaluation works and when it emphati ... Show More
8m 22s
Mar 2023
Dr. Amen: A Revolution in Brain Health
TW: suicide
The Lautners are joined by psychiatrist and 18-time best-selling author, Dr. Amen, who’s on a mission to end the concept of mental illness and talk about brain health. They discuss the Launters’ brain scans from The Amen Clinic, how mental hygiene is equally as impor ... Show More
59m 32s
Jan 2024
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with Dr. Judith Beck
In today's episode of the podcast, we interview Dr. Judith Beck, a prominent figure in the field of psychology and author of the highly regarded textbook, Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond, which is a staple in the academic journey of many students in psychiatry, psyc ... Show More
1h 17m
Feb 2024
Do Personality Tests Actually Work? Exploring the Validity of Psychometric Assessments like the MMPI
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a psychometric test used to assess personality traits and psychopathology. It’s also used to determine hiring, promotion practices, and even parole status. However, is a test really able to determine if someone will excel ... Show More
29m 39s
Feb 2024
Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), with Dr. Anthony W. Bateman, MA, FRCPSYCH and Dr. Peter Fonagy, Ph.D., FBA
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Anthony W. Bateman and Dr. Peter Fonagy to discuss their expertise on Mentalization. Mentalization refers to the capacity to reflect upon and understand one's own state of mind and the states of mind of others. This involves recognizing and m ... Show More
1h 1m
