Thoughts about how an awareness of life's strangeness might impact us, both positively and negatively, and how that might relate to existential psychology concepts. Topics include: how an awareness of life's strangeness might be seen to be a core existential stressor (like the fear of death, or fear of isolation); how this might relate to religious/spiritual ... Show More
Oct 11
Pro slot machine player on gambling strategies, risks, the lifestyle, and more
How does someone make a living playing slot machines—and why would casinos let them? After joining professional gambler Chris Huang on a casino trip in Atlantic City, I talk with him about the unusual career of casino “advantage play” and how pro slot machine players capture the ... Show More
49m 51s
Dec 2023
What Makes an Extraordinary Life?
On this episode, we explore the question, “what makes an extraordinary life?” And consider the possibility that the mental health epidemic humanity is experiencing could be related to the existential feeling that comes from asking this question. As we approach a new year, let’s r ... Show More
38m 56s
Jan 2025
How to live a meaningful life? An existential perspective
How to live a meaningful life? An existential perspective The questions, realities, limitations, and paradoxes of existence—endings, choice, freedom, meaning—are all themes of existential psychology. In this episode, in conversation with Christina Khoury - Psychotherapist, Docto ... Show More
42m 44s
Jan 2024
269 | The Complexity of Life | Existential Philosophy
<p>On today's episode, I dive into the world of existentialism and why this reflects the anxiety, stress, and confusion you are currently combating. We inhabit a small walled off structure of known territory, surrounded by an ocean of complexity. When too much of this complexity ... Show More
27m 1s
Oct 2024
for anyone who lies awake at night wondering wtf the point is (transforming existential terror into acceptance of life’s impermanence)
<p>Do you find yourself lying awake at night, terrified of death, paralyzed by the concept of forever, and gripped by the fear of losing the people you love? Many of us do everything in our power to distract ourselves from life’s big existential realities and questions. But what ... Show More
38m 10s
Jan 2021
Afraid of the Wrong Things
<p>Around the world, people are grappling with the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. How do our minds process that risk, and why do some of us process it so differently? This week, we talk with psychologist <a href="https://psychology.uoregon.edu/profile/pslovic/">Paul Slovic ... Show More
50m 14s
Aug 2023
249 | Managing the Stress of Uncertainty
<p>On todays episode, the main question we are diving into today is, how do we manage the stress when uncertainty pops up? This could be a job change, relationship separation, illness, or having a baby. The unknown tends to pop its head periodically throughout our lives and knowi ... Show More
24m 40s