Sep 27

What's the Difference Between Socialism and Communism?

Socialism and communism are often mentioned in the same breath, and they do share a common history, but socialists aren't necessarily communists -- and vice versa. Learn more about both concepts and how they've been put into practice in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this a ... Show More

11m 9s

Sep 26

How Do Vaccines Prevent Diseases?

Our bodies can often prevent us from catching the same illness twice, and vaccines use that bodily system to prevent us from getting sick in the first place. Learn how the immune response works, what goes into vaccines, and why vaccines are safe for kids in this episode of BrainS ... Show More

13m 39s

Sep 13

BrainStuff Classics: How Did Sealab Work?

In the 1960s, advances in technology allowed brave aquanauts to explore deeper into the ocean than ever before, but the project was shut down. Learn how Sealab worked -- and how that technology is still used today -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listen ... Show More

6m 15s

Sep 2024

What is toxic positivity, and how can you avoid it?

Being a positive person can be good for your health and social relationships. But can you take it too far? In this episode, we talk to psychologist Dr Linda Blair about what ‘toxic positivity’ is and why it’s bad, how to spot it, and how to stop. Learn more about your ad choices. ... Show More

32m 42s

May 2025

Why Some Traumatized People Think Focusing on Trauma Is Stupid

In this video, I respond to an angry comment on my YouTube channel from a woman annoyed that some people appear to accept others' bad behavior, justifying it as "trauma." Hear the comment, and my take on why some people with CPTSD take a hard-ass approach to healing that I call " ... Show More

11m 16s

Sep 16

333. Why do we love to hate?

Hate is one of those emotions we don’t like to admit we feel – it’s messy, intense, and often laced with guilt. But it’s also deeply human. It can flare up in obvious moments of conflict, or linger quietly as resentment, judgment, or mistrust. But it’s how we engage with it that ... Show More

51m 24s

Oct 2024

How Liars Use Your Emotions Against You

In today's episode, Dr K. discusses why people feel the need to lie and manipulate, and how you can prepare yourself emotionally to defend against it. Check out more mental health resources here! https://bit.ly/3xsk6fE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad ... Show More

24m 34s

Oct 2024

7 types of inner critics that are actually trying to help

Monica explores seven common types of inner critics, from the Perfectionist to the Destroyer, and explains how each one is trying to protect you in its own misguided way. Learn how recognizing and addressing these critics can lead to healing and personal growth.Savvy Psychologist ... Show More

9m 27s

Aug 18

320 - Misguided - Matthew Facciani

What is misinformation? How does it differ from disinformation or just plain ‘ole propaganda? How do we protect ourselves from people with nefarious intentions using all of these things to affect our thoughts, feelings, and behavior? That’s what we discuss in this episode with Ma ... Show More

1h 8m

Sep 13

Selects: What's the deal with subpoenas?

Subpoenas are all the rage. But what do they even mean if someone can just ignore it? Learn this and a lot more in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

51m 57s

Jun 2025

[Rebroadcast] Why Venting Negative Emotions Only Makes Things Worse

#254: It’s a widespread belief that when experiencing negative emotions like anger or frustration, it’s helpful to vent them. In fact, this practice is counterproductive. Studies indicate that when people express negative emotions in this way, far from letting them out, they in f ... Show More

33m 59s

Apr 2025

Audio long read: Do smartphones and social media really harm teens’ mental health?

Research shows that, over the past two decades, rates of mental illness have been increasing in adolescents in many countries. While some scientists point to soaring use of smartphones and social media as a key driver for this trend, others say the evidence does not show a large ... Show More

17m 33s

May 2025

396. Why You Obsess Over Some People's Opinions (But Not Others)

Why do some opinions bounce right off us, while others stick like taffy, lingering in our minds and draining our energy? This isn’t random—it’s actually a clue to how our brains process feedback and, more importantly, what we really believe about ourselves. In this episode, I’m d ... Show More

20m 57s

Why Are People Mean on the Internet?