Does shopping bring you joy? Or do you feel a bit of pain and regret every time you have to make a purchase? Many of us will be shopping for gifts in the upcoming weeks—whether we enjoy it or not. Scott Rick, PhD, of the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, discusses how our emotions drive our buying behaviors, why some people spend money so eas ... Show More
Nov 19
When sounds are unbearable: Understanding misophonia, with Heather Hansen, PhD
For people with misophonia, certain sounds – like chewing, coughing or pen clicking – can trigger strong emotional reactions including anxiety, disgust and rage. Heather Hansen, PhD, director of the Misophonia Research Network, talks about scientists’ evolving understanding of mi ... Show More
36m 35s
Nov 12
Navigating the mental health impact of GLP-1s, with Rachel Goldman, PhD
Over the past several years, the rise of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy has changed the conversation around weight and obesity in the U.S. Rachel Goldman, PhD, talks about how GLP-1s work; the effects they can have on mental health; what questions to ask if you’re conside ... Show More
37m 21s
Nov 5
Why humblebragging is never a good idea, with Övül Sezer, PhD
We all want to be liked and respected. But sometimes, our intuitions about how to make a good impression lead us astray. Övül Sezer, PhD, talks about common mistakes, including humblebragging and hiding our accomplishments; whether the rules of making a good impression are differ ... Show More
43m 3s
Aug 30
#987 - Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett - The New Science Of Emotions, Anxiety & Brain Health
Lisa Feldman Barrett is a professor at Northeastern University, psychologist, and a neuroscientist. Why do we feel emotions? From happiness and joy to anger, anxiety, and sorrow, emotions shape how we experience life. But what purpose do they serve, and how can we learn to manage ... Show More
1h 29m
Mar 2025
#910 - Dr Julie Smith - The Science Of Emotional Intelligence & Self-Understanding
Dr. Julie Smith is a clinical psychologist, author, and content creator.
Discovering who you are is a lifelong journey. Understanding your past, unpacking emotions, and gaining self-awareness are all part of the process. So how do we move beyond our past and emotions that hold u ... Show More
1h 34m
Nov 11
Why We Spend When We’re Sad: Turning Emotional Purchases Into Purpose
We don’t always spend because we’re “bad with money.” We spend because we’re human — grieving, stressed, lonely, or trying to feel in control. In this episode, Shari breaks down emotional spending as a signal, not a flaw, and shows you how to start asking the one question that ch ... Show More
26m 46s
Feb 2025
#903 - Rick Hanson - The Science Of Rewiring Your Brain To Be Less Miserable
Dr. Rick Hanson is a psychologist, author, and speaker.
Our brains are more adaptable than we realise. With a bit of understanding, patience, and the right techniques, you can rewire your brain for greater happiness and well-being. So what are the best ways to make this happen?
E ... Show More
1h 27m
Jun 2024
#802 - Arthur Brooks - How To Stop Feeling Lost & Find Your True Purpose
Arthur Brooks is a social scientist, professor at Harvard University, and an author.
Chasing happiness appears to be the ultimate desire for many people, yet almost everyone struggles to understand what happiness actually is and how to achieve it. So if you speak to a specialist ... Show More
1h 45m
Sep 15
Why Self-Hate Is Draining Your Bank Account
This week, Sim unpacks why the real secret to saving money is self-esteem, not strict budgets, and how low self-worth and fear of judgment can drive compulsive shopping. She breaks down the science behind retail therapy and dopamine, the real signs of overspending, and the myth t ... Show More
27m 55s