logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
31m 5s

Ep 39: Why it's worth embracing uncertai...

The British Psychological Society Research Digest
About this episode

There’s no question that we find ourselves in uncertain times. Looking at current events and wondering about what the future may hold can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed, to say the least. 

But uncertain times aren’t always the ominous force we make them out to be. In fact, research suggests that they can create unique opportunities for growth and transformation that we wouldn’t otherwise encounter.

This episode, Ella Rhodes chats with Maggie Jackson — author of Uncertain and expert on uncertainty — unpacking how uncertainty shapes our lives. Together, they explore how embracing the unknown can open doors to unexpected possibilities, and can lead us to greener pastures.

 

This is Episode 39 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society’s Research Digest, sponsored by Routledge Psychology.

Episode Credits:

Hosted by Ella Rhodes.
Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler.
Edited by Emma Barratt.

Missed previous episodes? Get up to date via our PsychCrunch collection page.

Want to learn more?

Read more about how we can embrace uncertainty in therapeutic settings with The wisdom of therapist uncertainty, over at The Psychologist

Or check out Resilience to uncertainty by Eleanore Batteux for a practical exploration of what we can do to become resilient to future uncertainties, explored through the lens of the pandemic. 

PsychCrunch is sponsored by Routledge Psychology

Routledge Psychology is part of the Taylor & Francis Group, and publishing partner for the BPS Core Textbooks Series. Browse over 5 million articles, and related books. BPS members are entitled to a 25% discount on all books published by Routledge – find your discount code here and visit the dedicated BPS Member page at Routledge here.

Up next
Aug 18
Ep 42: What makes hobbies healing?
In this episode of PsychCrunch, Tabby Taylor Buck delves into the world of unconventional therapeutic activities, guided by the latest psychological research and insights from practitioners in the field. She explores how innovative approaches are reshaping what therapy can look a ... Show More
19m 54s
Jul 18
Ep 41: What makes a successful transition to school?
Most of us remember what it was like to start school. Intimidating new places, being unsure of the schedule, lots of new potential friends — and maybe a few foes. It’s a huge moment for kids, and their families, that brings with it a lot of big, complex challenges. In this episod ... Show More
22m 39s
Apr 2025
Ep 40: Kink, community, and transformation
The massive variety of human sexual interests is a little mind-boggling. As what we consider to be sexually typical continues to be expanded and shaped by the internet and popular culture, psychologists are making efforts to research kinks and members of the kink community like n ... Show More
38m 12s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 18
494: Soul Work For Uncertain Times with Francis Weller
Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, I’m sharing an incredibly rich and soul-stirring conversation with psychotherapist and author, Francis Weller. Recently retired after 43 years in practice, Francis shares profound insights from his fieldwork—sitting with grieving people fo ... Show More
57m 30s
Aug 2024
How to Live in an Anxious World: Uncertainty, Agency, and Resilience
In this timely episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest tackle the anxiety and uncertainty so many are feeling about the state of today’s world. They discuss why everything feels so overwhelming right now, share practical ways to manage those emotions, and explore how we can stay grounded, ... Show More
1h 8m
Mar 2025
How Is Trauma Dumping Affecting My Relationships?
This week, JVN sits down with existential psychotherapist and author Dr. Sara Kuburic, widely recognized as the @Millennial.Therapist in Instagram, to delve into the phenomenon of "trauma dumping." We’re exploring the nuances between sharing personal experiences and overloading o ... Show More
43m 20s
Mar 2025
Overcoming Overthinking, Self-doubt and Anxiety With Dr. Julie Smith
Struggling with self-doubt, overthinking, or harsh self-criticism? Join us for an empowering conversation with Dr. Julie Smith, clinical psychologist and author of "Open When: A Companion for Life's Twists & Turns." Discover practical strategies to cultivate self-compassion, nurt ... Show More
50m 3s
Jul 2024
How to DEBUNK DECEPTIVE EMOTIONS | Kristen Lindquist - BIGTHINK
Your emotions do not reflect an irrefutable truth. Psychologist Kristen Lindquist explains how important that is for connecting across cultures.When it comes to obtaining an objective understanding of the world around us, emotions may not be as reliable as we think, explains Kris ... Show More
12m 34s
Jul 31
318. Dealing with uncertainty in your 20s
Uncertainty is the defining emotion of our 20s. Career paths, relationships, identity, purpose ... so much of this decade is marked by not knowing. Does that have to be as uncomfortable as we think it does? In today’s episode, we unpack the psychology of uncertainty: why our brai ... Show More
37m 33s
Oct 2023
Evidence We're In A Simulation Is Everywhere. All You Have To Do Is Look | Joscha Bach PT 1
Confusing the distorted version of reality you’ve created in your mind with truth and perception causes people more suffering than most would ever admit to. In today’s episode, I’m joined by an expert with cognitive science and artificial intelligence, to discuss what you need to ... Show More
1h 37m
Aug 2024
The Science of Handling Uncertainty | Maya Shankar
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. --- Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar talks about how to get comfortable with uncertainty in an ever-changing world.  It seems like a design flaw in our species t ... Show More
59m 47s
Jul 22
The Surprising Habits of Emotionally Resilient (unstressable) People /w Military Psychologist Steven Stein
What if the stories we tell about stress and adversity are holding us back? What if the most resilient people are not the strongest, but the most adaptable? This episode is an invitation to rethink resilience. Dr. Steven Stein shares how the hardiness mindset shifts our relations ... Show More
29m 57s
Jun 6
Uncertainty: How to Handle Life's Surprises (+ What is a Black Swan event) - w/ Nicolas Vereecke
Ever felt like life just sucker-punched you out of nowhere? That's exactly what Nassim Taleb calls a Black Swan event. Most people think they can predict the future by looking at patterns. They study charts, analyze trends, and feel safe in their little bubble of certainty. Howev ... Show More
29m 2s