What’s your first reaction when someone cuts you off in traffic or you stub your toe? Do you let out a choice word or two? Richard Stephens, PhD, talks about the psychology of swearing, including his research on why swearing can increase people’s pain tolerance and strength during stressful or painful moments; how swearing is processed in the brain; and the ... Show More
Nov 4
How people respond to extreme weather risks, with Brett Gelino, PhD, and Gabrielle Wong-Parodi, PhD
Wildfires, hurricanes, heat waves and floods are growing more frequent and more costly, and communities are racing to adapt. But new infrastructure only helps if people use it, and warnings only work if people act on them. Gabrielle Wong-Parodi, PhD, of Stanford University, and B ... Show More
30m 28s
Oct 28
Helping humans and wildlife coexist, with Suzanne MacDonald, PhD
Many of us share our cities and neighborhoods with animals that lived there before we moved in, such as raccoons, turtles and crows. Suzanne MacDonald, PhD, of York University, discusses why some species thrive in urban environments while others struggle; how city living changes ... Show More
39m 14s
Oct 21
Why we complain and how to do it better, with Robin Kowalski, PhD
Whether it’s grumbling about a boss, the weather, or a spouse’s most annoying habit, we all complain. Robin Kowalski, PhD, of Clemson University, discusses why we complain; the difference between venting and complaining to get results; how to complain in a way that doesn’t wear p ... Show More
26m 54s
Feb 2024
Rebecca Roache, "For F*ck's Sake: Why Swearing Is Shocking, Rude, and Fun" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Swearing can be a powerful communicative act, for good or ill. The same word can incite violence or increase intimacy. How is swearing so multivalent in its power? Is it just all those harsh “c” and “k” sounds? Does swearing take its power from taboo meaning? Why is swearing some ... Show More
57m 5s
Apr 2021
The Surprising Benefits of Cursing & How the World is Getting Better and Safer
This episode begins with a look at some fascinating science of everyday life. For example, how the calorie count for food is determined, what does it take to actually crush a Lego brick, why water of the same temperature feels colder than air of the same temperature – and more. h ... Show More
45m 8s
Aug 2018
The Benefits of Cursing & How the World is Getting Better - Even If It Doesn't Seem So
This episode begins with a look at some fascinating science of everyday life. For example, how the calorie count for food is determined, what does it take to actually crush a Lego brick, why water of the same temperature feels colder than air of the same temperature – and more. h ... Show More
44m 52s