The word “extremist” might call up images of violence or terrorism. But extreme behaviors are all around us and can be a force for good as well as destruction. Arie Kruglanski, PhD, and Sophia Moskalenko, PhD, talk about what drives people to extreme behaviors, whether there’s an “extremist personality,” how social media drives extremism and whether the worl ... 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
Dec 2024
How to Best Guide Your Life Decisions & Path | Dr. Jordan Peterson
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Jordan Peterson, Ph.D., psychologist, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, best-selling author, and prominent online educator. We discuss the biology of human emotions and motivations, healthy versus destructive impulses, addictions, a ... Show More
3h 51m
Nov 2020
Bright Light & Dark Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
Dr. Tracey Marks Dr. Marks is a general and forensic psychiatrist of 20 years, whose mission is to increase mental health awareness and understanding by educating people on psychiatric disorders, mental well-being and self-improvement. She believes that insight creates change, bo ... Show More
13 m
Feb 2025
The Signs You're Dealing with a Narcissist: Dr. Ramani
Today, Jillian speaks with renowned narcissism expert Dr. Ramani to unpack the true meaning of narcissistic relationships and why the term is often misused. They explore the red flags, the psychological toll of these relationships, and why leaving can feel impossible. Dr. Ramani ... Show More
1h 7m
Sep 24
Part Two: The Rise of Cancel Culture, Distrust in Science & Misinformation: Dr. Steven Pinker Reveals The Hidden Psychology That Threatens Society.
The Rising Risks of Cancel Culture & The Psychology & Language That Built It! In this explosive episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Dr. Steven Pinker (renowned Harvard psychologist and author of When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows) joins Mayim Bialik and Jonathan Cohen for a ... Show More
54m 41s
Oct 2022
145: The Mechanics of Social Media with Dr. Richard Shuster
In this episode, we're diving deep into how the news and media have conditioned our modern society, so this is a powerful conversation that anyone familiar with social media does not want to miss! Dr. Richard Shuster is a licensed clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, CEO of ... Show More
35m 32s