Psychology Is Podcast
By Nick Fortino
Psychologist Nick Fortino hosts influential thought leaders in conversation about a variety of topics relevant to psychology, including critical examinations of modern-day psychiatry, social dynamics, psychology in politics, transformation, various forms of therapy, intimate relationships, the psychology of serial killers, etcetera!
Psychology Is PodcastJul 25, 2022
00:00
01:15:26
60: Steven Hassan | Cults and Mind Control
Dr. Hassan is the world’s foremost expert on mind control and the psychology of cults and we have a fascinating conversation based on his seminal book, Combatting Cult Mind Control. We are all vulnerable to mind control because we are all vulnerable to the situational factors that make an individual vulnerable to mind control. Learn more about Dr. Hassan's work here: freedomofmind.com ✨Want to support Psychology Is? Visit https://patreon.com/psychologyis
Apr 23, 202457:56
59: Patrick Hahn | ADHD and Medicalization of Childhood
In this conversation, Nick interviews Dr. Patrick Hahn--author of multiple books, including Obedience Pills--about the nature of an ADHD diagnosis, the way that the public has been misled about it, and the problems with the most common treatments for it. Nick boldly asserts that the way that ADHD diagnoses halt the search for an actual condition explaining inattentiveness and impulsivity, and the quick prescriptions of stimulant drugs for children is a crime against humanity that we will look back upon shamefully. ✨Want to support Psychology Is? Visit https://patreon.com/psychologyis Created by Nick Fortino & Robert Daluz Watch Clips from Psychology Is Podcast with Nick Fortino https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1CztxANXYAf7EaS-3924VZ1Y6iZ3xUHJ
Mar 26, 202401:18:06
58: Kent Shultz | Escaping a Web of Psychiatry
Psychiatric survivor's candid story. Kent openly shares with Nick the details of what led him to see a psychiatrist, and the misdiagnoses, and overprescribing that ensued.
✨Want to support Psychology Is?
Visit patreon.com/psychologyis
✨Want to support Psychology Is?
Visit patreon.com/psychologyis
Feb 26, 202402:17:06
57: Dawn Neumann | Traumatic Brain Injury and Recovery
Can someone recover from brain injury? Is football safe enough for kids to play? What is Alexithymia? All these questions and more are answered as Nick Fortino sits with brain rehabilitation specialist, Dawn Neumann.
✨Want to sponsor Psychology Is?
Visit https://patreon.com/psychologyis
Created by
Nick Fortino & Robert Daluz
Jan 26, 202401:10:48
56: Jaclyn Long | IFS: Internal Family Systems Therapy
Like members of a family, are our minds made up of multiple parts? Nick sits with marriage and family therapist Jaclyn Long to explore the intriguing concepts of the Internal Family Systems. If you're interested in pursuing IFS therapy in California, here is a link to the Mindful Child and Family Therapy Center: www.mcaft.com/appointment ✨Want to sponsor Psychology Is? Visit https://patreon.com/psychologyis
Nov 14, 202301:02:39
55: Stephen Costello | Logotherapy and Secrets to Happiness
Logotherapist Dr. Stephen Costello sits down with Nick for a profound conversation about the vital role that meaning plays in our psychological well-being, and in our ability to endure adversity. Dr. Costello shares fascinating details about the legendary life of Viktor Frankl, and eloquently explains the principles of logotherapy.
✨Want to sponsor Psychology Is?
Visit https://patreon.com/psychologyis
Created by
Nick Fortino & Robert Daluz
Oct 17, 202301:13:18
54: Eric FitzMedrud | Better Sex Comes By Being a Better Man
The importance of men’s understanding of consent is at the forefront of this conversation. Nick Fortino sits with Dr. FitzMedrud, Author of The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex. They go over all the nuances and best practices when approaching your partner or anyone sexually. ✨Want to sponsor Psychology Is? Visit https://patreon.com/psychologyis
Sep 12, 202301:50:46
53: Kristal DeSantis | A Relationship Guide for Men
Are you wanting to love your girlfriend or wife better? Would learning your attachment style help? Find out in this episode with Kristal DeSantis, auther of STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man. Created by Nick Fortino & Robert Daluz ✨Want to sponsor Psychology Is? Visit https://patreon.com/psychologyis
Aug 17, 202301:04:17
52: Henry Emmons | Chemistry of Joy and Calm
Psychiatrist Henry Emmons joins psychologist Nick Fortino in conversation on the 52nd of the Psychology Is Podcast. This is a refreshing dialogue between thoughtful professionals with different backgrounds. We discuss psychiatric drug treatment, the basics of mental health, mindfulness, and how to deal with anxious thinking.
To hear more from Dr. Emmons, listen to the Joy Lab Podcast: www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast
To hear more from Dr. Emmons, listen to the Joy Lab Podcast: www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast
Apr 22, 202301:20:51
51: Ann Bracken | Story of Overmedication and Recovery
The Psychiatric Survivors Movement has been growing for decades. There are multitudinous people who have been harmed by interventions irresponsibly conducted/prescribed by psychiatrists. Author and educator Ann Bracken is one such survivor. In the 51st episode of the Psychology Is Podcast, she tells her story about being depressed and overmedicated, then overcoming her depression and recovering from the harmful effects of the drugs she had been prescribed.
Ann Bracken detailed her experience in her memoir, Crash: A Memoir of Overmedication and Recovery.
To learn more about Ann, check out her website: annbrackenauthor.com/
This podcast is not meant to provide medical advice. Discontinuing psychiatric drugs, just like discontinuing illicit addictive psychoactive substances, is a decision that must be made carefully and a process that requires significant support and professional supervision.
Ann Bracken detailed her experience in her memoir, Crash: A Memoir of Overmedication and Recovery.
To learn more about Ann, check out her website: annbrackenauthor.com/
This podcast is not meant to provide medical advice. Discontinuing psychiatric drugs, just like discontinuing illicit addictive psychoactive substances, is a decision that must be made carefully and a process that requires significant support and professional supervision.
Mar 17, 202301:32:41
The Guest House | Poem by Rumi
[Bonus] Nick Fortino performs one of our favorite poems ‘The Guest House’, written by Persian poet Jalaluddin Rumi
Dec 02, 202201:51
50: Jim Gottstein | Too Evil to be Believable: Zyprexa Papers Expose Fraud
Study referenced at 17:15 - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21300943/
Nov 19, 202201:19:03
49: Anna Lembke | Addictive Drugs are Still Addictive If Prescribed
Stanford psychiatrist and Medical Director Anna Lembke joins Nick Fortino on the 49th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast for an important conversation about a profound problem in our culture: many doctors, and especially psychiatrists, have become drug dealers. A health care system thoroughly contaminated by financial interests, a disempowering and erroneous cultural paradigm about the nature of mental health, and addictive drugs masqueraded as medication are just some of the factors that have given rise to a horrible disaster that is harming so many people. The complete overhaul of the mental health care system is inevitable, but the longer it takes, the more people will be harmed and misled. The profession will not change itself, despite influential people at prestigious institutions speaking out. The change will come when the populace is sufficiently educated. This conversation attempts to serve this purpose, to educate.
We also talk about the role of dopamine in the brain, and how to wisely engage in dopamine-releasing behaviors.
We also talk about the role of dopamine in the brain, and how to wisely engage in dopamine-releasing behaviors.
Oct 17, 202258:48
48: David Cohen | Psychiatry’s Scientific Emptiness
"Psychiatry's most fundamental characteristic is its ignorance," wrote Raymond Dolan in his recent review of psychiatric literature. In this episode, UCLA professor Dr. David Cohen shares an excerpt from this study and others. He also describes the big picture, bringing to light the many elements that constitute the modern day mental health so-called care. In sum, psychiatry is scientifically empty. The field is comprised of psychiatrists, who primarily act as drug prescribers, who justify their practices on the basis of "silly theories that are continually refuted," as Dr. Cohen puts it.
Sep 27, 202201:27:49
47: Kendra Campbell | Psychiatrist Changes Her Ways
Dr. Kendra Campbell is bold, brilliant, and honest. A traditionally trained psychiatrist, Dr. Campbell recognized the irreconcilable flaws at the core of modern psychiatry--the invalidity of its diagnoses, its bogus chemical imbalance theory, and the harmful nature of its treatments--and changed her ways. In the most admirable fashion, she takes responsibility for misleading patients about the nature of their conditions, and for prescribing the wrong treatment. Dr. Campbell now offers a multi-faceted, whole-person based treatment protocol that does not include drugs. She also specializes in guiding people through the process of drug withdrawal.
Find Dr. Campbell at Free Range Psychiatry: freerange.org/
Find Dr. Campbell at Free Range Psychiatry: freerange.org/
Sep 16, 202201:04:21
46: Sami Timimi | Insane Psychiatry
Dr. Sami Timimi is a practicing child psychiatrist in the UK, but his practice is in direct contrast to the dominant ideology in psychiatry. This insane and horribly problematic ideology is exactly what Dr. Nick and Dr. Sami deconstruct in this important conversation. Dr. Sami’s recent book is entitled Insane Medicine.
Sep 10, 202201:31:25
45: Bruce E. Levine | The Rise and Fall of Psychiatry
Clinical psychologist Dr. Bruce Levine joins Nick for a conversation about historical and modern practices in the field of psychiatry. The conversation is based on Dr. Levine's new book, A Profession Without Reason: The Crisis of Contemporary Psychiatry Untangled and Solved by Spinoza, Freethinking, and Radical Enlightenment.
Jul 25, 202201:15:26
44: Aaron Stark | I Was Almost A School Shooter
This is one of the most important conversations we have ever had on the Psychology Is Podcast. Listen to this in-depth conversation with Aaron Stark, a man who almost carried out a school shooting before being redirected by the love, kindness, acknowledgement, and friendship. Aaron's story is intense. It's fraught with trauma. But what shines through his story is the power of friendship, the power of kindness, and the potential for radical healing and transformation. Aaron has emerged a wise, happily normal, loving father with crucial insight into how we can reduce or eliminate the incidence of mass shootings.
Jun 28, 202201:39:08
43: Jerry Duberstein | Insight from a Couples Therapist of 40 Years
In relationship, you want to maintain individual autonomy, and you also want security. Many people believe you can't have both, but you can. Dr. Jerry Duberstein has been a couples therapist for over 40 years. He and his wife co-wrote the book, Relationship Transformation: A Practical Guide for Couples Who Want to be Free and Connected. In this conversation, Jerry shares his insight into how to feel free and connected in intimate relationships.
Produced by Nick Fortino & Robert Daluz
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Jun 10, 202201:26:11
42: Beverley Thomson | Examining Antidepressant Harm
In episode 42 of the PI Podcast, Nick sits down with author Beverley Thomson for a conversation about antidepressant drugs. What are the desirable effects of these drugs? What are the adverse effects? Beverley examined this topic extensively to write her book Antidepressed. She shares her knowledge and insight here.
Produced by Nick Fortino & Robert Daluz
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May 06, 202201:18:47
Dear John, Please don’t kill yourself.
[Bonus Episode] This was made after we received a comment from John, who shared his uncertainty on continuing life. We made this for you John, and for anyone contemplating suicide.
Mar 07, 202205:52
41: Chris Ferguson | Video Games Are Not Bad for You
The video game industry has grown rapidly since the 1980's. Almost instantly they caused many to question the dangers of exposing our kids to extreme violence found in first-person shooters like Call of Duty or mature subject matter found in games like Grand Theft Auto. Chris Ferguson set out to find the truth. Are violent games actually harmful? Is gaming increasing mental issues in children? Listen as he sits with Nick Fortino to share his hot take.
Jan 22, 202201:21:56
40: Psychiatric Survivor Shares His Story
The Psychology Is Podcast has featured authors, journalists, psychologists, and psychiatrists about the problems inherent in modern psychiatry. In this episode, we hear a personal story of a man who endured unnecessarily pathologizing diagnoses and damaging, ongoing drug prescriptions, and how he was able to free himself from the harm of modern psychiatric practices.
Oct 27, 202101:16:16
39: Joel Wong | Masculinities Across Cultures and Individuals
Indiana University Psychology Professor Dr. Joel Wong joins Nick Fortino on the 39th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast for a conversation about the psychology of masculinity.
Oct 09, 202159:48
38: Kirk Schneider | Existential-Integrative Therapy, and How to Cultivate 'Awe'
Dr. Kirk Schneider is a licensed clinical psychologist and author of many books, including The Psychology of Existence and The Paradoxical Self. Dr. Scheider is also a leading spokesperson for contemporary existential-integrative psychology. In this conversation, we discuss existential integrative therapy, the power of presence and how to be present, the sense of awe, and more.
Sep 27, 202101:15:59
37: Kelly Brogan | Well-being Without Psychiatric Drugs
Dr. Kelly Brogan performed a very unique human feat; she changed her mind. She was trained as an MD and psychiatrist at prestigious institutions including Cornell and NYU. Upon completing her training and practicing psychiatry for some time, Dr. Brogan recognized the limitations and harms of standard psychiatric treatment. She has moved past relying on drug treatment to help people and went on to write the New York Times best seller, A Mind of Your Own: The Truth About Depression and How Women Can Heal Their Bodies to Reclaim Their Lives. Her new book is called Own Your Self, which we discuss in this conversation.
Sep 18, 202101:21:31
36: Rose McDermott | Covid, Violence, Nuclear War, World Peace
Dr. Rose McDermott joins Nick on the 36th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast for an important conversation about Covid, politics, perception, violence, nuclear war, world peace, and heroism. Our world is tumultuous and beautiful and terrible and awesome. Let's talk about it.
Sep 10, 202101:17:32
35: Anoop Kumar | Rethinking Human Nature for Medicine's Sake
Medical Doctor Anoop Kumar joins Nick Fortino on the 35th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast for a conversation about human nature, and how a more complete understanding of the human body will enhance our capacity to practice medicine effectively.
Aug 28, 202101:40:54
34: Tania Israel | Dialogue With Those Who Disagree
Dr. Tania Israel, author of Beyond Your Bubble and expert in how to dialogue with people with differing political views joins Nick for the 34th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast.
Aug 18, 202101:00:49
33: Nick Haslam | Concept Creep: Psychology's Expanding Definitions
Dr. Nick Haslam coined the term 'concept creep', which refers to the way that concepts related to harm and pathology are expanding to include phenomena of different kinds and less extreme degrees. What are the implications of this? Drs. Nick and Nick take a deep dive into this in the 33rd episode of the Psychology Is Podcast.
Aug 11, 202101:05:14
32: Chris Ferguson | Why Do Insane People Become Leaders
Psychologist Chris Ferguson joins Nick for the 32nd episode of the Psychology Is Podcast for a conversation about the reasons that insane people become leaders, and the impact this has on societies.
Aug 08, 202155:16
31: Corey Clark | Psychology in Politics
Political and moral psychologist Cory Clark joins Nick Fortino on the 31st episode of the Psychology Is Podcast for a conversation about psychology in politics. Why is there so often a lack of nuance in political positions? Why are our views so persistent? What effect does your political identity have on your political views? If tribalism here to stay? How can we minimize conflict between tribes? What are the psychological mechanisms that lead to political polarization? The conversation also ventures into the topic of free will, responsibility, and moral accountability.
Jul 27, 202101:29:58
30: Roger McFillin | Course Correcting the Mental Health Field
Clinical Psychologist Roger McFillin joins Nick Fortino on the 30th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast for a conversation about the current state of the mental health field. What are we doing wrong? What are we doing right? How can we course correct?
Jul 23, 202101:22:45
29 (Part 2): Shiva Ghaed | Healing from Mass Violence & Trauma
Trauma therapist, and Las Vegas shooting survivor Shiva Ghaed offers tools to help process and heal from trauma and mass violence.
Jul 13, 202101:14:08
29 (Part 1): Shiva Ghaed | Therapist Shares Las Vegas Shooting Survival Story
Route 91 festival mass shooting survivor shares her story. Shiva Ghaed is a clinical psychologist with a focus on helping trauma victims. On this episode Shiva explains how she physically and mentally escaped the traumatic incident in Las Vegas.
Jul 06, 202101:22:25
28: Marilyn Schlitz | Transformation
Dr. Marilyn Schlitz is a professor, researcher, and author of several books including Living Deeply: The Art and Science of Transformation in Everyday Life. She graces the PI Podcast with her presence and expertise for a conversation about the psychology of transformation.
Jun 29, 202101:19:54
27: Erin Westgate | Why You Get Bored and What To Do About It
What is boredom? What causes boredom? What do people do when they're bored? How can we regulate and utilize boredom? These are some of the questions explored in this intriguing conversation! Dr. Erin Westgate joins Nick in the 27th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast for a very interesting conversation about boredom!
Jun 23, 202101:13:05
26: Lasana Harris | Social Cognition and Dehumanization
Dr. Lasana Harris joins us on the 26th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast for a conversation about social cognition, the flexible use of social cognition, and the psychology of dehumanization.
Jun 15, 202101:15:30
25: Kent Berridge | The Neuropsychology of Addiction and Emotion
Dr. Kent Berridge is one of the most impactful scholars in psychology. He is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Michigan. He has an incredible h-index of 108. In the 25th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast, Dr. Berridge shares his expertise about the neuropsychology of addiction and emotion. We discuss his idea of incentive salience as applied to addiction, and the difference between liking something and wanting something. We also discuss affective valence, and the neurological correlates of high and low valence brain states. Enjoy the conversation!
Jun 10, 202101:15:21
24: Donna Freitas | Sexual Consent, in All Its Complexity
On the 24th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast with Nick Fortino, we have the special opportunity to talk to the prolific author, Donna Freitas, for an in depth conversation about sexual consent, and consent in general. Dr. Freitas is a sought after expert on this topic, so it was an honor to have her on the podcast. I hope this conversation is enjoyable and thought-provoking.
Jun 02, 202101:20:30
23: Sasha Reid | Psychology of Serial Killers
What motivates a serial killer? What factors conspire to make a serial killer? Dr. Sasha Reid joins Nick in conversation to share the insight she has gleaned from her research.
May 26, 202101:21:02
22: Elliot Aronson | Legendary Psychologist Reflects on Life and Career
Elliot Aronson is one of the most influential psychologists of all time. It was with tremendous gratitude and excitement that I hosted Dr. Aronson in conversation on the 22nd episode of the Psychology Is Podcast. We discuss his incredible life, and also cognitive dissonance, self justification, psychology in politics, the jigsaw classroom, censorship on college campuses, and more. Enjoy the conversation.
May 14, 202102:15:47
I miss you mom. We all miss you…
[Bonus Episode] My mom passed when I was 22. I wasn't ready. I think about her every day. The healing process is ongoing and I'm grateful to the many people who have supported it. And part of my healing has been to recognize the way I have grown into the man she knew I could be.
If your mom died before you were ready, I hope this supports your healing. If you are grieving for the death of any loved one, I hope this supports your healing.
Much love. You are not alone in your grief.
If your mom died before you were ready, I hope this supports your healing. If you are grieving for the death of any loved one, I hope this supports your healing.
Much love. You are not alone in your grief.
May 10, 202103:12
21: Caspar Addyman | What Makes Babies Happy
Dr. Caspar Addyman is a developmental psychologist, director of the InfantLab at Goldsmiths, University of London, and author of the book, The Laughing Baby: The Extraordinary Science Behind What Makes Babies Happy. He joins Nick Fortino on the 21st episode of the Psychology Is podcast for a conversation about what makes babies happy, what makes babies laugh, how we can connect with babies, baby psychology in general, and his path to becoming a baby psychologist!
May 04, 202101:11:24
5: Robert Whitaker | Psychiatric Drugs & Mental Disorders
Psychologist Nick Fortino speaks with award winning author of Anatomy of an Epidemic and journalist Robert Whitaker about mental disorders and psychiatric drugs. They discuss the dramatic discrepancy between evidence and practice in psychiatry, and what role these drugs have in the effort to improve mental health in society.
May 01, 202101:01:56
20: Scott Bonn | Why Serial Killers Intrigue You
Why are people so intrigued by serial killers? They're disturbing and terrifying, yet we can't seem to look away. Shows and movies about serial killers are extremely successful, and media outlets reporting serial killer activity capture the attention of the masses. Dr. Scott Bonn's expertise on the topic combined with his experience as a media executive make him uniquely qualified to help us understand why we're so intrigued by these savages.
Apr 28, 202101:10:57
19: David Buss | Roots of Sexual Deception, Harassment, and Abuse
It's very difficult to look squarely into the face of the worst of human behavior, but it's crucial to do so, because in order to minimize and prevent it, we have to understand it. That's exactly what evolutionary psychologist Dr. David Buss has done in his new book, When Men Behave Badly: The Hidden Roots of Sexual Deception, Harassment, and Abuse. Dr. Buss graces the Psychology Is podcast with his presence for an in-depth conversation about the insight in this book. It's a special experience to hear Dr. Buss himself discuss the psychology of all this. Enjoy the conversation!
Apr 26, 202101:42:56
18: Dan Millman | Happiness and Purpose for a Peaceful Warrior
Author Dan Millman joins Nick Fortino in conversation about happiness, purpose, adversity, and being a peaceful warrior. Dan has written many books, including the famous Way of the Peaceful Warrior. We hope you enjoy the conversation!
Apr 23, 202101:04:45
17: Robert Plomin | Role of Genetics in Psychology
One of the most distinguished practitioners of behavioral genetics, Dr. Robert Plomin, joins us on the 17th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast. We discuss some of the insights in his new book, Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are. Dr. Plomin shares his expertise on the methods for developing our understanding of the role of genetics in psychology and what we have learned about the role of genetics in psychology.
Apr 19, 202101:44:32
16: Nicole Steward | Radical Self Care to Avoid Burnout and Enhance Performance
In the 16th episode of the Psychology Is Podcast, Social Worker and Yoga Teacher Nicole Steward joins us in conversation about how to avoid burnout and enhance performance in work and in life. This is a common topic of conversation, but Nicole has developed a systematic approach to self care that is extremely valuable. We're happy to bring you this conversation and trust you will hear valuable, applicable principles of self-care.
Apr 12, 202101:33:08