PsyberSpace: Understand Your World

Therapy Speak: Understanding Its Positive Impact and Identifying Its MisuseIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the mainstream adoption of 'therapy speak,' explaining its beneficial role in self-understanding and mental health awareness. The script discusses the expansion of psychological terminology into everyday conversations and its revolutionary impact on self-diagnosis, especially among marginalized communities. However, it also addresses the potential misuse of therapy language in relationships, politics, and workplaces to avoid accountability and manipulate others. Leslie outlines how to spot these manipulations and emphasizes the importance of using psychological awareness responsibly to facilitate growth and understanding.00:00 Introduction to Therapy Speak00:35 The Rise of Therapy Speak in Everyday Life01:39 The Benefits of Self-Diagnosis02:00 The Dark Side: Weaponizing Therapy Speak02:29 Historical Context and Concept Creep04:14 The Digital Revolution and Mental Health07:24 Recognizing Weaponized Therapy Speak in Relationships11:03 Therapy Speak in Politics14:13 Therapy Speak in the Workplace17:33 Framework for Identifying Weaponized Therapy Speak19:14 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources:Cloitre, M., Stolbach, B. C., Herman, J. L., van der Kolk, B., Pynoos, R., Wang, J., & Petkova, E. (2009). A developmental approach to complex PTSD: Childhood and adult cumulative trauma as predictors of symptom complexity. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22(5), 399-408.Haslam, N. (2016). Concept creep: Psychology's expanding concepts of harm and pathology. Psychological Inquiry, 27(1), 1-17. Haslam, N., McGrath, M. J., Viechtbauer, W., & Kuppens, P. (2020). Harm inflation: Making sense of concept creep. European Review of Social Psychology, 31(1), 254-286.Haslam, N., Tse, J. S. Y., & De Deyne, S. (2021). Concept creep and psychiatrization. Frontiers in Sociology, 6, 806147. Hudon, A., Perry, K., Plate, A. S., Doucet, A., Ducharme, L., Djona, O., Testart Aguirre, C., Evoy, G., Stip, E., & Abdel-Baki, A. (2025). Navigating the maze of social media disinformation on psychiatric illness and charting paths to reliable information for mental health professionals: Observational study of TikTok videos. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27, e64225. Kirkpatrick, C. E., & Lawrie, L. L. (2024). TikTok as a source of health information and misinformation for young women in the United States: Survey study. JMIR Infodemiology, 4, e54663. McGrath, Melanie & Haslam, Nick. (2020). Development and validation of the Harm Concept Breadth Scale: Assessing individual differences in harm inflation. PLOS ONE. 15. e0237732. 10.1371/journal.pone.0237732. McCashin, D., Coyle, D., & Murphy, C. M. (2023). Using TikTok for public and youth mental health: A systematic review and content analysis. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 26, 279-306.Omidbakhsh Z, Mohammadi Z, Soltanabadi S. Childhood Maltreatment and Complex PTSD: A Systematic Literature Review. Trauma Violence Abuse. 2025 May 18:15248380251320985. doi: 10.1177/15248380251320985. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40383965.Cai, D. (2023, June 26). Esther Perel Thinks All This amateur Therapy-Speak is Just Making Us Lonelier. Vanity Fair. Retrieved from https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/06/esther-perel-amateur-therapy-speakRameckers SA, van Emmerik AAP, Bachrach N, Lee CW, Morina N, Arntz A. The impact of childhood maltreatment on the severity of childhood-related posttraumatic stress disorder in adults. Child Abuse Negl. 2021 Oct;120:105208. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105208. Epub 2021 Jul 28. PMID: 34332332.Spinazzola, J., Hodgdon, H., Liang, L. J., Ford, J. D., Layne, C. M., Pynoos, R., ... & Kisiel, C. (2014). Unseen wounds: The contribution of psychological maltreatment to child and adolescent mental health and risk outcomes. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 6(S1), S18-S28.Turuba, R., Cormier, W., Zimmerman, R., Ow, N., Zenone, M., Quintana, Y., ... & Barbic, S. (2024). Exploring how youth use TikTok for mental health information in British Columbia: Semistructured interview study with youth. JMIR Infodemiology, 4, e53233.Vylomova, E., Murphy, S., & Haslam, N. (2019). Evaluation of semantic change of harm-related concepts in psychology. In Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Computational Approaches to Historical Language Change (pp. 29-34). Association for Computational Linguistics.Yeung, A., Ng, E., & Abi-Jaoude, E. (2022). TikTok and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A cross-sectional study of social media content quality. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 67(12), 899-906.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Finding Reasonable Hope in the Entropy AgeIn this final episode of the 'Entropy Age' series on PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores strategies for maintaining hope and taking action amidst systemic chaos and decay. She discusses the psychological underpinnings of hope, the impact of systemic entropy on the nervous system, and the concept of tactical whimsy. Poston emphasizes the importance of building small, supportive rituals and finding your role in collective action. The episode offers insights into balancing self-care with social resistance, aiming to empower listeners to make meaningful changes even in turbulent times.00:00 Introduction to the Entropy Age Series00:28 Recap of Previous Episodes01:12 Exploring Reasonable Hope03:17 Understanding Self-Determination Theory04:49 Impact of Systemic Entropy on the Body07:20 The Role of Tactical Whimsy09:26 When to Move Beyond Small-Scale Actions13:06 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources:Bandura, A. (2000). Exercise of human agency through collective efficacy. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 9(3), 75–78.Chenoweth, E., & Stephan, M. J. (2011). Why civil resistance works: The strategic logic of nonviolent conflict. Columbia University Press.Collins, P. H. (2009). Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment (2nd ed.). Routledge.Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Self-determination theory: A macrotheory of human motivation, development, and health. Canadian Psychology, 49(3), 182–185.Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226.Fredrickson, B. L. (2013). Positive emotions broaden and build. In P. Devine & A. Plant (Eds.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 47, pp. 1–53). Academic Press.Haslam, S. A., Jetten, J., Postmes, T., & Haslam, C. (2009). Social identity, health and well-being: An emerging agenda for applied psychology. Applied Psychology, 58(1), 1–23.Haslam, Catherine & Cruwys, Tegan & Haslam, S. & Jetten, Jolanda. (2015). Social Connectedness and Health. 10.1007/978-981-287-080-3_46-2. Jetten, J., Haslam, C., & Haslam, S. A. (Eds.). (2012). The social cure: Identity, health and well-being. Psychology Press.McMillan Cottom, T. (2019). Thick: And other essays. New York, NY: The New Press.Porges, S. W. (2007). The polyvagal perspective. Biological Psychology, 74(2), 116–143.Sampson, R. J., Raudenbush, S. W., & Earls, F. (1997). Neighborhoods and violent crime: A multilevel study of collective efficacy. Science, 277(5328), 918–924.Snyder, C. R. (2002). Hope theory: Rainbows in the mind. Psychological Inquiry, 13(4), 249–275.Spade, D. (2020). Mutual aid: Building solidarity during this crisis (and the next). Verso.Spencer, R. C. (2008). Engendering the Black freedom struggle: Revolutionary Black womanhood and the Black Panther Party in the Bay Area, California. Journal of Women’s History, 20(1), 90–113.Ungar, M. (2011). The social ecology of resilience: Addressing contextual and cultural ambiguity of a nascent construct. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 81(1), 1–17. ★ Support this podcast ★

Psychological Patterns of Power in the Entropy AgeWelcome back to PsyberSpace with Leslie Poston. In this fourth episode of a five-part series on living through the entropy age, we dig into the psychology of power in chaotic times. We explore how social dominance orientation, hoarding mindsets, and authoritarian tendencies allow some leaders to thrive amidst instability. We also discuss mechanisms of moral disengagement that turn harmful actions into perceived necessities, and the psychological costs of this behavior on society. This episode provides insights into how these patterns shape the behavior of power-holders and offer a lens to understand current socio-political dynamics. Join us next time as we conclude the series by exploring responses to entropy and how small forms of order and resistance persist.00:00 Introduction to the Entropy Series00:33 Recap of Previous Episodes01:04 Exploring Power in Chaotic Conditions02:06 Hoarding Power in Decaying Systems05:17 Authoritarian Tendencies and Manufactured Order08:40 Mechanisms of Moral Disengagement11:46 The Psychological Costs of Power Hoarding13:54 Conclusion and Looking AheadResources:Altemeyer, B. (1996). The authoritarian specter. Harvard University Press. Bandura, A. (1999). Moral disengagement in the perpetration of inhumanities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3(3), 193–209. Christl, M. E., Pham, K. T., Rosenthal, A., & DePrince, A. P. (2024). When institutions harm those who depend on them: A scoping review of institutional betrayal. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. Advance online publication. Piff, P. K., Kraus, M. W., Côté, S., Cheng, B. H., & Keltner, D. (2010). Having less, giving more: The influence of social class on prosocial behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 99(5), 771–784. Piff, P. K., Stancato, D. M., Côté, S., Mendoza-Denton, R., & Keltner, D. (2012). Higher social class predicts increased unethical behavior. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(11), 4086–4091. Pratto, F., Sidanius, J., Stallworth, L. M., & Malle, B. F. (1994). Social dominance orientation: A personality variable predicting social and political attitudes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(4), 741–763. Sidanius, J., & Pratto, F. (1999). Social dominance: An intergroup theory of social hierarchy and oppression. Cambridge University Press. Smith, C. P., & Freyd, J. J. (2014). Institutional betrayal. American Psychologist, 69(6), 575–587. Stenner, K. (2005). The authoritarian dynamic. Cambridge University Press.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Understanding Epistemic Entropy: Navigating Information Chaos in the Digital AgeIn the third part of the PsyberSpace series on entropy, host Leslie Poston delves into 'epistemic entropy,' exploring how your sense of reality is impacted by chaotic information systems and media. The episode discusses the brain's role as a prediction machine, the strain caused by conflicting information, and the concept of epistemic injustice. Leslie also examines how digital platforms shape our thought processes and offers practical advice for maintaining clarity and agency in an environment overwhelmed by biased and manipulative information streams.00:00 Introduction to PsyberSpace00:28 Recap of Previous Episodes00:59 Understanding Epistemic Entropy02:29 The Brain as a Prediction Machine04:19 Information Overload and Pattern Anxiety05:25 Epistemic Injustice and Power Dynamics08:39 The Extended Mind and Digital Tools10:54 Coping Strategies for Epistemic Entropy13:34 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewResources:Barrett, L. F. (2017). How emotions are made: The secret life of the brain. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Barrett, L. F. (2017). The theory of constructed emotion: An active inference account of interoception and categorization. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 12(1), 1–23. Barrett, L. F. (2025). The theory of constructed emotion: More than a feeling. Current Opinion in Psychology, 53, 101817. Clark, A., & Chalmers, D. J. (1998). The extended mind. Analysis, 58(1), 7–19. Dotson, K. (2014). Conceptualizing epistemic oppression. Social Epistemology, 28(2), 115–138. Fricker, M. (2007). Epistemic injustice: Power and the ethics of knowing. Oxford University Press. Friston, K. (2010). The free-energy principle: A unified brain theory? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(2), 127–138. Friston, K. (2009). The free-energy principle: A rough guide to the brain? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(7), 293–301. Clark, A. (2015). Radical predictive processing. The Southern Journal of Philosophy, 53(S1), 3–27. McEwen, B. S., & Morrison, J. H. (2013). The brain on stress: Vulnerability and plasticity of the prefrontal cortex over the life course. Neuron, 79(1), 16–29. Oulasvirta, A., Rattenbury, T., Ma, L., & Raita, E. (2012). Habits make smartphone use more pervasive. Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, 16(1), 105–114. Tufekci, Z. (2015). Algorithmic harms beyond Facebook and Google: Emergent challenges of computational agency. Colorado Technology Law Journal, 13, 203–218. Bakshy, E., Messing, S., & Adamic, L. A. (2015). Exposure to ideologically diverse news and opinion on Facebook. Science, 348(6239), 1130–1132. Lewandowsky, S., Ecker, U. K. H., & Cook, J. (2017). Beyond misinformation: Understanding and coping with the “post-truth” era. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 6(4), 353–369. Starbird, K. (2017). Examining the alternative media ecosystem through the production of alternative narratives of mass shooting events on Twitter. Proceedings of the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media, 11(1), 230–239.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Navigating System Decay: Understanding Institutional Betrayal and Capitalist RealismIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the concept of the 'Entropy Age' and its impact on mental health. The discussion covers how the decay of institutions like governments, healthcare, education, and information systems affects people's mental models and trust. Key topics include collective trauma, institutional betrayal, and capitalist realism. The episode explains how layered systems' failures and short-term survival thinking contribute to psychological stress, influencing individuals' perceptions of stability and future possibilities.00:00 Introduction to the Entropy Age Series00:51 Understanding Institutional and Economic Decay02:15 Nested Systems and Digital Worlds03:42 The Impact of System Decay on Daily Life07:28 Collective Trauma and Institutional Betrayal10:36 Capitalist Realism and Its Psychological Effects12:37 Temporal Discounting and Short-Term Thinking13:59 Recognizing Patterns and Moving Forward15:44 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewResources:Navarro, J. & Tudge, J.R.H. (2022) Technologizing Bronfenbrenner: Neo-Ecological Theory. Current Psychology. 21:1-17Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press.Fisher, M. (2009). Capitalist realism: Is there no alternative? Zero Books.Ribeiro, W. S., Bauer, A., Andrade, M. C. R., York-Smith, M., Pan, P. M., et al. (2017). Income inequality and mental illness-related morbidity and resilience: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(7), 554–562. Hirschberger, G. (2018). Collective trauma and the social construction of meaning. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1441.Irvine, A., & Rose, N. (2024). How does precarious employment affect mental health? A scoping review and thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence from Western economies. Work, Employment and Society, 38(2), 418–441.Rakesh, D., Shiba, K., Lamont, M., Lund, C., Pickett, K. E., VanderWeele, T. J., & Patel, V. (2025). Economic inequality and mental health: Causality, mechanisms, and interventions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 21, 353–377.Rakesh, D., et al. (2025). Macroeconomic income inequality, brain structure and function, and mental health. Nature Mental Health. Advance online publication.Li, M., Leidner, B., Hirschberger, G., & Park, J. (2023). From threat to challenge: Understanding the impact of historical collective trauma on contemporary intergroup conflict. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(1), 190–209.Patel, V., Burns, J. K., Dhingra, M., Tarver, L., Kohrt, B. A., & Lund, C. (2018). Income inequality and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association and a scoping review of mechanisms. World Psychiatry, 17(1), 76–89. Smith, C. P., & Freyd, J. J. (2013). Dangerous safe havens: Institutional betrayal exacerbates sexual trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(1), 119–124.Rönnblad, T., Grönholm, E., Jonsson, J., Koranyi, I., Orellana, C., Kreshpaj, B., Chen, L., Stockfelt, L., & Bodin, T. (2019). Precarious employment and mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 45(5), 429–443.Smith, C. P., & Freyd, J. J. (2014). Institutional betrayal. American Psychologist, 69(6), 575–587. ★ Support this podcast ★

Emotional Entropy: Coping with Psychological Strain in the Entropy AgeHost Leslie Poston of PsyberSpace introduces a five-episode series on the 'entropy age,' focusing on the psychological impact of living in an unstable world marked by late-stage capitalism, technological upheaval, and rising authoritarianism. This episode explores the concept of 'emotional entropy,' comparing it to physical entropy to describe the fraying of our inner lives. Key topics include existential anxiety, mortality, freedom, isolation, meaning, ontological insecurity, and anticipatory grief. Poston aims to validate the feelings of uncertainty and confusion that many experience, framing them as rational responses to current conditions rather than personal failures.00:00 Introduction to the Entropy Age01:01 Signs of a Fraying Future02:04 Emotional Entropy Explained04:50 Existential Psychology and Modern Life07:12 Coping Mechanisms and Responses08:56 Ontological Insecurity and Anticipatory Grief11:56 Validating Emotional Reactions13:43 Conclusion and Next StepsResources:Becker, E. (1973). The denial of death. Free Press.Greenberg, J., Pyszczynski, T., & Solomon, S. (1986). The causes and consequences of a need for self-esteem: A terror management theory. In R. F. Baumeister (Ed.), Public self and private self (pp. 189–212). Springer.Laing, R. D. (1960). The divided self: An existential study in sanity and madness. Penguin Books.Pyszczynski, T., Solomon, S., & Greenberg, J. (2015). Thirty years of terror management theory: From genesis to revelation. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 52, 1–70.Rando, T. A. (2000). Clinical dimensions of anticipatory mourning: Theory and practice in working with the dying, their loved ones, and their caregivers. Research Press.Campos, R., & Martins, J. C. (2024). Ontological insecurity and urgency as a political value: Discourses of youth climate activists in Portugal. Globalizations. Advance online publicationYalom, I. D. (1980). Existential psychotherapy. Basic Books.Yalom, I. D. (2008). Staring at the sun: Overcoming the terror of death. Jossey-Bass.Lindemann, E. (1944). Symptomatology and management of acute grief. American Journal of Psychiatry, 101(2), 141–148.Lifton, R. J. (2019). Losing reality: On cults, cultism, and the mindset of political and religious zealotry. The New Press.von Wirth, T. (2025). Ontological (in)security and sustainability transitions: A theoretical perspective and future research prospects. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 57, 101042.Kübler-Ross, E., & Kessler, D. (2005). On grief and grieving: Finding the meaning of grief through the five stages of loss. Scribner.Solomon, S., Greenberg, J., & Pyszczynski, T. (2004). The cultural animal: Twenty years of terror management theory and research. In J. Greenberg, S. L. Koole, & T. Pyszczynski (Eds.), Handbook of experimental existential psychology (pp. 13–34). Guilford Press.Hobfoll, S. E. (1989). Conservation of resources: A new attempt at conceptualizing stress. American Psychologist, 44(3), 513–524.Bonanno, G. A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: Have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American Psychologist, 59(1), 20–28.Baumeister, R. F. (1991). Meanings of life. Guilford Press. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Brain's Reality: How Our Perception Shapes Our WorldIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores how our brains create different realities through predictive processing. The discussion includes concepts like the McGurk effect, the role of attention, and the impact of body states on perception. Poston explains how memory is a reconstruction influenced by current priors and how culture and language shape our prediction engines. The episode also addresses the implications for clinical settings, media influence, and the rise of DeepFakes. With practical tips for improving our prediction accuracy and updating our beliefs, this episode challenges the notion of objective perception and highlights the ethical stakes of our constructed realities.00:00 Introduction: Living in Different Realities00:20 The McGurk Effect: Seeing is Believing03:47 Predictive Processing: How Brains Build Reality09:10 Attention and Perception: The Invisible Gorilla12:48 Interoception: Your Body Votes on Reality16:33 Memory: Reconstructing the Past19:46 Cultural Influence: Preloaded Predictions23:28 Neurodiversity: Different Prediction Parameters27:52 Manipulated Realities: Algorithms and DeepFakes32:59 Collective Reality: Synchronizing Priors37:12 Practical Steps: Flexibility and Accuracy40:08 Ethical Implications: Life or Death Stakes44:21 Conclusion: Stay CuriousMcGurk Effect (video via BBC)Green Needle Brainstorm Effect (video)ResourcesBail, C. A., Argyle, L. P., Brown, T. W., Bumpus, J. P., Chen, H., Hunzaker, M. B. F., Lee, J., Mann, M., Merhout, F., & Volfovsky, A. (2018). Exposure to opposing views on social media can increase political polarization. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(37), 9216-9221. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1804840115Botvinick, M., & Cohen, J. (1998). Rubber hands 'feel' touch that eyes see. Nature, 391(6669), 756. https://doi.org/10.1038/35784Clark, A. (2013). Whatever next? Predictive brains, situated agents, and the future of cognitive science. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 36(3), 181-204. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X12000477Colloca, L., & Benedetti, F. (2005). Placebos and painkillers: Is mind as real as matter? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 6(7), 545-552. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn1705Corlett, P. R., Frith, C. D., & Fletcher, P. C. (2009). From drugs to deprivation: A Bayesian framework for understanding models of psychosis. Psychopharmacology, 206(4), 515-530. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-009-1561-0Critchley, H. D., Wiens, S., Rotshtein, P., Öhman, A., & Dolan, R. J. (2004). Neural systems supporting interoceptive awareness. Nature Neuroscience, 7(2), 189-195. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1176de Lange, F. P., Heilbron, M., & Kok, P. (2018). How do expectations shape perception? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 22(9), 764-779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2018.06.002Fletcher, P. C., & Frith, C. D. (2009). Perceiving is believing: A Bayesian approach to explaining the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(1), 48-58. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2536Friston, K. (2005). A theory of cortical responses. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 360(1456), 815-836. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2005.1622Friston, K. (2010). The free-energy principle: A unified brain theory? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(2), 127-138. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2787Garfinkel, S. N., Minati, L., Gray, M. A., Seth, A. K., Dolan, R. J., & Critchley, H. D. (2014). Fear from the heart: Sensitivity to fear stimuli depends on individual heartbeats. Journal of Neuroscience, 34(19), 6573-6582. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3507-13.2014Garfinkel, S. N., Seth, A. K., Barrett, A. B., Suzuki, K., & Critchley, H. D. (2015). Knowing your own heart: Distinguishing interoceptive accuracy from interoceptive awareness. Biological Psychology, 104, 65-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2014.11.004Gotlib, I. H., & Joormann, J. (2010). Cognition and depression: Current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 6, 285-312. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.121208.131305Haley G. Frey, Lua Koenig, Ned Block, Biyu J. He, Jan W. Brascamp; Memory representations during slow change blindness. Journal of Vision 2024;24(9):8. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.24.9.8.Henrich, J., Heine, S. J., & Norenzayan, A. (2010). The weirdest people in the world? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 33(2-3), 61-83. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X0999152XHohwy, J. (2013). The predictive mind. Oxford University Press.Keller, G.B., & Sterzer, P. (2024). Predictive Processing: A Circuit Approach to Psychosis. Annual review of neuroscience.Lafer-Sousa, R., Hermann, K. L., & Conway, B. R. (2015). Striking individual differences in color perception uncovered by 'the dress' photograph. Current Biology, 25(13), R545-R546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2015.04.053Loftus, E. F. (1975). Leading questions and the eyewitness report. Cognitive Psychology, 7(4), 560-572. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0285(75)90023-7Loftus, E. F. (2005). Planting misinformation in the human mind: A 30-year investigation of the malleability of memory. Learning & Memory, 12(4), 361-366. https://doi.org/10.1101/lm.94705Lupyan, G., & Clark, A. (2015). Words and the world: Predictive coding and the language-perception-cognition interface. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 24(4), 279-284. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721415570732Masuda, T., & Nisbett, R. E. (2001). Attending holistically versus analytically: Comparing the context sensitivity of Japanese and Americans. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 81(5), 922-934. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.81.5.922McGurk, H., & MacDonald, J. (1976). Hearing lips and seeing voices. Nature, 264(5588), 746-748. https://doi.org/10.1038/264746a0Nader, K., Schafe, G. E., & Le Doux, J. E. (2000). Fear memories require protein synthesis in the amygdala for reconsolidation after retrieval. Nature, 406(6797), 722-726. https://doi.org/10.1038/35021052Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175-220. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.2.2.175Pariser, E. (2011). The filter bubble: What the internet is hiding from you. Penguin Press.Pellicano, E., & Burr, D. (2012). When the world becomes 'too real': A Bayesian explanation of autistic perception. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(10), 504-510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2012.08.009Pressnitzer, D., Sayles, M., Micheyl, C., & Winter, I. M. (2008). Perceptual organization of sound begins in the auditory periphery. Current Biology, 18(15), 1124-1128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2008.06.053Qi, J., Peng, J., & Kang, X. (2025). Predictive processing among individuals with autism spectrum disorder during online language comprehension: A preliminary systematic review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06704-9Raymond, J. E., Shapiro, K. L., & Arnell, K. M. (1992). Temporary suppression of visual processing in an RSVP task: An attentional blink? Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 18(3), 849-860. https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-1523.18.3.849Rensink, R. A., O'Regan, J. K., & Clark, J. J. (1997). 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Unmasking the Bystander Effect: Courage in the Face of ThreatsIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston revisits the classic psychology concept of the bystander effect, challenging the common narrative of human apathy in groups. Starting with the infamous case of Kitty Genovese, Leslie digs into how exaggerations shaped public perception and spurred psychological research. The episode highlights recent studies showing that people often do intervene in emergencies, especially under clear and urgent threats, and how community ties and moral identity play pivotal roles in fostering collective courage. It emphasizes the power of individual actions to inspire group responses, debunking the myth of inevitable passivity and urging listeners to prepare and engage in acts of resistance against authoritarian harm.00:00 Introduction to the Bystander Effect00:31 The Kitty Genovese Case: Myth vs. Reality01:55 Reevaluating the Bystander Effect03:35 Classic Experiments on Group Behavior05:01 Modern Research and Real-World Evidence07:49 Community Bonds and Collective Efficacy16:15 Digital Age: Online Bystander Effect and Resistance17:33 Historical and Contemporary Examples of Resistance22:08 Practical Steps for Personal and Community Action24:25 Conclusion: The Power of Collective CourageResources:Adorno, T. W., Frenkel-Brunswik, E., Levinson, D. J., & Sanford, R. N. (1950). The authoritarian personality. Harper.Ai, Y., Ismail, R., & Chong, S. T. (2024). A study of the bystander effect in different helping situations. Social Psychology and Society, 15(1), 127–136.Aquino, K., & Reed, A., II. (2002). The self-importance of moral identity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(6), 1423–1440.Bandura, A. (1999). Moral disengagement in the perpetration of inhumanities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3(3), 193–209.Banyard, V., Mitchell, K. J., Goodman, K. L., & Ybarra, M. L. (2025). Bystanders to sexual violence: Findings from a national sample of sexual and gender diverse adolescents. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 40(5–6), 1221–1247. (Epub 2024)Barlińska, J., Szuster, A., & Winiewski, M. (2018). Cyberbullying among adolescent bystanders: Role of affective versus cognitive empathy in increasing prosocial cyberbystander behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 48.Batson, C. D., Batson, J. G., Slingsby, J. K., Harrell, K. L., Peekna, H. M., & Todd, R. M. (1991). Empathic joy and the empathy–altruism hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(3), 413–426.Fischer, P., Greitemeyer, T., Pollozek, F., & Frey, D. (2006). The unresponsive bystander: Are bystanders more responsive in dangerous emergencies? European Journal of Social Psychology, 36(2), 267–278.Fischer, P., Krueger, J. I., Greitemeyer, T., Vogrincic, C., Kastenmüller, A., Frey, D., Heene, M., Wicher, M., & Kainbacher, M. (2011). The bystander-effect: A meta-analytic review on bystander intervention in dangerous and non-dangerous emergencies. Psychological Bulletin, 137(4), 517–537.Granovetter, M. (1978). Threshold models of collective behavior. American Journal of Sociology, 83(6), 1420–1443.Greitemeyer, T., Osswald, S., Fischer, P., & Frey, D. (2007). Civil courage: Implicit theories, related concepts, and Measurement. Journal of Positive Psychology, 2(2)115-119.Jost, J. T., & Banaji, M. R. (1994). The role of stereotyping in system-justification and the production of false consciousness. British Journal of Social Psychology, 33(1), 1–27.Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073–1137.Latané, B., & Darley, J. M. (1968). Group inhibition of bystander intervention in emergencies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 10(3), 215–221.Latané, B., & Darley, J. M. (1970). The unresponsive bystander: Why doesn’t he help? Appleton-Century Crofts.Levine, M., & Crowther, S. (2008). The responsive bystander: How social group membership and group size can encourage as well as inhibit bystander intervention. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(6), 1429–1439.Manning, R., Levine, M., & Collins, A. (2007). The Kitty Genovese murder and the social psychology of helping: The parable of the 38 witnesses. American Psychologist, 62(6), 555–562.Miller, D. T., & McFarland, C. (1987). Pluralistic ignorance: When similarity is interpreted as dissimilarity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53(2), 298–305.Monroe, K. R. (1996). The heart of altruism: Perceptions of a common humanity. Princeton University Press.Monroe, K. R. (2008). Cracking the code of genocide: The moral psychology of rescuers, bystanders, and Nazis during the Holocaust. Political Psychology, 29(5), 699–736.Oliner, S. P., & Oliner, P. M. (1988). The altruistic personality: Rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. Free Press.Philpot, R., Liebst, L. S., Levine, M., Bernasco, W., & Lindegaard, M. R. (2020). Would I be helped? Cross-national CCTV footage shows that intervention is the norm in public conflicts. American Psychologist, 75(1), 66-75 (Epub 2019).Sampson, R. J., Raudenbush, S. W., & Earls, F. (1997). Neighborhoods and violent crime: A multilevel study of collective efficacy. Science, 277(5328), 918–924.Scott, J. C. (1987). Weapons of the weak: Everyday forms of peasant resistance. Yale University Press.Seligman, M. E. P. (1972). Learned helplessness. Freeman.Snow, D. A., & Soule, S. A. (2009). A primer on social movements. W. W. Norton.Swedberg, R. (1999) Civil Courage (“Zivilcourage”): The Case of Knut Wicksell. Theory and Society. 28(4), 501-528. ★ Support this podcast ★

Revolutionizing Work: Psychology's Role in Shaping the FutureIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychology and future of work. The discussion highlights the benefits of remote and flexible work, shorter work weeks, universal basic income, and the importance of rest in creating healthy and productive work environments. Leslie explains how outdated work models are being challenged by new data and psychological insights, emphasizing that autonomy, flexibility, and psychological safety are key to higher productivity and well-being. The episode also critiques the motivations behind return-to-office mandates and the misuse of AI for layoffs, advocating for a shift toward work models that prioritize human flourishing.00:00 Introduction: The Future of Work01:02 The Benefits of Remote Work03:00 The Push for Office Return06:37 AI and Workforce Changes08:24 The Four-Day Work Week10:56 Universal Basic Income Experiments13:13 The Importance of Rest18:16 Psychological Safety and Team Dynamics20:50 Rethinking Work Structures23:12 Conclusion: Life First, Work SecondResources:American Psychological Association. (2021). 2021 Work and Well-being Survey. Bloom, N., Han, R., & Liang, J. (2024). Hybrid working from home improves retention without damaging performance. Nature, 630(8018), 920–925. Bloom, N., Liang, J., Roberts, J., & Ying, Z. J. (2015). Does working from home work? Evidence from a Chinese experiment. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 130(1), 165–218. Boston Consulting Group. (2025, February 4). GenAI doesn't just increase productivity. It expands capabilities. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/gen-ai-increases-productivity-and-expands-capabilitiesCNBC. (2025, July 22). In recent layoffs, AI's role may be bigger than companies are letting on. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/20/in-job-losses-ais-role-may-be-bigger-than-companies-say.htmlCNBC. (2025, October 19). Companies are blaming AI for job cuts. Critics say it's a 'good excuse' https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/19/firms-are-blaming-ai-for-job-cuts-critics-say-its-a-good-excuse.htmlDeci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum Press.Duhigg, C. (2016, February 25). What Google learned from its quest to build the perfect team. The New York Times Magazine.Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383. Fortune. (2025, August 8). AI-driven layoffs are on the rise as the job market shrinks for recent grads. https://fortune.com/2025/08/08/ai-layoffs-jobs-market-shrinks-entry-level/Guðmundsson, H. J. (2021). Going public: Iceland's journey to a shorter working week. Autonomy & Alda. Haraldsson, G., Kellam, J., & Trickett, R. (2024). On firmer ground: Iceland's ongoing experience of shorter working weeks. Autonomy & Alda. Hersey, T. (2022). Rest is resistance: A manifesto. Little, Brown Spark.Kangas, O., Jauhiainen, S., Simanainen, M., & Ylikännö, M. (Eds.). (2020). The basic income experiment 2017–2018 in Finland: Preliminary results. Reports and Memorandums of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 2019:9. Lee, D.-W., & Ko, I.-S. (2023). Association of long commute time with mental health: A cross-sectional study using Korea Working Conditions Survey. Journal of Transport & Health, 32, 101659. Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78Sandow, E. (2011). On the road: Social aspects of commuting long distances to work [Doctoral dissertation, Umeå University]. DiVA.Schor, J., Gu, G., Naidu, S., Rooney, R., Rodenhiser-Hill, J., West, K., Hocquet, L., Hunt, K., Shaughnessy, T., & Gursoz, E. (2023). The results are in: The UK's four-day week pilot. Autonomy.Walker, M. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Scribner.West, S., Castro Baker, A., Samra, S., & Coltrera, E. (2021). Preliminary analysis: SEED's first year. Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration. World Economic Forum & PwC. (2024, November). Leveraging generative AI for job augmentation and workforce productivity. https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/artificial-intelligence/wef-leveraging-generative-ai-for-job-augmentation-and-workforce-productivity-2024.pdfWorld Economic Forum. (2025). The Future of Jobs Report 2025. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/Xiang, L., Peng, S., Mitchell, M., & Bernstein, M. S. (2025). Future of work with AI agents: Auditing automation and augmentation potential across the U.S. workforce. arXiv preprint arXiv:2506.06576 ★ Support this podcast ★

The Power of Talismans: Mind Over MatterIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the fascinating world of talismans, lucky charms, and rituals. While these objects may seem irrational at first glance, psychological and anthropological insights reveal they significantly alter how our brains handle risk, uncertainty, and stress. From ancient warriors to modern surgeons and athletes, humans have always used symbolic objects to manage anxiety and enhance performance. This episode dives into the neuroscience of belief, the anthropology of ritual, and the line between helpful superstition and harmful compulsion. Discover how these practices, whether physical or digital, help us face uncertainty and regulate our emotions, anchoring us in chaotic situations.00:00 Introduction to Talismans and Rituals00:53 The Psychology Behind Talismans01:27 Historical and Cultural Perspectives02:39 Modern Examples and Psychological Mechanisms05:24 Rituals in High-Stakes Professions07:30 Sports and Performance Enhancement10:30 The Placebo Effect and Physical Properties13:25 Cultural Significance and Adaptation16:20 When Rituals Become Unhealthy19:40 Digital Age Talismans22:14 Conclusion: The Power of BeliefReferencesAtkinson, P. (1981). The clinical experience: The construction and reconstruction of medical reality. Gower.Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman.Berle, D., Starcevic, V., Wootton, B., Arnáez, S., & Baggio, S. (2023). A network approach to understanding obsessions and compulsions. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 36, 100786. Damisch, L., Stoberock, B., & Mussweiler, T. (2010). Keep your fingers crossed! How superstition improves performance. Psychological Science, 21(7), 1014–1020. Davoudi, M., Mohammadzadeh, A., Vafaei, A., Mirzaei, S. M., & Ghanbari Jolfaei, A. (2024). A cross-sectional study in two common OCD subtypes: Network structure of symptoms, personality, and obsessive beliefs. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 1330901. Einstein, D. A., & Menzies, R. G. (2004). The presence of magical thinking in obsessive–compulsive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 42, 539–549. Einstein, D. A., & Menzies, R. G. (2004). Role of magical thinking in obsessive–compulsive symptoms in an undergraduate sample. Depression and Anxiety, 19, 174–179. Edwards, C. D. (2023). Obsessive–compulsive disorder in sports—Beyond superstitions. Advances in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. Advance online publication. Fite, R. E., Adut, S. L., & Magee, J. C. (2020). Do you believe in magical thinking? Examining magical thinking as a mediator between obsessive–compulsive belief domains and symptoms. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 48(4), 454–462. Frazer, J. G. (1996). The golden bough: A study in magic and religion. Oxford University Press. (Original work published 1890)Langer, E. J. (1975). The illusion of control. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32(2), 311–328.Rabinovitch, H. (2025). Playoff beards and unwashed uniforms: A scoping review on athletes’ superstitions and rituals. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Advance online publication. West, B., & Willner, P. (2011). Magical thinking in obsessive–compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 39(4), 399–411. Vyse, S. A. (2014). Believing in magic: The psychology of superstition (Updated ed.). Oxford University Press.   ★ Support this podcast ★

The Psychology of Everyday Aesthetics: How Our Surroundings Shape Our Well-beingIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the psychological impact of everyday aesthetics on our emotions, focus, and overall well-being. From cozy cafes to well-lit offices, Leslie delves into the science behind how environmental cues like color, light, form, and texture affect our mental state and cognitive performance. The episode also discusses the importance of creating supportive environments, especially for those who are neurodivergent, chronically ill, or recovering from trauma. Learn how to leverage aesthetic principles to create spaces that promote safety, comfort, and productivity. This episode emphasizes that aesthetics aren't frivolous but functional, and they play a crucial role in our daily lives and mental health.00:00 Introduction to PsyberSpace00:23 The Cafe Effect: How Environment Enhances Experience01:01 The Psychology of Everyday Aesthetics02:25 The Science Behind Aesthetic Responses04:12 Environmental Psychology and Neuroaesthetics08:33 The Impact of Light, Color, and Texture11:11 Aesthetics and Memory: Emotional Anchors17:31 Designing for Wellbeing: Practical Tips20:33 Conclusion: Aesthetics as Functional and EssentialReferencesBrowning, W. D., Ryan, C. O., & Clancy, J. O. (2014). 14 patterns of biophilic design. Terrapin Bright Green.Cela-Conde, C. J., Marty, G., Maestú, F., Ortiz, T., Munar, E., Fernández, A., Roca, M., Rosselló, J., & Quesney, F. (2004). Activation of the prefrontal cortex in the human visual aesthetic perception. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101(16), 6321–6325.Chatterjee, A., & Vartanian, O. (2014). Neuroaesthetics. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 18(7), 370–375.Cupchik, G. C. (2009). Viewing artworks: Contributions of cognitive control and perceptual facilitation to aesthetic experience. Brain and Cognition, 70(1), 84–91.Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169–182.Kawabata, H., & Zeki, S. (2004). Neural correlates of beauty. Journal of Neurophysiology, 91(4), 1699–1705.Kellert, S. R., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (Eds.). (2008). Biophilic design: The theory, science and practice of bringing buildings to life. John Wiley & Sons.Ohly, H., White, M. P., Wheeler, B. W., Bethel, A., Ukoumunne, O. C., Nikolaou, V., & Garside, R. (2016). Attention restoration theory: A systematic review of the attention restoration potential of exposure to natural environments. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, 19(7), 305–343.Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421.Ulrich, R. S. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230.Zeki, S. (1999). Inner vision: An exploration of art and the brain. Oxford University Press.Zeki, S., Romaya, J. P., Benincasa, D. M. T., & Atiyah, M. F. (2014). The experience of mathematical beauty and its neural correlates. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 68.Zeki, S., Chén, O. Y., & Romaya, J. P. (2020). Neuroaesthetics: The art, science, and brain triptych. In A. Chatterjee & E. Cardillo (Eds.), Brain, beauty & art: Essays bringing neuroaesthetics into focus (pp. 1–28). Oxford University Press. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Transparency Trap: How AI Disclosure Erodes TrustIn this special episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores a new study revealing that people who disclose AI use in professional settings are trusted significantly less than those who keep it a secret. This phenomenon is linked to identity protective cognition and professional identity threats. The discussion delves into how legitimacy and social norms shape trust dynamics, the role of cognitive dissonance, and systemic issues that exacerbate the AI transparency crisis. Poston also offers potential strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift in professional identity and transparent AI integration.00:00 Introduction to Today's Unique Episode01:41 The Transparency Dilemma Study03:32 Understanding the Legitimacy Discount04:07 Identity Protective Cognition and AI06:29 The Role of Professional Identity09:32 Moral Licensing and Cognitive Dissonance19:35 Systemic Issues and Forced AI Adoption22:06 Strategies for Cultural and Institutional Change25:28 Conclusion and Broader ImplicationsReferencesSchilke, O., & Reimann, M. (2025). The transparency dilemma: How AI disclosure erodes trust. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 188, 104405. Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press.Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). An integrative theory of intergroup conflict. In W. G. Austin & S. Worchel (Eds.), The social psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 33–47). Brooks/Cole.Lamont, M. (1992). Money, morals, and manners: The culture of the French and the American upper-middle class. University of Chicago Press.(see past episodes for more) ★ Support this podcast ★

The Cost of Convenience: How Technology is Redefining Connection and CreativityIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the impact of technological convenience on our emotional and cognitive lives. Inspired by a conversation with Jason Miller, Leslie explores how platforms like Facebook and generative AI tools are stripping away meaningful friction from our interactions, creativity, and mental tasks, leading to reduced emotional investment and cognitive development. The episode discusses concepts like emotional labor, effort justification, intermittent reinforcement, and the importance of cognitive friction for real connection and growth. Leslie also addresses the balance between accessibility and meaningful challenge, urging listeners to choose their frictions wisely and remain intentional about the technologies they adopt.00:00 Introduction and Inspiration00:38 The Impact of Social Media on Friendships02:48 Emotional Labor and Effort Justification08:38 The Role of Friction in Creativity14:31 The Downside of Frictionless Technology18:52 Balancing Accessibility and Meaningful Engagement21:05 Conclusion: Embracing Productive FrictionReferencesAaru, J. (2025) Artificial Intelligence and the Internal Processes of Creativity. The Journal of Creative Behavior. 59(2)Al-Zahrani, A.M. (2024) Balancing Act: Exploring the Interplay Between Human Judgement and Artificial Intelligence in Problem-Solving, Creativity, and Decision-Making. IgMin Research. 2(3): 145-158Alter, A. L., Oppenheimer, D. M., Epley, N., & Eyre, R. N. (2007). Overcoming intuition: Metacognitive difficulty activates analytic reasoning. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 136(4), 569–576. Bjork, R. A. (1994). Memory and metamemory considerations in the training of human beings. In J. Metcalfe & A. P. Shimamura (Eds.), Metacognition: Knowing about knowing (pp. 185–205). MIT Press.Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.Dunbar, R. I. M. (1998). The social brain hypothesis. Evolutionary Anthropology, 6(5), 178–190.Ellis, K., & Kent, M. (2011). Disability and new media. Routledge.Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press.Hochschild, A. R. (1983). The managed heart: Commercialization of human feeling. University of California Press.Hochschild, A. R. (1983). The managed heart: Commercialization of human feeling.Risko, E. F., & Gilbert, S. J. (2016). Cognitive offloading. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 20(9), 676–688. Norman, D. A. (2007). The design of future things. Basic Books.Raichle, M. E., et al. (2001). A default mode of brain function. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(2), 676-682.Seligman, M. E. P. (1972). Learned helplessness. Annual Review of Medicine, 23(1), 407-412.Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285.Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior.Article in New Yorker on AI and Culture: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/09/01/ai-is-coming-for-culture ★ Support this podcast ★

Exploring the Psychological Depths of Liminal SpacesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the concept of liminal spaces — those transitional zones, both physical and psychological, where we feel suspended between the past and the future. The discussion explores various examples such as airports, traffic jams, dead malls, subways, hospitals, and even digital environments. These spaces challenge our sense of time, memory, and self, creating both potential for transformation and risks like anxiety and disorientation. By understanding and navigating these in-between moments, we can harness their power for creative breakthroughs and personal growth.00:00 Introduction to Liminal Spaces01:55 The Concept of Liminality02:51 Modern Life and Liminality04:06 Airports: The Ultimate Liminal Space06:21 Dead Malls: Ghosts of Movement08:42 Traffic and Transit: Daily Liminal Encounters12:56 Hospitals and Hotels: Ambiguous Comfort15:02 Digital Liminality: The Eternal Scroll17:23 Psychological Implications of Liminal Spaces22:23 Navigating Liminal Spaces24:26 Conclusion: Embracing the In-BetweenReferencesArnett, J. J. (2004). Emerging adulthood: The winding road from the late teens through the twenties. Oxford University Press.Augé, M. (1995). Non-places: Introduction to an anthropology of supermodernity (J. Howe, Trans.). Verso.Bauman, Z. (2000). Liquid modernity. Polity Press.Boss, P. (2007). Ambiguous loss theory: Challenges for scholars and practitioners. Family Relations, 56(2), 105-111.Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996). Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention. Harper Perennial.Evans, G. W., Hygge, S., & Bullinger, M. (1995). Chronic noise and psychological stress. Psychological Science, 6(6), 333–338.Goffman, E. (1963). Behavior in public places: Notes on the social organization of gatherings. Free Press.Lin, Y. H., Lin, Y. C., Lee, Y. H., Lin, P. H., Lin, S. H., & Chang, L. R. (2019). Time distortion associated with smartphone addiction: Identifying predictors and consequences. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 115, 84–90.Raichle, M. E., MacLeod, A. M., Snyder, A. Z., Powers, W. J., Gusnard, D. A., & Shulman, G. L. (2001). A default mode of brain function. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(2), 676–682.Smallwood, J., & Schooler, J. W. (2006). The restless mind. Psychological Bulletin, 132(6), 946–958.Smith, S. M., & Vela, E. (2001). Environmental context-dependent memory: A review and meta-analysis. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 8(2), 203–220.Thomassen, B. (2009). The uses and meanings of liminality. International Political Anthropology, 2(1), 5–27.Tulving, E. (2002). Episodic memory: From mind to brain. Annual Review of Psychology, 53(1), 1–25.Turner, V. (1969). The ritual process: Structure and anti-structure. Aldine.Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421.van Gennep, A. (1909). The rites of passage. University of Chicago Press. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Power of Micro Joys: Building Psychological Resilience through Tiny PleasuresIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the concept of micro joys—small, spontaneous moments of delight that contribute significantly to our mental well-being. Contrary to the cultural emphasis on major achievements and peak experiences, micro joys provide a sustainable foundation for psychological resilience. Backed by research in positive psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science, the episode reveals how these tiny positive experiences can help manage stress, depression, and burnout. Leslie discusses how to identify and savor these moments, emphasizing that they are accessible to everyone, require no special circumstances, and can be especially beneficial during difficult times.00:00 Introduction to Micro Joys01:47 The Science Behind Micro Joys03:48 Characteristics of Micro Joys05:55 Micro Joys vs. Other Positive Practices12:05 Micro Joys in Mental Health21:54 Practical Tips for Noticing Micro Joys25:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ★ Support this podcast ★

PsyberSpace: Understanding the Psychology of Stochastic TerrorismIn this special episode of PsyberSpace, hosted by Leslie Poston, the focus is on the psychology of stochastic terrorism, particularly in the wake of the shooting of political pundit Charlie Kirk. The episode explores how public figures use mass communication to incite violence indirectly through loaded language and dehumanizing rhetoric. It looks into the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, including moral disengagement and emotional manipulation. The episode also discusses the global impact of American stochastic rhetoric and offers strategies for resistance, such as cognitive inoculation and media literacy. Leslie emphasizes the importance of understanding and responding to this psychological manipulation to prevent further violence.00:00 Introduction to Stochastic Terrorism00:29 The Case of Charlie Kirk01:53 Understanding Stochastic Terrorism06:24 Mechanisms of Dehumanization13:41 The Role of Media and Rhetoric17:44 Global Impact and Historical Context22:09 Psychological Aftermath of Violence28:21 Empathy and Moral Boundaries33:01 Recognizing and Resisting Stochastic Messaging38:04 Conclusion and Call to ActionResearch notes coming soon. ★ Support this podcast ★

Unseen Grief: Navigating Disenfranchised and Ambiguous LossIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the often overlooked and invalidated forms of grief that extend beyond traditional mourning. Discussing the concept of 'disenfranchised grief,' the episode delves into how economic systems and societal norms suppress acknowledgment of certain types of loss. From the unexpected death of a first love to ongoing ambiguous losses, Poston examines how these unacknowledged forms of grief affect our mental and physical health. She highlights the limitations of traditional grief models and emphasizes the need for more inclusive and validating support systems. The episode also tackles the political and structural issues surrounding grief, arguing that acknowledging and integrating our losses is crucial for emotional well-being.00:00 Introduction to Sneaky Grief01:33 Understanding Disenfranchised Grief04:00 Personal Story: The Unexpected Call06:06 The Continuing Bonds Model08:35 Ambiguous Loss and Its Impact11:20 The Political Side of Grief15:27 The Physiology of Grief17:33 Prolonged Grief Disorder19:16 Collective and Marginalized Grief21:11 Conclusion: Validating All Forms of GriefReferencesAlbuquerque, S., Teixeira, A. M., & Rocha, J. C. (2021). COVID-19 and disenfranchised grief. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 638874.Boss, P. (2006). Loss, trauma, and resilience: Therapeutic work with ambiguous loss. W. W. Norton.Cesur-Soysal, G., & Arı, E. (2024). How we disenfranchise grief for self and other: An empirical study. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, 88(2), 620-637.Djelantik, A. A. A. M. J., Smid, G. E., Mroz, A., Kleber, R. J., & Boelen, P. A. (2020). The prevalence of prolonged grief disorder in bereaved individuals following unnatural losses: Systematic review and meta regression analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 265, 146-156.Doka, K. J. (1989). Disenfranchised grief: Recognizing hidden sorrow. Lexington Books.Hewson, H., et al. (2023). The impact of continuing bonds following bereavement: A systematic review. Death Studies, 47(7), 762-775.Hopf, S. M., Riegel, B., Waters, C., Tamres, L., Good, M., Penner, A., & Guo, W. (2020). Neuroendocrine mechanisms of grief and bereavement: A systematic review and implications for future interventions. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 32(8), e12887.Klass, D., Silverman, P. R., & Nickman, S. L. (Eds.). (2014). Continuing bonds: New understandings of grief. Taylor & Francis.O'Connor, M. F. (2019). Grief: A brief history of research on how body, mind, and brain adapt. Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine.Phillip, L. (2024, July 8). Grief accrues faster than sick days: A reflection on pain, place, and productivity. The Philanthropist Journal. Retrieved from https://thephilanthropist.ca/2024/07/grief-accrues-faster-than-sick-days-a-reflection-on-pain-place-and-productivity/Phillips, C. S., Trainum, K., & Thomas Hebdon, M. C. (2025). Hidden in plain sight: A scoping review of professional grief in healthcare and charting a path for change. Health Services Insights. Sage Journals.Pitimson, N. (2021). Work after death: An examination of the relationship between grief, emotional labour, and the lived experience of returning to work after a bereavement. Sociological Research Online, 26(3), 590-606Prigerson, H. G., Boelen, P. A., Xu, J., Smith, K. V., & Maciejewski, P. K. (2021). Validation of the new DSM-5-TR criteria for prolonged grief disorder and the PG-13-Revised (PG-13-R) scale. World Psychiatry, 20(1), 96-106.Sandberg, S., & Grant, A. (2017). Option B: Facing adversity, building resilience, and finding joy. KnopfStroebe, M., Schut, H., & Boerner, K. (2017). Cautioning health-care professionals: Bereaved persons are misguided through the stages of grief. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, 74(4), 455-473.Wilson, D. M., Rodríguez-Prat, A., & Low, G. (2020). The potential impact of bereavement grief on workers, work, careers, and the workplace. Social Work in Health Care, 59(6), 335–350.   ★ Support this podcast ★

Billionaire Hoarding: A Psychological ExplorationIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the provocative idea that billionaire behavior may resemble a form of hoarding disorder, typically seen in people unable to part with physical objects. The discussion gets into the clinical understanding of hoarding, its evolutionary basis, and how similar psychological patterns might drive compulsive accumulation of wealth, power, and resources at a global scale. The episode critically examines society's celebration and protection of billionaire behaviors as opposed to recognizing their potentially pathological impact, drawing parallels between individual and systemic hoarding while proposing cultural and policy interventions. It challenges listeners to rethink how extreme wealth concentration affects democracy and social stability.00:00 Introduction: Billionaires and Hoarding02:39 Understanding Hoarding Disorder05:06 Evolutionary Roots of Hoarding06:30 Financial Hoarding: Billionaires and Beyond09:21 Personality Traits and Hoarding12:13 Cultural and Systemic Implications16:56 Interventions and Solutions25:19 Conclusion: The Path ForwardResearchBouissac, P. (2006). Hoarding behavior: A better evolutionary account of money psychology? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 29, 181 - 182. Canale, A., & Klontz, B. (2013). Hoarding Disorder: It’s More Than Just an Obsession - Implications for Financial Therapists and Planners. Journal of Financial Therapy, 4 (2) 4. Coupé, T., & Monteiro, P. (2015). The charity of the extremely wealthy. Economic IInquiry, 54(2)Damecour, C., & Charron, M. (1998). Hoarding: a symptom, not a syndrome. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 59 5, 267-72; quiz 273 . Davidson, E.J., Dozier, M.E., Pittman, J.O.E. et al. Recent Advances in Research on Hoarding. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 91 (2019) Dozier, M.E., & DeShong, H.L. (2022). The association between personality traits and hoarding behaviors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 35, 53 - 58. Frost, R. O., & Steketee, G. (2010). Stuff: Compulsive hoarding and the meaning of things. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.Frost, R. O., Steketee, G., & Williams, L. (2000). Hoarding: A community health problem. Health & Social Care in the Community, 8(4), 229–234. Frost, R. O., Tolin, D. F., & Maltby, N. (2010). Insight-related challenges in the treatment of hoarding disorder. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 17(4), 404-413. Geddes, B., Wright, J., & Frantz, E. (2018). How dictatorships work: Power, personalization, and collapse. Cambridge University Press.Haugerud, A. (2013). No Billionaire Left Behind: Satirical Activism in America. Stanford University Press.LaSalle-Ricci, V. H., Arnkoff, D. B., Glass, C. R., Crawley, S. A., Ronquillo, J. G., & Murphy, D. L. (2006). The hoarding dimension of OCD: Psychological comorbidity and the five-factor personality model. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(10), 1503–1512.Mataix-Cols, D., Frost, R. O., Pertusa, A., Clark, L. A., Saxena, S., Leckman, J. F., Stein, D. J., Matsunaga, H., & Wilhelm, S. (2010). Hoarding disorder: A new diagnosis for DSM-5? Depression and Anxiety, 27(6), 556–572. Mataix-Cols, D., Pertusa, A. , & Snowdon, J. (2011). Neuropsychological and neural correlates of hoarding: a practice-friendly review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, (5), 467-76. Mataix-Cols, D., & de la Cruz, L. F. (2018). Hoarding disorder has finally arrived, but many challenges lie ahead. World Psychiatry. 17(2):224-225Peebles, G. (2020). Hoarding and saving. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of AnthropologyPiketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Harvard University Press.Raines, A. M., Boffa, J. W., Allan, N. P., Short, N. A., & Schmidt, N. B. (2015). Hoarding and eating pathology: The mediating role of emotion regulation. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 57, 29-35. Rose, P. (2007). Mediators of the association between narcissism and compulsive buying: The roles of materialism and impulse control. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 21(4), 576–581. Steketee, G., & Frost, R. O. (2003). Compulsive hoarding: Current status of the research. Clinical Psychology Review, 23(7), 905–927. Svolik, M. W. (2008). Authoritarian reversals and democratic consolidation. American Political Science Review, 102(2), 153–168. Timpano, K. R., & Schmidt, N. B. (2013). The relationship between self-control deficits and hoarding: A multimethod investigation across three studies. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(1), 13–25. Tolin, D. F. (2011). Challenges and advances in treating hoarding. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(5), 451-5. Vickers, B. D., Preston, S. D., Gonzalez, R., & Angott, A. M. (2016). Hoarders Only Discount Consumables and Are More Patient for Money. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 10, Article 30 West, D. M. (2014). Billionaires: Reflections on the upper crust. Brookings Institution PressWinsberg, M. E., Cassic, K. S., & Koran, L. M. (1999). Hoarding in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A report of 20 cases. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 60(9), 591–597. Zuckman, G. (2025) The Trump-Musk feud exposes America's wealth-hoarding crisis. [OPINION ARTICLE] The Guardian. (Newspaper)  Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/10/the-trump-musk-feud-exposes-americas-wealth-hoarding-crisis ★ Support this podcast ★

The Psychology Behind Apocalyptic Thinking and Why It’s DangerousIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the growing phenomenon of apocalyptic thinking, exploring its psychological, sociological, and cultural roots. The episode examines why some people are drawn to the idea of societal collapse and how this mindset is manifesting in modern times through various ideologies and policies. Leslie discusses historical and contemporary examples, the role of trauma, and the disturbing impact of repeated COVID-19 infections on cognitive functions. The episode also highlights the commodification and monetization of despair online and argues for collective action, mutual aid, and hope as antidotes to the lure of apocalyptic thinking. Leslie concludes by emphasizing that positive change does not require collapse, but rather, requires human connection and collective effort.00:00 Introduction to Apocalyptic Thinking01:31 Historical Fascination with Endings02:44 The Psychology Behind Apocalyptic Beliefs03:34 Accelerationism: Pushing for Collapse05:59 Christian Nationalism and Apocalyptic Theology08:55 The Impact of Continuous Conflict12:16 Neurological Effects of COVID-1914:01 The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Despair16:01 Climate Nihilism and the Elite's Response18:04 The Profitability of Collapse19:20 A Counter-Narrative: Post-Traumatic Growth21:28 Conclusion: Choosing Hope Over DespairResearchAbene, S. (2025) Pandemic brain aging: How Covid-19 affects cognitive health beyond infection. Contagion Live. https://www.contagionlive.com/view/pandemic-brain-aging-how-covid-19-impacts-cognitive-health-beyond-infectionAmerican Psychological Association. (2020). Mental health and our changing climate: Impacts, implications, and guidance. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/02/climate-mental-healthAraújo, N., Silva, I., Campos, P. et al. Cognitive impairment 2 years after mild to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in a population-based study with matched-comparison groups. Sci Rep 15, 24335 (2025). Bandura, A. (2000). Exercise of human agency through collective efficacy. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 9(3), 75–78.Lewis, R. (2018). Alternative influence: Broadcasting the reactionary right on YouTube. Data & Society.Clayton, S. (2020). Climate anxiety: Psychological responses to climate change. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 74, 102263.Li, Z., Zhang, Z., Zhang, Z., Wang, Z., & Li, H. (2023). Cognitive impairment after long COVID: current evidence and perspectives. Frontiers in Neurology, 14.Freud, S. (1920). Beyond the pleasure principle (J. Strachey, Trans.). International Psycho-Analytical Press.Ganesh R, Blitshteyn S, Verduzco-Gutierrez M, Abene S, Ciccone I. A deep dive: understanding the neurological toll of long COVID. Contagion. 2024. https://www.contagionlive.com/roundtables/a-deep-dive-understanding-the-neurological-toll-of-long-covidGreenberg, J., Pyszczynski, T., & Solomon, S. (1986). The causes and consequences of a need for self-esteem: A terror management theory. In R. F. Baumeister (Ed.), Public self and private self (pp. 189–212). Springer.Haidt, J. (2012). The righteous mind: Why good people are divided by politics and religion. Pantheon Books.Jost, J. T., Banaji, M. R., & Nosek, B. A. (2004). A decade of system justification theory: Accumulated evidence of conscious and unconscious bolstering of the status quo. Political Psychology, 25(6), 881–919.Klein, N. (2007). The shock doctrine: The rise of disaster capitalism. Metropolitan Books.Seligman, M. E. P. (1975). Helplessness: On depression, development, and death. W.H. Freeman.Solnit, R. (2009). A paradise built in hell: The extraordinary communities that arise in disaster. Viking.Sontag, S. (1978). Illness as metaphor. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18.Tufekci, Z. (2018). YouTube, the great radicalizer. The New York Times.Turner, V. (1969). The ritual process: Structure and anti-structure. Aldine. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Comfort Trap: How Familiarity Hampers Growth and ProgressIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the concept of comfort and how it acts as a hidden barrier to personal and societal growth. Despite its allure, comfort can prevent individuals from taking risks, learning, and embracing change. The episode digs into the psychological and neurological reasons behind our preference for comfort, and its impact on behaviors, relationships, and social structures. Poston argues that comfort not only stifles innovation and accountability but also perpetuates systemic issues like racism and inequality. She urges listeners to build their capacity for discomfort as a means to foster resilience, creativity, and meaningful progress.00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Villain in Your Life00:35 The Comfort Trap: Why We Stay Stuck03:07 The Neuroscience of Comfort and Resistance to Change08:28 Comfort in Social Dynamics and Systemic Issues11:28 The Cost of Comfort: Personal and Societal Impacts22:43 Building Discomfort Tolerance for Growth and Progress24:37 Conclusion: Embrace Discomfort for a Better FutureResearchBanaji, M. R., & Jost, J. T. (1994). The role of stereotyping in system-justification and the production of false consciousness. British Journal of Social Psychology, 33(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8309.1994.tb01008.xDarley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4), 377-383. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0025589DiAngelo, R. (2018). White fragility: Why it's so hard for white people to talk about racism. Beacon Press.Feagin, J. & Picca, L. (2007) Two-Faced Racism. Routledge.Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press.Jost, J. T. (2019). A quarter century of system justification theory: Questions, answers, criticisms, and societal applications. British Journal of Social Psychology, 58(2), 263-314. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.12297Jost, J. T., & Banaji, M. R. (1994). The role of stereotyping in system justification and the production of false consciousness. British Journal of Social Psychology, 33(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8309.1994.tb01008.xKahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.Klayman, J., & Ha, Y. W. (1987). Confirmation, disconfirmation, and information in hypothesis testing. Psychological Review, 94(2), 211-228. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.94.2.211Kunda, Z. (1990). The case for motivated reasoning. Psychological Bulletin, 108(3), 480-498. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.108.3.480Latané, B., & Darley, J. M. (1970). The unresponsive bystander: Why doesn't he help? Appleton-Century-Crofts.Lieberman, M. D., Eisenberger, N. I., Crockett, M. J., Tom, S. M., Pfeifer, J. H., & Way, B. M. (2007). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli. Psychological Science, 18(5), 421-428. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01916.xOluo, I. (2018) So you want to talk about race. Seal Press.Tatum, B. D. (1997). Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the cafeteria?: And other conversations about race. Basic Books.Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1991). Loss aversion in riskless choice: A reference-dependent model. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 106(4), 1039-1061. https://doi.org/10.2307/2937956Wason, P. C. (1960). On the failure to eliminate hypotheses in a conceptual task. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 12(3), 129-140. https://doi.org/10.1080/17470216008416717 ★ Support this podcast ★