Changing Minds with Owen Fitzpatrick

In this episode of Changing Minds, I speak with James Kimmel Jr., J.D., lawyer, author of The Science of Revenge, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. James is a leading researcher on revenge, addiction, and forgiveness, and he was the first to identify compulsive revenge seeking as an addiction. He developed the behavioral and brain disease models of revenge addiction as public health approaches to prevent violence. James is also the creator of the Nonjustice System and the Miracle Court App, innovative tools that help people manage grievances, control revenge cravings, and embrace forgiveness. We also explore the difference between true justice and revenge, the neuroscience of forgiveness, and how forgiveness can rewire our brains. If you’ve ever struggled with anger, resentment, or the temptation to seek revenge, this conversation will provide you with powerful insights into how to move from pain toward peace. https://www.jameskimmeljr.com/  Miracle Court App available at https://www.miraclecourt.com Visit my website: https://owenfitzpatrick.com/ Join my Newsletter: https://owenfitzpatrick.com/newsletter/    

Your mind is incredible, but it isn’t always as objective as you think. In this rerun episode of Changing Minds, I explore 21 of the most common cognitive biases that quietly shape your decisions every single day—whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth. Why do first impressions stick with us? (Anchoring Bias) Why are we more attuned to potential risks than potential rewards? (Negativity Bias) And why does simply seeing something repeatedly make us feel more positively about it? (Mere Exposure Effect) By understanding these mental shortcuts, you’ll be better equipped to recognize hidden patterns in your thinking and make wiser, more intentional choices. Listen in and discover how to outsmart your brain’s blind spots. Visit my website: owenfitzpatrick.com Join my Newsletter: owenfitzpatrick.com/newsletter  

In this rerun of the Changing Minds Podcast, we explore the remarkable power of dopamine—the brain’s motivation molecule. Far more than just a “feel-good” chemical, dopamine shapes our habits, fuels our ambitions, and even influences how we see ourselves and the world. In this episode, I break down the science of how dopamine drives desire, learning, and belief change, and why it plays such a central role in both short-term behaviors and long-term goals. You’ll also learn practical strategies to boost, balance, and make the most of your dopamine levels—so you can sharpen your focus, strengthen your motivation, and create lasting change. If you’ve ever wondered why dopamine gets so much attention in neuroscience, or how you can harness it to improve your life, this episode is for you.  

In this classic episode of Changing Minds, I dive deep into the fascinating science of habit change. Drawing from over 30 years of helping people worldwide transform their routines, I unpack the psychology, history, and neuroscience behind how habits are formed and how to break or build them effectively. You’ll learn research-backed strategies from groundbreaking works like Atomic Habits and Tiny Habits, discover how dopamine drives your behavior, and explore practical techniques to create lasting change. Whether you want to finally drop a bad habit or lock in a powerful new one, this episode will give you the tools to make it happen. Visit my website: https://owenfitzpatrick.com/Join my Newsletter: https://owenfitzpatrick.com/newsletter/ Subscribe 🔴  

Are Negative Thoughts Holding You Back? In this encore episode of the Changing Minds Podcast, I revisit one of our most impactful topics, overcoming negative thinking.  We’ll explore the hidden roots of those self-defeating thoughts and reveal proven strategies to challenge and change them. I’ll break down common cognitive distortions, explain how language shapes your internal world, and share practical mindset shifts to cultivate greater optimism and mental clarity.  Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, or just feeling stuck, this episode is packed with actionable tools to help you break free and think more positively. Visit my website: owenfitzpatrick.com Join my newsletter: owenfitzpatrick.com/newsletter

Rerun: How to Read a Person Like a Book This week I’m bringing back one of our most popular episodes because understanding people never goes out of style. Have you ever wished you could tell when someone is lying or sense what they’re truly feeling? While mind-reading isn’t real, this episode is packed with real-world tools to help you read people more accurately and intuitively. I’ll explore: How body language, voice tone, and micro-expressions offer hidden clues Why empathy and curiosity are your secret weapons How to avoid common biases and misreads in social interactions Ways to build stronger relationships and spot manipulation early If you want to connect better, listen deeper, and navigate conversations with more clarity, this one’s worth a replay. 🎧 Subscribe, share, and drop a comment—I’d love to hear what stood out for you. Visit my website: https://owenfitzpatrick.com/ Join my newsletter: https://owenfitzpatrick.com/newsletter/ #ChangingMinds #ReadingPeople #EmotionalIntelligence #BodyLanguage #Empathy #CommunicationSkills  

In this replay episode, I explore one of the most fascinating topics in psychology and personal development: intelligence. What does it really mean to be smart? How can we cultivate greater intelligence in our daily lives? I’ll revisit key concepts like spaced repetition, deep work, and lifestyle habits that support cognitive growth. I’ll also break down the history of intelligence testing, examine different types of intelligence, and reflect on the rewards and potential risks of being highly intelligent. Whether you’re a lifelong learner or just curious about boosting brainpower, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow sharper and wiser. Visit my website: owenfitzpatrick.com Join the newsletter: owenfitzpatrick.com/newsletter  

This is a rerun of one of our most impactful episodes of Changing Minds, and it’s just as relevant today as ever. In this episode, I dive into the complex and often uncomfortable topic of change. Together, we’ll explore why change can feel so difficult, what’s happening in the brain when we resist it, and how to work with that resistance rather than against it. I introduce a powerful, evidence-based five-step process I call “change confidence,” designed to help you navigate everything from life transitions to the rapid technological and societal shifts we’re all experiencing. Whether you're facing big changes or simply want to become more adaptable, this episode will give you the tools to turn uncertainty into an opportunity for growth, clarity, and resilience. Revisit timeless strategies and discover more at: owenfitzpatrick.comSubscribe for fresh insights each week: Join my newsletter

In this powerful encore episode, I explore one of the most influential forces in our lives: our inner voice. Often mistaken for just a nagging inner critic, our self-talk is actually a complex web of voices that shape how we feel, act, and show up in the world. You'll learn: Why it’s crucial to become a producer of your inner dialogue, not just a consumer The psychology behind how we label and narrate our experiences How to shift from critical to empowering self-talk using proven techniques Tools like meta mantras, reframing questions, tone adjustments, and electing a “boss voice” to guide your internal narrative If you've ever felt stuck in cycles of negative thinking, this episode offers a clear, practical path to taking back control and rewriting the stories you tell yourself. Visit my website: owenfitzpatrick.comJoin my newsletter: owenfitzpatrick.com/newsletter  

Whether you're currently navigating heartbreak or want to support someone who is, this episode of Changing Minds offers timeless insights on one of life’s toughest emotional challenges: getting over a breakup. In this conversation, I revisit why breakups can feel so devastating, whether you were the one who ended things or not, and walk through practical tools and strategies to help you heal and move forward. If you're ready to understand your emotions better, reclaim your power, and get back on the path toward the life you want, this episode is for you (or someone you care about). Hit play and let’s work through this together.  

In this popular rerun episode of the Changing Minds podcast, I dive into the psychology behind grabbing and holding people’s attention, one of the most essential skills in business, content creation, and communication. I walk through 15 powerful attention hacks rooted in neuroscience and human behavior, from the impact of novelty and curiosity to the pull of danger, beauty, and even polarization. Whether you're crafting content, pitching ideas, or just trying to be heard in a noisy world, these insights can make all the difference. This is a great episode to revisit or catch for the first time if you're serious about standing out and connecting with your audience.  

In this standout conversation, I sit down with best-selling author Nir Eyal, one of today’s leading voices in personal and professional development. We dive into the powerful insights behind his books, including how to take control of your attention, break free from distraction, and design products that truly engage. Whether you're a creator, leader, or simply someone striving for more focus in a noisy world, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and mind-shifting ideas. 🔁 Revisit this timeless conversation and refocus your attention where it matters most.  

In this encore episode, I revisit one of the most essential skills for leaders, decision-makers, and lifelong learners: critical thinking. We explore why thinking critically is harder than it sounds and how emotional reactions, cognitive biases, and everyday pressures often get in the way. You'll hear practical insights on how to navigate those roadblocks and sharpen your thinking in any situation. Common barriers to critical thinking: Emotional reactions Cognitive biases Time and energy constraints Lack of awareness or information Overthinking and the “curse of knowledge” Key questions to think more critically: What information do I have, and what’s missing? How accurate or biased is the data? What’s the context right now, and what could this mean moving forward? How might this impact the bigger picture? What emotional, relational, or political dynamics are at play? If you’re looking to refine your judgment, make better decisions, and lead with clarity, this episode is a must-listen.