Shows
She Reads Romance Books PodcastMy July 2025 Reading List: What to Read and What to Skip in RomanceIn this episode, I’m sharing my July 2025 reading list of romance books, sharing mini book reviews of the romance books I think you should read, and which books I think you should just skip so you only read the best books worth reading… because life is better with a love story!BOOKS:The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain by Hannah Brown: https://amzn.to/3UA5zH3Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver: https://amzn.to/46xYBttThe Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch: https://amzn.to/4mfBgkP2025-08-0436 min
PsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldShe Leads: What Psychology Reveals About Women and PowerThe Science Behind Women’s Superior Leadership: Breaking Biases and Embracing EffectivenessIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the compelling evidence showing that women tend to be better leaders than men. The discussion includes statistics indicating that countries led by women have fewer conflicts and better crisis management. It digs into decades of research from organizational psychology, showing women outscore men in key leadership competencies such as empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Neuroscientific studies highlight differences in how male and female brains process stress, favoring collaborative and adaptive behavior in women. Despite this overwhelming ev...2025-08-0432 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldMedia As Resistance: The Psychology of Necessary ConsumptionNavigating Media Consumption for Psychological Well-Being and ResistanceIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the critical issue of media consumption in the age of information overload and crisis. With facts being scrubbed from official sources and reality under attack, Poston examines the role of independent journalism and social media as lifelines to truth. The episode digs into the psychology of how we consume media, the distinction between staying informed and drowning in trauma, and the impact of the attention economy and algorithms on our emotional well-being. Drawing from psychological theories, research, and historical examples...2025-07-2829 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldYour Brain on Easy Mode: AI, Comfort, and the Cost of ConvenienceUnmasking the Dangers of 'Preventing Woke AI': A Critical AnalysisIn this midweek special of PsyberSpace, Leslie Poston addresses a significant news event: the Trump administration's signing of a federal AI action plan as well as an executive order called 'Preventing Woke AI.' Focusing on generative AI, LLM AI, and NLP AI, Poston discusses the implications of how AI, optimized for ease, can subtly reprogram societal norms and reinforce biases. The episode underscores the threat of authoritarian control through AI, the illusion of neutral AI, and the psychological effects of passive AI use. Poston also offers...2025-07-2411 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldWhy Hard Work Doesn't Always Pay Off: The Psychology of Workplace MythsThe Myth of Meritocracy: Unpacking Workplace InequalityIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the illusion of meritocracy in the workplace. Despite the comforting narrative that hard work leads to success, systemic biases and structural inequalities often shape career outcomes more than individual effort. The episode digs into psychological concepts like the just world hypothesis and fundamental attribution error, and cultural factors such as the American Dream and survivor bias. Leslie discusses how these beliefs perpetuate inequality and internalized oppression, offering insights into how organizations and individuals can foster a more equitable environment. Tune in...2025-07-2127 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldYou're Not Imagining It: How Your Workplace Is Rewriting Your RealityUnderstanding Workplace Gaslighting: Causes, Effects, and SolutionsIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the psychological concept of gaslighting, with a focus on its manifestation in the workplace. Leslie digs into how workplace gaslighting mirrors interpersonal abuse, creating a toxic environment where employees doubt their reality. Examples include management minimizing concerns, contradicting realities, and fostering toxic positivity. The episode also discusses the impact on mental health, job satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness. Leslie offers strategies for identifying, documenting, and resisting gaslighting, as well as advice for leaders to create a supportive and transparent work environment.2025-07-1428 minShe Reads Romance Books PodcastMy May and June 2025 Reading List: What to Read & Skip in RomanceIn this episode I’m sharing mini book reviews of ALL the romance books that I read in the months of May and June 2025. It’s quite a lot with many new releases and I won’t hold back in sharing whether I think these are romance books that you should read and add to your TBR list or if they might be a book you want to skip.BOOKS MENTIONED: Holiday Headlock by Terry Armstrong: https://amzn.to/4lyN4y9Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston: https://amzn.to/3GbEjuuWell...2025-07-0737 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldYour Nervous System vs. The News Cycle: Why Normal Coping Isn't WorkingCoping in an Age of Chaos: Understanding Adaptive StrategiesIn this episode, host Leslie Poston digs into the multifaceted science of coping amidst today’s turbulent world. With constant exposure to political violence, environmental disasters, and social instability, many struggle to maintain mental well-being. Leslie explores the psychology behind coping, referencing the work of Richard Lazarus, Susan Folkman, and Bruce McEwen on stress responses. She discusses the roles of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping and addresses the dangers of chronic stress and learned helplessness. The episode examines how relational resilience, communal support, and collective activities can bolster coping me...2025-07-0626 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldEveryday Eugenics: The Psychology of Who We Let DieThe Quiet Reality of Everyday EugenicsIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the pervasive issue of everyday eugenics embedded in our society. Unlike historical instances marked by overt brutality, today's eugenics are subtle and ingrained in policies, healthcare, media, and cultural mindset. Leslie explores how the worth of individuals is unjustly tied to their productivity, leading to harmful social and systemic practices that marginalize people unable to meet those expectations. The episode highlights the dangerous ideologies underlying healthcare access, policy decisions, and media representation, urging listeners to name the issues, support disabled communities...2025-06-3025 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldAlone Together in the Empire: The Psychology of Community Collapse and Collective RageCapitalism Stole Your Support SystemIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the emotional ramifications of systemic abandonment by protective institutions, especially in response to the US's recent unprovoked attack on Iran. The discussion explores the psychological effects of community collapse, the lack of a communal safety net, and the individualist culture that exacerbates feelings of powerlessness and disconnection. Drawing on political and developmental psychology, this episode examines issues such as civic trauma, emotional gaslighting, and moral injury while proposing ways to rebuild a sense of community and shared grief. It calls for collective...2025-06-2323 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldWhy You Get Your Best Ideas in the Shower - The Psychology of InsightUnlocking Creativity: The Science Behind Shower Thoughts and InsightIn this episode of Psyberspace, hosted by Leslie Poston, the discussion revolves around the phenomenon of insight—those unexpected bursts of clarity often experienced during mundane tasks like showering. Leslie explains how these 'shower thoughts' are the result of the brain's default mode network (DMN) becoming active during periods of rest. This network facilitates creative connections by allowing the brain to make novel associations when it's not focused on specific tasks. The episode gets into the science behind how mental rest and activities that raise dopamine levels create th...2025-06-1621 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldBad, Not Broken: The Psychology of Excusing HarmUnpacking the Misuse of Mental Illness Labels in SocietyIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the harmful cultural habit of attributing acts of cruelty, violence, and abuse of power to mental illness. Leslie discusses the psychological reasons behind this impulse, the impact it has on our perceptions of justice and morality, and how it reinforces harmful stereotypes and biases. The episode digs into cognitive dissonance, the just world hypothesis, and the fundamental attribution error, examining how these concepts contribute to mislabeling people and behaviors. The discussion also covers the uneven media portrayal of...2025-06-0922 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldChildhood Trauma: The One Test You Don't Want to ACEUnderstanding the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Pathways to HealingIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) test, a 10-question survey that uncovers the hidden impacts of childhood trauma on adult health and well-being. Leslie explains how high ACE scores correlate with numerous physical and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, chronic illnesses, and reduced life expectancy. The episode explores the biological effects of trauma on the brain and body, how trauma manifests in the workplace, relationships, and parenting, and the importance of trauma-informed healthcare. Additionally...2025-06-0222 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldThe Paradox of Progress - Why Success Makes Us ForgetThe Paradox of Progress: Why We Forget What WorksIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the 'Paradox of Progress,' a psychological phenomenon explaining why society and individuals often dismantle the systems that made their successes possible. The episode explores this paradox in various realms including public health, civil rights, economics, and climate policy. The discussion reveals how our brains' tendency to forget problems once they are resolved leads to cyclical issues, like the resurgence of diseases or the rollback of civil protections. It emphasizes the importance of active memory and systemic maintenance...2025-05-2622 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldOutsourcing Our Minds: AI, Learning, and the Cognitive CostThe Cognitive Cost of AI: A Deep Dive into Learning and DevelopmentIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping cognition, particularly in education. The discussion focuses on the developmental impact of AI on children and the cognitive trade-offs associated with relying on AI tools. The episode delves into the science behind why traditional methods like handwriting are essential for learning, memory, and cognitive development. It also highlights the risks of cognitive offloading and suggests strategies for integrating AI thoughtfully without compromising critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The takeaway: while AI...2025-05-1925 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldThe War on Empathy: Why Authoritarians Fear ItEmpathy Under Fire: Understanding Its Crucial Role and Strategic ErosionIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychological phenomenon of empathy, distinguishing it from sympathy and underscoring its pivotal role in moral reasoning, cooperation, and human survival. The episode explores the three types of empathy—cognitive, emotional, and compassionate—and how they are neurologically grounded. Leslie discusses the alarming trend of empathy being framed as a weakness or sin by authoritarian figures, media, and extremist ideologies, which aim to dehumanize outgroups for control. The episode emphasizes the importance of empathy in social cohesion and...2025-05-1223 minShe Reads Romance Books PodcastTop 10 New Romance Book Releases Dropping this June 2025 to Add to Your TBR ListGet ready to turn up the heat this June with these must-read, new romance book releases set to drop this month. I’m sharing my top 10 most anticipated new romance book releases for June 2025 in this book list so that you know exactly what to add to your TBR list. Don’t forget to keep track of these new releases in your Romance Book Reading Journal – the only reading journal created exclusively for romance book lovers! Grab your copy today …because life is better with a love story! BOOKS MENTIONED:Till Summer Do Us Part by...2025-05-1233 min
Books Around the BlockChapter Six: Our April Reads + May TBRIn this episode, Adrienne, Audrey, and Lindsay recap all the books they read in April—from the ones they couldn’t put down to the ones that fell flat—and share the titles they're most excited to dive into this May. If you're hunting for your next great read or just love hearing what others are reading, you won’t want to miss this spoiler-free conversation!Books Mentioned in this Episode:A Forty Year Kiss by Nikolas ButlerVictorian Psycho by Virginia Feito Happy Place by Emily HenryWild Da...2025-05-0658 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldWords They Don’t Want You to Say: The Psychology of Linguistic OppressionThe Power of Language: Unveiling the Psychology of Linguistic ControlIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychology behind the control and censorship of language, examining how it impacts us psychologically, socially, and politically. The discussion touches on historical and contemporary examples, including the strategic choice of words in South American dictatorships, the erasure of terms like 'diversity' and 'gender' in the U.S., and the euphemistic language used by corporations and governments. Highlighting theoretical and empirical research, Poston explores the profound effects linguistic control can have on thought, resistance, and identity. The...2025-05-0531 minShe Reads Romance Books PodcastThe Best Summer Romance Books of 2025 to Fill Your TBR ListGet ready for summer with my list of the best, most anticipated new summer romance books of 2025! These are the new summer romance books that will make the perfect beach reads or poolside reads this summer. Fill up your TBR list with these new romance book releases that are dropping this summer.BOOKS MENTIONED:One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune: https://amzn.to/4ejLRXIThe Love Haters by Katherine Center: https://amzn.to/3AFizVvIt’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan: https://amzn.to/3YEvi2KPr...2025-04-2830 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldFirst, Do Harm: The Dark Side of Psychology's Troubled LegacyUnearthing Psychology's Shadow: A Critical ExaminationIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the dark history of psychology, exploring its entanglements with colonialism, racism, sexism, and eugenics. The episode sheds light on how psychological theories and practices have upheld oppressive systems and sometimes caused harm. Poston emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these historical abuses to build a more ethical, inclusive, and just field. The episode also addresses how contemporary issues in psychology continue to reflect these historical biases, and how current scholars and practitioners are working to transform the discipline.00:00 Introduction to...2025-04-2833 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldLOL at Democracy? How Memes Normalize AuthoritarianismThe Dangers of Trivializing Fascism: How Memes Shape Our PoliticsIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the often overlooked impact of political memes on our digital and real-world environments. While memes may seem harmless or even humorous on the surface, they can trivialize serious issues such as authoritarianism and fascism, thereby dulling societal urgency and fracturing crucial coalitions. Leslie digs into the psychology and neuroscience behind these digital behaviors, discussing how repeated exposure to meme content can desensitize us to real threats, influence political engagement, and even rewire our brain's reward systems. The episode...2025-04-2120 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldUncertain Times: How We Make Decisions When We Don't Know What's ComingNavigating Uncertainty: Understanding Its Impact on Decision MakingIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the complexities of uncertainty and its effects on decision-making. Leslie explores the psychological and physiological responses to uncertainty, including the role of the amygdala and the concept of Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU). The discussion encompasses cognitive biases like the availability heuristic and ambiguity aversion, and the differential impact of uncertainty across various demographics, including cultural, genetic, and socioeconomic factors. Strategies for improving decision-making under uncertainty are presented, such as leveraging system one and system two thinking, scenario planning, mental...2025-04-1422 min
Crime Time IncCharles Manson: Harmony and ChaosIn episode 6 of Crime Time Inc.'s Charles Manson series, host Alex unravels the shocking relationship between Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson and Charles Manson. Discover how Manson and his followers infiltrated Wilson’s life, exploiting his fame and wealth, and the subsequent fallout from their chaotic influence. The episode details Dennis’s reckless lifestyle, the tragic impact of his father's abuse, and his desperate search for artistic recognition. Learn how Manson tried to leverage Wilson’s industry connections to propel his music career, the failed attempt at getting a record deal, and the eventual move to Spahn Ranch. This e...2025-04-1349 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldUnited in Opposition: How the Psychology of Anti-Fandom Fueled America's Recent ProtestUnraveling Fan Psychology in Social Movements: Insights from the Hands-Off ProtestIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the intersection of fan behavior and social movements, using her early research and the recent Hands-Off protest as case studies. Poston digs into the mechanisms behind successful progressive movements, highlighting the power of collective identity, symbolism, and anti-fandom in mobilizing people. Drawing comparisons with the Women's March, she explains why some movements fail to sustain momentum and offers insights into how progressive organizers can harness the principles of fan psychology to create lasting social change. Additionally, Poston...2025-04-0722 minBooks Around the BlockChapter Two: Our March Reads + April TBRIn this episode of Books Around the Block, Adrienne, Audrey, and Lindsay recap their March reads—discussing the hits, the misses, and the ones that left them with all the feelings. From gripping thrillers to best-selling romances, they cover a variety of genres and share their honest thoughts. Plus, they reveal their April TBR lists—what’s on their radar, what they’re excited to dive into, and which books might just end up in the DNF pile. Grab your favorite beverage and join the conversation!Follow us at @booksaroundtheblockpod on Instagram and TikTok for more fun content...2025-04-0142 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldThe Persuasion Matrix - When Marketing Becomes Propaganda Marketing and Propaganda UnveiledIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the pervasive challenge of marketing and propaganda, drawing parallels between commercial and ideological influence. She discusses the psychological mechanisms behind effective marketing and propaganda, including social proof, scarcity, authority, and identity-based persuasion. The episode explores real-world examples, such as the tobacco industry's misinformation campaigns and tech companies' use of 'sharing economy' narratives. Poston provides strategies for critical media consumption and emphasizes the importance of awareness in maintaining autonomy and making conscious choices in a world filled with persuasive messages.00:00 Introduction to t...2025-03-3138 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldThe Science of Trust: Building Psychological Safety in Today's WorkplaceEnhancing Workplace Dynamics: The Critical Role of Psychological SafetyIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the concept of psychological safety in the workplace. She explains its definition, importance, and methods to cultivate it amidst personal and corporate politics. Drawing on insights from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and social learning theory, Leslie discusses how psychological safety reduces cognitive load, fosters creativity, and enhances team performance. The episode also covers the impact of leadership and cultural contexts on psychological safety, challenges faced by hybrid and remote teams, and effective practices for maintaining safety during organizational changes...2025-03-2423 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldFrayed Connections: The Psychology of Friendships in the Digital EraThe Psychology of Digital Friendships: Navigating Connections in the Digital AgeIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the profound psychological mechanisms underlying friendships in the digital era. The episode digs into how technology affects emotional labor, reciprocity, and vulnerability in relationships. Highlighting research by Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Dr. Sherry Turkle, Dr. John Cacioppo, and others, Leslie discusses the impact of social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram on our ability to form and maintain meaningful connections. The conversation touches on concepts such as the IKEA effect, social homeostasis, the social attention economy...2025-03-1723 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldThe Risk Paradox: Why We Fear Sharks But Text While DrivingWhy Humans Struggle with Risk Assessment: Understanding Our Cognitive BiasesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the complexities of human risk assessment. Despite relying on this critical cognitive skill every day, humans often misjudge risks due to emotional biases, misinformation, and stress. From relationships and work to financial decisions and global crises like Covid-19, Leslie explores how attachment styles, behavioral economics, media influence, and neurological factors impact our perception of risk. The episode also offers practical strategies for improving risk literacy and making more informed decisions in various aspects of life, emphasizing the...2025-03-1025 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldMind Locked: The Surprising Psychology Behind Our Resistance to ChangeThe Psychology of Changing Minds: Unpacking Cognitive Barriers and StrategiesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs deep into the complex psychology behind changing minds in a divided society. The episode, which runs longer than usual at 60 minutes, explores how cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, and identity protection influence our resistance to belief revision. Leslie discusses the neurological discomfort of encountering contradictory information, the role of group identity in maintaining beliefs, and the dangers and mechanisms of cult indoctrination and propaganda. The episode also highlights the importance of curiosity, critical education, and strategic patience in facilitating...2025-03-031h 05PsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldThe Shadows Within: How Disgust and Shame Break SocietyThe Hidden Power of Disgust and Shame: Unveiling Ancient Emotions in Modern SocietyIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychological forces of disgust and shame, exploring their ancient roots and modern implications. The episode sheds light on how these emotions shape our identities, enforce social norms, and influence political and social landscapes. Through neuroimaging studies and research from sociology and psychology, Leslie explains how physical disgust responses are linked to moral judgments and the perpetuation of social boundaries. The discussion also examines the role of media, technology, and societal structures in amplifying...2025-02-2421 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldBreaking the Cycle: Confronting and Changing Toxic Work EnvironmentsNavigating and Transforming Toxic WorkplacesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the pervasive issue of toxic workplaces. The discussion covers identifying toxic behaviors such as micromanagement, harassment, and discriminatory practices and their detrimental effects on mental and physical health. The role of leadership, particularly toxic leaders, and their impact on workplace culture is highlighted. Strategies for survival and transformation are provided, including building a support network, maintaining strong boundaries, and possibly leaving the toxic environment. The complexities of discrimination, including sexism, racism, and disability discrimination, are also addressed, along with the importance of...2025-02-1730 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldExtinction Burst: The Desperate Ways Extremists and their Movements React When Losing GroundExtinction Burst: The Desperate Ways Extremists and their Movements React When Losing GroundIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the concept of extinction bursts—predictable patterns of intensifying behavior when long-standing negative behaviors lose effectiveness. Drawing on examples from political, social, and historical contexts, the episode explains how these bursts manifest in both individual and group behaviors, and why they're particularly relevant given today's rapid societal changes. The discussion extends to the effects of spontaneous recovery and emphasizes the importance of consistent societal response for building resilient and inclusive communities.00:00 Introduction to Ex...2025-02-1119 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldSmall Steps, Big Impact: Psychology To Help You Take Action In Overwhelming TimesHarnessing Small Actions for Big Change in Overwhelming ChallengesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores how to take meaningful actions when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through insights from various psychological studies, Leslie explains why our brains often shut down when faced with massive issues, and how small, strategic steps can break this paralysis. The episode dives into concepts such as learned helplessness, behavioral activation, and small wins, emphasizing the neuroscientific and social impacts of taking small actions. Additionally, it covers practical strategies from behavioral science and social movements to create sustainable, connective, and scalable...2025-02-0323 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldThe Psychological Power of Art and Creativity: Why We Create and How It Shapes UsThe Psychological Power of Art and Creativity: Exploring Why We CreateIn this episode of PsyberSpace, hosted by Leslie Poston, we explore the profound psychological impact of art and creativity. Using examples like Dylan Thomas's poem 'Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night' and Maya Angelou's 'Still I Rise,' the episode delves into why art moves us and how creativity nurtures our mental well-being. The discussion touches on how art activates brain reward centers, fosters empathy, and acts as a form of resistance and resilience, especially for marginalized communities. The episode also emphasizes the therapeutic...2025-01-2718 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldShields Up: Recognizing and Resisting Propaganda in Authoritarian RegimesUnderstanding and Resisting Authoritarian PropagandaIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston looks into the mechanisms of propaganda used by authoritarian regimes. The episode covers the psychological strategies behind media manipulation, revisionist history, and language control intended to mold public perception and behavior. Using historical and contemporary examples, Leslie highlights the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in recognizing and resisting these tactics. The episode also provides actionable strategies for maintaining personal and societal integrity in the face of propaganda, stressing the value of diverse media consumption and community building.00:00 Introduction to Propaganda...2025-01-2010 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldBusting Brain Busters: Unraveling Popular Psychology MythsDebunking Psychology Myths: From Brain Function to VaccinesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston critically examines several long-standing psychology myths and their impacts. The discussion covers misconceptions such as the left-brained/right-brained theory, the myth that we use only 10% of our brain, the idea that opposites attract in relationships, and the belief that venting anger is beneficial. Further myths debunked include the notion that memory functions like a video camera, the causation of hyperactivity in children by sugar, subliminal messages controlling behavior, the Mozart effect's impact on intelligence, and the debunked link between vaccines and...2025-01-1425 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldBillionaire Brain: How Extreme Wealth Rewires Human PsychologyPsyberSpace S2E1: The Neuroscience of Wealth and PowerIn the season two opener of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores how extreme wealth and power transform the human mind. The episode gets into neuroscientific research revealing that power and wealth can rewire neural pathways, decrease empathy, alter decision-making, and increase risk-taking behaviors. Examples from real-world events, including actions by billionaires like Jeff Bezos, illustrate the psychological changes that accompany immense wealth. The show also highlights how maintaining diverse social connections can mitigate the negative effects of power. With increasing global wealth concentration, understanding these changes is critical...2025-01-0622 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldThe Resolution Revolution: Why Your Brain Doesn't Care About January 1stThe Psychology Behind New Year's Resolutions and Lasting ChangeIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the psychology behind New Year's resolutions and why many people abandon them by February. Discussing neuroscience and behavioral psychology, Leslie examines how our brains resist change and the significance of setting realistic, intrinsic goals. The episode highlights the importance of flexibility, self-compassion, and the role of environmental cues. It also debunks the myth of January 1st as the optimal start date, emphasizing readiness and strategic planning over arbitrary timing. Cultural perspectives on gradual change and the effectiveness of habit...2024-12-3020 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldThe Psychology of Holiday Consumption: From Black Friday to Blue MondayThe Psychology of Holiday Consumerism: Understanding Impact and WellbeingIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the timely subject of holiday consumerism and its various impacts on mental health, community well-being, and global issues. Through recent events like the Amazon workers' strike, the episode highlights the complex interplay of psychological, social, and economic forces influencing consumer behavior. Leslie discusses the neuroscience behind decision-making under stress, marketing tactics that exploit emotional vulnerabilities, and the inverse relationship between materialism and happiness. The episode also covers coping mechanisms, such as conscious minimalism and mindful consumption, and provides insights...2024-12-2326 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldUnpacking Our Psychological Reactions to High-Profile ViolenceUnderstanding Psychological Reactions to High-Profile ViolenceIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the complex psychological reactions to high-profile acts of violence, using a recent incident involving the death of a healthcare CEO as a case study. The discussion delves into the psychological phenomena of priming, scapegoating, and how media framing affects public sentiment. The episode also examines the collective responses to systemic healthcare failures and the role of digital communication in amplifying emotional reactions. Leslie highlights the importance of understanding these psychological currents to foster a more empathetic and proactive society.00:00 Introduction...2024-12-1627 minPsyberSpace: Understand Your WorldDecoding Morals: Why We Think and Act the Way We DoDecoding Morality: Vertical vs. Horizontal Morality and Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic MotivationsIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the complexities of our moral compass by exploring the dimensions of vertical versus horizontal morality and intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Through real-life scenarios and psychological theories, the episode examines how our upbringing, cultural background, and neurological processes influence our ethical decisions. Additionally, the discussion offers practical insights into how understanding these moral frameworks can improve communication, conflict resolution, and personal well-being in both personal and professional settings.00:00 Introduction to Moral Frameworks01:23 Understanding Vertical...2024-12-0920 min