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436. How to Winter with Kari Leibowitz
If you shudder when Daylight Saving Time ends and the colder months settle in, or if winter leaves you feeling stuck in a funk, we’re here to present a different way to look at this stretch of the year.In this episode, Kari Liebowitz, a health psychologist and author of 'How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days,' joins Debbie to talk about her journey from being a self-proclaimed winter hater to a winter embracer. Kari shows us the impact of mindsets on our well-being, particularly during the cold, dark months, and offers practical strategies drawn from global research. You’ll also learn about the power of wintertime mindsets, adaptations for enjoying the season, and how to turn winter's perceived limitations into opportunities. Whether you love or loathe winter, this conversation will provide many tips to help you find joy and thrive during this often challenging season.Listen and Learn: How Kari’s accidental deep dive into Arctic life launched her decade-long exploration into winter mindsets and human flourishingHow adopting a positive winter mindset can transform the season from something to endure into a source of enjoyment, opportunity, and greater well-beingThe ways mindsets shape your attention, motivation, behavior, and well-being, and how you can thrive during winter instead of merely enduring itEmbracing a nuanced wintertime mindset to recognize both the challenges and pleasures of winter, stay present with your actual experiences, and develop a balanced, resilient, and practical approach to the seasonHow seasonal changes naturally affect your energy and mood, and why embracing rest and adjusting expectations in winter can be healthyEvidence-based strategies to manage seasonal affective disorder that improve mood, resilience, and long-term well-being.Resources: Kari’s Website: https://www.karileibowitz.com/How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593653753 Kari’s Substack, Wintery Mix: https://wintrymix.substack.com/ About Kari LeibowitzKari Leibowitz is a health psychologist, speaker, and writer, and the author of How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days. She received her PhD in Psychology from Stanford University, served as a US-Norway Fulbright Scholar, and taught the ‘Mindsets Matter’ Stanford Continuing Studies Course. Leibowitz combines scholarly expertise with practical strategies to help people understand and harness the power of their mindsets and find joy in winter. Her writing on the power of wintertime mindset has appeared in the Atlantic, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. She has taught winter workshops to businesses, universities, non-profits, and organizations around the world. Kari lives in Amsterdam with her husband, son, and dog, where she is learning to love biking in the rain. Related Episodes: 2. Hygge – Happiness and the Danish Art of Cozy Connection 6. Holiday Stress with Stephanie Smith115. Creating Meaningful Gatherings with Debbie and Diana132. The Joy Of Movement With Kelly McGonigal 348. Sustainable Exercise with Michelle Segar 410. Creativity and Making Things with Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty 431. Ordinary Magic: Social Psychology for Big Change with Gregory WaltonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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434. How Trust Works with Peter H. Kim
What do you do when your trust is broken, or when people start questioning your trustworthiness? Chances are, you’re left feeling unsure, even overwhelmed. Most of us don’t really understand how trust works, so trying to fix it can feel impossible.In this episode, Peter Kim from USC's Marshall School of Business breaks it down for us. Drawing from his book How Trust Works, he shares over twenty years of research on what makes people trustworthy, why trust gets broken, and how relationships can actually be repaired.Join us for a conversation about the science of trust and discover what it really takes to build, break, and restore the connections that matter most.Listen and Learn: Why trust is essential for cooperation, even though it makes us vulnerable, and how people who choose to trust ultimately function and flourish better than those who don’tHow trust is defined as a willingness to be vulnerable in situations involving real risk, and why acting as if you trust someone is not the same as truly trusting themHow trust violations fall into competence or integrity, and how we weigh positive and negative information differently for each, shaping how we perceive and respond to others’ actionsThe effectiveness of apologies depends on whether a violation is seen as a matter of competence or integrity, and how our motivation to preserve relationships influences the way we interpret and respond to wrongdoingMoving beyond black-and-white judgments of right and wrong to explore the gray areas in human behavior and foster a more nuanced understanding and dialogueHow to begin rebuilding trust by acknowledging the other person’s concerns, assuming shared core values, and creating a safe space for honest, collaborative conversation, even when opinions deeply differWhy apologies for integrity violations are so hard to accept, and ways to reframe actions or create narratives that allow people to recognize errors and pursue redemptionResources: How Trust Works: The Science of How Relationships Are Built, Broken, and Repaired https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781250838155 Peter’s Website: https://peterhkim.com Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkim/ My Octopus Teacher movieAbout Peter Kim Peter is a Professor at USC's Marshall School of Business, where he teaches some of the most popular MBA courses around—probably because everyone wants to know why their apologies keep backfiring. His research on trust violation and repair has ten national and international awards, been featured everywhere from the New York Times to NPR, and culminated in his 2023 book How Trust Works: The Science of How Relationships Are Built, Broken, and Repaired, which won the Academy of Management's 'Distinguished Winner' award for making significant contributions to both science and practice.Related Episodes: Episode 51. The Psychology of Political Division with Debbie and YaelEpisode 371. Uniting Toward a Better Future with Diana McLain SmithEpisode 281. Belonging Uncertainty and Bridging Divides with Geoffrey CohenEpisode 392. Outraged with Kurt GraySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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433. Rethinking Screens and Video Games with Ash Brandin
Parenting in the digital age can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. For this episode, Emily brings in the insight of Ash Brandin for a thoughtful conversation about her book, Power On, and what healthy screen use can actually look like for families. With over 15 years of hands-on experience teaching in the classroom, Ash shares a perspective that moves away from fear and guilt, encouraging parents to think about screens with the same balance and neutrality we often bring to food or other everyday choices.By the end, you’ll hopefully have a more compassionate lens for thinking about tech and some practical, flexible ideas for creating a calm, balanced approach to screen time that truly fits with your own family’s life.Listen and Learn: How viewing kids’ screen time with moral neutrality can help parents move past guilt and fear to understand the real purposes screens serve and the deeper systemic issues driving our reliance on themWhy the old “two-hour screen limit” is outdated and oversimplified, and how a personalized family media plan can lead to healthier, more sustainable screen useReframing of screen time and how systemic factors make it unfair to place all the blame or responsibility on individual parents, and why true change requires collective, not individual, solutionsHow self-determination theory explains kids’ relationships with screens, not as addiction but as a way to meet core needs for autonomy, competence, and connection, and how parents can stay neutral, understand what needs are being met, and help kids find healthy, varied ways to fulfill themWhy not everything that releases dopamine is addictive, how our relationship to an activity matters more than the activity itself, and why screens aren’t “evil dopamine machines”Resources: Power on: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780306836992Ash’s Website https://www.thegamereducator.com/Connect with Ashon Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thegamereducatorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-brandin025For More on Ash’s Work, Subscribe to their Substack https://thegamereducator.substack.com/ About Ash BrandinAsh Brandin, EdS, known online as TheGamerEducator, empowers families to make screen time sustainable, manageable, and beneficial for the whole family. Now in their 15th year of teaching middle school, they help caregivers navigate the world of tech with consistent, loving boundaries, founded on respect for children, appreciation of video games and tech, and knowledge of pedagogical techniques. Ash has appeared on podcasts including Re:Thinking with Adam Grant, Good Inside with Dr. Becky, Care and Feeding from Slate, Brave Writer Podcast with Julie Bogart, Learning Curve with Mr. Chazz, Burnt Toast with Virginia Sole-Smith, Your Parenting Mojo with Jen Lumanlan, and Kid Talk with Katie Plunkett, and has contributed to articles featured on Romper, Scary Mommy, Lifehacker, The Daily Beast, USA Today, and NPR. Their bestselling book, "Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family" debuted in August, 2025. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with their family. Related Episodes382. The Anxious Generation? The Conversation We Should Be Having About Kids, Technology, and Mental Health369. The Good News About Adolescence with Ellen Galinsky319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with Emily Edlynn317. Growing Up in Public with Devorah Heitner256. Social Justice Parenting with Traci BaxleySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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432. Personal Branding for Introverts with Goldie Chan
How do you show up in the world, whether it’s online, at work, or in your community? Whether you’ve thought about it or not, that’s all part of your personal brand. In this episode of Psychologists Off The Clock, Michael is joined by Goldie Chan, a personal branding expert, to unpack her book, Personal Branding for Introverts, and what personal branding really is and how it’s different from just having a reputation. They talk about how to choose the right platforms, why consistency matters when you’re sharing content, and how to stay authentic while still protecting your privacy. Goldie also shares smart, down-to-earth advice on setting boundaries, creating meaningful content, and building genuine connections, especially for introverts and small business owners. If you’ve ever wondered how to shape your public persona without feeling fake or overwhelmed, this episode is full of practical, encouraging insights.Listen and Learn: What a personal brand is and how it reflects how people outside your inner circle perceive youThe key difference between reputation (what others say about you) and personal branding (what you intentionally communicate about yourself)The many components that make up a personal brand, both online and offlineThe key differences between “rented” and “owned” online spaces, including their pros, cons, and how the balance between them has evolved in today’s digital landscapePractical, ethical, and authentic strategies for creating and posting social media content, including how to choose the right platform, define their audience, and maintain a sustainable posting cadenceTesting and adapting to new platforms, understanding where their target community actually is, and aligning their content style with both personal preference and audience expectationsWhy going viral doesn’t necessarily build a lasting or engaged community, and why focusing on meaningful conversations and evergreen content is more valuable than chasing viralityHow to balance authenticity and privacy when building a personal brandExpressing genuine personality and emotion online in a sustainable way that maintains connection without compromising personal well-being or energyResources: Personal Branding for Introverts: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781541705463 Goldie’s Website https://www.goldiechan.comWarm Robots: https://www.warmrobots.com Connect with Goldie on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/goldie Debbie’s Substack article: Am I a Brand? (Part 1) https://drdebbiesorensen.substack.com/p/am-i-a-brand Ambivalence about marketing my business (as a therapist, writer, and small business owner)About Goldie ChanGoldie Chan is a creative, keynote speaker, author and cancer survivor. She was named the "Oprah of LinkedIn" by Huffington Post and her creative video channel won LinkedIn Top Voice for Social Media. Goldie founded Warm Robots in 2018, an award-winning social media strategy and creative agency based in Los Angeles with global clients. Previously, she wrote an internationally-recognized column for Forbes, which received nearly 10M views, and was named Journalist Of the Year in 2024. Goldie writes for Archie Comics and has been featured as a fresh voice in The New York Times, CNN, Fast Company, and many other outlets. Her first book, Personal Branding for Introverts, published with Basic Ventures in 2025. Goldie is based in sunny Los Angeles.Related Episodes399. Likable Badass with Alison Fragale357. Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work with Jennifer Tosti-Kharas and Christopher Wong Michaelson307. Navigating Social Media As a Parent with Cara Goodwin250. Anxiety and Perfectionism with Clarissa OngSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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431. Ordinary Magic: Social Psychology for Big Change with Gregory Walton
We’ve all had those moments when a simple shift in perspective suddenly makes everything feel possible, and that’s exactly what this episode explores.Debbie is joined in this episode, Stanford psychologist Gregory Walton for a conversation about his book Ordinary Magic and how small shifts in the way we think can lead to big changes in our lives and communities.From the way we handle tough moments and self-doubt to how institutions support students or help juvenile offenders find their footing again, Gregory shows how simple, well-designed interventions can make a powerful difference. He shares real-life stories and research that reveal how even a single encouraging message can transform someone’s outlook.At its heart, this conversation is all about perspective, compassion, and the power of listening, reminding us that meaningful change often starts with the smallest, most human gestures.Listen to POTC ad-free for just $5 a month by becoming a Mega Supporter on Patreon! Or, support the podcast with a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee!Listen and Learn: How simple shifts in perspective, rooted in social psychology, can create what feels like “ordinary magic,” helping us navigate life’s challenges with greater wisdom and claritySpotting and stepping out of the emotional spirals that quietly shape your relationships, helping you break the cycle and build real connections insteadHow our strongest reactions often reveal deeper questions like “Do I really belong?” or “Do they really love me?” and how noticing those moments can turn conflict into connectionThe surprising ways tiny facts shape big theories about ourselves and others, and why a change in perspective can transform the storyHow the cycles that shape our relationships, sense of belonging, and life trajectory are not fixed, and how small, intentional interventions can create lasting positive changeA nuanced approach to belonging, self-esteem, and growth, showing how the subtle ways we respond to people’s questions about themselves can truly shape their confidence and resilience.Building honest, meaningful relationships, especially for young people facing huge challenges, can create transformative change in schools and communitiesResources: Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593580899 Gregory’s Website: https://www.gregorywalton.com/A blog post by Debbie on praising children and the problem with the self-esteem movementConnect with Gregory on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/dr.gdubAbout Dr. Gregory WaltonDr. Gregory Walton is the Michael Forman University Fellow and professor of psychology at Stanford University. Much of his research investigates psychological processes that contribute to major social problems, and how brief psychological interventions that target these processes can address such problems and help people flourish over long periods of time. Greg’s research has been published in leading scientific journals, and has been covered in major media outlets including the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. He has received awards from numerous organizations including from the American Education Research Association, the American Psychological Association, the Society for Experimental Social Psychology, and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. He earned his A.B. in Philosophy from Stanford and a PhD in Psychology from Yale University. His new book is called Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Related Episodes: 422. Mindwise with Nicholas Epley393. Supercommunicators with Charles Duhigg 281. Belonging Uncertainty and Bridging Divides with Geoffrey Cohen255. Influence is Your Superpower with Zoe Chance212. Stuff That’s Loud: OCD and Anxiety with Lisa Coyne and Ben Sedley – Psychologists Off the Clock 200. Growing Grit with Angela Duckworth – Psychologists Off the Clock See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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