PsychSessions: Conversations about Teaching N' Stuff

In this episode Garth and special guest host Jane Halonen interview Robert Sternberg from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The conversation dives into Sternberg's influential career, his pioneering theories on intelligence and love, and personal anecdotes that shaped his work. Sternberg explains the evolution of his theories, including the Triarchic Theory of Intelligence, Triangular Theory of Love, and the Augmented Relic Theory of Love, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and personal growth. The discussion highlights the interplay between personal experiences and academic research, offering valuable lessons for both psychology professionals and students. [Note. Portions of the show notes were generated using Descript AI.]

In this sidebar episode Garth interviews Drew Christopher from Albion College (in Albion, MI). Drew is serving as the 2026 President of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology, APA Division Two. They discuss Drew's presidential task forces for 2026, the inner workings of the STP Executive Committee, and more. Get involved here!

In this re-release episode of PsychSessions, co-hosts Eric Landrum and Garth Neufeld discuss the foundational stories behind their interests in psychology and teaching, as well as the inception of their podcast. They talk about their academic journeys, the influences of mentors, and the importance of building confidence in students. Topics include the development of critical thinking, the significance of active learning, and the impact that teachers can have on shaping students' lives. The episode emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives in the field and hints at future podcast guests who will offer further insights into psychology education. Note: Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.

In this episode Garth interviews Ellen Langer from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Early in September, look for the release of Ellen's new book, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health. Garth and Ellen share a lovely and far-reaching conversation; she has been studying mindfulness for 45 years, with mindfulness being the process of noticing new things. However, she laments that virtually all of us are mindless almost all of the time! They discuss her research about how thoughts can lead to living longer and better, sometimes like a placebo effect. Ellen makes the sharp differentiation between mindfulness and meditation, saying that meditation is not mindful but that the practices are not mutually exclusive. Garth and Ellen delve into many topics in this interview, so much more than what is mentioned here. Note: Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.

In this special episode of Psych Sessions, hosts Eric Landrum and Garth Neufeld sit down with the legendary psychologist Albert Bandura at his home in Stanford, California. At 94, Bandura reflects on his groundbreaking work in observational learning, the famous Bobo doll experiments, and the development of key concepts like self-regulation, agency, and moral disengagement. The conversation delves into Bandura's personal journey from humble beginnings in Canada to becoming one of the most influential figures in psychology Note: Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.