PsychSessions: Conversations about Teaching N' Stuff

In this episode Eric interviews Blake Nielsen from Columbia College in Columbia, MO. A variety of topics are discussed, including Blake's journey in teaching quantitative research methods, his role at Columbia College, and the college's unique structure. The conversation also delves into Blake's experiences with Monmouth College and his extensive involvement in various academic roles, including directing the Center for Teaching and Learning. Eric and Blake talk about the importance of storytelling in teaching, balancing professional commitments with personal life, and navigating imposter syndrome. Blake also mentions his new role as the director of the Virtual Conference on Teaching (VCT) and reflects on the significance of gratitude and community in his career development.
[Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

In this RE-RELEASE episode Garth and Eric interview Bill McKeachie from the University of Michigan. Bill is a legendary figure in the teaching of psychology, former APA President, introductory psychology textbook author, well-connected (friends with Fred Skinner, Abe Maslow), softball player, and so much more. The recording of this episode was sponsored in part by the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP); learn more at teachpsych.org. We are grateful to Jane Halonen for helping to arrange the interview, and to Bill's sister Linda Dicks and Bill's niece Lisa Danielson for being so supportive of our efforts.

In this episode Eric interviews Marianne Fallon from Psi Chi in Chattanooga, TN. Marianne serves as the Executive Director of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. They discuss her roles and responsibilities at Psi Chi, along with the organization's mission to promote excellence in psychology. The conversation delves into Marianne's academic journey, challenges she faced, and her fulfilling career path. They also touch upon the importance of equity, accessibility, and community support within Psi Chi. Personal anecdotes and heartfelt insights make this episode a compelling listen.
[Note. Portions of the show notes were generated with Descript AI.]

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with my friend and colleague Dr. Jenn Weaver, a developmental psychologist and associate professor at Boise State University, about the profound impact fathers have on their daughters and, in turn, on the mothers they become. Our conversation was inspired by Jennifer's moving Substack piece, An Ode to Fathers on Mother's Day, which resonated deeply with me as both a father of 2 daughters and a son. We explored how positive father involvement shapes a child's sense of independence, confidence, and emotional well-being. Dr. Weaver shared personal stories about her own father—how his presence, encouragement, and unique parenting style influenced her approach to motherhood and her understanding of intergenerational connections. We also discussed the research, which often focuses on the negative effects of father absence, and highlighted the need for more attention on the positive roles fathers play. Reflecting on my own experiences as a dad, I found myself relating to the idea that fatherhood not only benefits children and families but also transforms fathers themselves. I hope this episode encourages listeners to consider the many ways fathers shape our lives and inspires deeper appreciation for their lasting influence. Please visit Dr. Weaver's Substack, Identity Maternal, and take a look at this article when you can!

In this episode of Inside Men's Mental Health, I had the pleasure of speaking with my colleague and fellow men's health podcaster Dr. Paul Sharp, a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales and researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of sociocultural factors, gender, and men's health. We dove into Dr. Sharp's journey from sports and human kinetics into the world of men's mental health, exploring how his experiences in gender-specific health programs revealed the importance of safe spaces for men to open up about their mental well-being. We discussed the concept of social capital and how environments like sports can provide men with the comfort to be vulnerable. Dr. Sharp shared insights from his research and podcast, In Good Company, highlighting the challenges men face in building and maintaining social connections, especially as life circumstances change. We reflected on the importance of peer support, the difficulty men often have in asking for help, and the value of small, everyday interactions in fostering connection. Please check out Dr. Sharp's podcast In Good Company for some great conversations and resources on men's mental health and wellness.  Dr. Sharp also touched on the evolving landscape of health promotion, the need for thoughtful messaging, and the role of community in prevention. This conversation is a reminder that building strong relationships and being open to support are vital steps toward better mental health for men.