Psychologytakeaway presents factual podcasts about human development including - development, mental health, cognition, neuroscience and social psychology. Each of the presentations is filled with factual information which you will find helpful. Our goal is to get current information into the hands of people who need it. The major creators of the content of these podcasts are Jim Carroll and Ralph Baber. Each week they tackle topics in psychology, which help people live more balanced lives.
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Nov 13, 2026 · 19:45
Why would an innocent person confess to a crime he or she didn't commit? It sounds unbelievable, but it happens more often than most people realize. In this episode, we explore…
Nov 6, 2026 · 27:59
Why do we laugh? Is laughter simply a response to something funny, or does it serve a deeper purpose in our lives? In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, we explore the…
Oct 30, 2026 · 32:15
Why do millions of people spend billions of dollars every year on costumes, decorations, candy, haunted houses, and spooky entertainment? In this Halloween edition of Psychology…
Oct 23, 2026 · 19:39
Habits are part of almost everything we do. They influence how we start our mornings, respond to frustration, manage our time, treat other people, and handle the unexpected. Some…
Oct 20, 2026 · 0:44
Oct 16, 2026 · 32:15
After last week's podcast on psychobabble, Ralph and Jim look at the most common disorders. How they manifest and why we should be careful with labeling. They also present a…
Oct 9, 2026 · 28:21
Words like “narcissist,” “gaslighting,” “triggered,” “toxic,” and “on the spectrum” have become part of everyday conversation. We use psychological terms to describe our friends,…
Sep 25, 2026 · 22:23
Jim and Ralph explore recent research that spotlights variables affecting relationships, including internet dating, children, and attitude. LEARN MORE Read Jim’s new book…
Sep 18, 2026 · 32:15
Helping Your Friends Well we had some fun in the last episode with Sarah. We hope that she took her insights back to CIA Headquarters. This week Ralph and Jim will look at how to…
Sep 11, 2026 · 20:36
She is a top leader at the CIA (Crocodile Investigation Agency). She had flown into Mt P on an Official Agency Jet (an OAJ). And was getting prepared for the podcast when she got…
Sep 4, 2026 · 30:09
Well, Sarah is a no-show again – but she has a good excuse. Apparently, she is on a secret mission for the CIA! Ralph and Jim take a detour. They look at three new stories:…
Aug 28, 2026 · 30:55
Sarah was a no-show today, so Ralph and Jim soldiered on with strategies for helping people. LEARN MORE To read a sample of Jim’s book about dealing with difficult people, click…
Aug 21, 2026 · 18:04
We all have friends who sometimes need to talk. They may be struggling with a relationship, a problem at work, or a difficult decision. At first, listening is enough. But…
Aug 14, 2026 · 21:14
Sleep, Dreams, and Creativity: Why Your Best Ideas May Come When You're Not Trying to Have Them We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, yet we often think of sleep as…
Aug 12, 2026 · 7:16
In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, we explore one of the most fascinating mysteries of the human mind: dreams. Why do we dream? Why do some dreams seem so vivid while others…
Jul 30, 2026 · 31:16
Sleep is essential for good health, but what happens when sleep doesn't come easily—or doesn't work the way it's supposed to? In Part 2 of our discussion on sleep, psychologists…
Jul 26, 2026 · 7:31
Why do we spend nearly one-third of our lives asleep? Far from being a period of inactivity, sleep is one of the most important things we do for our physical and psychological…
Jul 16, 2026 · 20:03
The Importance of Adult Play Play isn't just for children—it's a vital part of a healthy, fulfilling adult life. In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, psychologists Jim and…
Jul 9, 2026 · 20:38
In Part 4 of our series on fear, Ralph and Jim move from understanding fear to treating it. After a brief review of how fears are learned through classical conditioning—including…
Jul 8, 2026 · 1:47
What do you get when you cross a goat with a sheep
Jul 2, 2026 · 28:57
In Part Three of our Fear Series, Jim Carroll and Ralph explore one of psychology's most fascinating topics: phobias. What's the difference between normal fear and a clinical…
Jun 29, 2026 · 24:37
In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim Carroll and Ralph continue their exploration of fear by asking a key question: How do we learn to become afraid of something that was…
Jun 19, 2026 · 14:37
This week on Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph explore one of the most powerful human emotions: fear. What do Americans fear most today, and how have those fears changed over…
Jun 12, 2026 · 18:58
A discussion of Mel Robbins block buster Best Seller!!!
Jun 1, 2026 · 15:06
Ralph and Jim are joined by Jazlynn Coles as they follow up on last week's episode.
May 22, 2026 · 6:09
Gen Alpha gets a bad rap and Gen Z is not far behind. Older generations, starting with Socrates, think that todays kids are going to hell in a handbag. On our podcast we are…
May 19, 2026 · 22:10
Today Ralph and Jim quickly review a handful of recent research highlights in cognition, neuroscience and social psychology. Jim's new book, Good Enough Parenting, is available…
May 7, 2026 · 25:04
“Maybe you don’t need a better life this week—maybe you just need a better next 10 minutes.” In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind small wins and why they matter more…
May 1, 2026 · 22:12
In this episode, Jim and Ralph explore why asking for help can feel so uncomfortable—even when we truly need it. From hyper-independence and perfectionism to fear of…
Apr 24, 2026 · 23:19
This week on Psychology Takeaway, we dive into the ever-evolving world of slang—those playful, powerful, and sometimes puzzling words that shape how we connect, signal identity,…
Apr 17, 2026 · 11:02
We recently heard a term that seemed strange to us, but your generation may hear that word very differently. Some of Jim’s students admitted to rawdogging most of their life…
Apr 10, 2026 · 21:33
Why sleep is important In this remote podcast Jim and Ralph discuss: Importance of sleep What are the signs of excessive sleepiness? Amount of sleep needed What causes sleep…
Apr 4, 2026 · 18:08
No, the world will not melt into chaos if we embrace the LET THEM theory!!! Here is what Jim and Ralph think.
Mar 27, 2026 · 18:58
Jim and Ralph have moved from the hospital, where they were last week, to Ralph’s living room where he continues to mend. The boys have been reading Mel Robbins book Let Them. In…
Mar 20, 2026 · 22:57
Jim and Ralph are back together podcasting after Ralph’s accident. They analyze the latest published Happiness Index and learn (no surprise here) that Social Media is negatively…
Mar 13, 2026 · 23:43
Jim is joined by his wife Sheila Carroll to look at how the natural world helps us to notice, focus, and heal. We look at the lives of famous people (and some not so famous –…
Mar 6, 2026 · 19:35
ENCORE PRESENTATION!!! We are on break this week.
Feb 27, 2026 · 25:22
Consider these recent news breakers: Y2K and the end of the world as we know it. UFO’s , we are not alone. Vaccines cause Autism. While there is no objective evidence for these…
Feb 20, 2026 · 30:53
Is dating dead in 21st-century America? With guest Alex Graziano It can certainly feel that way. Swiping has replaced chance encounters, “situationships” have replaced steady…
Feb 13, 2026 · 26:55
In 1665, Isaac Newton was sent home from school because of the plague. For most people, that would’ve been a time of survival, of just getting through. But Newton? He started…
Feb 6, 2026 · 33:29
In an era marked by chronic workload pressure, social fragmentation, and rising rates of burnout, play and laughter are not optional extras. They are essential processes that…
Jan 30, 2026 · 29:36
There is a new Tiger out there Jim and Ralph revisit CRISPR to see if it has become the tool that will eliminate illness forever. They answer that question and point to new…
Jan 23, 2026 · 35:36
Jim and Ralph are joined by international jet-setter Andrea Assaf. They continue to look at the downside of making New Years Resolutions while Andrea comes up with her own…
Jan 16, 2026 · 23:05
Jan 13, 2026 · 21:31
Jim and Ralph take the emotional pulse of the campus outward and find a high level of negative affect. People express personal and global concerns freely. We talk about Jim’s new…
Jan 7, 2026 · 26:10
Yes, by now you have made and broken your resolutions. It happens every year! If you want a reset Ralph and Jim suggest the SMART approach. The guys look at the psychology of…
Dec 26, 2025 · 22:39
After the decorations come down and the gatherings end, many people experience a surprising emotional drop. In this episode, Jim and Ralph explain why post-Christmas sadness is…
Dec 19, 2025 · 23:57
Why does Christmas feel so emotionally powerful—for better and worse? In this episode, Jim and Ralph explore the psychology behind Christmas: why it amplifies joy, stress,…
Dec 12, 2025 · 29:06
Why do we name ours and that our pets think lofty thoughts? In this episode, Jim and Ralph look at this strange behavior. Don't forget to give that certain one on your gift list…
Dec 5, 2025 · 21:19
Ralph and Jim talk about preparing for final exams.
Nov 26, 2025 · 16:54
Jim and Ralph break down the real psychology of gratitude and how to practice it without slipping into toxic positivity. As Thanksgiving approaches, the hosts explore why genuine…
Nov 21, 2025 · 27:56
Jim and Ralph continue their conversation with wildlife media producer Ryan Pearce. They contrast wildlife viewing in Michigan with that of Ryan’s native Australia. LEARN MORE…
Nov 14, 2025 · 14:21
Ralph is a strong advocate of using the natural world for tension reduction and stress release, but what is difficult or impossible? Jim and Ralph talk with guest Ryan Pearce a…
Nov 14, 2025 · 14:28
Understanding Personality Disorders — Clearing Up the Myths Around “Sociopaths,” “Psychopaths,” and “Narcissists” In this week’s episode, Jim and Ralph take on one of the most…
Oct 31, 2025 · 34:00
From Samhain to Candy Corn: The Psychology Behind Halloween’s Evolution In this Halloween special, Jim and Ralph uncover how an ancient Celtic festival honoring the dead…
Oct 24, 2025 · 24:20
Jim and Ralph continue the exploration of toxic online content - AND come up with some answers!!!
Oct 21, 2025 · 0:57
Oct 17, 2025 · 18:05
In this first episode of our two-part series, retired psychology professors Jim Carroll and Ralph Baber dive into a troubling trend: the rise of toxic, emotionally charged…
Oct 10, 2025 · 16:31
Psychology is the study of actions, emotions, and thoughts—the very elements that art engages with and expresses. In this episode, Jim and Ralph dive into the fascinating…
Oct 7, 2025 · 2:04
Watch for this spooky episode, if you dare!!!
Oct 3, 2025 · 26:03
Ralph and Jim continue their discussion of recent developments in Autism with Ms. Bridget Eagleson. Topics include diagnosis, neurodiversity and treatment. LEARN MORE New genetic…
Sep 26, 2025 · 25:57
Jim and Ralph are joined by autism expert, Bridget Eagleson, to discuss the rise in the rate of autism in America. If the rise is real, what is the cause? More pathogens? Better…
Sep 19, 2025 · 38:30
In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph are joined by Dr. Reid Skeel, Program Director for Clinical Psychology at Central Michigan University, to explore a timely…
Sep 12, 2025 · 33:46
In this chilling but eye-opening episode, Ralph and Jim explore one of psychology’s most disturbing questions: What makes ordinary people do evil things? From war crimes and…
Sep 5, 2025 · 27:03
Why do we sometimes derail our own progress just as things are going well? In this week’s episode, Ralph takes the lead in unpacking the psychology of self-sabotage, while…
Sep 3, 2025 · 24:14
In this follow-up episode, we welcome back Fr. Matt Gembroski, the young and insightful Catholic priest serving students at St. Mary’s Parish on the campus of Central Michigan…
Aug 29, 2025 · 34:41
We talk about mental health or emotional health all the time. But what about Spiritual Health? Today Ralph, Jim and Father Matt Gembrowski tackle this important question. When…
Aug 22, 2025 · 22:27
So… you’ve hit that point. You’ve had enough. The “I’m fine” mask is slipping, and suddenly the idea of talking to someone who isn’t your dog or your group chat sounds kind of…
Aug 15, 2025 · 22:27
In this episode of Psychologytakeaway, Jim and Ralph—two actual psychologists, not just guys with microphones—dig into the surprising and often frustrating reasons why so many…
Aug 7, 2025 · 25:54
This episode follows up on something we sort of stumbled on last week – helicopter parenting. Jim and Ralph discuss what it is and some of the long term negative consequences.…
Aug 1, 2025 · 34:14
Curiosity isn’t just adorable—it’s a powerful force in a child’s growth. Today Jim and Ralph move from Capable Kids to Curious Kids. When children are encouraged to explore, ask…
Jul 25, 2025 · 27:55
Last week Jim and Ralph looked at how parents can help their children to be focused, able to take another’s perspective and communicate effectively. In this episode they look at…
Jul 18, 2025 · 29:36
This week on Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph respond to audience concerns about raising children in today’s world. Ralph shares his growing unease about the direction of…
Jul 12, 2025 · 26:18
More on the effects of marijuana use with a special guest Kristin Cooper Ralph and Jim are joined by neuroscience researcher Kristin Cooper to discuss cognitive decline…
Jul 11, 2025 · 1:22
We did a great video podcast with neuroscientist Kristin Cooper. We talked to her work exploring the long-term effects of marijuana use. You are going to want to listen to or…
Jul 2, 2025 · 16:56
This week on Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph go deep into a trend that’s reshaping health behavior in the U.S.: marijuana use has now surpassed tobacco use. What’s driving the…
Jun 27, 2025 · 31:40
In this thought-provoking episode, Jim and Ralph explore a deceptively simple question: Why do people—often smart, educated, well-meaning people—make irrational, harmful, or…
Jun 19, 2025 · 27:43
Food, Feelings, and Filters: The Psychology of Eating in the Age of Social Media This week, Jim and Ralph dive into the complex psychology of food, eating, and how social media…
Jun 13, 2025 · 30:52
In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph dive deep into one of the most sought-after states in psychology and peak performance: Flow. Coined by psychologist Mihaly…
Jun 6, 2025 · 26:08
In this week’s episode of Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph dive into the fascinating and complex relationship between creativity and mental health. They explore how creative…
May 30, 2025 · 25:28
In this episode, Ralph and Jim dig into the question everyone faces online: Who can you trust when you're looking for advice? From health tips and financial hacks to career…
May 23, 2025 · 19:26
In this episode, Sheila Carroll and Jim discuss practical strategies for fostering curiosity in children, whether at home, in the classroom, or in everyday life. We’ll touch on…
May 9, 2025 · 24:43
Curiosity is a dynamic and deeply human trait that touches nearly every aspect of our lives—and it's a perfect topic for this episode of Psychology Takeaway. Whether it’s the…
May 2, 2025 · 26:51
Jim and Ralph follow up the conversation begun last week about the mental health crisis facing today’s college population. Expanded Counseling Services In response to rising…
Apr 25, 2025 · 25:42
JIm and Ralph are joined by Ms. Jazlyn Coles the host of the popular podcast, Living in Legacy. They talk about mental health on college campuses. Concerns for College Students:…
Apr 18, 2025 · 27:53
What drives someone to dedicate their life to a mystery they may never solve? In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, your hosts Jim and Ralph dive into the legendary Oak Island…
Apr 16, 2025 · 28:25
OOPS – we goofed! This is the real part 2 5 hours ago We put up the program notes with the wrong audio. Sorry about that. Here is the correct audio podcast for the Oak Island…
Apr 4, 2025 · 28:25
Treasure hunting often boosts self-esteem through the achievement of valuable goals—whether material wealth or personal growth—while also offering social recognition and…
Mar 31, 2025 · 20:42
Special Podcast: April Fool’s Day After a long winter, many people are eager for novelty and excitement as a way to break from the monotony of cold weather. Spring, the season…
Mar 28, 2025 · 23:06
Jim and Ralph continue the series on dreams and visions. They look at lucid dreams and explore how your nighttime mentation can enhance your daytime creativity. LEARN MORE Here…
Mar 23, 2025 · 4:58
We talked about our vision for having seniors share their wisdom. Today on CNN there was a story out of Argentina that talked about how podcasting helped reduce loneliness for a…
Mar 21, 2025 · 25:51
Jim and Ralph follow up on a previous podcast that described the vision of St. Patrick. But what exactly are they? "Visions" and "hallucinations" and “dreams” involve seeing…
Mar 16, 2025 · 26:36
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many are gearing up for green beer, corned beef, and cabbage. Ralph and Jim find themselves pondering the origins of the March 17th stereotype of…
Mar 14, 2025 · 22:05
In this episode, Jim and Ralph, the dynamic hosts of the popular Psychology Takeaway podcast, sit down with artist Kimberly Chapman, whose captivating work is currently featured…
Mar 7, 2025 · 25:45
Today we are joined by Ralph’s wife Karen as we continue to explore the psychology of color. This time focusing on the interior and exterior of the house. When choosing colors…
Feb 28, 2025 · 7:14
Ralph interviews Jim about his new book. It is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJRD176 FREE OFFER: If you would like to read it and submit a review, I will send the…
Feb 28, 2025 · 25:27
Jim and Ralph explore why red makes you hungry, why blue might make you trust someone more, and why you probably shouldn't paint your office all yellow (unless you're a fan of…
Feb 21, 2025 · 25:35
Positive Psychology: Optimism Today Ralph and Jim look at one of the pillars of Positive Psychology - Optimism In Positive Psychology, optimism is central to promoting well-being…
Feb 14, 2025 · 27:39
This is a follow-up to our recent podcast on loneliness. Today we looked at it in music. Loneliness has been a powerful and recurring theme in popular music from the 1960s to…
Feb 12, 2025 · 26:05
The Super Bowl advertising certainly made it plain that AI was now part of the national fabric; for better or worse Since Jim is out, because of this circulating virus hitting…
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