In this episode of Bouncing Back, host Sarah Stancombe is joined by expert Thomas Schilling, Ph.D. to discuss dark patterns. Dark patterns are, according to a lecture given by Thomas Schilling, Ph.D., deceptive designs on online sites that benefit the online service by coercing, steering or deceiving users into making decisions that, if fully informed and capable of selecting alternatives, they might not make. They can affect our finances, psychology, and decision making.

Thomas Schilling, Ph.D. received his PhD in behavioral science from the School of Economics and Finance at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. During this he was funded as a scholar of the Chair in the Economics for Disasters and Climate Change and has worked on research in the economics sub-discipline of behavioral insurance. He started his postdoc at the University of Trier in Germany in May of 2022 and has also worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Zurich. Thomas Schilling, Ph.D. has a wealth of knowledge on decision making, artificial intelligence, and how personality traits predict people's financial decisions. 

In this episode, Thomas Schilling, Ph.D. explains how dark patterns can exploit our psychology by using emotionally charged language. You may have seen them online - phrases on yes or no buttons such as ‘no, I’d rather pay full price’ tap into our sense of guilt, perhaps also our fear of missing out, and might make us feel stupid. Dark patterns range from fake prices to cookies, where websites collect consumer data.

Together, Sarah and Thomas Schilling, Ph.D. discuss the evolving landscape of dark patterns, and how we can be more mindful of them. We can make better financial decisions by accessing products differently such as by renting, buying second hand, or really interrogating whether you need and want the product. Perhaps you already have something similar in your home that serves the same purpose. Usually, there is time before you press purchase, where you may need to confirm your payment details. Thomas Schilling, Ph.D. suggests we take this time to take a pause and think about whether we are buying intentionally.

View Thomas Schilling, Ph.D.’s work via his website: www.tschilling.net 

Produced by the Personal Resilience Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pr.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Personal Resilience Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated:

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Eco-friendly habits are not as hard to implement as you might think. We can be more resilient and climate conscious by seeking out a more eco-friendly lifestyle. More than half of Australian shoppers say sustainability is an important factor when making a retail purchase. Our guest Dr. Allen-Taylor Kehinde sheds light on the issues at stake.

Dr. Allen-Taylor Kehinde is a researcher at University of Kiel, Germany. He recently completed his postdoctoral research at the Department of Waste and Resource Management, Technical University of Braunschweig. He holds both a PhD and a Master’s degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability from the Institute of Ecosystem Research at University of Kiel, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Lagos State University, Nigeria. Dr. Allen-Taylor Kehinde’s expertise spans a wide range of sustainability-focused areas, including environmental policy, waste management, corporate social responsibility, climate change, the circular economy, and environmental, social, and governance frameworks. His interdisciplinary research tackles complex environmental and socio-economic challenges, particularly those affecting Nigeria and other rapidly developing African economies. He is deeply committed to translating academic research into practical, actionable insights that influence sustainable development policy and practice across sectors and regions. 

In this episode, Dr. Allen-Taylor Kehinde sheds light on the misconception of living an eco-friendly lifestyle, that it may be expensive or difficult to do, when in reality it is the smallest habits that make the biggest difference. Dr. Allen-Taylor Kehinde also encourages bringing your sustainable practices from home into the workplace, and if you run a company, encouraging your employees to reduce waste by not using single-use plastics. 

Together, Sarah and Dr. Allen-Taylor Kehinde discuss education and how it would be beneficial to dedicate a class to sustainability instead of carving out time in other important classes such as geography or science. They also discuss the small habits we can do everyday to be more sustainable, such as using less water, and turning lights on only when absolutely necessary.

Follow Dr. Allen-Taylor Kehinde’s work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kehinde-allen-taylor-phd-323857102/ 

Produced by the Personal Resilience Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pr.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Personal Resilience Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated:

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

In an age where technology promises to make our lives easier, why do so many of us feel more overwhelmed than ever? As our digital tools evolve, the real challenge isn’t speed—it’s sustainability. This week on Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Yair Nativ to unpack the hidden tension between AI-driven productivity and human resilience.

Yair Nativ is the founder of Mind Guard, an AI-powered platform that helps teams identify and remove execution blockers by analyzing their work across platforms like Slack, Asana, and Google Calendar. A serial entrepreneur, Yair Nativ previously led Safe Lane, a road safety movement supported by over 100,000 volunteers. His work lies at the intersection of behavioral science, emotional intelligence, and technology—collaborating with leaders from MIT, Google, and Microsoft to drive meaningful results.

In this episode, Yair Nativ unpacks the nuanced relationship between personal resilience and digital dependency, exploring how the very tools designed to enhance productivity can sometimes erode our capacity for focus, adaptability, and emotional well-being. He explains how the AI productivity paradox plays out in everyday life—why smarter tech doesn’t always translate to smarter living—and how our growing reliance on digital systems can undermine the very resilience we need to thrive in uncertain times.

Together, Sabrina and Yair Nativ delve into strategies for navigating an always-on world—discussing practical tools, ethical considerations, and the mindset shifts needed to balance innovation with intention. Whether you’re a leader building healthier digital cultures, or an individual trying to reclaim your focus and well-being, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into designing a tech-enabled life that serves—not drains—your personal resilience.

Tune in this week to rethink productivity—and discover how AI can support a healthier, more focused way of working and living.

Follow Yair Nativ’s work at:

Produced by the Personal Resilience Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pr.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Personal Resilience Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: 

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

How do you decide what’s right for you? Do you look inward for answers, or do you seek validation from the world around you? In this episode of Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews teacher and author Dr. Paul Dunion on how our frame of reference affects our ability to adapt and persevere.

Currently serving as senior faculty member and consultant at Mobius Executive Leadership, and teaching at Mobius’ Next Practice Institute, Dr. Paul Dunion has had over 40 years in private practice. Prior to joining the team, Dr. Paul Dunion earned his doctoral degree in counseling and consulting psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his master of arts in philosophy from the University of Connecticut, where he eventually taught philosophy.

In this episode, Dr. Paul Dunion sheds light on the concepts of external and internal referencing, offering examples of how these mindsets show up in day-to-day life. Additionally, Dr. Paul Dunion asserts that the majority of individuals adopt external referencing due to social and cultural factors.

Together, Marie and Dr. Paul Dunion canvass some useful habits and exercises for training our brains to adopt a more internal frame of reference. So, whether you’re striving to become more self-reliant, or seeking healthier ways to engage with your environment, tune in to this episode for actionable tools and fresh perspectives to strengthen your resilience from the inside out!

Follow Dr. Paul Dunion’s work via the following links:

Produced by the Personal Resilience Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pr.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Personal Resilience Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: 

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Everyone experiences being ignored or excluded at some point in their life, and it affects everyone differently. So, this week on Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Sarah Stancombe consults psychology professor Dr. David Oberleitner for advice on strengthening our responses to social exclusion.

Based at the University of Bridgeport, Dr. David Oberleitner is a professor of psychology, as well as the director of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. David Oberleitner’s research interests fall broadly in social psychology, with specific research interests in the social-cognitive processes underlying social exclusion, stigma, and the interplay of social exclusion and social processes regarding health and substance use. 

In this episode, Dr. David Oberleitner explains how social exclusion is experienced by everyone, in different phases of life, such as being ignored in classes at school, and losing the ability to go out often in old age. Mental and physical health issues can arise from prolonged social exclusion; issues such as decreased cardiovascular health, depressive symptomatology, and changes in perceived self-identity. 

Together, Sarah and Dr. David Oberleitner discuss how maintaining one’s mental health helps us be more resilient and bounce back from challenges quicker. So, tune in for scientific insights and practical advice for facing social exclusion and developing resilience!

Follow Dr. David Oberleitner’s work on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=-oxcZ2cAAAAJ&hl=en 

Connect with Dr. David Oberleitner on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-oberleitner-22ab8b222/ 

Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: 

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Societal evolution is ever-changing and it can be trying to keep up with the times. So, this week on Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by women and gender studies researcher Dr. Karen Graaff to learn more about how riding the waves of social change can contribute to our personal resilience — and vice versa.

Based at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, Dr. Karen Graaff is a research associate in the Women's and Gender Studies department. Most recently, her research has examined surfing as a tool for social change, as well as podcasting as a form of public and oral scholarship. Additionally, Dr. Karen Graaff co-hosts a podcast with Dr. Glen Thompson, looking at social issues in the global South, using surfing as an entry point to a broader discussion.

In this episode, Dr. Karen Graaff sheds light on the relationship between personal resilience and social adversity, addressing factors such as privilege and marginalization, and how they may influence an individual’s ability to navigate social change.

Together, Marie and Dr. Karen Graaff discuss the importance of community in persevering through social adversity and explore various habits that may help to strengthen one’s resilience. So, tune in this week for an episode that will equip you with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a world of constant change!

Follow Dr. Karen Graaff’s work via the following links:

Connect with Dr. Karen Graaff on the following platforms:

Produced by the Personal Resilience Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pr.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Personal Resilience Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: 

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Toxic relationships can leave lasting emotional scars, making it challenging to rebuild confidence and trust. But resilience is possible, and healing is within reach. This week on Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Micaela Buenemann to explore the journey of rebuilding life and self-worth after a toxic relationship.

Micaela Buenemann is the co-founder of life and business coaching firm Heartegy, where she helps professionals and leaders release outdated energetic patterns, reconnect with their inner wisdom, and create meaningful personal and professional change. With over two decades of experience, Micaela Buenemann blends holistic coaching with advanced energy healing techniques to foster deep transformation.

In this episode, Micaela Buenemann shares insights on how toxic relationship patterns impact our energy and well-being, the process of emotional and energetic recalibration, and the importance of self-trust in the healing journey. She also provides practical strategies for building resilience, setting boundaries, and stepping into a life of self-empowerment.

Together, Sabrina and Micaela Buenemann discuss the steps to healing and how to cultivate resilience in the face of emotional hardship. So, tune in for expert advice and empowering insights on building a stronger, healthier future!

Follow Micaela Buenemann’s work: https://www.heartegy.com/  

Connect with Micaela Buenemann via the following platforms:

Produced by the Personal Resilience Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pr.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Personal Resilience Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: 

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

As a new year begins, many of us reflect on past experiences and set intentions for personal growth. But how can we turn reflection into a powerful tool for resilience? This week on Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Mark Canada, Ph.D., to explore how self-reflection can help us thrive in the year ahead.

Mark Canada, Ph.D., is the chancellor of Indiana University Kokomo and an expert in literature, education, and lifelong learning. With seven published books—including Ben Franklin’s Lessons in Life and Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Horror—he has dedicated his career to making knowledge accessible. In 2024, he launched Mind Inclined, a free learning platform featuring podcasts, lectures, and insights on personal and intellectual growth.

In this episode, Mark Canada, Ph.D., shares how historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass used self-reflection to overcome adversity and shape their futures. He discusses Franklin’s practice of daily self-examination and Douglass’s ability to transform personal struggles into powerful lessons on perseverance and change.

Together, Sabrina and Mark Canada, Ph.D., explore practical ways to use reflection for resilience, whether through journaling, meaningful conversations, or mindful decision-making. If you're looking for strategies to embrace change and build a stronger foundation for success in the new year, this episode is for you!

Tune in this week for inspiring lessons on self-reflection and resilience!

Follow Mark Canada, Ph.D.'s work at:

Produced by the Personal Resilience Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pr.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Personal Resilience Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: 

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, staying safe online has never been more important. Scams, phishing attacks, and ransomware are becoming more sophisticated, putting individuals at risk of losing personal data, money, and even digital identities. So this week on Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Dr. Zhongtian Li, researcher and academic, to break down simple yet effective ways to protect yourself online.

Dr. Zhongtian Li holds a PhD and a Master of Business (Research) from Queensland University of Technology. His research spans climate change, corporate social responsibility, and governance, with publications in top-tier journals like Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal and Accounting Research Journal. With experience both in academia and industry, he brings valuable insights into how everyday internet users can navigate the digital world more safely.

In this episode, Dr. Zhongtian Li explains how scams and phishing attacks work and how to recognize red flags before falling victim. He highlights the importance of using two-factor authentication (2FA), being cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers, and regularly reviewing app permissions to prevent unnecessary data access.

Together, Sabrina and Dr. Zhongtian Li discuss real-world examples of cyber threats and share practical steps to stay vigilant against scams and ransomware. Whether you're shopping online, downloading apps, or simply browsing, this episode is packed with essential tips to help you strengthen your digital defenses.

Tune in this week for expert advice on how to spot online threats and keep yourself safe in the digital world!

Follow Dr. Zhongtian Li's work at:

Produced by the Personal Resilience Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pr.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Personal Resilience Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: 

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Feeling overwhelmed at work? You’re not alone! This week on Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella consults industrial and organizational psychologist Lora Bishop on the scientifically proven ways to manage stress.

As a neurodivergent queer person with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Lora Bishop brings both personal experience and professional expertise to their work. With a strong diversity, equity, and inclusion background, Lora Bishop works to help organizations foster environments that promote the well-being of all workers. Most of all, Lora Bishop is particularly passionate about leveraging research and lived experience to create more supportive and sustainable workplace culture.

Together, Marie and Lora Bishop examine the psychological effects individuals may face when met with prolonged occupational stress, and explore science-backed habits that have proven effective in managing stress.

So, whether you’re feeling the weight of tight deadlines or simply seeking evidence-based ways to manage stress, tune in this week for an episode packed with expert insights!

Follow Lora Bishop’s work: https://lorambishop.wixsite.com/lorabishop 

Connect with Lora Bishop via the following platforms:

Produced by the Personal Resilience Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pr.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Personal Resilience Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: 

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: