Conversations with Mensa

Forensic psychology is where psychology and the law interact. Forensic psychologists play an important role in the criminal justice system, and interest in the field has been fueled recently by popular movies, television programs and books. This Conversation will help listeners delve into the numerous aspects of the field, including legal principles, expert witness testimony, psychological assessment, mental healthcare and other court-ordered evaluations.

As a follow-up to the February 2011 Colloquium -- and as a forerunner to the 2012 AG Colloquium titled "Social and Video Games" -- this Conversation explores the evolution of social games and the people who play them. Mensa member Gordon Walton, VP and Executive Producer at Playdom Austin, joins Dr. Mia Consalvo, Visiting Associate Professor of Comparative Studies at MIT, to discuss Dr. Consalvo’s research with regard to the development of social interaction and communities via online gaming.

In this Conversation, Warren Madden -- Weather Channel® meteorologist, "Hurricane Hunter" and Mensan -- discusses changing weather patterns and new technologies and concepts with Dr. Josh Wurman, creator of the Doppler on Wheels program and the founder of the Center for Severe Weather Research.

The Music Genome Project™ is enjoyed by millions of users through Pandora® Internet Radio. In this Conversation, founder and Chief Strategy Officer Tim Westergren talks about the phenomenal scope, success and synergy of the twin projects with composer and pianist Aaron Dai.

What a long, bright trip it's been for Richard Lederer, Mensa's best known "verbivore." From pre-med student to radio personality to internationally recognized author and punster, Richard has spent a lifetime evolving his interests and pursuits. Mensa member and child actor Myles Jeffrey, now an 18-year-old sophomore at UCLA, talked to Richard about "Reinventing Yourself" and about the success of Richard's evolutions.

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a major challenge for many families. The needs of children with ADD affect virtually every school in the nation, and many issues in the workplace have been linked to adult ADD. In this Conversation, Dr. Frank Lawlis and Robin Crawford examine ADD — its causes and what can be done to manage it at any age.

Entrepreneur, writer and Mensan Tarek Saab converses with the Mensa Foundation's 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dr. Jane Piirto, about the ramifications of her life's work in creativity and giftedness.

Renowned actor and Mensan Alan Rachins discusses the area where psychology and poker intersect with internationally recognized poker professional Howard Lederer.