Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science

Will listening to Mozart really make your kid a genius? Does music training actually make you smarter? And, what about listening to music while studying for that exam -- is that a good idea? In this episode Bob Slevc breaks down some common beliefs about music. Which are myth and which are fact? Turns out it's complicated ... kinda.

#MozartEffect

#CognitiveTraining

#MusicCognition

#NeuroMyth

In this episode, we tackle the controversial claim that Tylenol causes Autism. But,does it really? How strong is the evidence and might there be alternative explanations for this observation? In this episode, Dr. Desi Jones breaks down what the research actually says, what it doesn't say, and why such claims can be detrimental.

Suggested Readings

• Article with Meta-analysis showing no relationship between acedemphin and Autism Spectrum Disorder:
• The discussed qualitative synthesis used to argue for a relation between tylenol and autism.
• The Swedish population-based study showing no relationship after controlling for siblings.
• Opinion Piece by Dr. Jones in the Baltimore Sun.

Got a buck burning a hole in your pocket and wondering what you could buy that would make you feel good? Think again, because if you're looking to do something for yourself, maybe it's better to make it about someone else. Tune into this episode to learn about how spending your money on someone else can actually make you feel better. We review a few studies that looked into the topic of prosocial spending and found that it's not how much money you have, but how you spend it that matters the most. And, if you want do actually experience the thrill of helping others, join in on Oct 8th 2025 by participating in PSYC Good Deed Day. Learn more by visiting our PSYC Good Deed Website.

(paywalled, sorry!) Aknin LB, Dunn EW, Proulx J, Lok I, Norton MI. Does spending money on others promote happiness?: A registered replication report. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2020 Aug;119(2):e15-e26. doi: 10.1037/pspa0000191. Epub 2020 Apr 6. PMID: 32250135.

Have you ever wondered why you feel a little better after doing something nice for someone else? Turns out there's a legit reason! In this episode, Abi and Mike dive into the research on kindness and how being kind can improve your own mental wellness. But how can we move beyond science and actually leverage this research to change the world through action? Here's a thought: How about we organize a national day of good deeds to promote acts of kindness and good deeds! Tune in to learn about the science of kindness and about PSYC Good Deed Day. If that sounds cool, but you don't want to hear us drone on about science, then go to our good deed ⁠website⁠ to learn more. And, if you're down with the science and want to read more, you can find today's featured articles at the links below:

Naclerio, M., Lazar, L., Hornstein, E. A., & Eisenberger, N. I. (2025). Exploring the effects of prosocial and self-kindness interventions on mental health outcomes. Emotion. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0001577 (it's not open access, so you may need to ask APA to send this to you, or contact the authors (at) ucla.edu).

(open access) Cregg, D. R., & Cheavens, J. S. (2022). Healing through helping: an experimental investigation of kindness, social activities, and reappraisal as well-being interventions. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 18(6), 924–941.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2022.2154695⁠

By some estimates, nearly 8% college students have ADHD, a neuropsychological condition marked by an inability to sustain attention, difficulty with planning and time management, and disorganization. Despite its prevalence and the impact of ADHD on important life outcomes like GPA, college completion, and earning potential, many universities lack services dedicated to serving this population and helping them realize their superpowers. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, a world-renouned ADHD researcher and founder of UMD's SUCCEEDS program -- a program dedicated to providing academic, social, and emotional support for college students with ADHD. Tune in to learn more about the unique challenges of managing ADHD in college and how her program is filling the breach to enable students to succeed in college and life.

You can read more about the SUCCEEDS program by visiting umdadhd.org. This program is entirely self-supported and depends on the generous donations of good people like you! If you'd like to support the SUCCEEDS program, you may do so by visiting this link or by reaching out to department chair Michael Dougherty at [email protected] or the SUCCEEDS director Andrea Chronis-Tuscano at [email protected].

For many people, there  can be few ways in which the fine arts  apply to modern day psychological science. Not so for Dr. Jude Cassidy, who immediately saw the interaction between mother and child as a dance full of movement and emotion, telling stories of both romance and tragedy. Tune in to this episode to learn about Jude's winding road from English major to Maryland, with a stop in Manhattan where she realized a childhood dream.

Growing up in the outskirts of Chicago with a single mom helped shape Dr. Andrea Chronis-Tuscano's identity and work ethic. But sometimes one's path through life is as much about values and ethics as it is about serendipity. So, put down your Italian beef sandwich and tune in to hear about Dr. Chronis-Tuscano's journey from her working class Chicago neighborhood to renowned expert on Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and why she is intent on helping young students find their niche.

What do acting, being a nanny, and Detroit style pizza have in common? Tune in to this 'getting to know' episode featuring Dr. Arianna Gard to find out! We'll track Arianna's path to Psychology from the Bay area to the DMV and how she approaches her work in, and with, the community here at UMD. Check it out!

From H-town to DC, this UMD faculty member found her way into Industrial-Organizational Psychology somewhat by chance. Join us in this episode where we hear from Dr. Cassandra Phetmisy and how she ended up with a career in Industrial Organizational psychology, where her surname originates, and why she ended up studying financial stress instead of her other interests.

Tune in to listen to Jessica Magidson talk about her journey from hanging out at dad's pathology lab as a child to now leading her own lab. Jess talks about how she landed in her career as a clinical psychologist and what fuels her passion for advancing solutions for substance use disorder everywhere rural Maryland to subsaharan Africa.