In this podcast, Dr. Smedley shares how and why she changed her major from Biology to Psychology while in undergraduate school. She continued her journey into the field of psychology by receiving multiple master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology, Christian Leadership, and Clinical Psychology. She reveals what led her to Fuller Theological Seminary and why she chose to earn a Psy.D. instead of a Ph.D.. She also recalls her leadership and networking experiences in the APA and how these, along with her faith and social-justice approach to mental health services, have helped create her private practice in Washington, DC.

Video available here:

https://www.mastersinpsychology.com/podcast/jessica-smedley/

In this podcast, Dr. Walker reflects on her academic journey and reveals keys to her success which led to a joint appointment in the Law School and the Psychology Department at the University of Arizona. As an experienced litigator and trained research psychologist, Dr. Walker’s policy-changing work is focused on improving legal decision-making outcomes by challenging the validity of commonly held beliefs. Some of her recent research uses psychological theory and empirical research to investigate the perceived and procedural fairness in the reporting of sexual assault accusations on colleges and universities. Dr. Walker offers her unique experiences and advice for those who are interested in law and psychology as well as specific advice for black or African American students. A recurrent theme throughout our discussion, and her life, was the idea of getting out of your comfort zone if you want to succeed.

Video available at:

https://www.mastersinpsychology.com/podcast/tammi-walker/

Dr. Doug McDonald is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the INPSYDE program at the University of North Dakota (UND). As a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe in South Dakota, he saw firsthand how there were too few mental health professionals in Native American communities. In addition, there was (and still is) a disproportionate number of Native psychologists in the field. He explains how, and why, he became interested in clinical psychology and shares his experiences as past regional president of the American Psychological Association’s Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race). Throughout this podcast interview, Dr. McDonald provides insightful advice for Native, and non-Native, students interested in the field of psychology. He also discusses many useful resources available to American Indians and other First Nations including the Society of Indian Psychologists (SIP) and APA’s Minority Fellowship Program (MFP).

Video available at:

https://www.mastersinpsychology.com/podcast/doug-mcdonald/

Dr. Heather Lench said that she stayed in the state of California to finish both her master’s and doctorate degrees, however, she later reveals the real reason for staying in “The Golden State”…she wanted to learn to surf. After learning to surf, she went to Texas A&M University (TAMU) to eventually become Professor and Head of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Dr. Lench is the Director of, and Principle Investigator for, the Emotion Science Lab and explains the premise of her research as it relates to the emerging field of affective science. She also shares her thoughts on how to select a graduate school and program and offers advice for those seeking graduate degrees in psychology. Finally, she shares the biggest thing she’s learned to be successful in life.

More Information and Video:

https://www.mastersinpsychology.com/podcast/heather-lench/

Dr. Tess Neal received her Master’s in Passing (MIP) and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Alabama. As a founding faculty member of ASU’s Law and Behavioral Science group and Director of the Clinical and Legal Judgment Lab, Dr. Neal discusses how these two groups provide a forum for students and scholars interested in the convergence of law and psychology. She also takes us on a journey exploring and, at times, reliving the choices she made and opportunities she took when selecting a master’s and doctorate school and program. In doing so, she shares copious advice for those seeking graduate degrees in psychology.

More Information and Video:

https://www.mastersinpsychology.com/podcast/tess-neal/

Gabrielle Ferrara is a graduate of the University of Miami with a BA in Psychology/Criminology and received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. Gabrielle is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and, in this interview, she reveals how she used her education, degrees, and credentials to become a therapist in New Jersey. She explains how she decided which undergraduate and graduate schools to attend. She acknowledges that the Person-In-Environment (PIE) perspective really stood out to her as a powerful tenet in the field of social work as it takes a more holistic view of the person and their environment instead of just looking at a person’s brain or mental health disorder.

More information and video available at:

https://www.mastersinpsychology.com/podcast/gabrielle-ferrara/

Tom Florez is a graduate of Doane College with a B.A. in Human Relations and an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling. As a counselor with multiple licensures and certificates, Tom shares how he decided on a graduate school and why he became a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) later in his life. In addition to sharing what fascinates him about being a therapist, he also shares the most important thing he has learned in his life.

More information and video available at:

https://www.mastersinpsychology.com/podcast/counselor-thomas-florez/

Mariah Schumacher is a graduate of UMD and has a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Science. She talks about her role with the Mobile Neuroscience Lab and shares how she found, and attained, a position as Clinical Research Coordinator in the Dept. of Psychiatry at the U of M. She also provides suggestions on how to find a job after college and how to select a graduate school offering a master’s degree in psychology.

More episode information and video here:

https://www.mastersinpsychology.com/podcast/mariah-schumacher/

In episode #1 of the Masters in Psychology Podcast, host Bradley Schumacher explains his background, what he has planned for the podcast, and how he got involved with MastersinPsychology.com. Each episode will consist of interviews of psychology professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, professors, students, researchers, consultants and more. The interviews will feature topics and issues that are relevant in aiding future graduate psychology students make knowledgeable choices regarding their academic careers.

Video available at:

https://www.mastersinpsychology.com/podcast/host-bradley-schumacher/