Your Personality Could Determine the Ads You See Online (0:34)

Guest: Sandra Matz, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizational Behavior, Columbia Business School

Everywhere we click online right now, we’re being bombarded with holiday ads. What if, just based on your public movements on social media and other websites, a company could figure out if you’re an introvert or extrovert? And then, serve up ads that have been fined-tuned to appeal to your personality? Our wallets are doomed. (Originally aired June 10, 2019) 

Your Cat Might Actually Love You Back (20:58)

Guest: Kristyn Vitale, PhD, Researcher, Human/Animal Interaction Lab, Oregon State University

Dogs have a reputation for being social and smart and helpful. Cats, on the other hand, are aloof and only interested in humans as a source of food. But research being done by Kristyn Vitale at Oregon State University’s Human/Animal Interaction Lab suggests those stereotypes are wrong. Cats are social. Many seek out interaction with humans. And –get this –they can be trained. (Originally aired December 13, 2018)

Prejudice Toward People with Disabilities (36:25)

Guest: William Chopik, Assistant Professor of Social/Personality Psychology, Michigan State University

It’s been almost 30 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, and a lot has changed in that time. Most public places have handicapped parking and wheelchair accessibility. Schools and jobs are more accommodating. But have our attitudes changed? Recent research suggests we may have actually taken a step backward in that area. (Originally aired August 12, 2019)

History of Native American Enslavement (51:17)

Guest: Andres Resendez, PhD, Professor of History, University of California, Davis

The story of African slavery in America is well known. Less told in the history books –and often not at all in school classrooms –is the story of Native American enslavement. Usually we learn that diseases brought over by European explorers and colonists are to blame for nearly wiping out indigenous communities. But the enslavement of Native Americans played an equal role, according to historian Andres Resendez. His book, “The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America” won the Bancroft Prize for History in 2017. (Originally aired October 25, 2018)

Finding Passion and Purpose after Retirement (1:16:13)

Guest: Helen Wilkes, Author, "The Aging of Aquarius, Igniting Passion and Purpose as an Elder" and "Letters from the Lost"

They used to call it the golden years, but retirement was never really that simple. Saving enough money is not easy and staying healthy is a challenge. Then there is the question of what do you do with yourself? Helen Wilkes is an “energized octogenarian” as she calls herself. (Originally aired October 3, 2018)