Psychologists Off the Clock

Let's talk about the magic that is improvisation, or what us cool kids call "improv." It's an art form that's all about unleashing your creativity and performing without a script or plan. Sure, you may have heard of it as a side-splitting comedy act, but improv goes a lot deeper than that. From acting to business to mental health, improv skills can be applied in various areas of life. 

Enter Kelly Leonard, the VP of Creative Strategy, Innovation, and Business Development at the infamous Second City in Chicago. Kelly, who over the decades has produced hundreds of original revues with comedians such as Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and Seth Meyers (to name a few) has a unique understanding of behavioral science through the lens of improv.  

Regaling us with lessons and stories from his career and book, ‘Yes And’, we learn how to utilize improv to help us adapt, empathize, communicate, trust, and collaborate better. We are reminded that saying ‘yes’ to new ideas and experiences sparks creativity and can lead to beneficial outcomes. From deepening our relationships with others by practicing active listening and learning to accept and appreciate new ideas, regardless of their origin. It also teaches us to think on our feet and work together to create innovative solutions to problems.

Kelly Leonard is the Executive Director of Learning and Applied Improvisation at Second City Works. His book, “Yes, And: Lessons from The Second City” was released to critical acclaim in 2015 by HarperCollins and was praised by Michael Lewis in Vanity Fair who called it “...an excellent guide to the lessons that have bubbled up in Second City’s improv workshops.” Kelly is a popular speaker on the power of improvisation to transform people’s lives. He has presented at The Aspen Ideas Festival, The Code Conference,TEDx Broadway, Chicago Ideas Festival, The Stanford Graduate School of Business and for companies such as Coca Cola, Microsoft, Twitter, Memorial Sloan Kettering and DDB Worldwide. 

Kelly co-created an initiative with the Center for Decision Research at the Booth School at the University of Chicago, The Second Science Project, that looks at behavioral science through the lens of improvisation. He also hosts the podcast, “Getting to Yes, And,” for Second City Works and WGN radio that features interviews with academics, authors and leaders such as Brene Brown, Adam Grant, Michael Lewis, Lindy West, Ash Carter and Amy Edmondson.

For over twenty years, Kelly oversaw Second City’s live theatrical divisions where he helped generate original productions with such talent as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Steve Carell, Keegan Michael Key, Amy Sedaris, Adam McKay and others. In 2019, Arts Alliance Illinois awarded Kelly and his wife Anne Libera with their Creative Voice Award. 

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Quitting is often viewed as a sign of failure, but in some cases, it might be the best decision. Whether it's quitting a bad habit, a job, or an unhealthy relationship, it is always important to know when to call it quits.

Annie Duke, an expert in decision-making and author of Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, inspires us to feel empowered and proud when we choose to quit. She encourages us to embrace the freedom and opportunity that comes with knowing when to let go and move on to something better. So, let us be bold and confident in our choices to quit, and relish the journey of growth and self-discovery that follows.

Annie is an author, corporate speaker, and consultant in the decision-making space, and a former professional poker player who is the only woman to have won the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions and the NBC National Poker Heads-Up Championship. Annie’s previous book, Thinking in Bets, is a national bestseller, and her latest book Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away is, in our humble opinion, nothing short of transformative. We are here to discuss Quit today. 

211. Subtract with Leidy Klotz

200. Growing Grit with Angela Duckworth

291. Finding Freedom From Regret with Robert Leahy

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Having a narcissistic parent while growing up can be incredibly difficult and painful. The emotional instability of the relationship can be detrimental to one's sense of self-worth, making it hard to trust others and form healthy relationships. Furthermore, the lack of consistent support and nurturing can lead to feelings of insecurity and the fear of being abandoned.

Be inspired by our guest Dr. Stephanie Kriesberg, a clinical psychologist and author of ‘Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers: Quiet the Critical Voice in Your Head, Heal Self-Doubt, and Live the Life You Deserve’. Through her research on narcissistic parenting, Stephanie has dedicated her work to helping adults lead healthier and happier lives. If you experienced a childhood with a narcissistic parent, let Dr. Kriesberg guide you in managing the difficulties of this complex relationship so you can live life on your own terms. 

Dr. Stephanie Kriesberg brings over twenty-five years of experience to her practice. She has extensive training in the treatment of anxiety disorders and in the use of clinical hypnosis. Recently she was honored to be elected as President-Elect of the New England Society for Clinical Hypnosis. She is the author of the book Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers: Quiet the critical voice in your head, heal self-doubt, and live the life you deserve.

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We have all experienced a feeling of regret at some point in our lives. It can be a deep sadness and disappointment that results from realizing how we could have done things differently or a feeling of guilt or shame that we experience when we make a mistake. Regret is a powerful emotion, one that can send us spiraling. However, it is possible to move beyond it and not become stuck in the feeling of despair.

Discussing his remarkable guide, If Only...: Finding Freedom from Regret, we are honored to be joined by renowned psychologist and the Founder of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy, Dr. Robert Leahy. As we explore the impact of regret, we gain insight and actionable exercises from Robert on how it can be utilized as a valuable tool to create opportunities and inform our decisions in more productive ways. Listen in to understand and manage regret, so that it doesn't control your life!

Robert L. Leahy is the Founder and Director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in NYC, Clinical Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Past-President of the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, The Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and The International Association of Cognitive Therapy. He is the recipient of the Aaron T. Beck Award for outstanding contributions in CBT, is the author of 29 books and is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter of workshops worldwide. His new book is If Only...Finding Freedom from Regret. 

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To make our world a more harmonious and equitable place, we must take the time to build bridges across the divides of race and gender. This can be challenging, but it is an essential step to take in order to remove bias, reduce tensions, forge deeper connections, eliminate disparities, and create respect, trust, and greater understanding among all people. 

Dr. Tina Opie and Dr. Beth A. Livingston, co-authors of Shared Sisterhood, How to Take Collective Action for Racial and Gender Equity at Work, join us for this episode to discuss how they are driving gender and racial equity in organizations. Their groundbreaking book provides leaders and individuals with effective guidance and tools on how to establish a safe, and equitable work environment.

Learn why gender equity cannot be realized without also striving for racial equity, and how we can move beyond individual solutions toward collective action to effectively bridge the gap. Hear first-hand stories and get practical tips on how we can work together across challenging divides and develop collaborative approaches that can transform the workplace and our lives. 

Dr. Tina R. Opie is an associate professor of management at Babson College, and an award-winning teacher, researcher, and consultant. She is a sought-after speaker and has advised large firms in the financial services, entertainment, media, beauty, educational, and healthcare industries. Her research has appeared in such outlets as O Magazine, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and Harvard Business Review, and has been published in multiple academic journals.

Dr. Beth A. Livingston is an Associate Professor in Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. She is a researcher, speaker, and consultant, working with large companies and nonprofits. Her research has been highlighted in the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and on NPR and has been published in several top academic journals.

Together, they have co-authored the book Shared Sisterhood, How to Take Collective Action for Racial and Gender Equity at Work.

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It can be hard to find feelings of happiness in our lives. After all, life is unpredictable and we’re all facing our own unique challenges. Nonetheless, it is possible to find happiness, even during difficult times. 

Specializing in the science of well-being, Clinical Psychologist, Jonah Paquette is dedicated to helping us understand the significance of positive psychological principles in achieving happiness. Drawing from learnings in his book, Happily Even After: Daily Practices to Recover Joy After Hardship, Heartache, and Heartbreak, Jonah offers us practical exercises to strengthen our 'emotional fitness', reduce suffering and build resilience even amid challenging times. 

Whether you’re facing a challenging situation in life, or simply want to know how to cultivate more happiness and peace, this episode will provide you with actionable steps on how to do just that.

Jonah Paquette, PsyD, is a psychologist, author, and speaker who specializes in the science of well-being and emotional fitness. He is the author of four books including Happily Even After, Awestruck, The Happiness Toolbox, and Real Happiness. Jonah’s writing aims to provide readers with practical, research-backed strategies to foster greater well-being and connection in our everyday lives. In addition to his clinical work and writing, Jonah offers training and consultation to organizations on the promotion of well-being and conducts professional workshops for clinicians around the country and abroad. He is a sought-after media contributor, having been featured regularly in print, online, radio, and podcast outlets. To learn more about Jonah and his work, visit www.jonahpaquette.com. 

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We all want to live a fun and fulfilling life, but the hustle and bustle of everyday life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. That's why it's so important to make time for fun, even as an adult. From reducing stress to better relationships and improving mental and physical health, carving out time for fun activities can have a transformative impact on many aspects of our lives. 

Mike Rucker, an organizational psychologist, is here to share his best practices for incorporating fun habits into our day-to-day lives. Illustrating scientific evidence from his book, The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life, we discover why fun is beneficial and what fun habits you can create to make life more enjoyable. So, let's dive in and learn why fun isn't just for kids—it's an essential part of adult life too.

Dr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association whose work has been published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management and Nutrition Research. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Fast Company, The Telegraph, Psychology Today, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, mindbodygreen, and more. Named one of ten digital changemakers by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, he currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful practice that has been proven to effectively reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. But, while CBT can help bring us relief in the short term, it doesn't always create lasting change. That’s why many mental health professionals are now combining CBT with another technique - mindfulness. By combining the two practices, we can start to create long-term improvements in our behavior, thoughts, and attitudes.

Here to discuss research-based practices from his recently published book, Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, A Simple Path to Healing, Hope and Peace, is best-selling author and psychologist, Seth Gillihan. Seth offers a model of fresh and practical strategies that build upon traditional techniques of CBT to transcend our capacity to control negative thinking and take the right steps to live in the present and enjoy life. Tune in to learn how these powerful practices can unlock a new path to healing. 

Seth Gillihan, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in mindful cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He was a full-time faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania from 2008 to 2012, and taught in the Psychology Department at Haverford College from 2012-2015. He has been in private practice since 2012. Seth completed a doctorate in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of multiple books on mindfulness and CBT, Therapy Advisor with the self-therapy app Bloom, a medical reviewer for Everyday Health, and host of the Think Act Be podcast.

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Alcohol is a pervasive part of many of our lives, but have you ever questioned your relationship with alcohol? Taking an honest look at the way we use alcohol can be a powerful tool in identifying our motivations behind drinking, allowing us to make more conscious decisions and better manage our consumption. 

Therapist, Author, and Founder of Therapy for Women, Amanda E. White is determined to challenge the traditional “black-and-white” outlook on “alcoholism” by encouraging people to unlock a deeper understanding of their relationship with alcohol. 

Exploring practices from Amanda’s books Not Drinking Tonight, A Guide to Creating A Sober Life and Not Drinking Tonight: The Workbook: A Clinician's Guide to Helping Clients Examine Their Relationship with Alcohol, we examine how to identify the purpose alcohol serves in your life and how to use this knowledge to recognize patterns of unhealthy behavior, develop boundaries and create a healthier lifestyle. 

Amanda E. White is a licensed therapist and the creator of the popular Instagram account @therapyforwomen. She is the author of the book “Not Drinking Tonight: A Guide to Creating A Sober Life You Love,” and the corresponding workbook by the same title. She is the founder and owner of the group therapy practice, Therapy for Women Center, based in Philadelphia serving clients across the country. In her clinical work, she specializes in substance use disorders. People are drawn to Amanda’s unique expertise, accessible approach to healing and mental health. She has been featured in notable publications such as Forbes, Washington Post, Self, Shape, Women’s Health Magazine, and more.  

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Taking the time to reflect on our values and goals is an essential practice for living a meaningful life. By considering what is most important to us, we can gain a greater understanding of our place and purpose in this world. It can help us to determine what direction to go in and how to prioritize our time and energy. Reflecting on our values and goals can also help us to stay motivated and inspired as we work towards achieving them.

Valerie Tiberius, Professor of Philosophy, is here to provide us with a practical look at how to define and fulfill our values and goals. Through illustrative examples from her book, What Do You Want Out of Life?: A Philosophical Guide to Figuring Out What Matters, Valerie guides us in finding our true purpose in life and how to get there. With her wise words and actionable advice, you’ll unlock the power to create the life you want and overcome obstacles to achieving it. Don't let this opportunity pass, take the chance to define your aspirations and make the most out of life!

Valerie Tiberius is the Paul W. Frenzel Chair in Liberal Arts and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Minnesota. Her work explores the ways in which philosophy and psychology can both contribute to the study of well-being and virtue. She is the author of The Reflective Life: Living Wisely With Our Limits (Oxford 2008), Moral Psychology: A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge 2015), Well-Being as Value Fulfillment: How We Can Help Others to Live Well (Oxford, 2018), and What Do You Want out of Life?: A Philosophical Guide to Figuring Out What Matters (Princeton University Press, 2023). She has published numerous articles on the topics of practical reasoning, prudential virtues, well-being, and moral psychology, and has received grants from the Templeton Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She served as President of the Central Division of the American Philosophical Association from 2016-17.

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