In this episode of Psychology and Stuff, host Allison Jane Martingano sits down with UW–Green Bay psychology professors Dr. Jason Cowell and Dr. Todd Hillhouse for a fascinating deep dive into what we can—and can’t—learn from human and animal brains. Dr. Cowell discusses his work using EEG to study moral development, empathy, and self-regulation in both children and adults, including the practical challenges of recruiting families and gathering clean neural data from kids. Dr. Hillhouse shares how his behavioral neuroscience lab uses mice to investigate pain, addiction, and depression, highlighting both the ethical responsibilities and scientific advantages of animal research.

In this myth-busting episode of Psychology & Stuff, Dr. Abigail Nehrkorn-Bailey dives into the science of aging and dismantles some of our culture’s most persistent misconceptions. She and host Dr. Alison Jane Martingano explore why aging isn’t just decline, how learning and brain development continue throughout life, and why older adults are often happier than we expect. They also discuss ageism, emotional well-being, retirement, and how our beliefs about aging can actually shape our health and longevity.

In this episode, mathematician and science communicator Dr. Tom Crawford—better known as Tom Rocks Maths—joins us to talk about breaking stereotypes in academia and making mathematics accessible to everyone. From viral YouTube videos to his work at Oxford and Cambridge, Tom shares how authenticity, curiosity, and creativity can turn even the most reluctant learner into a math enthusiast.

Tom Rocks Maths YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomRocksMaths

Tom Rocks Maths website: https://tomrocksmaths.com/

In this episode of Psych and Stuff, host Dr. Alison Jane Martingano sits down with Dr. Danielle Sneyd, assistant teaching professor of psychology at UW–Green Bay and self-proclaimed “myth buster.” Together, they take on some of psychology’s biggest misconceptions — from whether we only use 10% of our brains to the truth about learning styles, dream meanings, lie detectors, and more.

In this episode, host Dr. Alison Jane Martingano explores the psychology of human flourishing with Flourish FM hosts Dr. Jon Beale and Dr. Nick Holton. Together, they unpack what it really means to live a “good life” — from Aristotle’s classic philosophy to modern psychological research.

The conversation dives into whether flourishing is a privilege, how culture shapes our definition of a good life, and why adversity might actually help us grow. The guests discuss how happiness, meaning, and “psychological richness” all contribute to flourishing, and why personal growth often requires discomfort, perspective shifts, and hard choices.

Check out Flourish FM at https://www.flourishfmpodcast.com/

In this episode, host Dr. Alison Jane Martingano sits down with two licensed counselors from the UW–Green Bay Wellness Center, Illene Cupit and Michelle Gauger, to talk about what they’re seeing on the ground when it comes to student mental health. Recent global research shows a dip in happiness and a rise in stress, anxiety, and despair amongst young people. But are these trends showing up here on campus too? Tune in for an honest conversation about happiness, resilience, and how today’s students are really doing.

In this episode of Dr. Alison Jane Martingano welcomes Dr. Regan Gurung and Dr. Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges to explore the emerging science of eco-spirituality, which examines how experiences in nature can become a gateway to a deeper well-being and connection in the world. Dr. Gurung, a professor at Oregon State University, has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 15 books, and had previously served as Chair of the Psychology Department at UW-Green Bay. Dr. Wilson-Doenges, is a current UWGB psychology professor with expertise in environmental psychology and previous host of this podcast. The conversation dives into the psychology of awe, sacred spaces, and spiritual experiences which can shape how we connect. This episode also explores different activities that can be brought into the classroom to explore eco-spirituality. Virtual reality technology for environmental contact, and ways to navigate feeling out of control in an uncontrollable world are additional topics explored in this episode.

Join us in this episode where Dr. Alison Jane Martingano invites assistant professor of theatre and dance at UWGB, Alan Kopischke, to discuss the commonalities of those in theatre and psychology. They explore how understanding the emotions, values, and motives of others is important in both realms and how both disciplines can help the other better understand human behavior and emotion. The two also discuss the ways that different theatre and psychology concepts apply to the real world, specifically in increasing empathy and perspective-taking. Listen in to hear more about the advice a theatre professional has for those in both the psychology and theatre worlds.

As the NFL Draft heads to the Green Bay community, host Dr. Alison Jane Martingano invites a panel of experts to explore the powerful impacts of sports fandom. Joining her in this episode are Dr. Cody Havard, professor of sports commerce; Dr. Galen Trail, renowned expert in sports consumer behavior and marketing; and Dr. Aaron Mansfield, professor of sports management. Together, they dive into how fandoms, rivalries, and game rituals influence emotions, mental health, and even physical health. The guests explain reasons why team connections impact emotions and health. The guests also discuss the unique bond between the Green Bay Packers and their community, unpacking the psychology behind the loyalty and support fans have for the team. Listen in to hear more about how being a fan can potentially affect life, for better or worse.

What makes UWGB and the students the students that go there great? In this special episode Dr. Alison Jane Martingano invites UWGB Chancellor Dr. Michael Alexander, and Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Ryan Martin, to answer that question. They discuss their roles at the university, the best parts about UWGB and its students, as well as the benefits of attending college at UWGB. The guests also consider the advice they would give to help students when they run into difficult times, including how to balance it all, avoid burnout, and how to access university supports. Listen in to hear more about the ways UWGB helps students grow and the inspiring perspective Dr. Alexander and Dr. Martin have about the goals of the university!