Shrink Tank Podcast

Addiction in Hollywood is a prominent part of the entertainment industry. In fact, addiction is everywhere. It's uncommon to find someone who doesn't have a connection to addiction, somehow—even if it's with the celebrities that we follow.

In this episode, our Shrinks discuss the public displays of drug addiction in Hollywood. From the recent death of Mac Miller, to the overdose of Demi Lovato, to Ben Affleck enrolling in rehabilitation, addiction is an openly reported topic in Hollywood.

Our panel of psychologists and addiction specialists are discussing what this says of our culture and how the idea of addiction has evolved over time.

  "[demi lovato] has been candid with addiction. even now, she is handling it with as much grace as we can expect from anyone with this illness."

– Dr. Emma Kate Wright

Being Human

In our Being Human segment, the Shrink Tank Podcast panelists discuss some of the latest findings on psychology in the news.

Liberals and conservatives are on average, no more or less, narcissistic compared to each other—just different facets of narcissism. This study recently published in the American Journal of Political Science used the Narcissistic Personality Inventory amidst groups of different political parties.

Our panel of Shrinks discusses these findings. Read the article that inspired the discussion here. 

Speak your Mind!

Reply below or send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Your input could even be featured on the next episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast!

Need a longer session with the Shrinks? Check out our last episode here.

Fresh on the heels of Hurricane Florence, our panel of Shrinks are discussing the psychology of natural disasters.

In this episode, our Shrinks discuss the public interest of disaster coverage in the media, a voyeuristic nature of watching others, and trauma that ensues after natural disasters.

  "Every now and then the world reminds us how miniscule and small we are."

– Jonathan Hetterly, LPC

Being Human

In our Being Human segment, the Shrink Tank Podcast panelists discuss some of the latest findings on psychology in the news.

Common Sense Media has released a new study regarding social media use amongst teenagers. The report states that teenagers who are constantly checking social media say that it has a positive effect on their lives—including higher reports of confidence, fewer reports of loneliness and depression.

Our panel of Shrinks discusses this research and mental health and wellbeing in teens. Read the article that inspired the discussion here. 



Speak your Mind!

Reply below or send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Your input could even be featured on the next episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast!

Need a longer session with the Shrinks? Check out our last episode here.

What is the psychology behind gay "conversion therapy"?

Upcoming films 'Boy Erased' and 'Miseducation of Cameron Post' are spotlighting the important conversation of gay "conversion therapy," which is the attempt to alter the gender expression and/or sexual orientation of individuals within the LGBTQ community.

Our panel of mental health professionals discuss the damaging effects of gay "conversion therapy" have on an individual's identity, self-esteem and confidence.

Listen to Dr. Dave Verhaagen, Dr. Frank Gaskill, Dr. Emma Kate Wright and Jonathan Hetterly, LPC as they discuss this hot topic.

How do you define 'being a man'?

Today's podcast is inspired by psychologist Jordan Peterson who has had considerable traction with his book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. Peterson has made the argument that masculinity equates with order and feminity equates with chaos, causing a lot of controversial response in the public forum.

In this episode, our Shrinks discuss their thoughts about masculinity under siege in today's cultural climate:

Listen here:

  "We're in a period where we're trying to create a new paradigm of masculinity."

– Jonathan Hetterly, LPC



Being Human

In our Being Human segment, the Shrink Tank Podcast panelists discuss some of the latest findings on psychology in the news.

Can money actually buy you happiness? Today's Being Human segment discusses the correlation between higher incomes and higher levels of life satisfaction. While earlier studies just documented a correlation, new research supports that higher income is actually causing higher levels of life satisfaction.

Our panel of Shrinks discuss these remarkable and durable findings. Read the article that inspired the discussion here. 

Speak your Mind!

Reply below or send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Your input could even be featured on the next episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast!

Need a longer session with the Shrinks? Check out our last episode here.

Are universities these days coddling the American mind?

With back to school quickly approaching, today's podcast is inspired by the topics featured in the upcoming novel by Jonathan Haidt, titled The Coddling of the American Mind. Haidt's work discusses the evolution and apparent decline of the University system, and the impact this has on the social, emotional, and intellectual development of youth. 

In this episode, our Shrinks discuss their thoughts about the current cultural climate of the University and what we need to do to protect and stimulate creative thinking and expression.

Listen here:

  "We've become a culture of hyperbole, of black and white extremism."

– Jonathan Hetterly, LPC



Being Human

In our Being Human segment, the Shrink Tank Podcast panelists discuss some of the latest findings on psychology in the news.

Today's Being Human segment discusses the ever classic Marshmallow Experiment. Some 50 years since the original marshmallow test, a new study finds that today's youngsters may be able to delay gratification significantly longer in order to get that extra reward.

Our panel of Shrinks discuss the correlation between delayed gratification and higher intelligence, maturation, and problem-solving skills. Read the article that inspired the discussion here. 

Speak your Mind!

Reply below or send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Your input could even be featured on the next episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast!

Need a longer session with the Shrinks? Check out our last episode here.

Bo Burnham's directorial debut, Eighth Grade, is a poignant look into coming-of-age in the digital world. 

It can be unsettling when you watch mundane events unfold on the big screen that evoke unbearable insecurities, worries, and sadness.  You’ve been warned: the cringe factor is extremely high for Eighth Grade.  

RELATED: Should My Teen See 'Eighth Grade' Despite its R Rating?

In this episode, our Shrinks discuss their own personal middle school experiences along with their thoughts on the film.

Listen here:

  "for my perspective, you can see this identity formation bubbling for kayla."

– Dr. Emma Kate Wright



Being Human

In our Being Human segment, the Shrink Tank Podcast panelists discuss some of the latest findings on psychology in the news.

Today's Being Human segment discusses our favorite furry friends. A new study suggests that pet adoption can augment medication response in treatment-resistant depression. During a single year, depression occurs in about 7% of Americans. While medication and psychotherapy may help, sometimes individuals experience treatment-resistance. This research showcases patients willing to have a pet may experience multiple benefits while treating their depression.

Our panel of Shrinks discuss how implementing pet adoption can be a therapeutic instrument. Read the article that inspired the discussion here. 

Speak your Mind!

Reply below or send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Your input could even be featured on the next episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast!

Need a longer session with the Shrinks? Check out our last episode here.

The latest trend in Hollywood: sudden engagements. From Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson to Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin to most recently Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra—numerous celebrity couples have recently become engaged.

What does this say about today's culture of romantic relationships? Our panel of Shrinks discuss.

Listen here:

  "I'm curious if that fast-paced lifestyle is in some peoples minds, a stable relationship anchors them through the ebb and flow of celebrity culture."

– Jonathan Hetterly, LPC

Being Human

In our Being Human segment, the Shrink Tank Podcast panelists discuss some of the latest findings on psychology in the news.

Today's Being Human segment features a discussion that explores the impact of trigger warnings. Since their inception, trigger warnings have become more widely applied in contemporary culture. Some argue that they empower vulnerable individuals by allowing them to prepare for or avoid disturbing content, while others say that such warnings undermine psychological resilience.

Our panel of Shrinks discuss the impacts that trigger warnings have on viewers. Read the article that inspired the discussion here. 

Speak your Mind!

Reply below or send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Your input could even be featured on the next episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast!

Need a longer session with the Shrinks? Check out our last episode here.

Tom Cruise is one of the most fascinating celebrities in Hollywood. His filmography covers a myriad of genres, characters, and storylines. Today's podcast focuses Mission: Impossible — Fallout, the psychology of Tom Cruise, and his controversial history in the limelight.

Listen here:

  "You can see how [tom cruise's] charisma and charm on the surface can be really likable, but gone to an extreme it could be really disturbing."

– Jonathan Hetterly, LPC

Being Human

In our Being Human segment, the Shrink Tank Podcast panelists discuss some of the latest findings on psychology in the news.

In a new study published by the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, evidence that college men who frequently participate in religious activities are less likely to engage in sexually aggressive and coercive behavior.

Read the article that inspired the discussion here. 



Doctor's Orders

Dr. Emma Kate Wright's recommendation for the week is the documentary on Scientology, Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief.

Jonathan Hetterly, LPC's recommendation is Bo Burnham's directorial debut, middle schooler in today's digital era.

Dr. Frank Gaskill's recommendation is The Terror by Dan Simmons. If you love nautical history or adventurous novels, give this one a go.

Speak your Mind!

Our Shrinks got to answer questions from the audience live at HeroesCon, but we'd like to get the rest of our listeners in on the conversation! Reply below or send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Your input could even be featured on the next episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast!

Need a longer session with the Shrinks? Check out our last episode here.

Mr. Rogers, the subject of the latest documentary 'Won't You Be My Neighbor?' was a cultural icon. Today's podcast focuses on the impact that Fred Rogers had on the television landscape, child development, the dignity, and inclusion of all people.

On the heels of the recent release of Won't You Be My Neighbor?, our panel of Shrinks are choosing to take the deeper dive into the childhood, the legacy and the mission of Mr. Rogers.

Listen here:

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  "DeCENCY, KINDNESS, DIGNITY, they NEVER GO OUT OF FASHION."

– Jonathan Hetterly, LPC



Being Human

In our Being Human segment, the Shrink Tank Podcast panelists discuss some of the latest findings on psychology in the news.

Today's Being Human topic discusses the benefits of taking baths. A new study suggests that bathing has numerous mental and physical health benefits. This study's experiments showcases that participants in studies experienced stress relief, changes in their skin condition, and more.

Read the original findings here. 

Doctor's Orders

Dr. Emma Kate Wright's recommendation for the week is the aforementioned documentary, Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Jonathan Hetterly, LPC's recommendation is The National's album Boxer: Live In Brussels. This album, despite being written 11 years ago, is still poignant in the context of our current times.

Dr. Dave Verhaagen's recommendations are Sacha Baren Cohen's Who is America?

Speak your Mind!

Our Shrinks got to answer questions from the audience live at HeroesCon, but we'd like to get the rest of our listeners in on the conversation! Reply below or send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Your input could even be featured on the next episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast!

Need a longer session with the Shrinks? Check out our last episode here.

The life, legacy and unfortunate death of Robin Williams has had a profound impact on our culture, the world of comedy and the entertainment industry. Today's podcast focuses on the psychology of Robin Williams.

On the heels of the recent release of HBO's latest documentary, Come Inside My Mind, our panel of Shrinks are choosing to take the deeper dive into the career, the history and the mental health of Robin Williams.

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  "[ROBIN WILLIAMS] WAS SHOT OUT OF A CANON ONSTAGE, IN HIS ELEMENT...BUT IN REGULAR LIFE HE HAD TO WORK REALLY HARD JUST FOR BASIC ATTACHMENTS."

– Dr. Dave Verhaagen

Being Human

In our Being Human segment, the Shrink Tank Podcast panelists discuss some of the latest findings on psychology in the news.

Today's Being Human topic discusses the psychology of roller coasters. We sit through lines as long as 8 hours for an average ride time of two minutes or less, with health risks such as stroke, brain deformation and other injuries due to crashes... So why do we do it? What is it about roller coasters that some love so much, and is it an experience we tend to like less as we get older?

Read the original findings here. 

Doctor's Orders

Dr. Emma Kate Wright's recommendation for the week is the aforementioned HBO documentary, Come Inside My Mind.

Jonathan Hetterly, LPC's recommendation is a Netflix show, Babylon Berlin. Despite being the most expensive German television show ever produced, the series includes topics such as blackmail, governmental conspiracy.

Dr. Dave Verhaagen's two recommendations are So You Think You Can Dance and American Ninja Warrior for fun and entertaining summer viewing.

 

Speak your Mind!

Our Shrinks got to answer questions from the audience live at HeroesCon, but we'd like to get the rest of our listeners in on the conversation! Reply below or send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Your input could even be featured on the next episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast!

Need a longer session with the Shrinks? Check out our last episode here.