Psychologist and SuperPsyched host Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews novelist Andrew Davidson about Davidson’s debut novel The Gargoyle and the role fiction can play in empathy and mental health. Davidson summarizes the book as a burn-ward patient approached by a woman who claims they were lovers 700 years ago, highlighting the tension between the narrator’s atheism and Maryanne Engel’s faith. He discusses his research-driven writing process, including firsthand outreach to a burn survivor, extensive historical sourcing, and deliberate choices balancing accuracy with emotional truth. Davidson explains cutting a much longer manuscript, securing representation from agent Eric Simonoff, and how the book’s global publication—including translations and a reported $1.25 million advance—led to an overwhelming publicity tour that altered his relationship with writing. He describes later work in theater and ends by naming empathy as the key insight to improve society.

00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched

00:26 Why Fiction Matters

00:49 Introducing The Gargoyle

02:28 Meet Andrew Davidson

03:24 What The Book Is About

06:44 Characters and The Author

09:09 Researching Worlds and Trauma

13:59 Accuracy vs Emotional Truth

19:02 Trusting Intuition and Editing

21:12 Loving the Writing Process

22:26 Why Only One Novel

24:39 Writing for Love

25:40 Japan and The Gargoyle

26:30 Fame and Touring Burnout

29:11 Reset in Paris

30:26 Theater and New Writing

31:57 Writer Identity and Intrinsic Drive

33:48 Landing a Top Agent

36:07 Editing Down the Manuscript

40:11 Luck Preparation and Gratitude

42:35 Movie or Limited Series

45:34 Winnipeg Theater Mission

47:54 Empathy and Farewell

Helpful Links:

Andrew Davidson Facebook

The Gargoyle Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces his podcast episode featuring Melissa Orlov, a Harvard-educated expert on ADHD and marriage and author of “The ADHD Effect on Marriage” and “The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD.” They discuss what adult ADHD is and is not, emphasizing attention dysregulation, distractibility, impulsivity, planning and working-memory difficulties, and emotional dysregulation, along with the hereditary and neurochemical basis (notably low dopamine) and why stimulants can be calming by increasing dopamine availability. Dorsay shares his own late ADHD diagnosis, his first experience taking Ritalin, and how medication helped him build habits and identity-based changes he later maintained without medication.

Orlov describes common, predictable relationship patterns in ADHD-impacted couples, including the “hyperfocus courtship” phase driven by elevated dopamine and the shift after 24–28 months when symptoms become more visible. She outlines the experiences of both partners: the ADHD partner often carries lifelong shame and sensitivity to criticism, while the non-ADHD partner can feel lonely, resentful, and overwhelmed by chaos and perceived lack of follow-through. They explore distractibility and how “new or shiny” can override what is important, and they highlight strengths often associated with ADHD such as creativity, energy, passion, and effective performance in high-stimulation contexts.

Orlov presents a three-stage framework for healing: moving out of denial and learning how ADHD impacts relationships, both partners taking responsibility for their own work, and breaking entrenched patterns such as parent-child dynamics and “symptom-response-response” cycles by reframing symptoms and changing reactions. They address sleep hygiene as foundational, noting sleep deprivation can worsen or mimic ADHD symptoms, and discuss strategies like consistent bedtime routines, “sacred bedtime,” and limiting electronics and blue-light exposure. They also discuss how parent-child dynamics harm sexual connection, the importance of lowering pressure when restarting sex, and improving communication about sex. Orlov closes with the importance of rebuilding trust through transparency and ownership rather than equating trust solely with perfect follow-through, and she names self-compassion and compassion for others as the key skill she would give to everyone.

00:00 Welcome to Dorsay

00:28 ADHD and Marriage Stakes

01:00 Meet Melissa Orlov

03:00 Why ADHD Feels Familiar

04:17 What ADHD Is and Isnt

06:23 Why Stimulants Help

07:38 Adams Diagnosis Story

09:36 Medication Targets and Hope

12:14 Habits and Identity Shifts

13:15 Empathy for Both Partners

14:50 ADHD Partner Childhood Shame

20:13 Non ADHD Partner Experience

22:19 Hyperfocus Courtship Chemistry

24:46 Distractibility in Relationships

26:49 Main Thing Mantra

27:24 Medication to Structure

28:39 ADHD Strengths Kept

30:17 Three Stages Healing

31:29 Breaking Bad Patterns

34:57 Sleep Hygiene Fixes

40:36 Electronics at Bedtime

42:14 Sex and Reconnection

49:06 Rebuilding Trust

54:21 Compassion Magic Skill

55:22 Closing Thanks

Helpful Links:

Melissa Orlov

Melissa Orlov The Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHD Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and frames the growing misinformation problem, citing low trust in traditional media , the rise of influencer-based news consumption among 18–29 year olds, research that false news spreads faster than truth on Twitter, and the World Economic Forum ranking misinformation/disinformation as the most severe global risk in 2024 and 2025. He interviews Dr. Avi Tuschman (Stanford StartX serial entrepreneur; Stanford doctorate in anthropological science; expert on human political bias) about Crickit.ai (C-R-I-C-K-I-T), an AI tool that provides real-time in-stream fact checks for social media videos, starting with YouTube on desktop. The discussion covers why misinformation spreads (high-arousal content, negativity bias, suggestibility, and attention scarcity), why it affects everyone (including errors/omissions/exaggerations in reputable content), and the relationship between media ecosystems, polarization, and a global democratic recession. Avi raises concerns about TikTok’s influence, urging people over 30 to review its “society” content, citing examples of high-production disinformation, alleged foreign influence efforts, elevated WWII revisionism compared with Instagram (UNESCO figure of 5.7x), and medical misinformation (e.g., a study finding ~25% of asthma content has significant misrepresentations and is overrepresented in viewing). He describes Crickit’s user experience as subtitle-like overlays with a pause expansion panel summarizing evidence in ~40–50 words, and positions it as a tool to build media literacy and critical thinking—like a flight simulator for evaluating persuasion and uncertainty. Plans include mobile support and additional platforms, potentially later in the year, though TikTok is not supported yet. Avi offers listeners a discount via promo code/URL “SUPERPSYCHED" for monthly subscription savings for up to three years.

00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched + Why Misinformation Is Surging

00:55 The Numbers: Trust in Media, Influencer News & Falsehoods Spreading Faster

01:45 Meet Dr. Avi Tuschman & Crickit.ai—Real-Time Fact-Checks for YouTube

03:59 Why Avi Built Crickit: Science, Truth, and the 2018 Wake-Up Call

05:31 How Crickit Works (and Why It’s Not ‘Just a Chatbot’)

07:49 Inside the Engine: Claim Extraction, Source Cross-Checks & Reliability Ratings

10:05 Accuracy, Benchmarks & Why ‘Good Enough’ Beats the Status Quo

12:22 Misinformation’s Sneakiest Trick + Even ‘Trusted’ Videos Get Things Wrong16:09 Why BS Goes Viral: Attention Economics, High-Arousal Content & ‘The Medium Is the Message’

19:06 Pinocchio, Crypto Scams & ‘The Conscience of Content’ Origin Story

21:53 Human Suggestibility, Hypnosis, and the Social Media Influence Gap

25:02 The Paradox: We Need Influence to Survive—But Negativity Bias Warps It

25:37 Fear, Negativity Bias, and the Cost of Believing Bad Info

26:19 TikTok’s Mental Health Misinformation Problem

27:47 Why TikTok Is More Than ‘Dance Videos’—A Civic-Duty Reality Check

29:08 Propaganda, Fake Viral Videos, and WWII/Holocaust Revisionism

31:35 Can ‘Crickit’ Fact-Check TikTok? Roadmap and Timeline

32:31 How Crickit Works: Real-Time Overlays, Categories, and Rationale Panels

34:14 Training Critical Thinking: Ambiguity Tolerance, System 1 vs System 2

39:05 BS Is Omnipresent: Humility, Corrections, and Learning You’re Wrong

40:40 Media Literacy Gap + Crickit as a ‘Flight Simulator’ for Critical Thinking

42:40 Wrap-Up: Promo Code, Name Teasing, and the One Skill Humanity Needs

Helpful Links:

⁠Avi Tuschman LinkedIn⁠

⁠Crickit⁠.ai

Helpful Links:

⁠Avi Tuschman LinkedIn⁠

⁠Crickt⁠

In this episode of the SuperPsyched Podcast, host Dr. Adam Dorsay chats with returning guest Dr. Guy Winch, a psychologist, TED speaker, and bestselling author, about his new book 'Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life.' They discuss common myths about work, the impact of workplace stress on personal lives, and the rise of workplace bullying. Dr. Winch shares insights on managing job stress, the importance of emotional intelligence, and practical tips for optimizing work-life balance. He also offers actionable advice on making vacations more restorative and the essential practice of detaching from work to improve overall well-being.

00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched Podcast

00:39 Introducing Dr. Guy Winch and His New Book

03:10 The Myths and Realities of Work Stress

03:43 The Impact of Workplace Stress on Personal Life

06:53 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

15:34 The Importance of Communication and Clarity

19:38 The Consequences of Chronic Stress and Burnout

23:33 Internship Challenges and Stress

24:55 The Importance of Taking Breaks

26:26 Restorative Activities and Social Connections

29:20 Effective Vacation Strategies

34:26 Mental and Physical Exhaustion

40:34 Detaching from Work for Better Well-being

42:00 Final Thoughts and Farewell

HELPFUL LINKS:

Dr. Guy Winch Website

'Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life.’ Book

Dear Therapists Podcast

In this episode of *SuperPsyched*, Dr. Adam Dorsay speaks with Rebecca Geshurii, co-author of 'When Good Moms Feel Bad'. Rebecca is a psychotherapist who integrates InternalFamily Systems (IFS) in her approach to helping moms navigate the emotional and physiological challenges of motherhood. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, embracing imperfections, and the value of community support. Rebecca shares practical tips for moms to soften their body, listen to their inner selves, open their hearts, and wait for internal messages, encapsulated in the acronym SLOW. The conversation highlights the need to recognize andprocess grief and shame in motherhood, ultimately promoting emotional well-being and familial connections.

00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched

00:28 The Challenges of Motherhood

00:55 Introducing Rebecca Geshuri and Her Book

02:27 The Reality of Parenting

07:13 Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS)

08:02 Applying IFS to Motherhood

13:38 The Importance of Self-Compassion

17:44 Practical Tips for Self-Compassion

22:15 The Power of Self-Compassion

22:31 Understanding the SLOW Acronym

24:40 The Impact of Shame and Guilt

26:07 Navigating Motherhood and Grief

28:53 The Complexity of Parenting

34:32 Embracing All Parts of Ourselves

36:32 Building Community and Support

41:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections

HELPFUL LINKS:

Rebecca Geshuri Website

When Good Moms Feel Bad Book

Rebecca Geshuri Instagram

Rebecca Geshuri Facebook

In this milestone 300th episode of the SuperPsyched podcast, Dr. Adam Dorsay welcomes a very special guest—his mother, Dorothy Kurzrock Dorsay. Dorothy shares her extraordinary life journey, offering wisdom accumulated over 85 years. From her roots in Newark, New Jersey, to her impactful career in social justice with the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Dorothy gives insights into the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and lifelong learning. The episode is filled with heartwarming stories, including a hilarious anecdote about Adam's childhood mischief, and underscores the value of resilience, connection, and challenging prejudice.

00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched

00:28 Introducing a Remarkable Guest

01:01 Dorothy's Early Life and Career

03:26 Life Lessons and Childhood Memories

09:24 Social Justice and Inclusivity

18:15 Global Experiences and Family Adventures

21:38 Mitzvah Day and Community Impact

26:58 The Power of Connections

31:17 A Playgroup Incident and Susie's Theft

33:45 The Wide Net of Connections

34:55 Lessons from Mrs. Reed

39:30 Lifelong Friendships and Reunions

54:00 Parenting Moments and Life Lessons

57:13 Final Reflections and Wisdom

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews Gretchen Rubin, author of 'The Four Tendencies'. They explore how people respond to internal and external expectations and the resulting personality profiles: Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel. Gretchen explains the genesis of her framework and its practical applications in everyday life. The discussion covers strategies for handling different tendencies, especially in relationships, and delves into the concept of Obliger Rebellion. Listeners will gain valuable insights into improving self-management and interpersonal dynamics.00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched00:28 Understanding Expectations01:07 Meet Gretchen Rubin02:49 The Genesis of the Four Tendencies05:23 Exploring the Four Tendencies07:58 Applying the Four Tendencies13:30 Personal Insights and Reflections16:07 The Importance of Accountability21:34 The Importance of Effective Communication21:38 Humorous Signs and Their Impact24:29 Tailoring Messages to Different Tendencies25:33 The Power of 'Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires'27:22 Navigating Relationships with Different Tendencies34:20 Understanding Obliger Rebellion38:33 The Value of Meaningful Connections39:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Helpful Links:

Gretchen Rubin Website

The Four Tendencies Book

Happier with Gretchen Rubin Podcast

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay sits down with Dr. Ben Rein, an acclaimed neuroscientist and Chief Science Officer at the Mind Science Foundation. They discuss Dr. Rein's book 'Why Brains Need Friends' and the critical importance of social connections for mental and physical health. The conversation dives into the science of empathy, the impact of loneliness and social isolation, and practical tips for building and maintaining meaningful relationships. They also explore interesting analogies, such as comparing social interactions to the care of plants and the concept of a diverse social diet. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their social habits and embrace the benefits of real human connections.

00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay

00:28 The Importance of Friendship and Social Connection01:11 Introducing Dr. Ben Rein and His Book

01:35 The Neuroscience of Connection

08:35 Defining Loneliness, Isolation, and Solitude

17:53 Tips for Combatting Loneliness

33:43 The Power of Empathy

36:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Helpful Links:

Dr. Ben Rein Website

Dr. Ben Rein LinkedIn

Dr. Ben Rein TikTok

Why Brains Need Friends-The Neuroscience of Social Connection Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay, host of the SuperPsyched podcast, explores the concept of 'both and' thinking with Dr. Wendy Smith, professor at the University of Delaware. They discuss how simplistic binary questions can lead to problematic outcomes, especially in complex situations like parenting, corporate decisions, and political discourse. Dr. Smith highlights the importance of embracing paradoxical thinking to foster better decision-making and creativity. Their conversation delves into integrating competing demands in personal and professional contexts, enhancing relationships, and navigating life’s complexities with a mindset that values nuance and interconnectedness.

00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched

00:28 The Problem with Binary Thinking

01:08 Introducing Dr. Wendy Smith

02:16 The Concept of Both/And Thinking

05:13 Practical Applications of Both/And Thinking

07:14 Challenges in Promoting Nuanced Thinking

13:26 Both/And Thinking in Relationships

21:04 Paradox Theory and Parenting

25:02 Balancing Connection and Separation

25:24 Innovation and Existing Products: The Tightrope Walk

27:15 Parenting: Balancing Autonomy and Authority

29:05 The Concept of Consistent Inconsistency

30:22 The Power of Both-And Thinking

32:09 The Placebo and Nocebo Effect

34:44 Coopetition: Collaborating with Competitors

42:36 The Importance of Listening

Helpful Links:

Dr .Wendy K Smith Website

Dr. Wendy K Smith Linkedin

Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems Book

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay shares actionable strategies for increasing luck in the new year. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people, taking numerous chances, and learning from failures. Dr. Dorsay also discusses the psychological concept of 'cognitive after image,' the benefits of being audacious, and the significance of expanding your social network. Through anecdotal stories and scientific insights, he provides a roadmap to help you cultivate a luckier 2026. Happy New Year!

00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched

00:28 Reflecting on the Past Year

00:55 Strategies to Increase Your Luck

01:43 Surround Yourself with Supportive People

02:32 Take More Shots

03:59 Embrace Failure and Learn

05:33 Ask Better Questions

06:36 The Power of Social Networks

07:54 Unexpected Opportunities

10:57 Final Thoughts and Wishes for 2026