In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay, a psychologist and podcast host, invites Nina Nina Badzin, the host of the 'Dear Nina' podcast, for an in-depth discussion on friendship in adulthood. They explore the importance of friendships, practical advice on making and maintaining friends, and the nuanced dynamics that can arise within friendships. Nina shares her personal journey and insights, emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's social life, the value of local connections, and the significance of offering the benefit of the doubt in relationships. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of friendship and improve their social connections.

00:00 Welcome to Super Psyched

00:28 The Importance of Friendship

01:35 Introducing Nina Nina Badzin

02:12 Nina's Journey with Friendship

05:45 The Role of Friendship in Marriage

10:12 Practical Friendship Advice

13:37 The Power of Initiation

18:28 Finding Friends and Building Connections

21:50 Perceived Support and Friendship

22:59 Maintaining Long-Distance Friendships

23:26 The Role of Social Media in Friendships

26:05 Hierarchy of Connection Methods

27:52 The Importance of In-Person Interactions

32:09 Navigating Friendship Conflicts

41:41 Assuming the Best in Friendships

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay converses with Dr. Raymond Moody, a physician who also has a PhD in philosophy and who is known for his extensive work on near-death experiences (NDEs). The discussion delves into the common traits reported in NDEs, the historical context of such experiences, and Dr. Moody's personal journey in this field. They touch upon the clinical and philosophical aspects, the role of nonsense in understanding these phenomena, and the transformative effects of NDEs on people's lives. Anecdotes, such as those of people empathically experiencing the life reviews of loved ones during their passing, provide a poignant insight into the potential of life after death.

00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched

00:28 Exploring Life After Death with Dr. Raymond Moody

01:31 Dr. Moody's Journey and Insights

05:03 Understanding Near Death Experiences

13:32 Philosophical Perspectives on Life After Death

34:20 Reincarnation and Personal Stories

47:01 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Helpful Links: Dr. Raymond Moody

In this special year-end solo episode of the SuperPsyched podcast, Dr. Adam Dorsay reflects on his personal and professional milestones in 2024. He discusses his journey of completing his book, delivering a keynote at the California Psychological Association's annual convention, and his continuous pursuit of better sleep. Dr. Dorsay emphasizes the importance of facing fears and taking audacious steps in the coming year, inspired by notable figures like Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and Oprah Winfrey. He shares his favorite books and TV shows from 2024 and hints at his plans for 2025, including improving his exercise routine and possibly conquering his fear of dancing. Wishing his listeners a happy new year, Dr. Dorsay expresses deep gratitude for their support and encourages them to make the most of 2025.

00:00 Welcome to Super Psyched

00:30 Reflecting on the Past Year

00:59 Achievements and Milestones

01:46 Facing Fears and Taking Risks

02:15 Book Recommendations and TV Shows

03:17 Personal Growth and Future Goals

04:19 Wishing You a Happy New Year

04:43 Gratitude and Farewell

For many of us men, entering middle life can feel unsettling if not downright upsetting. We talk about being more than halfway through life, on the back nine, or some other less-than-tantalizing description of this stage of life.

But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, it can be the beginning of the richest part of life. We know more than we used to. And we can apply that knowledge to live more fully than we ever have.

I was recently a guest on the Midlife Male podcast with Greg Scheinman (https://midlifemale.com/). I loved our conversation, subsequently read his book (also called Midlife Male) and found it engaging and full of insights. So, I decided to have him as a guest on this podcast for you, dear listener. As you will hear, Greg is a man rich with vitality and one who has given a lot of thought to this stage of life. I am impressed with how fully he lives while simultaneously how selectively he lives. That is, there are so many things that he could do that he does not do because they are not consistent with his focus.

I like that!

So, listen in as Greg and I talk about living more fully in midlife.

Flirting. Could it be an important skill for us to cultivate? My guest says YES—no matter our station in life.

And when you hear his definition, you’ll learn that it’s not just about sex, dating, or romance. It can be done in friendly contexts and can cultivate friendships as well.

Benjamin Camras (https://www.instagram.com/benjamincamras/?hl=en) is a flirt coach, and he unpacks what flirting is, why it’s important, and how to do it! Of course, many of his clients are people who are looking for love but, as you’ll hear, it’s not a skill solely reserved for them alone.

So, listen in as Benjamin and I talk about flirting and how you might be able to improve your abilities to do it!

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts, and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

Status. It’s something we want but might have difficulty admitting its presence or acknowledging we want it.

Except it’s pretty much always around us and, according to my guest, it’s a fundamental human need. It can drive the levels to which we receive respect and how we think about ourselves.

Dr. Alison Fragale (https://alisonfragale.com/) is a professor at the University of North Carolina, a keynote speaker, and the author of a book I loved called Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve. I’m not alone in my love for this book. Wharton professor and author Adam Grant said the book is “The ultimate guide for women to achieve their goals.”

So, listen in as Alison and I talk about status, how it relates to women, and how it can inform us all.

https://alisonfragale.com/

https://alisonfragale.substack.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonfragale/

https://www.instagram.com/alisonfragale/

Many of the best innovators in art, science, human rights, and other important areas of life have had one thing in common: they were rebels.

In some way, they refused to subordinate themselves by merely doing what was expected of them. Instead, they changed the way things were done… for the better. I’m not talking about reckless insubordination—the kind a character like Joker from Batman engages in. Instead, I’m referring to the principled version, the kind that Gandhi or MLK have exhibited in which people followed their hearts, their moral compasses, and the world would become a better place for it.

Dr. Todd Kashdan (https://toddkashdan.com/) is a professor at George Mason University and a leading authority on well-being, curiosity, courage, and resilience. He has published more than 220 scientific articles, his work has been cited more than 46,000 times, and he received the American Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to Psychology. He’s also the author of a book I loved that is the subject of this interview called The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively. I am not alone as the book has been praised by multiple thought leaders like Robert Cialdini, Seth Godin, and Susan David.

So, listen in as Todd and I talk about principled insubordination.

Linkedin: @toddkashdan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddkashdanInstagram: @toddkashdanThreads: @toddkashdanTwitter: @toddkashdanFacebook: @ToddKashdan https://www.facebook.com/public/Todd-Kashdan

None of us goes through life unwounded. Physically, we may stub a toe. We may fall and get hurt. Or break a bone.

And then there are the psychological wounds—particularly those that come from people who matter to us. We may be hurt by our parents, teachers, friends, or romantic partners.

When we attend to our wounds, they may actually provide unexpected gifts or strengths. But when we don’t, they can fester, and we can inadvertently cause others harm or pain.

Dr. Michael Meade (https://www.mosaicvoices.org/) is a mythologist, professor, author, podcaster, storyteller, and, personally, one of my all-time favorite thinkers. This is his second visit to my podcast, and I think you, my listener, will take away many gems from this conversation.

So, listen in as Michael and I talk about how our wounds form us and what we can do to both heal and to help bring these unexpected gifts to ourselves and to others.

Living Myth Podcast with Michael Meade: https://www.mosaicvoices.org/podcast

When I think of my favorite couple therapy experts, Dr. Stan Tatkin (https://www.thepactinstitute.com/therapy-with-stan) is one of the first names that comes to mind. I’ve read several of his books. I’ve attended several of his trainings. And this will be the third time I’m hosting him on SuperPsyched.

Stan’s work has changed my life and has been instrumental to the field of psychotherapy. And his expertise spans various areas of how we love including the neurobiology of love and relationships. As you might imagine, there’s a lot of terrain to cover! So, on this episode, I thought we’d talk about love hacks and a bit about attachment styles. Whether or not you’re not familiar with attachment styles, I’m confident you’ll come to have a better understanding of them and that this episode will delight you and be very useful.So, without further do, a hearty welcome back to one of my all-time faves!

Experiencing panic really sucks. It can occur without warning even when there’s no actual threat in sight. Physical and psychological symptoms run the gamut: racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, thoughts of losing control…

… and even fear of dying.I had a panic attack of my own years ago and thought I was having a heart attack. Fortunately, cardiological causes were ruled out. It was panic. And, yeah, while I was relieved, it left me feeling vulnerable to having another. 

Why does panic happen? And what can we do about it?

Fortunately, I know just the guy to give us the info we need. Dr. Charles Schaeffer (https://www.drchuckschaeffr.com/) is a clinical psychologist in private practice in New York, an adjunct professor at NYU, and among his many other accomplishments, he’s the author of a book I loved called When Panic Happens: Short-Circuit Anxiety and Fear in the Moment Using Neuroscience and Polyvagal Theory. I’m not alone in my admiration of Chuck and his book; several thought leaders have shared their praise for this excellent contribution to the field of psychotherapy. If you or anyone you know suffers from this common condition, this episode and Chuck’s book are highly recommended!So, listen in as Chuck unpacks what we need to know about panic.