Imagine a future where the key to unlocking your potential lies not just in hard work or effective study habits, but within the very strands of your DNA. What if science could unravel the secrets behind our intellectual abilities and illuminate pathways to academic success? As we stand on the brink of groundbreaking advancements in genetics, researchers are beginning to explore how our genetic makeup could predict intelligence and learning capabilities.

The Hungry Mind Lab, based at the University of York and directed by Professor Sophie von Stumm, conducts research that uses big data and novel methods to explore the causes and consequences of people’s individual differences in behavioural and cognitive development, asking “why are people so different?". The lab runs studies investigating how people’s personality traits, early life environments, and genetic tendencies influence and predict their intelligence, language learning, and educational attainment.

Our guests:

Florence Oxley is a researcher in early years cognitive, communicative and motor development, working at the University of York. She previously worked with the Hungry Mind Lab, on a project about how genes and the environment work together in shaping us cognitively. Florence now works at the York BabyLab on a project using ultrasound of the tongue to explore how sensorimotor feedback from babies' own movements contributes to speech and language development.

Kirsty Wilding is in her final year of her PhD at the Department of Education at the University of York. Kirsty’s PhD studies focus on the association between family background differences and children’s educational and language development. So far Kirsty has focused on how polygenic scores, which index children’s genetic tendencies for education, predict their school performance. She now focuses on disentangling genetic factors from environmental influences that inform together children’s family background differences.

Resources:

https://www.hungrymindlab.com/projects/genetics/

https://senfm.york.ac.uk/

https://babylab.york.ac.uk/

In an age where podcasts and streaming platforms are saturated with stories of real-life horrors, the fascination with true crime has transformed from mere morbid curiosity into a cultural phenomenon. But what is it about the sinister lives of serial killers that captivates us so deeply? Is it the thrill of danger from a safe distance or perhaps the psychological intrigue that lies beneath their heinous acts? Join us as we delve into this darkly fascinating world, exploring why we can’t help but be drawn to these tales of terror—and what they reveal about our own humanity.

Our Guest: Dr. Scott Bonn is a criminologist, producer, TV analyst, public speaker, and author of the best-selling popular culture book Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World’s Most Savage Murderers. He has provided expert commentary and analysis for several high-profile true crime TV shows and documentaries on A&E, Discovery Network, Oxygen, Investigation Discovery, and Travel Channel.

Dr. Scott Bonn has also authored the critically acclaimed sociology book Mass Deception: Moral Panic and the U.S. War on Iraq. His fact-based crime thriller novel, Evil Guardian, was inspired by his correspondence with notorious, real-life serial killers David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) and Dennis Rader (Bind, Torture, Kill).

Dr. Scott Bonn is an expert on criminal behavior and is highly respected for answering the puzzling question of “why the perpetrator did it” in complex murder cases. He makes the seemingly incomprehensible both understandable and highly entertaining for his audience. He examines many types of criminal activity in his Psychology Today blog, “Wicked Deeds,” which has been visited nearly 9 million times and has more than 15,000 social media followers.

Dr. Scott Bonn holds a Ph.D. in Sociology (Criminology) and an M.S. in Criminal Justice.

Website: https://www.docbonn.com/

Dr. Scott Bonn’s live presentation on March 22, 2025

Venue: District Music Hall, 71 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT 06850

Link to purchase tickets - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/serial-killers-with-dr-scott-bonn-tickets-1107514929969?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

Relational trauma, borne from disrupted attachments or significant interpersonal conflicts, can leave lasting scars that affect our ability to connect meaningfully with others. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety in relationships or struggled to trust those around you, you're not alone. But what if there were a path to healing that could help you break free from the trauma chains of the past? Enter Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Join us as we explore how this powerful treatment is designed to rewire the brain's response to trauma.

Our Guest: Liz Modugno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Addiction Counselor (LADC). She is the owner of Aspire Counseling of CT and the Center for Healing Trauma. She has been in the field for over 15 years and during that time has also been the Clinical Director of two local mental health and substance abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs. Liz specializes in addiction, mental health, traumatic experiences, and life changes. She is trained in and practices Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing therapy (CPT), and Mindfulness. Liz is a Certified EMDR Clinician, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and EMDR Basic Training Facilitator.

Websites: https://aspirecounselingct.com/ and https://healingtraumaemdr.com/

EMDR International Association: https://www.emdria.org/

In a world where seconds can mean the difference between life and death, there exists an unsung hero behind every emergency call—the dispatcher. Yet, despite their critical role in public safety, 911 emergency call responders often work tirelessly in the shadows, facing immense pressure without the recognition they deserve. As we delve into the challenges faced by 911 call responders and explore how we can rally to support them, it becomes clear that acknowledging their contributions is not just important—it's vital. Join us as we shine a light on these essential lifelines of our communities and discover ways to advocate for their well-being!

Our Guest: Dr. Richard Janka is a licensed clinical psychologist in Michigan. He is the President of 911 Training Institute where he leads the operations and partnerships with public safety agencies and corporate partners. He is a Resilience and Call Mastery Instructor, specializing in the design and delivery of resilience, peer support, and emergency mental health dispatching training for 9-1-1 professionals and other emergency responders. Dr. Richard Janka has received specialized training in the areas of hostage and crisis negotiation, law enforcement stress, line of duty death, and critical incident stress management (CISM). He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Michigan Psychological Association, as well as a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Fire Service Psychology Association. Dr. Richard Janka conducts first-responder training, including wellness, peer support, and critical incident stress management (CISM). He also serves as a mental health consultant for 15 agencies in the greater Detroit metropolitan area, including Michigan State Police.

Website: https://www.911training.net/

Support 9-1-1 Reclassification Link: https://nena.quorum.us/campaign/74762/

In the land of opportunity, where dreams are meant to thrive, an alarming reality lurks beneath the surface—a growing homelessness crisis that challenges our values and our humanity. Each night, over half a million Americans find themselves without a place to call home, confronting not only physical hardships but also social stigma and systemic barriers that keep them trapped in cycles of despair. Join us as we explore this issue with an individual who is working tirelessly with her team and her community.  Let's open our hearts.

Our Guest:  Michele Conderino, MSW, is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Open Doors, a housing and homeless service organization in Norwalk, Connecticut, that provides resources for individuals and families on the path to housing stability. During her time at Open Doors, she has helped lead the organization to the greater adoption of innovative and evidence-based practices to end homelessness. Michele Conderino provides regional leadership on the Fairfield County Coordinated Access Network, Opening Doors Fairfield County (the HUD Continuum of Care planning body), and the Board of Supportive Housing Works. She has partnered with the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness on a statewide campaign to enlist realtors and to engage landlords.

Website:  https://opendoorsct.org/

As we gather around festive tables, filled with steaming plates of turkey and all the trimmings, it's easy to overlook the complex relationship many have with food—especially during this season of celebration. For some, mealtimes can evoke feelings far more profound than mere culinary enjoyment; they may surface hidden battles with eating disorders that intertwine deeply with our psyche. In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of eating disorders through a psychoanalytic lens.

Our Guest: Dr. Susan Kavaler-Adler (Ph.D., ABPP, Dr. Litt.,NCPsyA) is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Object Relations Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, where she also serves as Senior Supervisor, Training Analyst, and active Faculty member.  Dr. Kavaler-Adler is a Fellow of the American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis (ABPP) and is a psychoanalyst certified by the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP).  She also has an honorary doctorate in Literature.  Dr. Kavaler-Adler is an author, with 7 books and over 70 articles published.  She has received multiple awards for her writing contributions, including a Gradiva Award from NAAP, which she won in 2004 for her 2003 Routledge book “Mourning, Spirituality and Psychic Change: A New Object Relations View of Psychoanalysis.”  Two of Dr. Kavaler-Adler’s seven books are on well-known women writers and artists, and the creative process. She is on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Controversial Discussion (IJCD). Dr. Kavaler-Adler runs online groups for therapy, clinical supervision, and creative writing.

Contact: (917)371-5655 and [email protected]

https://kavaleradler.com/ 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Susan-Kavaler-Adler/author/B001H9R88K?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Resource Links: 

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/striped/report-economic-costs-of-eating-disorders/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/eating-disorders

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db508.htm

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

In a world where we are constantly connected through screens and social media, we strive to find our place, our community, and our clan. But what does it truly mean to belong? How do we navigate the complexities of identity in a digital age? These are questions that have become increasingly relevant as technology continues to shape and influence our lives and mental health.

Our Guest: Ian MacRae is a psychologist, award-winning author, and independent researcher specializing in the psychology of work, digital communication, and emerging technologies. He is the author of several books that have been translated into a dozen languages, including High Potential, Web of Value and Dark Social. He also serves on the British Psychological Society Division of Occupational Psychology Committee and Research Board.

It’s that nagging little quirk in human nature where we see others’ flaws but remain blissfully unaware of our own. Could this cognitive hiccup have prevented some individuals, commentators, and pundits from understanding the underlying reasons behind people's voting motivations? Let’s take a small bite of the bias blind spot.

As election day approaches, a palpable tension fills the air; it’s more than just candidates and campaigns—it's about our collective psyche. In this episode, we delve into how elections have shaped our emotions, influenced our mental health, and even altered our relationships with those around us. From anxiety over divisive issues to rage and despair in defeat, join us as we explore the profound psychological impacts that resonate long after votes are cast.

Alfred Hitchcock, often hailed as the "Master of Suspense," not only revolutionized film but also delved fearlessly into the darker realms of madness and obsession. From voyeuristic gazes to fractured identities, Hitchcock’s films serve as a mirror reflecting our deepest fears and desires.

Our Guest: Katarzyna Szmigiero is a graduate of the University of Łódź, Poland. She is an Associate Professor at the Department of English Studies at the University of Social Sciences, Lodz, Poland. Her research interests concentrate on medical humanities, especially cultural representations of psychiatry and gender, and genre fiction as well as mythological retellings.

Contact: [email protected]