Have you ever left a conversation feeling more confused than when you started? Like you had to apologize for something you didn't even do? That nagging feeling that you're "too sensitive" or "remembering things wrong" might not be a flaw in your memory—it might be a sign of something much more calculated.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the anatomy of gaslighting. We explore the origins of the term from the 1938 stage production Gas Light to its modern-day usage popularized by Dr. Robin Stern. We also break down the specific tactics used in this form of emotional abuse—such as denial, countering, and trivializing—and discuss how to distinguish a genuine misunderstanding from systematic manipulation. Whether it’s in intimate relationships, the workplace, or even medical settings, understanding how gaslighting works is the first step to reclaiming your reality.

Connect with the Show:

• Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com

• Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast

• Email: [email protected]

Credits:

• Host: John Shaw

• Intro Music: "More Now Than Ever" by North Sphere.

• Topic Suggestion: A special thank you to Mike for suggesting this week’s topic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In August 1971, a makeshift prison in the basement of Stanford University became the site of one of the most controversial studies in the history of psychology. Intended to last two weeks, the Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE) was halted after just six days as the boundary between "role" and "identity" dangerously dissolved for both guards and prisoners.

In this episode of Your Mind On, host John Shaw dives deep into the chronology of those six days—from the initial "arrests" to the psychological warfare and eventual breakdown of the simulation. We explore:

• The "John Wayne" Persona: How stereotypes and researcher influence may have shaped the guards' sadistic behavior.

• The Abu Ghraib Parallel: A look at how the SPE’s findings on systemic "bad barrels" were later mirrored in the real-world abuses in Iraq.

• Modern Critiques: Was the experiment a groundbreaking discovery or a scripted performance? We examine recent reports of faked breakdowns and direct researcher manipulation.

• Personal Reflections: John shares insights from his own military deployment in Iraq and discusses how these psychological principles apply to current challenges in law enforcement and professional oversight.

Contact the Show: We want to hear your thoughts on this episode!

• Email: [email protected]

• Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast

• Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com

Music Credits: Intro and Outro music: "More Now Than Ever" by North Sphere.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review in your favorite podcast app to help us grow the show!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt like you were a passenger in a car where someone else was slamming on the gas and then the brakes, but you were the one getting the speeding tickets? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most complex and misunderstood conditions in psychology: Bipolar Disorder.

We’re moving past the casual "mood swing" labels to explore what it’s actually like to live between two extremes—from the "superhuman" rush of mania to the heavy, suffocating weight of deep depression. We’ll dive into the history of the diagnosis, the fascinating (and controversial) link between the disorder and creativity, and the vital role that routine and support systems play in management. Whether you’re here to learn for yourself or to better understand someone in your life, this episode is all about finding grace in the highs and the lows.

Connect with the Show:

• Webpage: www.yourmindonpodcast.com

• Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast

• Email: [email protected]

Music Credits:

• Intro/Outro Music: "More Now Than Ever" by North Sphere

A Note of Caution: I am not a licensed mental health professional. This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling, please reach out to a licensed professional. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Your Mind On, we peel back the Hollywood curtain on forensic psychology. While shows like Criminal Minds and Bull have popularized the image of the "heroic profiler" and the "psychic trial consultant," the reality of the field is often far different—and sometimes far more dangerous. We break down what forensic psychologists actually do, from competency evaluations to high-stakes child custody battles, and explain why the "Criminal Profiling Illusion" persists despite a lack of scientific evidence.

Then, we dive into our first deep-dive case study: the "Co-Ed Killer," Edmund Kemper. We explore the psychological "pressure cooker" created by years of maternal abuse and paternal abandonment, and examine the clinical labels—from Antisocial Personality Disorder to the rare Pseudobulbar Affect—that define one of history’s most "high-functioning" predators.

Connect with the Show:

• Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast

Creits:

• Intro Music: "More Now Than Ever" by North Sphere (Used with permission)

• Recommended Listening: Timesuck Episode 123 (Edmund Kemper)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we peel back the layers of one of the most common—and often most misunderstood—ways we categorize human behavior: Introversion vs. Extroversion.

Host John Shaw moves beyond the simple "shy vs. life of the party" stereotypes to explore the fundamental psychological and biological truths that drive these personalities. Rooted in the pioneering work of Carl Jung and enhanced by the biological theories of Hans Eysenck, this episode dives into:

• The Energy Source: Why extroverts are energized by the external world of people and activity, while introverts draw their strength from the internal world of thoughts and reflection.

• The Brain Science: The fascinating roles of neurotransmitters like Dopamine and Acetylcholine, and how differences in cortical arousal and brain blood flow shape our social needs.

• The "Introvert Hangover": Understanding the physical and mental exhaustion that comes from overstimulation, and why the COVID-19 pandemic was a starkly different experience for each type.

• Navigating the World: Practical insights on how these traits manifest in the workplace and in romantic relationships, and the importance of finding a "balance of energy" during high-stress times like the holiday season.

Whether you are an introvert, an extrovert, or an adaptive ambivert, this episode is an essential guide to understanding your own "social battery" and building more empathetic relationships with those around you.

• Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast
• Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com
• Email: [email protected]

• Intro Song: "Now More Than Ever" by North Sphere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Your Mind On, we dive into one of the most transformative inventions of our time: Artificial Intelligence. While AI offers incredible convenience and innovation, we have to ask—what is the cost to our mental health?

Join host John Shaw as he explores the emerging phenomenon known as "AI Psychosis" or "LLM-induced psychological destabilisation." We examine how specific AI behaviors—like sycophancy, "hallucinations," and false intimacy—can inadvertently reinforce delusions and foster unhealthy attachments. From "Messianic Missions" to feelings of persecution, we discuss the startling ways these interactions are shaping human psychology.

Plus, stay tuned for a special segment where we turn the tables and conduct an "interview" with Google’s Gemini AI to get its own take on the risks it poses and how users can protect themselves. Tune in to understand the hidden psychological challenges of the digital age.

Contact Us:

• Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com

Credits:

• Theme/Intro Music: Now More Than Ever by North Sphere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is arguably the most chilling, controversial, and misunderstood condition in psychology. Hollywood loves to exploit it, but what is the truth behind the fragmented self?

In this deep-dive episode, we cut through the sensationalism of films like Split and historical cases like Sybil to explore the complex reality of DID. We separate the clinical facts from the fiction, providing context for students and professionals, while keeping the topic accessible for everyone.

• The Clinical Shift: Why the diagnosis moved from Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) to Dissociative Identity Disorder.
• The Two Competing Models: A balanced look at the Trauma Model versus the Sociocognitive Model (SCM) of DID.
• Healing the Fragmented Self: The three-phase approach to treatment and how recovery is possible.
• Cross-Cultural Connections: We explore the fascinating inclusion of the Possession Form of DID in the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, and how culture interprets radical personality shifts.

This episode is a call for compassion and a clear look at how the human mind survives prolonged, severe trauma.

• Podcast Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com
• Instagram: Share your thoughts with us @yourmindonpodcast
• Questions, Comments, & Topic Suggestions: Email us at [email protected]

• Intro Music: "More Now Than Ever" by North Sphere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Today we will discuss holiday stress. This time of year there is more than enough stress to go around, so it's important to identify what those stressors are and ways to manage them to ensure that your holidays are shiny and bright instead of overwhelming you with stress.

You can contact the podcast at [email protected] and now on Instagram as well.

Credit to North Sphere for the intro music titled Now More Than Ever

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Obedience. When is it right to obey authority? When is it right to stand up and say no when an authority figure tells you to do something that is against your moral code? Stanley Milgram, a Yale psychologist, conducted a series of studies in 1961 to find out just how easily people would obey an authority figure, and how far they would take it.

Please be sure to follow the podcast, and please leave comments and ratings whenever possible as it really helps the show grow!

You can reach out to the show with comments, questions, or criticisms at [email protected]

Theme music is Now More Than Ever by North Sphere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we learn about Ivan Pavlov's famous conditioning study involving his dogs, how classical condition occurs, and how it shows up in our lives.

Thank you all for listening.

You can reach out via email at [email protected]

Credit to North Sphere for the intro music, the full song can be found on major music platforms like Spotify and is titled Now More Than Ever.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.