Psychology And Stuff

In this episode, Dr. Alison Jane interviews Dr. Aaron Weinschenk, Director of the Social Sciences and Public Policy domain and the Ben J. and Joyce Rosenberg Professor of Political Science at UW-Green Bay. They explore the topic of political engagement, delving into why some individuals actively participate in politics, why others abstain, and why some fall in between. Dr. Weinschenk shares insights on the influences of family socialization, social identity, and contextual factors that shape individuals' political involvement. He also discusses his research on the role of genetics in understanding the likelihood of political engagement.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jason Cowell explores the dynamics of the popular subreddit "Am I the Asshole?" (AITA), emphasizing how it serves as an important platform for individuals seeking validation and connection. Dr. Cowell argues that AITA allows users to find their community, affirming moral convictions shaped by years of personal experience. In this space, people grapple with complex issues of right and wrong, often concluding that moral clarity is elusive unless significant harm is involved. This quest for validation is deeply intertwined with our identities, as we yearn for acceptance and reassurance that our beliefs are justified. Ultimately, Dr. Cowell highlights that the motivations behind seeking such validation often stem from feelings of isolation in judgment—underscoring a fundamental human desire for connection and affirmation in an increasingly judgmental world.

In this episode of Psychology and Stuff, Dr. Alison Jane Martingano interviews Dr. James Kabrhel, Associate Professor of Chemistry at UW-Green Bay’s Sheboygan Campus, about misinformation, pseudoscience, and education. They explore how misinformation spreads through social media, the psychology behind how we process information, and the reasons we feel compelled to share it. Dr. Kabrhel explains how our emotional engagement with negative content, along with social media algorithms, contributes to the spread of misinformation. He also offers strategies for educating ourselves to engage with online content more mindfully.

In the season premiere of Psychology and Stuff, Dr. Alison Jane Martingano interviews Dr. Lisa Lamson, a historian at UW-Green Bay, about the intersection of history and psychology. They discuss Dr. Lamson's research on Black childhood and schooling in 19th-century Baltimore, exploring how historical empathy allows for a deeper understanding of the past without projecting modern-day emotions. Dr. Lamson also reflects on the complexities of working with archival materials and how historical context plays a key role in developing informed and responsible citizens today.

In the final episode of this season, Alison Jane is in coversation with Dr. Ryan Martin and Dr. Christine Smith from the University of Wisconson - Green Bay on the term and topic of "bridezilla". Tune in to hear interesting perspective on this topic that is timely for Alison Jane as she is planning a wedding!

In this very special episode, Alison Jane interviews six student researcher from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay on research topics ranging from anxiety in schools, charitable donations to psychopaths getting enraged online.

How WEIRD is psychology research? In this episode, Alison Jane interviews Dr. Kris Vespia, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay on the topic of the WEIRDness of psychological research. WEIRD is an acronym which stands for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic.

Are pet owners more empathetic than non-pet owners? In this episode, Alison Jane and two of her undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay share their research on pets and empathy with Dr. Georjeanna Wilson Doenges, Professor and Chair of Psychology at UW - Green Bay.

Why do we blame the referees in sport? In this episode, Alison Jane interviews Dr. Thomas Gretton, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay about his research on elite referees in sport.

Can you change your accent? In this episode, Alison Jane interviews Dr. Elisa Monti, President and Co-Founder of the Voice and Trauma Research and Connection Group & Dr. Elif Ikizer, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Tune in for this fascinating conversation!

Why do innocent people confess? In this episode, Alison Jane interviews Dr. Fabiana Alceste, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Butler University. Dr. Alceste studies the social and cognitive processes around false confessions. Tune in for this engaging and informative conversation!

What's your fitness goal? In this episode, Alison Jane is in conversation with Dr. Joanna Morrissey, Associate Professor, and Chair of the Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology Program at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay and Carol and Megan who are fitness instructors at Jazzercise in Green Bay, WI on the topic of fitness goals. Tune in for tips, motivation, and more!

In this special episode, Alison Jane is in conversation with six members of the Psychology Department at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Dr. Ryan Martin, Dr. Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges, Dr. Jason Cowell, Dr. Thomas Gretton, Dr. Abigail Neubauer, and Dr. Chelsea Wooding on the topic of thriving in academia. Tune in to find out about this and more!

Alison Jane is in conversation with Dr. Chelsea Wooding on the topic of sport and performance psychology. Is mental performance just for athletes? Tune in to find out about this and more!

Alison Jane is in conversation with Dr. Michael Nuccitelli on the topic of cyber predators. Who is the most vulnerable to cyber predators? Tune in to learn this and more!

Alison Jane is in conversation with Dr. Ryan Martin on the topic of conspiricies. Who is more likely to believe in conspiracies? Tune in to learn this and more!

Alison Jane is joined by Dr. Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges for a conversation about climate change. Will climate change alter our psyche? Tune in to learn this and more!

In this episode, Alison Jane is joined by Dr. Ryan Martin an in depth discussion about catharsis. Is catharsis effective? Tune in to learn this and more!

In this episode, Alison Jane is joined by Dr. Sara Konrath and Dr. Jason Cowell for a lively discussion about empathy. Is empathy on the decline? Do young people today lack empathy? Tune in to learn this and more!

In our first episode of the season, Ryan and Georjeanna talk about why we should increase empathy with Dr. Alison Jane Martingano. Ryan and Georjeanna also announce that Dr. Martingano is the new host of the podcast going forward!