Mind Tricks Radio

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Welcome to Mind Tricks Radio, where we’ll explore contemporary topics in Psychology, though interviewing creative and innovative thinkers in the field. I’m your host, Dr. Aaron Kaplan. Thanks for tuning in!

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#96
August 4 · 59 min
Episode 95: The Mattering Mindset, with Matthew Emerzian
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I spoke with Matthew Emerzian, keynote speaker, author of Make It Matter, and CEO of the nonprofit Every Monday Matters. Matthew shares how a successful career in the music industry, working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, eventually gave way to panic, anxiety, and depression. That experience forced him to rethink what success meant and led him toward a life centered more on purpose, service, and connection. We also talk about Matthew’s “mattering mindset”: I matter, you matter, and we matter. He explains how the choices we make, the attention we give others, and even small acts of kindness can shape how people see themselves and their place in the world. It is an honest and engaging conversation about moving beyond achievement, finding a stronger sense of purpose, and recognizing that the way we show up for others matters more than we often realize.
#95
July 28 · 51 min
Episode 94: The Path of Least Regret, with Parul Somani
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I spoke with Parul Somani, author of The Path of Least Regret, about how to make difficult decisions when there is no perfect answer and no certainty about how things will turn out. Drawing on her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31, during the same week her second daughter was born, Parul explains how regret can become a useful guide rather than simply a burden from the past. We talk about why high achievers often struggle with perfectionism, comparison, overthinking, and analysis paralysis, and how identifying a personal North Star can help people make choices that better reflect their values. Parul also explains why clarity matters more than certainty, and why the best solution may not be option A or option B, but an option C that has not yet been considered. This was a thoughtful and practical conversation about uncertainty, resilience, hindsight bias, self-compassion, and the trade-offs that come with life’s hardest choices. Parul offers a grounded approach to making the best decision we can with the information available, then moving forward with greater peace of mind.
#94
May 26 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 93: The Puritans, the Apocalypse, and Zombies: How American History Shaped Stories About the End of the World, with Dr. Kevin Pelletier
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I spoke with Dr. Kevin Pelletier, an associate professor of English at the University of Richmond, about apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic literature—where the tradition comes from, why it has endured for centuries, and why stories about the end of the world continue to speak so powerfully to the human imagination. We talk about the deep roots of apocalyptic thinking in early American Puritan writing, its connection to religion, morality, abolitionism, and fear of divine judgment, and how those older traditions gradually evolved into modern stories about pandemics, nuclear war, zombies, climate catastrophe, and social collapse. Dr. Pelletier explains why apocalyptic fiction is rarely just about destruction. At its best, it uses catastrophe to reveal what matters most in ordinary life: love, fear, mortality, community, meaning, and the fragile structures that hold civilization together. One of the things I especially enjoyed about this conversation is that Dr. Pelletier approaches these questions from the perspective of literature and intellectual history rather than psychology alone. I always find it stimulating to speak with people from different disciplines because there is often tremendous overlap in the ideas, but each field brings its own language, emphasis, and angle of vision. In this case, our conversation moved naturally between literature, religion, psychology, history, and existential meaning. This was a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation about Puritan sermons, Edgar Allan Poe, Station Eleven, The Walking Dead, World War Z, COVID-19, and the enduring question of why human beings are so drawn to imagining the end. Dr. Pelletier brings warmth, depth, and literary insight to a genre that is often mistaken for mere entertainment, but that may actually help us think more deeply about fear, survival, morality, and what makes life worth living.
#93
May 17 · 45 min
Episode 92: Is Age Just a Number? The Subjective Experience of Age and Time, with Dr. Art Markman
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I spoke with Dr. Art Markman about the subjectivity of age and time—why we often feel younger than the number on our birth certificate, why time seems to speed up as we get older, and what psychology can tell us about making life feel fuller, longer, and more meaningful. We talk about the difference between chronological age and subjective age, the strange experience of looking in the mirror and seeing someone older than we feel inside, and how staying physically active, socially engaged, and open to new experiences can help people maintain a sense of vitality. Dr. Markman also explains why childhood and travel can feel so expansive, while routine-heavy adult years can seem to disappear in a blur. This was a lively, thoughtful, and surprisingly practical conversation about aging, memory, novelty, regret, and the importance of saying yes to life. Dr. Markman brings warmth, humor, and deep cognitive science expertise to a topic that touches everyone: how we experience the passing of time, and how we might live in a way that makes that time feel richer.
#92
May 11 · 52 min
Episode 91: Imagining the End of the World -- The Psychological Appeal for Post-Apocalyptic Fiction, with Dr. Mathias Clasen
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with Dr. Mathias Clasen, associate professor of literature and media and co-director of the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University in Denmark, to explore why people are so drawn to frightening stories — especially stories about the end of the world. Our conversation dives into the strange appeal of post-apocalyptic fiction, from its “blank slate” fantasy of starting over to its darker confrontation with loneliness, survival, morality, and meaning. Dr. Clasen explains how these stories tap into the human imagination, our tendency toward worst-case thinking, and our deep ambivalence about civilization: we depend on society, but we also fantasize about escaping its rules, pressures, and artificial constraints. We also discuss the psychology of fear, including how horror and apocalyptic fiction may function almost like emotional rehearsal. Drawing from his research on scary entertainment, haunted attractions, and pandemic-era resilience, Dr. Clasen makes the case that frightening fiction does more than scare us — it may help us practice coping with anxiety, uncertainty, and crisis. At my request, Dr. Clasen also generously provided a list of some of his favorite post-apocalyptic works of literature. For listeners interested in exploring the genre further, here is his list: George R. Stewart, Earth Abides (1949) John Wyndham, The Day of the Triffids (1951) Richard Matheson, I Am Legend (1954) John Christopher, The Death of Grass (1956) Nevil Shute, On the Beach (1957) Pat Frank, Alas, Babylon (1959) Walter M. Miller Jr., A Canticle for Leibowitz (1960) John Christopher, Empty World (1977) Stephen King, The Stand (1978/1990) David Brin, The Postman (1985) Robert R. McCammon, Swan Song (1987) Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven (2014) Max Brooks, World War Z (2006) Joe Hill, The Fireman (2016)
#91
May 4 · 57 min
Episode 90: Perfectionism -- Part 2, Beyond the Basics, with Dr. Liza Wacker
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I caught up with Dr. Liza Wacker to continue our conversation about perfectionism—what it is, where it comes from, and why it can quietly create so much stress, anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt. We talk about the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism, how perfectionism shows up in relationships, parenting, work, athletics, creativity, procrastination, reassurance-seeking, and social media. Dr. Wacker also explains why perfectionism is usually less about “doing your best” and more about tying your self-worth to whether you meet impossible standards. I enjoyed a warm, practical, and thoughtful conversation with Dr. Wacker about learning to make mistakes, loosen unrealistic expectations, and choose wholeness over flawlessness. Dr. Wacker brings a lot of wisdom and clarity to a topic that many people struggle with—but may not always recognize in themselves.
#90
April 7 · 45 min
Episode 89: The Neuroplasticity of Identity, with Dr. Elizabeth Mateer
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Mateer, a Harvard Medical School neuropsychology fellow, writer, and Psychology Today contributor, to explore how identity is shaped by memory, attention, emotion, and the stories we tell ourselves. We talk about the idea that the self is not fixed, but continually built and rebuilt through experience. Our conversation dives into neuroplasticity, self-narrative, authenticity, and the value of developing multiple aspects of identity rather than overinvesting in just one role. We also explore how emotionally charged experiences can shape the way we see ourselves, why people get stuck in limiting stories about who they are, and how greater psychological flexibility can help us adapt and grow. Dr. Mateer brings warmth, clarity, and real depth to a conversation about how the brain, our experiences, and our choices all work together in shaping who we become.
#89
March 27 · 39 min
Episode 88: Progeny, a dystopian novel -- Interview with author Dr. Peter Weiss
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with physician and novelist Dr. Peter Weiss to discuss Progeny, his chilling dystopian novel set in a world where every newborn is taken from its birth mother and reassigned by the state in the name of equity. At the heart of our conversation is the book’s most unsettling question: what happens when a society’s drive for fairness begins to override the deepest and most instinctive human bonds? We explore how Progeny taps into fears about authoritarianism, social engineering, and the quiet, incremental normalization of ideas that would once have seemed unthinkable. Dr. Weiss also reflects on the path that led him from a long career in medicine and academia to writing fiction with bold political and psychological stakes. Along the way, we branch into a lively discussion about ideology, polarization, merit, AI, and the way readers often interpret stories through the filter of their own assumptions and beliefs. Thought-provoking and deeply relevant, this is a conversation about more than one novel—it’s about the cultural tensions already reshaping the world around us.
#88
March 12 · 59 min
Episode 87: Stop Trying, and Start Doing!, with Carla Ondrasik
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with author and motivational speaker Carla Ondrasik to talk about a deceptively simple word that may be quietly sabotaging our goals: try. In her book Stop Trying: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More, Carla argues that the language we use with ourselves matters more than we realize. When we say we’ll “try,” we often leave the door open for hesitation, procrastination, and excuses. But when we decide to do, something shifts—not only in our mindset, but even in the way our brains engage with the task at hand. Carla shares stories from her unusual career path—from working in national security and aviation to becoming Vice President of Creative Writer Development at EMI Music Publishing, where she helped place songs with artists like Barbra Streisand, NSYNC, and Christina Aguilera. Along the way, she discovered a powerful mindset that guided her success: stop hedging your bets with “trying” and commit fully to action. Our conversation explores how fear of failure, procrastination, and even fear of success can keep people stuck in neutral—and how a simple shift in language can help move us into drive. We also talk about practical tools for getting unstuck, including the “eat the frog” strategy for beating procrastination, the difference between excuses and real reasons, and how committing to action can build confidence, leadership, and a life with fewer regrets. Carla brings humor, energy, and plenty of real-world examples to the conversation, making this episode both motivating and surprisingly fun.
#86
March 7 · 41 min
Episode 85: Don't Take It Personally!: -- Breaking Down The Cognitive Distortion of Personalization, with guest co-host Dr. Tyler Ralston
In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down once again with guest co-host Dr. Tyler Ralston for a lively, practical conversation about the cognitive distortion of personalization — that sneaky mental habit of assuming that other people’s behavior, moods, or even major life events are somehow about us. Together, we unpack what personalization really is (and what it isn’t), including why “don’t take it personally” can sometimes feel invalidating if we’re not careful. From not getting invited to dinner, to a boss’s sour expression in a meeting, to waiting anxiously for a text that doesn’t come — we explore how quickly the mind can jump to “This must be because of me.” Dr. Ralston and I also dig into why personalization is so compelling. We talk about how our brains crave certainty, even if that certainty comes in the form of self-blame. We explore how childhood experiences — especially environments involving criticism, emotional abuse, or chronic blame — can prime people to over-attribute responsibility to themselves. Along the way, we examine the emotional costs of personalization, including guilt, shame, anger, relationship strain, and even road rage. Yes, we go there. Most importantly, we offer practical tools. We walk through core CBT strategies like examining the evidence, generating alternative explanations, reality-testing assumptions, and even running behavioral experiments to challenge distorted beliefs. We also touch on mindfulness-based approaches that help us step back from our thoughts rather than automatically believing them. Whether you’re a clinician, a student, or someone who occasionally wonders, “Was that about me?”, this episode will give you concrete strategies — and a few laughs — to help you stop taking responsibility for things that may never have been yours in the first place.
#87
March 7 · 1 hr
Episode 86: Unleash the Power of the Four Kinds of Connections, with Dr. Adam Dorsay
In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down with my friend and colleague, psychologist, Dr. Adam Dorsay to explore one of the most essential ingredients of psychological well-being: connection. Drawing from his book Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love, Dr. Dorsay introduces a framework for understanding why so many people feel lonely and disconnected despite living in an age of constant digital communication. We discuss the four kinds of connection that help people build fulfilling lives. Dr. Dorsay explains the importance of connection to others and why friendships and relationships often suffer in a world dominated by social media and busy schedules. We also explore connection to self, including authenticity, intrinsic motivation, and how people sometimes lose touch with what truly makes them feel alive. The conversation also covers connection to the world through work, community, and culture, as well as connection to something greater — the experiences of awe and wonder that remind us we are part of a much larger universe. Along the way, Dr. Dorsay shares personal stories, practical insights, and simple ways people can strengthen connection in their everyday lives.
#82
February 25 · 51 min
Episode 81: PTSD and Differential Diagnosis, with guest co-host Dr. Tyler Ralston
In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I meet up with guest co-host Dr. Tyler Ralston for a fast-moving deep dive into one of the most recognize, and often misunderstood, diagnoses in mental health: PTSD. Together they trace its fascinating evolution from “shell shock” and “combat fatigue” to today’s broader understanding that trauma comes in many forms. Then they get practical, unpacking what really counts as trauma, what the four PTSD symptom clusters look like in real life, and how to tell PTSD apart from its close cousins: acute stress disorder, adjustment disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, depression, even OCD. Whether you’re a clinician, a student, or just curious about why the word trauma seems to be everywhere, this episode will leave you smarter about how clinicians actually diagnose, and sometimes misdiagnose, post-traumatic stress.
#85
Dec 15, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min
Episode 84: Critical Thinking -- Beyond the Basics, with Dr. Christopher Dwyer
In Episode 84 of MindTricks Radio, I’m joined by critical thinking researcher Dr. Christopher Dwyer for a wide-ranging and lively conversation that goes well beyond the basics of what it means to think well. We explore his provocatively titled new book, Knowledge Doesn’t Exist, and unpack what that claim really means. Rather than arguing that truth is meaningless, Dwyer challenges the way we casually treat “knowledge” as something fixed and certain, inviting listeners to examine how information, memory, emotion, and context shape what we think we know. Our discussion moves through some of the most pressing cognitive issues of everyday life, including the unreliability of memory, the seductive pull of intuition, and the difficulty of navigating information in an online world driven by algorithms, misinformation, and hidden biases. We also explore how critical thinking relates to creativity and intuition, why uncertainty is not a weakness but a strength, and how science advances by questioning rather than proving. Along the way, we even touch on the perception of time and why novelty and attention shape how quickly life seems to move. This episode is an invitation to rethink certainty, slow down automatic judgments, and develop a more flexible, honest relationship with what you believe. Whether you’re interested in psychology, education, or simply making better decisions in a noisy world, this conversation offers practical insights and thought-provoking challenges that will stay with you long after the episode ends. Thanks for Tuning in! Blog post and full transcript of this episode can be found here: https://waikikihealth.com/critical-thinking-beyond-basics-a-conversation-with-dr-christopher-dwyer/
#84
Nov 7, 2025 · 32 min
Episode 83: AI and the Future of Psychotherapy, with Dr. Nya Smith
In this episode of MindTricks Radio, Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Nya Smith dive into a lively and at times heated conversation about the future of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy. With Dr. Smith’s full consent, the discussion itself was generated through AI using cloned versions of both hosts’ voices. The episode takes a bold look at the rapidly changing landscape of mental health technology and challenges listeners to consider where AI fits in the world of human connection and healing. Together, Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Smith explore some of the most provocative questions facing the field. Can AI simulate empathy well enough to support real therapeutic change? Where does simulated presence break down when compared to the felt, intuitive experience between two people? How should clinicians think about ethics, emotional nuance, and the potential for AI to reshape access to care? Their debate moves from the promise of AI supported CBT to the limits of deep relational work and the risks that emerge when technology begins to feel almost human. This is a nuanced and evolving topic, one that is sure to stir strong feelings among therapists, technologists, and anyone curious about the future of mental health care. The conversation is candid, cordial, and intellectually charged. Whether you are excited about AI or deeply skeptical, this episode will leave you thinking about where we are headed and what role human connection should play in a world where our digital tools are becoming more emotionally convincing every day. Be sure to check out my blog post and a full transcript of the episode on my website: https://waikikihealth.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1228&action=edit
#83
Nov 3, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 82: Understanding and Supporting Children Who Grieve, with Cynthia White
In today’s episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with veteran grief counselor and author Cynthia White to explore how children experience and heal from loss. Drawing from over four decades of work with grieving children and families, Cynthia shares her “quantum model” of grief—an approach that views grief as living energy in the body, best understood through movement, play, and connection. Together, we unpack the differences between how children and adults grieve, the importance of honesty and safety in supporting young mourners, and the transformative power of allowing children to express emotion in their own way. Cynthia also reflects on the founding of Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, her years leading grief programs across the U.S. and Japan, and the universal human need to be seen, comforted, and believed in after loss. This heartfelt conversation offers parents, teachers, and clinicians fresh insight into the world of childhood grief—and reminds us that sharing grief is, in itself, an act of love and strength.
#81
Oct 11, 2025 · 38 min
Episode 80: How Exposure to Different Cultures Expands the Mind, with Dr. Aditi Subramaniam
What happens in the brain when we step outside our cultural bubble? In this week’s episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down with neuroscientist and science writer Dr. Aditi Subramaniam to explore how cross-cultural experiences literally reshape the mind. From creativity and cognitive flexibility to empathy and resilience, we dig into the neuroscience behind what happens when we immerse ourselves in unfamiliar languages, customs, and perspectives. Dr. Subramaniam, who trained at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in India and now works with the Neuroscience Education Institute, shares fascinating insights about how bilingualism sharpens cognition, how rituals act as “neural training,” and why diverse cultural exposure can reduce prejudice and expand empathy. It’s an engaging, hopeful conversation about what it means to stay mentally agile in an increasingly interconnected world. Tune in for a lively blend of psychology, culture, and neuroscience, and discover why broadening your cultural horizons might be the best brain workout you’ll ever have. Please see my Blog post and full transcript of the episode here, at my website: https://waikikihealth.com/how-exposure-to-different-cultures-expands-the-mind-a-conversation-with-neuroscientist-dr-aditi-subramaniam/
#80
Oct 7, 2025 · 32 min
Episode 79: I Feel Therefore It's True -- or is it?: Deconstructing Emotional Reasoning, with guest co-host Dr. Tyler Ralston
Ever catch yourself thinking, “I feel anxious, so something must be wrong” or “I feel guilty, so I must’ve screwed up”? In this episode, Dr. Aaron and Dr. Tyler Ralston unpack the sneaky distortion known as emotional reasoning—the habit of mistaking feelings for facts. They dive into how anxiety, guilt, and anger can trick us into believing our emotions are evidence of truth, explore why our brains fall for it, and share practical tools to break the cycle. From everyday examples to mindfulness and cognitive reframing, this episode will help you learn to see emotions as data, not directives.
#79
Sep 26, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 78: Core Principles for Psychological Well-Being, with Dr. Noam Shpancer
Today I had a blast interviewing Dr. Noam Shpancer on this episode of Mind Tricks Radio. We talked about his upcoming book, Mental Fitness 101: Principles for Psychological Well-Being, and the timeless psychological lessons he’s distilled from decades of research, teaching, and clinical work. Dr. Shpancer explained how good mental health rests on two fundamental human needs: the need to belong and the need to be. From there, he shared practical principles that can help anyone strengthen their psychological resilience—embracing knowledge and competence, honoring but not overvaluing experience, developing flexibility instead of rigidity, and learning to face fear directly rather than avoiding it. What I loved most about this interview is how Dr. Shpancer makes these big ideas both accessible and immediately useful. He broke down how to manage emotions without being ruled by them, why we should treat our thoughts like “shoes in a store,” and how love, attachment, and even awareness of mortality can guide us toward a healthier and more meaningful life. Our conversation was both insightful and fun, with plenty of memorable examples and a few laughs along the way. If you’re looking for wisdom you can put into practice right now, this episode is a great place to start. Please see my related Blog post and the Full Transcript of the episode here: https://waikikihealth.com/ten-core-principles-for-psychological-well-being/
#78
Sep 13, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 77: The Amygdala Whisperer: Managing Fear and Anxiety, with Dr. Catherine Pittman
In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down with Dr. Catherine Pittman, a psychologist, professor, and author of Taming Your Amygdala. We explore one of the brain’s most fascinating players: the amygdala. Sometimes called the brain’s “alarm system,” the amygdala is central to how we experience fear, anxiety, and even panic. Dr. Pittman brings warmth and clarity as she explains how this tiny almond-shaped structure drives the fight, flight, and freeze responses—and how understanding it can help us take back control when our emotions feel overwhelming. Through engaging stories, science, and practical insights, Dr. Pittman breaks down why some people have more reactive amygdalas than others, how fear conditioning works, and what it means to truly “tame” this ancient part of the brain. She emphasizes that while our amygdala may be instinctual and automatic, it can also learn and adapt, giving us powerful tools for overcoming anxiety and reshaping old fear patterns. Whether you’re a clinician, a student of psychology, or just someone who’s ever felt hijacked by worry, this conversation offers an accessible and encouraging guide to building a healthier relationship with your own amygdala. Please check out my Blog post on this episode which contains an abridged transcript: https://waikikihealth.com/taming-the-amygd…atherine-pittman/ ‎
#77
Sep 1, 2025 · 55 min
Episode 76: How We Use Playing-It-Safe-Moves to Cope with Anxiety, with Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona
In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona to explore the concept of Playing It Safe Moves. Growing up in Bolivia during political unrest shaped her early understanding of fear, and her path from philosophy to psychology brings a rich, thoughtful lens to her work. We talk about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral tools, and her unique “Advisory Board” metaphor for understanding the chatter of our anxious minds. Dr. Zurita explains how values-based living and mindfulness can transform the way we approach anxiety—from public speaking jitters to everyday worry. Instead of “playing it safe,” she shows how to take meaningful action even when discomfort shows up, and why aligning our choices with what matters most is the real path to growth. Engaging, insightful, and practical, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on how to live more fully and how to challenge ourselves when we "play it safe." A Blog Post and Full Transcript on this subject and the about my interview with Dr. Zurita Ona can be found on my website at: https://waikikihealth.com/how-we-use-playi…ope-with-anxiety/

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