Psychologists Off the Clock

Psychologists Off the Clock

Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Michael Herold, & Emily Edlynn

A Psychology Podcast About the Science and Practice of Living Well

1 hour 5 minutes

381. Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman
We have an insightful discussion with Ruth Whippman this week, who urges us to rethink masculinity and nurture boys in a way that honors their mental health and emotional depth. A mother of three and the insightful author of Boy Mom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity, Ruth brings a personal and societal viewpoint to the intense pressures that often shape modern masculinity.
She sheds light on the cultural forces that define "being a man" and shares her journey in challenging these norms.
We also learn about Ruth’s experiences as a mother, how society's expectations affect boys from an early age, and the importance of fostering boys' emotional development and accepting their complete human complexity.
We hope you join us for this compassionate and in-depth conversation and broaden your understanding of how we can change how we see and raise boys today.

Listen and Learn:
- The impossible expectations facing boys and men today—how do they find their way forward?
- How Ruth, a mother of three boys navigated feminism, fear, and future masculinity in a conflicted cultural moment
- Are we burdening boys with blame from the past?
- The science behind why boys need more nurture early on but often receive less and how it creates an emotional gap with lasting effects
- How early affection shapes moral growth and how gender impacts this
- Are boys being deprived of friendship lessons that promote emotional depth and connection because of the way they are portrayed in the media?
- Precarious masculinity: how shifting ideals are creating a public health crisis for boys and men
- Hyperconnection and disconnection and how masculinity ties into mental health risks for boys
- The dark online world of 'incels,' where toxic masculinity and vulnerability collide in horrific ways
- The need to rethink how we approach boys' emotional growth beyond "masculinity" norms
Resources:
- Boymom, Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity
- Website: https://www.ruthwhippman.com/
- Substack: https://substack.com/@ruthwhippman
Social Media:
About:
Ruth Whippman is an author, journalist and cultural critic and the mother of three boys. A former BBC documentary director, she has written for the New York Times, Time magazine, The Guardian, HuffPost, and other publications. She is the author of the book America the Anxious, which was a New York Post Best Book of the Year and a New York Times Editors’ Choice and Paperback Row pick. Her latest book is Boymom, Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity.

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13 November 2024, 11:53 am
1 hour 3 minutes

380. The Tree That Bends with Ross White
What if the relentless push for productivity is actually standing in the way of a truly fulfilling life?

Join cohost Michael Herold and guest Ross White, author of The Tree that Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive, as they redefine balance and purpose, challenging societal pressures to stay constantly “on.”

Using the wisdom of nature and the anatomy of a tree, Ross explores how psychological flexibility—grounded in rest, resilience, and self-awareness—can empower us to find strength in slowing down.

And discover how “relenting” can open doors to a balanced, purpose-filled life.

Listen to the full conversation to uncover how embracing rest could be your greatest asset!

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Listen and Learn:
- Are mantras like 'no limits' actually harming us? Hear from Ross why relenting, not relentless, may be key
- Finding a balance between 'get,' 'threat,' and 'reset' mode—are you tuned to your true needs?
- Is purpose found or formed?
- Small steps that could lead you closer to your purpose
- The 'reset' formula to shift from burnout to balance by cultivating mental flexibility
- How you can thrive amid the ‘uncontrollables’ in life with the mindset shift high performers swear by
- What price would you pay for emotional well-being against mastery?
- How you can balance strong intention and light attachment in pursuit of a purposeful life
- What is the distinction between confidence and self-efficacy in high performance?
Resources:
- The Tree that Bends: How a flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive
- The 'Strive2Thrive' webpage: https://www.strive2thrive.co.uk/
- Instagram: @RossGWhite - https://www.instagram.com/rossgwhite/
- X: @RossGWhite - https://x.com/RossGWhite
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-ross-g-white/
About Ross White
Professor Ross White is an award-winning clinical psychologist who specializes in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of adults working in high-performance environments, including elite-level athletes in football, rugby, track and field, and tennis. He has collaborated with the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on projects to reduce distress experienced by refugees and other populations in the aftermath of humanitarian crises. He is currently Professor of Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast, and is a director of Strive2Thrive, a clinical psychology consultancy firm that provides interventions and training to help individuals and organizations thrive.

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6 November 2024, 12:35 pm
1 hour 7 minutes

379. Toxic Striving with Paula Freedman-Diamond
Stuck in the never-ending grind but still feel like it’s not enough?
Paula Freedman-Diamond, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and author of Toxic Striving: Why Hustle and Wellness Cultures are Leaving Us Anxious, Stressed, and Burned Out-- and How to Break Free breaks down how hustle culture and wellness fads can mess with our sense of self-worth and add to our stress.
She talks about how perfectionism and the pressure to constantly achieve can leave us feeling anxious, and why it’s so important to tune into what you need, not what society tells you is right.
Dr. Paula shares ideas like intuitive eating and flexible living, encouraging us to prioritize our own values over external expectations. She also touches on the importance of setting boundaries and using social media mindfully, so it doesn’t drain us. Her hope? To help people-pleasers and over-achievers find more balance, self-compassion, and ease in their lives.

Listen and Learn:
- How the pressures of perfectionism and toxic striving can manifest in every season of life from childhood to adulthood
- The harmful impact of hustle culture and how society glorifies relentless productivity and ties self-worth to achievement
- The fine line between healthy ambition and toxic striving and how burnout, perfectionism, and societal pressures intersect
- How wellness culture ties our worth to shifting health trends and body image, making people feel like they’re constantly chasing unrealistic ideals instead of real wellness
- Blending intuitive eating and ACT helps break free from toxic striving and find balance
- How rigid rules around food, time, and behavior quietly shape our lives
- Shifting from rigid rules to self-compassion can transform habits like sleep, exercise, and eating
- How shame can fuel rigid behaviors, toxic striving, and the liberating power of self-compassion
- Embracing pleasure, rejecting guilt, and recognizing that enjoying life enhances our well-being and the value we bring to others
- How reclaiming your intuition and setting media boundaries can transform your daily life
Resources:
About Paula Freedman-Diamond:
Paula Freedman-Diamond, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is the owner and clinical director of HumanKind Psychological Services in Chicago, IL and the author of Toxic Striving: Why Hustle and Wellness Cultures are Leaving Us Anxious, Stressed, and Burned Out-- and How to Break Free, and The Addiction Recovery Workbook. Dr. Paula specializes in perfectionism, anxiety, and eating disorders. She enjoys helping high-achievers and people-please rs learn to stop chasing external approval and start living according to the wisdom of their own bodies and minds. Dr. Paula is on a mission to take down the toxic systems that make people feel like they're not good enough, no matter how hard they work. She is especially passionate about making healthcare more welcoming and respectful for all bodies. She provides education and supervision for clinical psychology doctoral students. She is a strong advocate for size inclusivity in health, fitness, and wellness spaces. Dr. Paula has been featured in the New York Times and is a featured expert for Reebok, Bark Technologies, and A Sweat Life. She is on the advisory boards for Medical Students for Size Inclusivity and Fat Torah. You can follow her on Instagram at @mindfuldrpaula.

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30 October 2024, 9:31 am
1 hour 8 minutes

378. The Happy High Achiever with Mary Anderson
How does happiness fuel productivity and success?
Join Michael Herold in an empowering chat with Mary Anderson, the author of The Happy High Achiever, who gives her expertise on how high-achievers can turn the tables on stress and anxiety, unlocking powerful tools that can lead you to greater success and fulfillment in life.
You'll discover how to identify cognitive distortions, including what Mary coined the 'Troublesome Trifecta,' learn techniques to challenge those pesky, unhelpful thoughts and uncover personalized strategies for building your confidence, tackling perfectionism, embracing your authentic self, and forging meaningful connections with others.
If you want to learn how to become a happy high achiever and unleash your full potential, listening to this episode and getting your copy of Mary’s book is a step in the right direction!

Listen and Learn:
- What inspired Mary to write a guide for high achievers struggling with anxiety
- Redefining achievement and optimizing mindset to reach your best self
- The "Troublesome Trifecta" of thoughts that can sabotage your progress and fuel anxiety
- Why striving for excellence, not perfection, could unlock your potential without all the stress
- Embracing your mistakes to achieve true excellence and balance high achievement
- Why celebrating victories fuels your success and happiness
Resources:
- The Happy High Achiever: 8 Essentials to Overcome Anxiety, Manage Stress, and Energize Yourself for Success--Without Losing Your Edge
- Website: https://maryandersonphd.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dr-Mary-Anderson/100063517721186/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_maryanderson/
- Link to POTC Listener Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCtaljb-QMHXl6651OdUrK6Zwt5QeDckw6dCoDYszC-0XpyA/viewform
About Mary Anderson
Dr. Mary Anderson is a licensed psychologist and sought-after speaker with over a decade of experience helping patients become happier, healthier, and sustainably high-achieving. Dr. Anderson earned her PhD in clinical psychology, with a specialty in health psychology, from the University of Florida and completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the VA Boston Healthcare System, with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Boston University School of Medicine. She currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

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23 October 2024, 11:48 am
1 hour 6 minutes

377. How to Raise a Citizen with Lindsey Cormack
Are kids learning enough about how the world really works?

This week, Emily hosts Lindsey Cormack, a thoughtful political science professor and author of How to Raise a Citizen (and Why It's Up to You to Do It), to talk about how we, as parents, can play a big role in raising engaged citizens.

They delve into Lindsey's experiences and research, demonstrating how schools frequently fail to teach students the fundamentals of government. They also look into what it means to be a 'citizen' and how we can encourage our children to be interested in politics.

You’ll hear tips on having age-appropriate political discussions, tackling misinformation, and helping kids feel empowered to participate.

This conversation is a heartfelt reminder for all of us parents to step up and help guide our kids into becoming informed, active voters.

Listen and Learn:
- Lindsey's journey to writing a parenting book that empowers kids to understand politics
- Why young adults struggle with politics—and how family conversations can change the future
- Raising politically empowered kids with the autonomy to shape their communities
- How you, as a parent, can shape future citizens to strengthen democracy in an age of political disengagement
- Protecting your kids from misinformation by helping them understand politics better
- Developing non-cognitive skills through civic engagement and how this can empower your kids for life
- Can engaging in politics boost your kids' college prospects and help them become impactful leaders?
- How engaging in local politics can boost kids' mental health and empower them to create change
- Ways you can engage your kids in politics positively and navigate tough discussions about leaders
- How to model open-mindedness and flexible thinking for kids in political discussions!
- Should more states have the constitution test for kids?
- Nurturing political understanding in your kids, from ages 5 to 18
- Why equipping kids to navigate politics is crucial for a better future, not just party loyalty
Resources:
About Lindsey Cormack
Lindsey Cormack is an associate professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology. She has authored two books, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why it’s Up to You to Do It) and Congress and U.S. Veterans: From the GI Bill to the VA Crisis. She created and maintains the digital database of all official Congress-to-constituent e-newsletters at www.dcinbox.com. She earned her PhD in Government from New York University. She currently serves as the Secretary for Manhattan Community Board 8.

Her research has been published in Political Behavior, Congress & the Presidency, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Science Research and Methods, American Politics Research, Politics & Policy, Politics Groups & Identities, Politics & Gender, The Journal of Gender Studies, Energy Economics, The Legislative Scholar as well as in popular outlets including the Bloomberg Businesswire, The New York Times, The Washington Post, FiveThirtyEight, ProPublica, Roll Call, The New York Post, NBC News, the LSE USCentre, and The Hill, The Conversation, The San Francisco Chronicle, and more.

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16 October 2024, 9:22 am
1 hour 1 minute

376: The Art of Therapy with Michael Alcee
This week on Psychologists Off the Clock, Jill takes on the dynamic blend of science and art in therapy with our amazing guest, Dr. Michael Alcee, a mental health educator and the author of Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist.
Michael sheds light on the vital balance between left-brain logic and right-brain creativity that makes for effective psychotherapy, shares thoughts on the power of humor, metaphor, and emotional connection, and reveals how therapists can embrace their creative side while staying rooted in scientific principles.
With fascinating examples from Miichael’s professional experience, he presents practical strategies to help therapists enhance their intuitive skills, boost their therapeutic presence, and build stronger connections with their clients.
Please join us for an intriguing discovery of how blending science and art can elevate your therapeutic practice and transform the outcome of your client sessions!

Listen and Learn:
- How the art of therapy and music intertwine to create healing conversations that inspire growth
- The surprising encounter with Irving Yalom that revealed profound insights into the art of therapy and led Michael to write his book
- How therapy becomes an art, blending science and creativity to help clients find their true selves
- Embracing intuition, creativity, and improvisation as a therapist to enhance your practice
- Understanding left and right brain dynamics and how it enhances therapy, fostering creativity and insight
- How the concept "mindsight" and "wise mind" blend logic and emotion in therapy
- How therapists can embrace metaphor and intuition for deeper client connections and transformative outcomes
Resources:
- Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist
- https://michaelalcee.com/
- https://michael-alcee.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-alcee-14417755/
- https://www.instagram.com/mike_drop_/
- https://www.facebook.com/livelifecreatively2/
- Mentioned in this episode: The Courage to Create: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Create-Rollo-May/dp/0393311066
About Michael Alcee
Michael Alcée, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in Tarrytown, NY, and is a Mental Health Educator at the Manhattan School of Music. In his first book, Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist (Norton, 2022), Michael demonstrated how all clinicians are artists, reading the changes like well-versed jazz musicians, finding the poetic turns in their client's stories like skilled writers, and reveling in the creative act that emerges in the humanistic encounter of psychotherapy. His forthcoming book is entitled The Upside of OCD: Flip the Script to Reclaim Your Life (Rowman & LIttlefield, 2024) and aims to add depth to the exploration and understanding of the OCD experience. Michael has been a TEDx speaker and organizer and is a regular contributor at Psychology Today along with contributions to NPR, The Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times, among others. You can also find him on The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman and on Shrink Rap Radio.

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9 October 2024, 9:00 am
1 hour 26 minutes

375. Midlife: From Crisis to Curiosity with Meg McKelvie and Debbie Sorensen
Are you in the midst of a midlife transition, grappling with big questions about purpose, change, and self-discovery?

For this week’s episode, cohost Debbie Sorensen celebrates her 50th birthday with a discussion on the transformative period of midlife with her friend, Dr. Meg McKelvie.

A period rich with psychological shifts, existential questions, and challenges in finding deeper meaning, they get into acceptance and commitment therapy, emotional, psychical and cognitive changes, ways to overcome people-pleasing habits, and much much more.

With practical exercises and writing practices, this episode is a gift to anyone navigating midlife transitions and relationships, offering insight, reflection, and a path toward deeper understanding and fulfilling connections. We hope you enjoy this heartfelt and poignant conversation!

Listen and Learn:
- Opportunities that midlife brings for deeper understanding and transformation
- Confronting body changes and the aging process
- How your relationships can become deeper in midlife; letting go of surface-level bonds and embracing genuine honesty and shared experiences
- The myth of the midlife crisis and how, contrary to what stereotypes lead us to believe, it frequently involves a sharp internal existential shift rather than a dramatic upheaval
- Living with unanswered questions and learning to sit with the discomfort of uncertainty
- Ways you can cultivate a personal space that nurtures self-reflection and self-sufficiency
- The lessons that regret can teach us
- The value of sitting with challenging emotions such as anger and grief, and how these feelings can provide critical insights into your life
- The difference between body neutrality and body positivity and how stepping back from the internal debate about your body can lead to a more peaceful relationship with yourself
Resources:
- Meg’s website: https://www.drmegmckelvie.com/
- LInk to the “Soul-Searching Questions” handout on Meg’s website and Debbie’s website.
- More writing resources from Meg and Debbie:
- Meg’s writing workshops: https://www.drmegmckelvie.com/workshopsgroups
- Debbie’s Instagram for journaling prompts: https://www.instagram.com/drdebbiesorensen/
- Debbie’s Guided Journaling substack: https://guidedjournaling.substack.com/
- 345. Writing for Personal Growth with Maureen Murdock
- A Substack essay Debbie wrote on her 50th birthday
- A commentary on the Surgeon General’s recent advisory on parental stress, by co-hosts Debbie and Emily, and former co-host Yael Schonburn!
- Books mentioned in the episode:
- Finding Meaning In the Second Half of Life: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781592402076
- The Heroine's Journey: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781611808308
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2 October 2024, 8:20 am
1 hour 3 minutes

374. Developing and Deepening Connections with Adam Dorsay
If you are craving deeper, more meaningful connections in life then you're in for a treat with our latest guest, Dr. Adam Dorsay.

Adam, also affectionately known as EnthusiAdam, is a licensed psychologist and executive coach who walks us through the core ideas from his upcoming book Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love, set to release on October 1st (mark your calendars!).

We touch on the essential connections we need in life—to ourselves, others, the world around us, and something greater.

Throughout our chat, Adam offers plenty of practical, heart-centered tips on how to break down barriers like FOMO, embrace vulnerability, and start building truly meaningful connections.

From shared learning experiences to local adventures, we talk about ways to actively foster those deeper bonds we all long for. Please join us for an inspiring and actionable conversation that’ll leave you feeling more connected than ever!

Listen and Learn:
- The true meaning of connection—beyond relationships
- The hidden barriers to connection—why FOMO, distraction, social media, and conformity are keeping us apart
- Using Adam’s Driveaway Test to reveal the true impact of your connections
- How creating a must-haves list can lead to lasting, fulfilling connections and relationships
- Examples of how you can strengthen your connections and build lasting bonds through shared experiences and learning together
Resources:
About Adam Dorsay
Dr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist and executive coach in Silicon Valley where he serves high-achieving adults. Adam is a TEDx speaker and the host of SuperPsyched, an award-winning podcast with over 200 episodes which we at psychologists off the clock love. And his book by the same name, Superpsyched: Unleash the power of the 4 types of connection and live the life you love will be available on October first and is what we are here to discuss today. Adam has provided keynotes and trainings to multiple corporations and organizations, including Microsoft, Linkedin, and the California Psychological Association. He is happily married, the father of young boys, and he has a hypoallergenic 33-pound Australian Labradoodle therapy dog named Raffi, who lives at his home and works at his office.

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25 September 2024, 8:11 pm
1 hour 8 minutes

373. How to Stop Freaking Out with Carla Naumburg
Do you feel like you are constantly on an emotional rollercoaster with your children?
Get stuck into this lively chat with Dr. Carla Naumburg, a licensed clinical social worker, and the mind behind 'How to Stop Losing Your It with Your Kids'.
Carla introduces us to her new book, 'How to Stop Freaking Out', which is written specifically for kids, and talks about how a mix of compassion and humor can make all the difference.
Whether you're a parent looking for ways to stay calm or a kid trying to understand your own feelings, Carla shares practical tips and fun mindfulness techniques that you can learn and introduce to your family in a gentle and impactful way.
Give it a listen and discover how you can bring more calm and connection to your family. You never know—you might just find the perfect strategy to make those daily challenges a little easier!

Listen and Learn:
- How Carla turned her hit advice for parents into a playful, illustrated guide for kids
- Why kids’ emotional freakouts are not only normal but essential for their development
- The four core features of a freakout using Carla’s FART acronym
- The "Safety Squirrel": a playful way to explain the brain’s fight, flight, freeze, and freak-out responses
- How the simple act of "noticing" can gently guide your mind out of a freakout
- How to help your child recognize their emotional "buttons" and guide them with compassionate strategies to navigate their big feelings
- Playful strategies that you as a parent can experiment with to turn challenging moments into opportunities for growth and connection
- Self-compassion for kids and how this can help them handle tough times better
- Clara’s clever way to introduce her book 'How to Stop Freaking Out' to your kids without them feeling pressured and making them eager to explore it
Resources:
- How to Stop Freaking Out: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Cool When Life Feels Chaotic
- How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Calmer, Happier Parent
- Website: www.carlanaumburg.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @carlanaumburg
- Facebook: Carla Naumburg
About Carla Naumburg
Carla Naumburg, PhD, LICSW is a clinical social worker and the author of five books, including the bestselling How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids and its forthcoming middle-grade companion How to Stop Freaking Out. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, CNN, and Mindful Magazine, among other places. Carla lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters.

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18 September 2024, 9:21 am
1 hour 5 minutes

372. The Art of the Interesting with Lorraine Besser
What if there's more to happiness and fulfillment than what you've been taught? Speaking about her book The Art of the Interesting, Lorraine Besser questions accepted notions of what constitutes a fulfilling life. She doesn’t just explore happiness and meaning; she challenges their dominance, exposing how chasing these ideals can sometimes leave us feeling empty and disillusioned.
Lorraine invites us to consider a different path: pursuing a psychologically rich life. This isn’t about endless joy or a sense of fulfillment that’s always just out of reach. It’s about diving into experiences that are novel, complex, and challenging—experiences that make us think deeply and feel intensely. Drawing from her own life and philosophical reflections, Lorraine shows us how to find interest and meaning in the every day, and she offers practical advice on how to weave psychological richness into the fabric of our lives.
This is more than just a conversation; it’s an important call to rethink what it means to live fully.

Listen and Learn:
- Challenging the traditional notions of happiness and meaning as the sole keys to a fulfilling life
- Why the pursuit of constant happiness is unrealistic and how understanding the limits of pleasure can lead to a more fulfilling and realistic approach to a good life.
- The elusive nature of fulfillment and why achieving your dreams often leads to unexpected feelings of emptiness
- The historical evolution of the concept of individual purpose
- The roles of philosophers and psychologists in exploring happiness
- The concept of "the interesting" as the third pillar to a fulfilling life
- How embracing unexpected moments of curiosity and novelty can subtly enrich your life
- Distinguishing "Mindfulness 2.0" from traditional mindfulness
- How embracing "psychologically rich moments" can turn your everyday struggles and mundane tasks into powerful opportunities for personal growth and deeper insight
- Finding "psychologically rich moments" to help you engage with and grow from challenging situations in life
- How being open and honest in your friendships can transform your connections
- The biggest misconception about achieving a psychologically rich life
Resources:
About Lorraine Besser
Lorraine Besser, PhD, is a professor of philosophy at Middlebury College, who specializes in the philosophy and psychology of the good life and teaches popular courses for undergraduates on happiness, well-being, and ethics. An internationally recognized scholar, she was a founding investigator on the research team studying psychological richness. She is the author of two academic books (The Philosophy of Happiness: An Interdisciplinary Introduction and Eudaimonic Ethics: The Philosophy and Psychology of Living Well) and dozens of professional journal articles on moral psychology.

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11 September 2024, 8:26 am
1 hour 11 minutes

371. Uniting Toward a Better Future with Diana McLain Smith
What if the key to healing our fractured society lies not in silencing our differences, but in harnessing them?
In this conversation with Diana M. Smith, a renowned thought leader in conflict resolution and organizational change, we're not just talking about the pressing issue of political divisiveness—we're talking about the power to reshape our society by rethinking how we engage with one another and transform conflicts into constructive forces for societal progress.
Drawing from her extensive career, including her newest book, 'Remaking the Space Between Us,' Diana touches on compelling insights on how collaboration across groups can solve today's complex problems.
Tune in to explore practical steps individuals and communities can take to foster understanding and unity in a polarized world and learn about the importance of shifting from an outrage mindset to an engaged mindset.

Listen and Learn:
- How Diana’s journey from grassroots political activism and organizational learning led to groundbreaking insights on resolving lateral conflicts and preventing the rise of authoritarianism in a rapidly changing world
- How the media's focus on extremes distorts our perceptions and fuels division and what we can do to transform our fractured democracy
- The rise of solutions-focused journalism and how the shift from outrage to engagement can reshape the way we consume news and empower communities to tackle real-world problems
- The evolutionary history of in-group cooperation and out-group competition and how it has shaped today's divisive world
- The inspiring groups leading us towards a new evolutionary step in building a multi-group democracy—one that could finally bridge our divides and meet the challenges of the 21st century
- America's deep-rooted identity crisis, shaped by the historic tension between equality and liberty
- Actionable steps to bridge divides and foster meaningful connections across groups, overcome isolation, challenge biases, and collaboratively address societal issues
- Focusing on changing patterns rather than blaming individuals to transform adversaries into partners
Resources:

Diane’s books:
Find Diana online:
Referenced in this episode:
- The Old Man Who Saved American Democracy. Twice by Jonathan V. Last: https://substack.com/@jvlast/p-147892467
- Solutions Journalism Network: https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/
- https://onestepinc.org/
- https://startswith.us/
- https://storycorps.org/
- https://braverangels.org/
- https://citizenconnect.us/
About Diana McLain Smith
Diana McLain Smith is a renowned thought leader who has led change efforts for thirty-five years in some of America’s most iconic businesses and cutting-edge non-profits. A former partner at the Monitor Group and a former chief executive partner at New Profit, Smith developed an approach to conflict and change called Leading Through Relationships (LTR)TM.

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4 September 2024, 9:16 am
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Psychologists Off the Clock

Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Michael Herold, & Emily Edlynn

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