Minds and Mics
Psychologist Nick Wignall interviews experts in the fields of psychology, mental health, and human potential to better understand how the mind works and how we can make it work for us to improve our lives in practical, meaningful ways.
- Update frequency
- every 15 days
- Average duration
- 54 minutes
- Episodes
- 47
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2024
The Dangers of Fad Psychology with Jesse Singal
Science journalist Jesse Singal joins me on the show to talk about the dangers of fad psychology, including myths and misconceptions about positive psychology, the self-esteem movement, deceptive med…
Designing Better Conversations with Fred Dust
Designer and author Fred Dust joins me on the show to discuss how we can use principles from design to have better, more impactful conversations.
Show Notes
- The distinctiveness of podcast conversations
- …
Practical Creativity with Herbert Lui
Nick chats with Herbert Lui about practical ways to exercise your creativity.
Show Notes
Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:
- Misconceptions about creativity
- The creative process
- Nature …
The Case for Life Coaching with Dr. Caitlin Faas
Caitlin Faas returns to the show to talk about life coaching—what it is, how it works, how it helps, and common misconceptions.
Show Notes
Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:
- How Cait…
The Buddhist Way Through Anxiety with Lodro Rinzler
Lodro Rinzler returns to the show to talk about how a Buddhist perspective on anxiety can help us through difficult times.
Show Notes
Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:
- Focusing on s…
Exploring the Adaptive Unconscious with Dr. Sarah Sarkis
Dr. Sarah Sarkis joins me on the show to talk about the adaptive unconscious, self-sabotaging behavior, attachment patterns, and therapy vs performance coaching.
Show Notes
Here are some of the highlig…
Perfectly Hidden Depression with Dr. Margaret Rutherford
Dr. Margaret Rutherford joins me on the show to talk about perfectly hidden depression, perfectionism, and the challenges of emotional vulnerability.
Show Notes
Here are some of the highlights from the…
Difficult Conversations with Adar Cohen
Nick talks to professional mediator Dr. Adar Cohen about how we can have difficult conversations more effectively.
Here are some of the highlights from the conversations:
- The Farsi concept of Taroff
- The…
Life Writing with Uddipana Goswami
In this episode, I talk with author, professor, and writing coach Uddipana Goswami about her practice of Life Writing and how it helped her to process emotional struggles in her life.
You can learn mo…
From Addiction to Entrepreneurship with Tim Stoddart
Tim Stoddart joins me on the show to talk about his journey out of addiction and into entrepreneurship—and how blogging played a pivotal role.
You can learn more about Tim and his work on his persona…
Career Transitions with Lisa Lewis
Getting clarity about how to make a career transition with Lisa Lewis.
Show Notes:
- How Lisa became a career transition expert
- What leads to career dissatisfaction?
- The four pillars of career fulfillment
- T…
Starting a Meditation Practice with Lodro Rinzler
Lodro Rinzler is an experienced meditation teacher and the author of many books, including my favorite book about meditation, Sit Like a Buddha: A Pocket Guide to Meditation. In today's episode, I ch…
Ultralearning and the Art of Personal Possibility with Scott Young
Scott Young is a prolific writer and thinker best known for his concept of ultralearning. In today's episode, I pick Scott's brain about what ultralearning actually is and the many psychological bene…
Childhood Anxiety with Psychologist Kristen Ohlenforst
Child psychologist Kristen Ohlenforst comes on the show to discuss childhood anxiety, followed up by a no-holds-barred round-robin between Nick and Kristen recounting their own "embarrassing blunders…
Ancient Chinese Philosophy and Mental Health with Alexus McLeod
Philosopher Alexus McLeod comes on the show to discuss ancient Chinese philosophy and what it can tell us about alternative approaches to mental health today.
Show Notes
- Mental health in ancient Chines…
A Primer on Psychiatric Medication with Dr. Brian Wu
Psychiatrist Brian Wu comes on the show to discuss how to think about psychiatric medication.
Show Notes
- Psychiatrists vs psychologists
- The most important factor when choosing a psychiatrist (17:00)
- What…
The Science of Procrastination with Piers Steel
Piers Steel, one of the world's leading researchers on the science of procrastination, explains how to think about procrastination, what really causes it, and the changes we can make to do it a littl…
Secrets to a Happy Marriage with Sam Hamburg
Clinical psychologist and marriage therapist Sam Hamburg joins Nick to discuss common myths and misconceptions about happy marriages, communication in relationships, and the advice all newlyweds shou…
Language and Emotion with Yvonne Barnes-Holmes
Psychologist and researcher Yvonne Barnes-Holmes joins Nick to discuss the role of language in mental health and human suffering, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the state of psychotherapy in …
The Psychology of Overeating with Caitlin Faas
Caitlin Faas, a professor of human development and life coach, joins Nick to discuss the psychology of overeating.
Show Notes
- The Life Coach School
- “Overeating” vs “weight loss”
- Eating as a way to push d…