Psychology for Students
Psychology for Students is a short-form podcast designed to help high school and college students better understand the mind—and themselves. Hosted by Professor Jeff Hastings, each episode breaks down complex psychological ideas into real-life lessons that improve mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re studying psychology or just trying to get through the semester with a clearer head, this podcast gives you tools you can use today to feel more connected, grounded, and confident.
Episodes
Chapter 1: Introduction to Psychology
The Domains of Psychology
In this episode, we’re going to walk through the major domains of psychology — the key specialties that help us understand human thought, emotion, and behavior from different angles. Think of them like different departments working together to make sense of the whole person.
We’ll explore biological, cognitive, developmental, social, personality, clinic...
Chapter 1: Introduction to Psychology
What Psychology Teaches Us
In this foundational episode, Professor Jeff Hastings breaks down what psychology really is — not just a class or a subject, but a scientific way of understanding how we think, feel, and behave. You’ll learn about the five main goals of psychology, why it matters in your everyday life, and how this knowledge can help you better understand yourself and othe...
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction to Psychology
Welcome to Psychology for Students — the podcast designed to help you understand yourself, improve your life, and make sense of the world around you, one chapter at a time.
Here’s the breakdown of what we’ll cover throughout the series:
Chapter 1: Introduction to Psychology
Chapter 2: The Role of Biology in Psychology
Chapter 3: Consciousness
Chapter 4: Development A...
Welcome to Psychology for Students
Start here. In this short introduction, Professor Jeff Hastings shares what this podcast is all about, how it’s structured to align with most Intro to Psychology college courses, and why it’s designed to help students — especially those facing academic, emotional, or personal challenges — succeed. You’ll learn how the chapters are organized, what to expect in upcoming episodes, ...
Chapter 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
Your Brain and Behavior
Why do we do the things we do? In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between the brain and human behavior. From how neurons shape thought to the subconscious influences driving everyday choices, you'll gain insight into how your mind really works. Whether you're curious about psychology, neuroscience, or just want to understa...
CHAPTER TWO: Biological Bases of Behavior
- Structure and function of the nervous system
- Neurotransmitters and their effects
- Endocrine system and hormonal influences
Psychology for Students — understanding your mind, your world, and your future — one episode at a time.
In this deeply personal and important episode of Psychology for Students, Professor Jeff Hastings shares a heartfelt message that every student—and really, every person living in today’s high-tech, low-touch world—needs to hear.
We often think of addiction as something that only applies to drugs or alcohol. But what if one of the most dangerous addictions of our generation is the one we carry in our pockets every day?
T...
Chapter 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
What if I told you that one of the biggest predictors of success in your life, your career, and your relationships isn’t your IQ—it’s your Emotional Intelligence?
In this episode of Psychology for Students, Professor Jeff Hastings dives into the science and practice of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and explains why understanding and managing your emotions may be the most important s...
In this episode, we’ll walk through the essential ideas from Chapter One of your Introduction to Psychology course — including the major concepts, the five domains of psychology, and the early thinkers who helped shape the field.
This is your chance to relax, listen, and reinforce what you’ve learned — all while preparing for common quiz questions you might see in a typical psychology class.
Join Angela, Professor Hasti...
Chapter 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
In this episode of Psychology for Students, Angela takes you through a detailed, easy-to-understand review of Chapter 2: The Role of Biology in Psychology from Psychology in Your Life, 4th Edition by Grison and Gazzaniga.
We break down the key concepts you need to know for your quiz—but more importantly, we help you understand how these ideas apply to your real life.
Learn how your...
In this Chapter, we explore the fascinating world of consciousness — your moment-to-moment awareness of yourself and your environment. You’ll learn about the different states of consciousness, from being fully alert to dreaming, and how your brain cycles through these states each day. We’ll break down how substances like caffeine, alcohol, and THC alter conscious experience, and how practices like meditation and hypno...
Chapter 3: Consciousness
More Thank Meets the Eye - Understanding Awareness and the Unconscious Mind
In this episode of Psychology for Students, we kick off Chapter 3 by exploring one of the most fascinating and personal aspects of psychology — consciousness. But what exactly is consciousness, and why does it matter? We’ll break down the concept of awareness, explain how it exists on a spectrum from full alertness ...
Chapter 3: Consciousness
Attention -- How Your Brain Chooses What to Focus On (and What It Misses)
In this episode of Psychology for Students, we explore one of the most important — and misunderstood — topics in psychology: attention. Professor Jeff Hastings and teaching assistant Angela break down how your brain decides what to notice and what to ignore, why multitasking is a myth, and how limited attention shapes...
Chapter 3: Consciousness
Dreams, Nightmares, and the Science of Sleep: What Your Brain’s Up to While You Snooze
We spend about one-third of our lives asleep — but what exactly is happening in the brain during all those hours of shut-eye? In this episode of Psychology for Students, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of sleep and dreams.
Join Professor Jeff Hastings and teaching assistant Angela as they expl...
In this review of Chapter 3, Angela (Jeff's AI Teaching Assistant) breaks down everything you need to know about consciousness — from attention, sleep, and dreaming to altered states like hypnosis and meditation. Learn how your brain creates awareness, why sleep is critical for memory and mental health, and how selective attention shapes your experience of reality. Plus, test your knowledge with a quick interact...
Chapter 4: Development Across the Lifespan
From Birth to Adulthood - Psychology Across the Life Span
In this episode, Professor Jeff Hastings walks us through the incredible journey of human development - from the very first moments of life to late adulthood. We’ll explore how our bodies grow, how our minds evolve, and how early experiences can shape the way we see ourselves and others. From prenatal developme...
Chapter 4: Development Across the Lifespan
Becoming You: Navigating Identity, Love, and Growth in Emerging Adulthood
In this episode, Professor Jeff Hastings explores the emotional highs and lows of young adulthood — from brain development and identity struggles to choosing the right friends and partners. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, lost, or unsure of your path, you’re not alone. Learn how to build self-awaren...
Episode 18: Love, Attraction, and Why We Choose the Wrong People
In Episode 18, Professor Hastings and Angela dive into the psychology of attraction, love, and the hidden forces that influence our relationship choices. Why do smart, thoughtful people end up with partners who hurt them? How do attachment styles, trauma, and self-worth shape who we’re drawn to? And how can we break unhealthy patterns to build love that l...
🎙️ Episode 19: Chapter 4 Review – Psychology Across the Lifespan
In this special review episode, Angela takes you on a clear, engaging walkthrough of everything you need to know from Chapter 4: Psychology Across the Lifespan. From Piaget’s stages of cognitive development to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, we’ll explore how we grow, think, and change from infancy through adulthood. You’ll hear key concepts like object p...
Episode 20: Student Mental Health, Identity, and the Hidden Crisis of Exploitation — A Conversation for Parents and Students
In this powerful episode of Psychology for Students, Professor Jeff Hastings shines a light on the escalating mental health crisis facing teens and young adults today. As we mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we unpack the alarming rise in anxiety, depression, and suicide rates—and explore what...
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