Mind Tricks Radio

I had a blast interviewing psychiatrist and author Dr. Joseph Pierre, who joined me to explore why false beliefs are so compelling—and so hard to shake. We dive into his book False: How Mistrust, Disinformation, and Motivated Reasoning Make Us Believe Things That Aren’t True, and talk delusions, the slippery boundary between pathology and normal belief, and how the internet, identity, and algorithms shape what we think is true. Fro...

In this lively episode, Dr. Aaron Kaplan teams up with psychologist and friend Dr. Tyler Ralston to unpack one of psychology’s most curious and relatable phenomena: learned helplessness—why we sometimes just give up even when the door’s wide open. From Seligman’s shocking (literally) dog experiments to how pessimism shows up in everyday life—relationships, work, personal setbacks—they explore how helplessness gets wired into us…and...

In this thought-provoking episode of Mind Tricks Radio, we conduct a simulated conversation with legendary social psychologist Dr. Stanley Milgram, brought to life through AI. Best known for his groundbreaking—and deeply controversial—obedience experiments at Yale University in the early 1960s, Milgram explored the unsettling ease with which ordinary people comply with authority, even when it leads to harming others. Drawing from h...

In this special episode of Mind Tricks Radio, we sit down with one of the most influential voices in existential psychology—Dr. Rollo May. Well… an AI-generated version of him!

Using advanced AI tools, we bring to life a fictional conversation with Dr. May, whose work helped shape modern psychology’s understanding of anxiety, freedom, and the human struggle for authenticity. Known for powerful works like Love and Will, The Coura...

In this special episode of Mind Tricks Radio, we sit down with one of the most profound voices in the history of psychology—Dr. Viktor Frankl. Well… an AI-generated version of him!

Using cutting-edge technology, we recreate a fictional conversation with the legendary psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor, and founder of Logotherapy, exploring his timeless insights on meaning, suf...

In this solo episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I take you on a fascinating journey into the world of dream analysis—exploring why our dreams can be gateways to understanding deeper parts of ourselves. Drawing from classic theories by Freud and Jung, as well as my own experience as a therapist, I share my personalized approach to interpreting dreams inspired by Gestalt therapy pioneer Fritz Perls. You'll discover how each element of you...

In today's Distortion of the Day, I explore the concept of Gaslighting,  a psychological tactic used to manipulate someone into questioning their reality, perceptions, and memories. Learn how to identify genuine gaslighting, recognize its harmful psychological impacts, and understand why accurately using the term matters in both relationships and broader conversations.

Distortions of the Day! are brief episodes running under 10 min...

In this unique episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I conduct a thought-provoking AI-generated interview with the legendary Dr. Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Using artificial intelligence to recreate Dr. Ellis’s voice and insights, this conversation delves into the principles of REBT, the power of rational thinking, and the importance of challenging irrational beliefs. Dr. Ellis shares stories of h...

In this special episode of Mind Tricks Radio, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the legendary Carl Rogers—well, an AI-generated version of him! Using cutting-edge technology, we recreate a fictional interview with one of psychology’s most influential figures, exploring his revolutionary ideas on person-centered therapy, empathy, and self-actualization. Dr. Rogers' legacy reshaped not only psychotherapy but also edu...

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the great psychologists and thinkers of the 20th century -- Dr. B. F. Skinner, the father of radical behaviorism. Dr. Skinner discusses his groundbreaking work on operant conditioning, reinforcement, and how behavioral principles shape everything from education to therapy to society itself. We explore his controversial views on free will, his utopian vision in Walden Two, and the las...

Today I met up with my friend and colleague Dr. Tyler Ralston and had a fun and casual discussion  on the concept of Psychological Flexibility. Psychological flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing situations, shift perspectives, and stay aligned with personal values even in the face of discomfort or challenge. It’s a core skill in mental resilience, helping people respond to stress, uncertainty, and emotions with openness ...

I enjoyed a fascinating and lively conversation with well renowned psychologist, Dr. Carl Jung. Today we discussed basic principles in the theories Dr. Jung has developed over the years, including the meaning of dreams, archetypes, and the collective unconscious.  Dr. Jung discussed how his own life path has helped him develop his influential theories, including his religious upbringing, his early work ...

I enjoyed a lively conversation today with Dr. Andrea Bonior, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and faculty member of Georgetown University. Dr. Bonior spoke with me today about nurturing adult friendships, and the importance of friendships to both physical and emotional health and well-being.  She talked about many aspects of friendships, including:

• picking and maintainin...

I enjoyed a lively conversation with Dr Michelle P. Maidenberg, a psychotherapist in private practice in Harrison, NY. I interviewed Dr. Maidenberg about her new book, “Ace Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want.”  This book is packed with all sorts of meaningful explanations and pointers about Core Values, Growth Mindset, Radical Self-Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment.