Psychologists Off the Clock Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Michael Herold, & Emily Edlynn

We know how demanding fatherhood can be and how often your mental well-being takes a backseat. For this episode, we bring you the practical advice and encouraging perspectives of Dr. Danny Singley, an award-winning psychologist, to discuss the often-overlooked topic of men's mental health and fatherhood. Danny, who is the director of the Center for Men's Excellence, helps us understand the unique mental health challenges men face, especially during the transition to fatherhood. Expect valuable insights into men's help-seeking behaviors, the importance of addressing emotional needs, and strategies for fostering deeper male friendships. Whether you are a man, a father, or simply want to learn how to support the men in your life better, tune in to learn how we can all take steps toward promoting mental well-being in men.

Listen and Learn: 

Why discussing men's mental health, challenging stereotypes, breaking through societal expectations, and promoting a more inclusive understanding are crucial in today's cultural climate

How men's mental health presents differently

The balance between independence and interdependence for adult males and the challenge of seeking emotional connection beyond their partners

How societal expectations influence men’s reluctance to seek help until prompted by others

How today's fathers are pioneering new ways to be engaged parents despite lacking role models and battling societal standards and cultural norms to be more present and engaged parents

The surprising hormonal changes in new fathers, the realities of postpartum depression and anxiety, and why paternal mental health deserves much more attention


Resources: 

The Center for Men's Excellence

APA Division 51

Chat with an Expert | Postpartum Support International (PSI)

The Postpartum Game Plan

Man Park SNL



About Daniel B. Singley, Ph.D., ABPP Bio:
Danny Singley is a San Diego-based board certified psychologist and Director of The Center for Men’s Excellence. His research and practice focus on men’s mental health with a particular emphasis on reproductive psychology and the transition to fatherhood. Dr. Singley won the American Psychological Association’s 2017 Practitioner of the Year Award from the Division on Men & Masculinities. He is Past President of the APA’s Section on Positive Psychology and is currently the President of the APA’s Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities and the President’s Advisory Council for Postpartum Support International. He conducts trainings and presentations around the country to assist individuals and organizations to enhance their level of father inclusiveness and founded the grant-funded Basic Training for New Dads, Inc nonprofit and Padre Cadre social networking application just for dads in order to give new fathers the tools they need to be highly engaged with their infants as well as their partners. In his free time, Dr. Singley likes to cook, surf, read, and trick his two teenage sons into activities so they can’t escape his annoying shrinky questions. 

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275. Work, Parent, Thrive with Yael Schonbrun

267. You are Not a Horrible Parent with Carla Naumburg

206. Fair Play Part 2 with Eve Rodsky

183. Permission to Feel: Emotional Intelligence with Marc Brackett

176. Fair Play with Eve Rodsky

166. How to Manage Multiple Life Roles Skillfully with Sarah Argenal

143. Happier Parenting KJ Dell’Antonia


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Feeling disconnected in a world that's more connected than ever? Then our guest David Robson's insights couldn't be more timely. Through over 300 high-quality studies, he uncovers the scientific explanations behind building strong social bonds. Join us to hear about the shared realities that truly bond us, discover why authenticity is key to forming genuine connections, learn practical tips to navigate the complexities of social interactions, and how to overcome the fear of sharing too much. Tune in for a deep exploration of building a strong social network as we uncover David’s book, The Laws of Connection. 

Listen and Learn:

How David’s outgoing nature conflicted with his shyness, hindering his ability to make new friends, and new research on optimizing connections motivated him to write a book on social connections

The concepts of shared reality and the liking gap, and how these phenomena form the foundation of effective communication and connection

Moving beyond superficial conversations to forge meaningful connections through intentional shared realities

Embracing "defocusing" to improve interactions by recognizing external influences beyond your control

Balancing curiosity and self-disclosure in conversations for genuine connection

The dynamics of requesting help and the mutual benefits of genuine altruism

Resources: 

https://davidrobson.me

The Laws of Connection: The Scientific Secrets of Building a Strong Social Network

https://www.instagram.com/davidarobson

https://twitter.com/d_a_robson

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/david-robson


About David Robson
David Robson is a science writer and author based in the United Kingdom. A graduate of Cambridge University, he has worked as a feature editor at New Scientist and as a senior journalist at the BBC, and his writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, and many other publications. His previous book, The Expectation Effect, won the British Psychological Society Book Award for 2022. His latest book is The Laws of Connection: The Scientific Secrets of Building a Strong Social Network (Pegasus)
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What is the meaning of life? And what role does evolution play in our search for purpose? Join us in a conversation with Dr. Samuel Wilkinson, author of "Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence." We cover some big, philosophical questions that don't have clear answers but are so important to ponder. Our modern fears, our overactive stress responses, and the age-old struggle between good and evil—all these layers make up the complex human experience. Sam’s take on how our evolutionary history impacts our present-day lives is fascinating. So, wonderful listeners, tune in and reflect on these big ideas, and as always, we invite you to share your thoughts and takeaways. 

Listen and Learn: 

How Sam’s personal struggle with the meaning of life intersected with scientific inquiry and ultimately led to him writing Purpose


Can you believe in evolution while maintaining religious or spiritual faith?

The importance of understanding genetics in the context of evolution

Exploring multi-level selection by redefining "survival of the fittest" across genes, individuals, kin, or groups, and discussing the implications for social traits and human nature

The tension between altruism and selfishness

How much of human aggression is rooted in biology versus culture?

Do environmental factors and expectations influence testosterone levels?

Compelling evidence from psychology that our thoughts influence our behaviors 

The significance of family relationships in shaping our sense of meaning and purpose


Resources: 

SamuelTWilkinson.com

Samuel Wilkinson, MD - Yale School of Medicine

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-wilkinson-1863875a



About Samuel T. Wilkinson, MD
Samuel T. Wilkinson, MD, is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Yale Depression Research Program. He received his MD from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His articles have been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. He has been the recipient of many awards, including Top Advancements & Breakthroughs from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation; Top Ten Psychiatry Papers by the New England Journal of Medicine, the Samuel Novey Writing Prize in Psychological Medicine (Johns Hopkins); the Thomas Detre Award (Yale University); and the Seymour Lustman Award (Yale University). He is the author of Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply about the Meaning of Our Existence (Pegasus; March 5, 2024).

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Burnout from endless household chores? Meet KC Davis, the brilliant author behind How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing who we had to get on the podcast to share her wisdom with you!
Most of us constantly juggle house cleaning, personal grooming, and what can feel like a million other responsibilities. It can feel like a relentless backdrop to our lives. But KC, who you may have seen making waves on social media, gives us a whole new way of looking at domestic labor. Her insights are transformative and so much more than just chores—they're about life-changing perspectives and even touch on social justice issues.
If you’re overwhelmed by endless household to-do lists, this episode and KC’s book are invaluable. Tune in and revolutionize your approach to household tasks. Trust us, your future self will thank you!
Listen and Learn: 

Balancing a normal daily life with the unexpected recognition and success of her new book, How to Keep House While Drowning


Why did KC make her book so accessible and simple to read?

Why basic self-care like doing the dishes or taking a shower is often overlooked 

KC recalls her daily struggles as a new mom facing postpartum depression during the pandemic, with escalating exhaustion and an unmanageable household

The common feeling of failure when overwhelmed by basic care tasks and why these challenges don’t reflect one's character

How mainstream self-help often leads to initial motivation but ultimately causes shame when people can't sustain the impractical systems

Navigating domestic work and fairness in shared living spaces and making sure that everyone gets time to rest and recharge

Resources: 

https://www.strugglecare.com/

How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing

Listen to KC’s Podcast: https://www.strugglecare.com/podcast-rss 

Follow KC on social media: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strugglecare


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StruggleCare/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@domesticblisters 

Article on scruffy hospitality referenced by Debbie: https://www.treehugger.com/in-priase-scruffy-hospitality-4868485


About KC Davis:
KC Davis is a licensed professional counselor, author, speaker, and the person behind the mental health platform Struggle Care. KC’s compassionate and practical approach to self and home care for those dealing with mental health, physical illness, and hard seasons of life has drawn over a million followers on social media in less than a year. Her book, How to Keep House While Drowning, has sold over 300,000 copies and is currently an Amazon bestseller.https://www.treehugger.com/in-priase-scruffy-hospitality-4868485
KC Davis began her therapy journey at 16 when she entered treatment for drug addiction and mental health issues. After getting sober she became a speaker and advocate for mental health and recovery. Professionally, KC has worked most of her career in the field of addiction in roles such a therapist, consultant, and executive director. She lives in Houston with her husband and two daughters. 
Learn more about the radical philosophy of Struggle Care that’s changing lives here.
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346. Self-compassion Daily Journal with Diana Hill

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If you’ve ever pondered questions like, "Should I follow my passion or chase after money? How can I strike the right balance between work and life? What legacy will my work leave behind?" then this episode with the insightful duo of Christopher Wong Michaelson and Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, coauthors of the terrific book Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work, will not only challenge your perception of work but also spark an exploration of deep introspection into the role of work in your life.

Listen and Learn: 

The story of how Christoper and Jen merged their backgrounds in psychology and philosophy to come together to coauthor Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work


What Christopher and Jen learned about the meaning of work through studying The New York Times Portraits of Grief 


What are the lasting effects of COVID-19 and how are they shaping how we work? 

What are the traits of work and how does social construction come into play?

Fairness in work

Are there downsides to working in a field that's a “calling” and what toll might that take on a person? 

What would we do if we weren’t working? 


Resources: 


Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781541703407


Christopher’s Website: https://www.christopherwongmichaelson.com/


Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-wong-michaelson-41b85611/


Connect with Jen on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jentostikharas and Twitter: https://twitter.com/jentosti (@jentosti)

 

About Christopher Wong Michaelson 
Christopher Wong Michaelson is co-author, with Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, of Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work. He is a philosopher with 25 years of experience advising business leaders pursuing meaning and providing work with a purpose. He is the Opus Distinguished Professor and Academic Director of the Melrose and The Toro Company Center for Principled Leadership at the University of St. Thomas and on the Business and Society faculty at NYU’s Stern School of Business. Christopher lives in Minneapolis with his wife, three kids, and two dogs.

About Jennifer Tosti-Kharas
Jennifer Tosti-Kharas is co-author, with Christopher Wong Michaelson, of Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work. Jen is the Camilla Latino Spinelli Endowed Term Chair and Professor of Management at Babson College. She teaches, researches, and coaches others about what it means to craft a meaningful career, and appreciate the risks and rewards of work as a calling. Jen lives outside Boston with her husband and two kids.
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In this episode, we talk about a topic that touches so many of our lives: caregiving. Whether it’s something we’ve already experienced or might face in the future, caring for a loved one with an disease or illness is a profound journey.
Allison Applebaum, who is the founder of the Caregivers Clinic and Author of the beautifully titled, Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving comes on board to enlighten us about the realities of caregiving—the stress, the work, the emotional burden—but also the unexpected rewards. She talks about discovering strengths you didn’t know you had and finding deeper connections with those you care for. 
Allison’s perspective is holistic and empathetic, offering a well-rounded view of caregiving. We cover everything from the emotional impact to practical tips and the broader societal issues like ageism and bias against those with neurocognitive challenges. It’s a conversation full of perspectives that you may not have even considered before. Let’s dive in!

Listen and Learn: 

The Allison Applebaum definition of family Caregiving 

How Allison founded a clinic to support caregivers, cared for her father, coped with her mother's unexpected death, and dealt with the challenges of illness and loss in the healthcare system

The moving tale behind the title of Allison’s book, Stand by Me  

Recognizing the significance of a person's identity and dignity in healthcare 

Combating ageism and elder speak in the health system 

Tips for beginning the caregiving journey for a loved one facing a health decline

Navigating through conflicts and disagreements within families regarding care for a loved one

What is caregiver burden? How can we prevent or address it? And, is it the same as caregiver burnout?

The challenge of uncertainty for caregivers and helpful strategies for dealing with this 

Can meaning and suffering coexist? 



Resources: 

Allison’s website

Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving

Connect with Allison on Instagram and X




About Allison Applebaum
Dr. Allison Applebaum is an Associate Attending Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), and an Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is the Founding Director of the Caregivers Clinic at MSK, the first program of its kind in the United States to provide comprehensive psychosocial care to family members and friends of patients who are in the caregiving role. Dr. Applebaum is also the author of the recently published narrative nonfiction book, Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving.


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