Psychology Life Lessons

Dr. Dan Lannin
  • 5.0 (7)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Psychology Life Lessons is a podcast dedicated to learning life lessons by having meaningful (and fun) conversations with psychology experts.

  1. JAN 9

    Episode 30: What Matters Most in Teaching Psychology?

    In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dan talks with distinguished professor and Brewer Award winner Eric Landrum about teaching, career development, and what sustains a life in academia. Eric shares how his approach to teaching evolved over more than 3 decades—including why he stopped giving tests—and reflects on the challenges psychology majors face when planning for life after graduation. They also discuss his podcast Psych Sessions, the role of improv in the classroom, and what Eric has learned about balancing professional ambition with personal well-being. More

    51 min

  2. 08/23/2025

    Episode 29: Existential Therapy: The Paradoxes and Passions of Living

    In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dan talks with existential therapist and author Emmy van Deurzen about what it means to live authentically in the face of life’s challenges. Emmy reflects on her journey from the Netherlands to France and eventually the UK, where she became a leading voice in existential therapy and education. She shares how philosophy and psychology can work together to help us navigate freedom, responsibility, and the anxieties that come with uncertainty. Together, they explore why anxiety can be seen as a sign of possibility and what it takes to embrace life’s paradoxes with passion. Emmy’s insights blend decades of clinical work, philosophical reflection, and cultural critique, offering a fresh perspective on human resilience and authenticity. More

    43 min

  3. 07/20/2025

    Episode 28: How to Fall in Love with Questions

    In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dr. Dan Lannin talks with author Elizabeth Weingarten about how to navigate life’s most uncertain moments. Drawing from her new book How to Fall in Love with Questions, Weingarten explores how big, unanswerable questions about purpose, relationships, and identity can be sources of growth rather than anxiety. She discusses how binary questions and societal “charlatans of certainty” can trap us into seeking fast answers instead of meaningful clarity. Through science, storytelling, and personal reflection, she shares tools for developing a “questions practice” to live more intentionally and patiently. Together, they unpack the cultural roots of impatience, the influence of identity and power on question-asking, and how cultivating courage can help us thrive in the unknown. It’s a powerful reminder that the right questions—not quick answers—can often be a the liberating force we need.More

    45 min

  4. 07/09/2025

    Episode 27: Start Making Sense

    In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dr. Steven Heine joins Dr. Dan Lannin to explore the psychology of meaning in an increasingly fragmented world. Drawing on decades of work in cultural and existential psychology, Dr. Heine explains how cultural contexts shape the way people see themselves, what it means to live a "good" life, and how psychological universals are often misunderstood. They unpack his research on WEIRD societies, the Meaning Maintenance Model, and how humans respond to disruptions in meaning—sometimes by doubling down on existing beliefs. Heine also shares insights from his latest book Start Making Sense, offering practical wisdom for restoring purpose in an age of disconnection. From the loss of community to the numbing effects of social media, the conversation highlights how identity, connection, and culture intertwine in the search for meaning.More

    46 min

  5. 03/17/2025

    Episode 26: The Art and Science of Helping

    In this episode of "Psychology Life Lessons," Dr. Yi Du takes over hosting duties to interview Dr. Dan Lannin about their co-authored book, "The Art and Science of Helping." After introducing Dr. Lannin's background in psychology, research, and helping behavior, they discuss how effective helping requires both artistic creativity and scientific evidence. Dr. Lannin shares the powerful "help maze" metaphor from his camp counselor days, where blindfolded children walking in circles could only exit by raising their hand for help—illustrating how seeking assistance is often the crucial first step toward healing. They explore how self-stigma creates additional suffering and prevents help-seeking, while previous negative experiences with vulnerability can further discourage people from reaching out. Both psychologists note a societal "empathy shortage," attributing it partly to our culture of convenience and immediate gratification. Throughout their conversation, they emphasize that becoming an effective helper requires self-knowledge and intentional practice, while highlighting human resilience symbolized by their book's cover image of a flower growing through concrete.More

    52 min

  6. 12/19/2024

    Episode 25: Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma

    Psychology Life Lessons features Dr. Dan Lannin in conversation with Dr. Michele Sherman, a seasoned clinical psychologist. They explore challenges faced by those loving individuals with mental health issues, offering insights on emotional validation and navigating healthcare systems. Dr. Sherman emphasizes compassion's role in healing for both patients and their families.More

    47 min

  7. 09/01/2024

    Episode 24: Smart, Not Loud

    In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin interviews Jessica Chen, a global communications expert and author of Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons. Jessica shares her journey from being an Emmy award-winning journalist to founding a communications training company that has reached millions. She discusses the challenges of navigating "quiet" versus "loud" cultures in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, effective communication, and mindset. Jessica offers practical tips on how to build a career brand, advocate for oneself, and celebrate personal achievements without losing authenticity. The conversation highlights how embracing your unique values while learning to adapt can lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.More

    44 min

  8. 08/27/2024

    Episode 23: Give to Grow

    Psychology Life Lessons is a podcast featuring conversations with experts to glean wisdom. In an episode, Dr. Dan Lannin talks to Mo Bunnell, founder of a company aiding in relationship building and business growth. Mo discusses his book "Give to Grow," emphasizing proactive, mutually beneficial business relationships, challenging traditional sales methods, and advocating for a helping-centered strategy. He is an author, podcast host, and founder who helps organizations scale business development and create growth-oriented cultures.More

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Psychology Life Lessons is a podcast dedicated to learning life lessons by having meaningful (and fun) conversations with psychology experts.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Dan Lannin
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dan Lannin
  • Show Website
    Psychology Life Lessons