Planting Thoughts

Mike
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Planting Thoughts is a podcast where we explore the intersection of psychology, politics, life’s mysteries, and the weird stuff that keeps us curious. Each episode delves into the intricacies of human behavior, offers fresh perspectives on current events, and sometimes takes a wild detour into the unknown. Whether we’re unraveling the complexities of the mind, dissecting societal trends, or diving into the quirky and unconventional, "Planting Thoughts" is all about planting seeds of new ideas and fostering thoughtful conversations. Tune in for a mix of insights, humor, and the unexpected.

  1. Millennials Were Over-Loved — And It Made Them Anxious

    1D AGO

    Millennials Were Over-Loved — And It Made Them Anxious

    Millennials grew up emotionally supported — but psychologically unprepared.This episode explains how helicopter parenting, achievement pressure, and cultural instability rewired Millennial brains for anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt.🏷️ Hashtags#MillennialPsychology #AnxietyGeneration #HelicopterParenting #BurnoutCulture #MentalHealthScience #PlantingThoughtsWelcome to Planting Thoughts, the psychology podcast that digs into the weird, funny, and fascinating sides of human behavior. From cults and moral dilemmas to personality, decision-making, and why our brains do the dumb stuff they do — we blend science, humor, and storytelling to make psychology real and relatable.🎙️ Hosted by Mike 🧠 Topics: psychology, neuroscience, social behavior, moral psychology, mental health, personality science, pop culture, dark psychology, and the psychology of everyday life.Subscribe for weekly deep dives, mind-bending insights, and some laughs along the way.🔍 Keywords: psychology podcast | human behavior | moral psychology | cognitive biases | social psychology | mental health science | Planting Thoughts podcast | psychology explained | funny psychology podcast

    12 min
  2. Gen X Was Raised by Neglect — And It Rewired Their Brains

    2D AGO

    Gen X Was Raised by Neglect — And It Rewired Their Brains

    Gen X wasn’t raised with trauma — they were raised with absence.In this episode of Planting Thoughts, we break down the psychology of Generation X through neuroscience, attachment theory, and cultural context. This isn’t nostalgia. It’s a clinical look at how latchkey childhoods, emotional neglect, institutional distrust, and hands-off parenting shaped a generation into hyper-independent, emotionally guarded adults.We explore:-Why Gen X developed avoidant attachment patterns-How emotional absence impacts brain development and stress regulation-Why Gen X is skeptical of authority, therapy, and performative vulnerability-How Gen X became the psychological bridge between Boomers and Millennials-The long-term cognitive and relational effects of being “left to figure it out”This episode connects decade psychology, developmental neuroscience, and modern attachment research to explain why Gen X thinks, loves, works, and copes the way they do—without blaming, romanticizing, or sugarcoating it.If you’ve ever wondered why Gen X doesn’t ask for help, doesn’t trust systems, and doesn’t flinch when things fall apart… this is why.About Planting ThoughtsPlanting Thoughts is a psychology podcast exploring human behavior at the intersection of science, culture, and lived experience. We tackle generational psychology, trauma patterns, moral decision-making, identity, power dynamics, and why the brain does what it does—without self-help fluff or pop-psych nonsense.🎙️ Host: Mike🧠 Focus: psychology, neuroscience, attachment, generational behavior, mental health, social dynamics, cultural conditioningSubscribe for weekly deep dives that make psychology uncomfortable—in the best way.#GenXPsychology #GenerationalTrauma #AttachmentTheory #LatchkeyKids #AvoidantAttachment #Neuroscience #DecadeTrauma #PsychologyPodcast #PlantingThoughtsgeneration x psychology, gen x trauma, latchkey kids psychology, avoidant attachment adults, generational attachment styles, developmental neuroscience, generational behavior explained, psychology podcast gen x

    15 min
  3. Identity For Sale: Why Smart People Fall for Modern Cults

    4D AGO

    Identity For Sale: Why Smart People Fall for Modern Cults

    "I am in control of my own mind." It’s the biggest lie we tell ourselves. You think you’re making logical choices, but what if your sense of belonging was actually a high-tech sales funnel designed to hijack your free will?In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike breaks down the terrifying psychology of how cults actually work. Forget the old-school robes and communes—today’s cult leaders wear Patagonia vests, run high-growth startups, and sell "feminine awakening" on TikTok. We’re moving past the myth that cults are for "stupid" people and diving into the peer-reviewed research on why brilliant, high-IQ individuals are often the easiest to break.🧠 WHAT WE’RE DIGGING INTO:The Intelligence Trap: Why being "smart" makes you a prime target for recruiters and how they exploit normal brain functions like the Milgram and Asch experiments.The Sales Funnel from Hell: How "Love-Bombing" creates a dopamine Christmas bonus in your brain, leading you into a neuro-surgical strike of Cialdini’s Persuasion Principles.Tactical Brain Fog: The dark reality of Lifton’s Thought Reform and how sleep deprivation is used to bypass your common sense.The Dark Triad: Why cult leaders like Keith Raniere (NXIVM) and David Berg (Children of God) score a "perfect ten" in narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.The "Am I in a Cult?" Audit: A diagnostic for your fitness tribe, crypto community, or corporate culture to see if you’re in a community or a hostage situation.⏳ CHAPTERS:0:00 – The Lie of Control (Intro)3:32 – Why Smart People Join (Milgram & Asch)7:14 – The Sales Funnel from Hell: Love-Bombing & Cialdini9:46 – Rebranding the Cult: From Scientology to Startups12:50 – The "Am I in a Cult?" Audit15:17 – Children of God: The Weaponization of Intimacy18:38 – The Gilded Cage: Why Leaving Feels Like Death22:54 – Modern Cults in Your Pocket (Outro)🔗 CONNECT WITH THE MISSION:If this episode made you realize your favorite "wellness brand" is actually a pyramid scheme with sage, do us a favor: Like, Subscribe, and Share this with that one friend who "just really believes in the mission."#PlantingThoughts #CultPsychology #MentalHealth #Neuroscience #MindControl #ModernCults #PsychologyPodcast #CriticalThinking #FreeWill

    26 min
  4. The Talk is Dead: Why Your Silence is Sexual Sabotage

    FEB 4

    The Talk is Dead: Why Your Silence is Sexual Sabotage

    Find our digital materials and sign up for the free newsletter by entering your email at https://www.plantthespark.com Most parents approach "The Talk" like they’re trying to diffuse a live landmine in a dark basement. They wait until the last possible second, stutter through some weird metaphor about pollinating flowers, and then sprint out of the room praying their kid doesn't ask a follow-up.Tonight, we are performing an autopsy on the "Just Say No" era. Spoiler alert: It was a catastrophic failure. We are diving into the hard data on why abstinence-only education actually leads to higher teen pregnancy and STI rates, particularly in conservative-leaning states. We’re also talking about the Neuroscience of Executive Function (EF) and why we can't expect teens to navigate a "Dopamine Hijack" without a toolkit.This isn't just about anatomy; it’s about Emotional Mastery (EM). We discuss why your own relationship is the most influential textbook your child will ever read, how to spot "digital red flags" in the TikTok dating era, and how to build a teen’s Self-Efficacy so they don't look for validation in a comment section.Stick around for the end, where I give you a practical, step-by-step "Parent Guru" script to turn awkward silence into life-saving connection.🧠 In This Episode:The Data of Disaster: Why abstinence-only programs are a failure of public health and psychology.The Living Textbook: How modeling "The Repair" in your own relationship sets your child’s baseline for love.The Digital Meat-Grinder: Navigating data permanence, "streaks," and the 4K reality of modern dating.The Practical Tutorial: A literal script for "The Talk" using the Bridge Method and the Three-Second Buffer.Plant the Spark: A quick tease on how to build confidence and high-level emotional intelligence.If this episode gave you the courage to open the door to honesty, hit that Like button. Subscribe to Planting Thoughts—because guarding their innocence shouldn't mean leaving them defenseless.Welcome to Planting Thoughts, the psychology podcast that digs into the weird, funny, and fascinating sides of human behavior. From cults and moral dilemmas to personality, decision-making, and why our brains do the dumb stuff they do — we blend science, humor, and storytelling to make psychology real and relatable.🎙️ Hosted by Mike 🧠 Topics: psychology, neuroscience, social behavior, moral psychology, mental health, personality science, pop culture, dark psychology, and the psychology of everyday life.Subscribe for weekly deep dives, mind-bending insights, and some laughs along the way.#parentingtips #SexEducation #TeenHealth #ModernParenting #AbstinenceOnly #PublicHealth #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfEfficacy #PlantingThoughts #PlantTheSpark #ParentingTeenagers🔍 Keywords: psychology podcast | human behavior | moral psychology | cognitive biases | social psychology | mental health science | Planting Thoughts podcast | psychology explained | funny psychology podcast

    15 min
  5. Parents Aren’t Ready for Empty Nests — And It Shows

    JAN 27

    Parents Aren’t Ready for Empty Nests — And It Shows

    Find my guide on the parental and teen transition from high school to college at https://www.plantthespark.com Letting your kid grow up isn’t just hard — it’s psychological.In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike dives into why parents often struggle more than their kids when it’s time to let go… especially when children leave for college or adulthood.We explore:Why identity loss hits parents so hardThe neuroscience of control and attachmentHow overparenting can actually increase fearWhy “helping” sometimes hurtsThis episode is for parents who feel lost, anxious, or over-involved — and want a healthier way forward.Welcome to Planting Thoughts, the psychology podcast that digs into the weird, funny, and fascinating sides of human behavior. From cults and moral dilemmas to personality, decision-making, and why our brains do the dumb stuff they do — we blend science, humor, and storytelling to make psychology real and relatable.🎙️ Hosted by Mike 🧠 Topics: psychology, neuroscience, social behavior, moral psychology, mental health, personality science, pop culture, dark psychology, and the psychology of everyday life.Subscribe for weekly deep dives, mind-bending insights, and some laughs along the way.🔍 Keywords: psychology podcast | human behavior | moral psychology | cognitive biases | social psychology | mental health science | Planting Thoughts podcast | psychology explained | funny psychology podcast#EmptyNest #ParentIdentity #LettingGo #CollegeTransition #ParentingAdults #PlantingThoughts #Psychology #AttachmentTheory #FamilySystems

    13 min
  6. Why Modern Parenting Is Creating Anxious Kids And No One Wants to Admit It

    JAN 27

    Why Modern Parenting Is Creating Anxious Kids And No One Wants to Admit It

    Go to https://www.plantthespark.com and check out my digital manuals on successful parenting! Modern parenting didn’t mean to create anxious kids — but here we are.In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike breaks down the psychology behind why today’s children are more anxious, fragile, and overwhelmed than any generation before them… despite having more safety, resources, and support.We dive into:The psychology of overparentingWhy protection can actually stunt resilienceWhat the research really says about anxiety, autonomy, and growthHow good intentions quietly backfireThis episode isn’t about parent-shaming — it’s about parent awakening.If you’re a parent, educator, or someone trying to understand why so many young people are struggling, this one matters.Welcome to Planting Thoughts, the psychology podcast that digs into the weird, funny, and fascinating sides of human behavior. From cults and moral dilemmas to personality, decision-making, and why our brains do the dumb stuff they do — we blend science, humor, and storytelling to make psychology real and relatable.🎙️ Hosted by Mike 🧠 Topics: psychology, neuroscience, social behavior, moral psychology, mental health, personality science, pop culture, dark psychology, and the psychology of everyday life.Subscribe for weekly deep dives, mind-bending insights, and some laughs along the way.🔍 Keywords: psychology podcast | human behavior | moral psychology | cognitive biases | social psychology | mental health science | Planting Thoughts podcast | psychology explained | funny psychology podcast#ParentingPsychology #AnxiousKids #Overparenting #MentalHealth #RaisingResilientKids#PlantingThoughts #PsychologyPodcast #ModernParenting #ChildDevelopment

    11 min
  7. Is AI Stealing Your Soulmate (The Perfect Partner Protocol)

    JAN 22

    Is AI Stealing Your Soulmate (The Perfect Partner Protocol)

    Imagine a partner who never forgets your anniversary, always agrees, and is perfectly tailored to your deepest desires. That person exists, and they're running on an algorithm.This isn't sci-fi anymore. Modern research shows humans are forming deep, intimate bonds with AI companions, often leaving real relationships in the dust. Today, we plant the strangest seed yet: The rise of Virtual Intimacy.We dive deep into the psychology, the neuroscience, and the startling social cost of dating a perfect ghost. We explain why your brain is being chemically rewarded for choosing pixels over pores, the dangers of emotional fragility, and the ultimate question: What is real love when you can download perfection?🧠 In This Episode:Dopamine Delivered: The behavioral science of why AI provides better instant gratification than a human.Comparison Crisis: The social pressure on real partners who have to compete with a flawless, non-confrontational algorithm.The Psychoanalytic Void: Why relating to a mirror (the AI) instead of an "Other" (a human) leads to deep unfulfillment.Relationship Displacement: The media stories of people leaving real partners for digital companions.The Philosophical Quandary: Is it love if there's no risk, no sacrifice, and no potential for pain?The Scaffolding Solution: How to use AI as a tool for social training, not as a shelter from reality.If this episode makes you look at your phone differently, hit the Like button. And Subscribe to Planting Thoughts—because the real world is complicated, and we’re the only ones brave enough to talk about it.Welcome to Planting Thoughts, the psychology podcast that digs into the weird, funny, and fascinating sides of human behavior. From cults and moral dilemmas to personality, decision-making, and why our brains do the dumb stuff they do — we blend science, humor, and storytelling to make psychology real and relatable.🎙️ Hosted by Mike Plant🧠 Topics: psychology, neuroscience, social behavior, moral psychology, mental health, personality science, pop culture, dark psychology, and the psychology of everyday life.Subscribe for weekly deep dives, mind-bending insights, and some laughs along the way.🔍 Keywords: psychology podcast | human behavior | moral psychology | cognitive biases | social psychology | mental health science | Planting Thoughts podcast | psychology explained | funny psychology podcast#AIIntimacy #VirtualLove #AICompanion #Psychology #Neuroscience #DopamineDetox #VirtualRelationships #AIandDating #Replika #ErosBot #SocialPsychology #DigitalHealth #Loneliness #AttachmentTheory #EthicalAI #PlantingThoughts #MikePlantingThoughts #FutureofDating

    18 min
  8. Attraction, Love, and Heartbreak: Why Your Brain Is a Menace With a Pulse

    JAN 16

    Attraction, Love, and Heartbreak: Why Your Brain Is a Menace With a Pulse

    Love isn’t magic—it’s biology with a sense of humor and absolutely no chill. In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike breaks down the psychology and neuroscience of attraction, falling in love, and heartbreak—why your brain obsesses, why losing someone feels physically painful, and why otherwise intelligent people end up serenading dorm windows at 1 a.m. (ask him how he knows). We dive deep into: The evolutionary psychology of attraction (yes, hypergamy included) The dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin cocktail that hijacks your brain Why love lowers judgment and raises confidence at the worst possible times The real neuroscience behind heartbreak and emotional withdrawal Practical, science-backed steps to become more attractive and recover faster Pop psychology myths vs what actually works If you’ve ever wondered why love makes you act unrecognizable—or how to stop repeating the same painful patterns—this episode is for you. 🌱 Subscribe for psychology, self-mastery, attraction, attachment, and emotional resilience—without the fluff.

    25 min
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About

Planting Thoughts is a podcast where we explore the intersection of psychology, politics, life’s mysteries, and the weird stuff that keeps us curious. Each episode delves into the intricacies of human behavior, offers fresh perspectives on current events, and sometimes takes a wild detour into the unknown. Whether we’re unraveling the complexities of the mind, dissecting societal trends, or diving into the quirky and unconventional, "Planting Thoughts" is all about planting seeds of new ideas and fostering thoughtful conversations. Tune in for a mix of insights, humor, and the unexpected.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mike
  • Show Website
    Planting Thoughts