Essential Reads - Psychology and Human Behaviour

Essential Reads
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Essential Reads – Psychology and Human Behaviour delves into the inner workings of the mind. Each episode distills key insights from influential psychological works—transforming complex theories on cognition, emotion, and behavior into accessible, actionable wisdom. Whether you're exploring cognitive biases, emotional intelligence, or the roots of decision-making, we break down profound ideas that reveal what truly drives us. Unlock the secrets behind human thought and reshape your view of the world.

Episodes

  1. 07/24/2025

    12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson

    This episode explores Jordan B. Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life, a bold and multifaceted guide to navigating modern existence. Drawing from clinical psychology, philosophy, and mythology, Peterson offers twelve provocative principles—from “Stand up straight with your shoulders back” to “Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street”—each designed to foster meaning, discipline, and personal responsibility. We examine the book’s central themes, including the tension between order and chaos, the transformative power of suffering, and the search for truth in turbulent times. The conversation also reflects on 12 Rules for Life’s polarizing impact, its vivid style, and its resonance with audiences seeking purpose in complexity. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    15 min

  2. 07/24/2025

    Mindset by Carol S. Dweck

    This episode explores Carol S. Dweck’s Mindset, a groundbreaking look at how our beliefs about ability and effort shape success in every area of life. Dweck introduces the distinction between a fixed mindset, which sees talent as static, and a growth mindset, which embraces challenge, learning, and resilience. We examine how these mindsets influence achievement in education, business, sports, and relationships, and unpack strategies for fostering a growth-oriented approach to setbacks and self-improvement. Drawing on psychological research and practical guidance, Mindset remains a cornerstone for understanding how reframing failure as opportunity can unlock our true potential. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    12 min

  3. 06/17/2025

    Grit by Angela Duckworth

    This episode dives into Angela Duckworth’s Grit, an insightful exploration of why passion and perseverance matter more than innate talent in achieving long-term success. Duckworth presents compelling research demonstrating that sustained effort over time leads to mastery, introducing the Grit Scale to measure an individual's commitment to their goals. We discuss key themes such as effort outweighing talent, deliberate practice, and the importance of deep, enduring passion, along with how grit can be cultivated in individuals, education, and leadership. While Grit has reshaped discussions on achievement, we also examine its broader societal implications and critiques. Join us as we unpack Duckworth’s influential framework and its impact on personal and professional growth. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    8 min

  4. 06/12/2025

    Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

    This episode explores Dan Ariely’s Predictably Irrational, a fascinating examination of the hidden forces that shape human decision-making. Ariely challenges the assumption that people make rational choices, using engaging experiments and anecdotes to reveal how psychological, emotional, and social factors drive our behavior in unexpected ways. We unpack key themes such as relativity in pricing, the allure of free offers, the distinction between social and market norms, and the powerful role of expectations and emotions. While Predictably Irrational has reshaped perspectives on behavioral economics, we also discuss its practical implications and the broader conversation it sparks about human predictability. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    13 min

  5. 06/03/2025

    Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

    In this episode, we explore Robert B. Cialdini’s classic book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, which reveals the six universal principles that shape human behaviour and compliance. We discuss Reciprocity, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Liking, Authority, and Scarcity, illustrating each with empirical research and real-world examples. Join us as we examine how these powerful principles impact marketing, business, and social psychology — and why understanding their ethical use is crucial. This episode aims to empower listeners to recognise persuasion tactics and resist manipulation. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    10 min

  6. 06/03/2025

    Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

    In this episode, we delve into Daniel Kahneman’s groundbreaking book, Thinking, Fast and Slow, which explores the dual processes behind human decision-making. We unpack System 1, the fast and intuitive thinker, and System 2, the slow and analytical thinker, revealing how mental shortcuts often lead to cognitive biases that impact our judgments. Join us as we discuss key ideas like Prospect Theory, loss aversion, and the distinction between our experiencing and remembering selves. We also explore strategies to improve decision-making by activating System 2 and embracing diverse perspectives. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    11 min

  7. 06/03/2025

    Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

    This episode dives into James Clear’s widely acclaimed book, Atomic Habits, an insightful exploration of how small, incremental changes lead to massive personal and professional transformation. Clear introduces the habit loop—cue, craving, response, reward—as a foundation for understanding behaviour, alongside his four laws of behaviour change: making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. We unpack key strategies such as habit stacking, identity-based habits, and environment design, discussing how they help build sustainable habits by focusing on systems rather than goals. While the book provides powerful, science-backed methods for reshaping behaviour, we also examine potential limitations in its approach. Whether you're aiming to break bad habits or reinforce productive routines, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into Clear’s habit-building philosophy. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Atomic Habits by James Clear. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    17 min

  8. 06/03/2025

    The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do, and How to Change by  Charles Duhigg 

    In this episode, we explore Charles Duhigg’s insightful book, The Power of Habit, which delves into the science behind habit formation and its profound impact on individuals, organizations, and society. We break down the habit loop—cue, routine, and reward—and discuss how understanding this cycle enables intentional change. Discover the concept of keystone habits, small shifts that trigger widespread transformation, and learn about the ethical considerations surrounding habit manipulation. This episode offers practical insights for harnessing the power of habits to improve everyday life. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    15 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Essential Reads – Psychology and Human Behaviour delves into the inner workings of the mind. Each episode distills key insights from influential psychological works—transforming complex theories on cognition, emotion, and behavior into accessible, actionable wisdom. Whether you're exploring cognitive biases, emotional intelligence, or the roots of decision-making, we break down profound ideas that reveal what truly drives us. Unlock the secrets behind human thought and reshape your view of the world.

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