Deep Thinking with Dr. Steven Stolz

Dr. Steven Stolz
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Where Academic Rigor Meets Real Life Deep Thinking with Dr. Steven Stolz transforms complex academic research into practical wisdom for everyday challenges. Join education philosopher and University of Adelaide Senior Lecturer Dr. Steven Stolz as he explores topics from burnout and loneliness to sleep science and mindfulness. This evidence-based podcast bridges the gap between scholarly insights and real-world application, helping ambitious professionals navigate life's complexities with both intellectual depth and practical clarity. Through thoughtful solo deep dives and expert conversations, Dr. Stolz breaks down sophisticated concepts without oversimplification. Each bi-weekly episode delivers research-backed strategies for personal development, mental wellbeing, and professional growth. Whether you're tackling workplace stress, seeking deeper understanding of psychological concepts, or simply curious about how your mind works, Deep Thinking offers actionable takeaways that respect your intelligence while expanding your horizons. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform (Spotify, Apple or YouTube). New episodes release every other Wednesday. Browse our complete episode library below, featuring comprehensive show notes, resources, and timestamps for each topic. Stay curious and think deeply.

  1. The Science of Laughter

    09/16/2025

    The Science of Laughter

    ⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Not all humor heals - discover when teasing and sarcasm become psychologically harmful, especially for children and in workplace dynamics. 🎯 Perfect For: Parents seeking research-based family bonding strategies | Healthcare professionals interested in therapeutic humor | Anyone struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression | Comedy enthusiasts curious about the science behind laughter | Educators and workplace leaders building positive environments 🔬 Featured Research: Robert Provine's social laughter studies | Penn State family humor research | Stanford gelotology findings | Cross-cultural studies on humor and mental health | Neuroplasticity and positive emotion research 📚 Key References:  Patch Adams, Sigmund Freud; Jerry Seinfeld; Plato; and Aristotle.

    55 min
  2. The Original Biohack

    09/02/2025

    The Original Biohack

    Key insights include: The 60% creativity boost from walking vs. sitting Neurological mechanisms behind the "feel-good" effect Cultural walking practices from Japanese forest bathing to Aboriginal walkabouts Practical frameworks for sustainable movement habits The philosophy of "the good life" and physical activity's role in human flourishing This isn't another fitness podcast—it's an invitation to discover how movement shapes consciousness, relationships, and meaning itself. For listeners interested in: Philosophy, neuroscience, mental health, creativity, personal development, walking culture, and the intersection of ancient wisdom with modern research.

    1h 5m
  3. Art as Creative Expression

    08/12/2025

    Art as Creative Expression

    ABOUT GODWIN BRADBEER: Born in New Zealand in 1950, Godwin Bradbeer has established himself as one of Australia's seminal drawing-based artists. His monumental figurative works—some reaching ceiling height in his Melbourne warehouse studio—are held in prestigious collections including the Australian National Gallery, National Gallery of Victoria, and Art Gallery of New South Wales. Career Highlights: Dobell Drawing Prize Winner (1998) - Australia's premier drawing award 11-time Dobell Prize Finalist (1999-2012) Former Head of Drawing, RMIT University (2005-2010) 40+ Solo Exhibitions since 1977 International Recognition across Asia, Europe, and North America Thames & Hudson Monograph (2018) - Major career survey Published Poet - "Half Truths: In Lyric Verse" (2014) Bradbeer's work seeks what he calls "the credible portrayal of the miracle of existence over pictorial descriptions of character, narrative or ideology." His large-scale drawings in Chinagraph, silver oxide, and pastel create an almost sculptural presence that commands attention while inviting contemplation.

    1h 4m
  4. Overcoming Perfectionism

    07/29/2025

    Overcoming Perfectionism

    Meet Professor Tracey Wade, an internationally recognized expert in perfectionism research from Flinders University. Her groundbreaking work has transformed our understanding of how perfectionism develops, manifests across different life domains, and connects to serious mental health conditions including eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. Professor Wade's research has been published in numerous prestigious journals, and she has developed evidence-based treatment approaches that are helping people worldwide break free from perfectionism's grip. In this episode, you'll discover: The hidden difference between healthy striving and destructive perfectionism that most people miss Why perfectionism and procrastination often appear together (and the surprising brain science behind this paradox) Evidence-based strategies from Professor Wade's Cognitive Behavioural Model that can immediately transform your relationship with achievement Cultural and familial factors that create perfectionist patterns—and how to break generational cycles Practical tools for ambitious professionals to maintain high standards without the psychological cost

    1h 31m
  5. PTSD Beyond the Battlefield

    07/15/2025

    PTSD Beyond the Battlefield

    About Professor Sandy McFarlane Professor Alexander Cowell McFarlane AO is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Adelaide and one of the world's most influential trauma researchers. With over four decades of groundbreaking work, he has fundamentally shaped our understanding of PTSD and trauma recovery. Chapter Timings & Descriptions 00:00 - Opening & Guest Introduction | Professor McFarlane's journey into trauma research 02:44 - Episode Introduction | Meet the expert behind four decades of trauma research 04:47 - Historical Evolution of PTSD | From shell shock to modern understanding 18:45 - PTSD Symptoms | Core symptom clusters and diagnosis 23:12 - Triggers and Flashbacks | Understanding trauma triggers and management 32:20 - Neuroscience of Trauma | Brain mechanisms and neurobiological impact 37:57 - Memory and PTSD | How trauma affects memory processing 40:25 - Diagnostic Criteria | Is PTSD criteria too broad or narrow? 47:15 - Legal Responsibility | Duty of care and litigation perspectives 57:07 - Individual Vulnerability | Why some develop PTSD while others don't 1:05:18 - Single vs. Complex Trauma | Acute versus cumulative trauma effects 1:10:10 - Treatment Overview | Evidence-based treatment approaches 1:10:49 - CBT and Prolonged Exposure | Cognitive behavioral therapy mechanisms 1:14:40 - EMDR Therapy | Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing 1:20:40 - Neurofeedback | EEG-based interventions and results 1:22:47 - Medication Strategies | Pharmacological treatment options 1:32:45 - Treatment Challenges | "The third rule" and treatment resistance 1:35:00 - Second-Line Treatments | Alternative therapeutic modalities 1:37:50 - Complementary Approaches | Yoga, meditation, and somatic therapies 1:39:30 - Recovery and Prognosis | Can PTSD be fully cured? 1:43:50 - Prevention Strategies | Protecting high-risk individuals 1:50:55 - Professional Self-Care | Protecting yourself from vicarious trauma 1:53:40 - Future Research | Innovations and emerging directions 1:55:50 - Digital Health Technology | VR, AI, and mobile health applications 1:59:13 - Essential Resources | Recommended books and guidelines 2:00:15 - Controversial Perspectives | Why "The Body Keeps the Score" is debated

    2h 13m
  6. Why Your Stress Is Killing You

    07/01/2025

    Why Your Stress Is Killing You

    Key Takeaways 🧠 Stress Evolution - Your stress response system evolved to save your life, not ruin it ⚖️ Optimal Stress Zone - Peak performance occurs between too little and too much stress 🦓 Control Beats Intensity - Sapolsky's research shows perceived control matters more than stressor severity 💪 Stress Inoculation - Gradual exposure to manageable stressors builds resilience 🧘 Mindfulness Rewires Brain - MBSR creates measurable changes in brain structure 👥 Social Connection Medicine - Strong relationships provide the most powerful stress buffer ⏰ Strategy-Stress Matching - Acute stress needs different tools than chronic stress 📊 80/20 Stress Rule - Focus on 20% of interventions that provide 80% of benefits 🧠 THE STRESS PARADOX: Why Less Intensity Creates More Resilience | Deep Thinking with Dr Steven Stolz  Discover the surprising science of stress and why your ancient survival system might be sabotaging your modern success. In this evidence-based exploration, we decode: ✅ Why NOT all stress is bad (the eustress revolution) ✅ Robert Sapolsky's groundbreaking baboon stress research ✅ The HPA axis: Your body's stress command center  ✅ Why zebras don't get ulcers but humans do  ✅ Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) effectiveness ✅ The 80/20 rule of stress management  ✅ Building stress resilience vs. avoiding stressors Chapter Timestamps 00:00 - Stress Response Quiz: How Do You Handle Pressure? 02:10 - Introduction: The Hidden Cost of Modern Stress 03:28 - Good Stress vs Bad Stress: The Stress Paradox Explained 06:15 - Why Stress is Unavoidable in Modern Life 08:19 - Famous Art and Stress: Edvard Munch's "The Scream" Analysis 10:22 - Pop Culture Stress: How Media Portrays Stress Response 11:15 - Stress Metaphors: Turbo Mode vs Sludge Mode 12:20 - Case Study: Sheila the Netball Coach's Stress Journey 14:31 - Why Everyone Needs to Understand Stress Science 15:12 - Yerkes-Dodson Law: The Science of Optimal Stress Performance 16:47 - Stress Definition: What Stress Actually Means 18:36 - Stress Mindset: How Your Thoughts Change Your Biology 19:38 - Your Ancient Alarm System: Why Stress Damages Health 24:00 - Stress Health Effects: Mind and Body Impact Research 28:46 - 3 Types of Stress: Acute, Episodic, and Chronic Stress 31:33 - Robert Sapolsky's Baboon Studies: Stress Hierarchy Research 34:02 - Poverty and Stress: Socioeconomic Status Impact 35:28 - The Stress Catch-22: Why Stress Becomes Self-Perpetuating 37:00 - Human Stress Coping: Evolutionary Advantages 39:00 - 4 Pillars of Stress Resilience: Control, Predictability, Outlets, Support 45:00 - Evidence-Based Stress Management: Proven Techniques 56:00 - Stress Strategy Selection: Matching Method to Situation 58:27 - 80/20 Stress Management: High-Impact Techniques 1:00:15 - Gabor Maté's 7 A's of Healing: Recovering from Hidden Stress 1:08:47 - Stress Management Summary: Key Takeaways and Action Steps

    1h 15m
  7. Stop Counting Calories

    06/17/2025

    Stop Counting Calories

    What You'll Discover: ~ Why the Food Pyramid failed and what nutrition guidelines actually work ~ The calorie counting trap and why it sabotages weight loss ~ How your genetics affect weight (and when they don't matter) ~ Evidence-based weight loss strategies for lasting results ~ Why BMI is misleading and better ways to measure health ~ The truth about trending diets: keto, intermittent fasting, Mediterranean ~ How modern lifestyle sabotages healthy eating (and how to fix it) ~ Food psychology secrets: why you crave certain foods and how to change ~ Pharmaceutical weight loss options like semaglutide (pros and cons) ~ The gut-brain connection and its impact on mood and weight Chapters: 00:00 | Introduction: The Diet Culture Deception | Why conflicting nutrition advice keeps you stuck 03:16 | Meet Dr. Ahmad: McGill Nutrition Expert | Credentials that matter: research-backed expertise 05:28 | Food Pyramid Exposed: Why 30-Year Guidelines Failed | What nutrition science reveals about outdated advice 08:18 | The Genetics Factor: Does DNA Control Your Weight? | When family history matters (and when it doesn't) 10:40 | Calorie Myths Busted: Why Men Need 2,500 and Women Need Less | The science behind individual energy requirements 12:45 | Metabolism Slowdown: Fact or Fiction? | What really happens to your metabolism with age 15:31 | Satiation Secrets: How to Feel Full and Satisfied | Evidence-based strategies to control hunger naturally 17:03 | Color Psychology and Eating: Visual Hunger Triggers | How your eyes influence food choices 19:30 | The Midlife Weight Gain Mystery | Why your 30s and 40s bring extra pounds 21:07 | Stress Eating Exposed: The Cortisol-Weight Connection | How stress hormones sabotage weight loss 23:20 | Food Preference Psychology: Rewiring Your Taste Buds | Science-backed ways to crave healthy foods 25:55 | Raising Healthy Eaters: Evidence-Based Parenting | How to get kids to choose nutritious foods 28:47 | Eating with Your Eyes: Visual Food Psychology | Why presentation affects nutrition and satisfaction 30:46 | When All Diets Fail: Solutions for Chronic Dieters | Evidence-based advice for people who've tried everything 32:34 | BMI vs Waist Measurement: Better Health Indicators | Why body mass index misleads and what works better 34:47 | BMI Pros and Cons: The Complete Analysis | When to use BMI and when to ignore it 36:28 | Trending Diets Decoded: Mediterranean, Keto, Intermittent Fasting | Science-based analysis of popular diet approaches 39:15 | Diet Selection Strategy: Finding Your Perfect Match | How to choose sustainable eating patterns 42:12 | Diet Timeline: When Do You See Results? | Evidence-based expectations for weight loss progress 44:53 | Weight Loss Medications: Semaglutide and Beyond | Pharmaceutical options, benefits, and risks 46:30 | Food-Mood Connection: Eating for Mental Health | How nutrition affects anxiety, depression, and brain function 50:30 | Hydration Science: Optimal Water Intake Guidelines | Evidence-based recommendations for daily fluid needs 52:30 | Gut-Brain Axis: Your Second Brain's Role in Health | How gut bacteria influence mood, weight, and wellbeing 53:50 | Mood Disorder Nutrition: Foods for Mental Health | Evidence-based eating strategies for depression and anxiety 56:30 | Expert Book Recommendations | Dr. Ahmad's top nutrition science resources 59:42 | Key Takeaways and Implementation | How to apply evidence-based nutrition starting today Why This Matters The Weight Loss Industry is Broken. With millions searching for nutrition and weight loss solutions monthly, most people are trapped in cycles of failed diets, conflicting advice, and marketing manipulation. This Episode Changes Everything. Dr. Ahmad brings decades of McGill University research to expose why 95% of diets fail and what actually works for sustainable weight loss. Whether you're frustrated with yo-yo dieting, confused by contradictory health claims, or ready to try a science-based approach, this conversation provides the clarity you've been searching for. You'll Never Look at Nutrition the Same Way. From debunking the calorie myth to understanding your gut-brain connection, this isn't just another diet podcast—it's your roadmap to food freedom based on actual research, not marketing hype. Recommended book by Dr. Ahmad:  Simpson, S. J., & Raubenheimer, D. (2012). The Nature of Nutrition: A Unifying Framework from Animal Adaptation to Human Obesity. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press © 2025 Jazz Flute Productions. All rights reserved.  © 2025 Dr. Steven Stolz. All rights reserved.

    1h 5m
  8. Burnout Breakthrough

    06/03/2025

    Burnout Breakthrough

    EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 - A brief explanation on the phenomenon of burnout 04:38 - Professor Parker's academic background 08:52 - Did you suffer from burnout? 10:54 - The origin of the term burnout 15:43 - Differences between burnout and depression 23:59 - Burnout, personality styles, and perfectionism 30:28 - The physiology and neurobiology of burnout 32:02 - Burnt out vs. burning out phases 38:25 - Diagnosing burnout 42:41 - Sydney Burnout Measure (SBM) 46:58 - Burnout treatment plans and strategies 50:40 - Preventing burnout in the workplace 52:43 - Burnout and technology 55:23 - Advice for experiencing burnout 56:02 - Upcoming research projects 57:25 - Featured book by Professor Parker

    1h 1m
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About

Where Academic Rigor Meets Real Life Deep Thinking with Dr. Steven Stolz transforms complex academic research into practical wisdom for everyday challenges. Join education philosopher and University of Adelaide Senior Lecturer Dr. Steven Stolz as he explores topics from burnout and loneliness to sleep science and mindfulness. This evidence-based podcast bridges the gap between scholarly insights and real-world application, helping ambitious professionals navigate life's complexities with both intellectual depth and practical clarity. Through thoughtful solo deep dives and expert conversations, Dr. Stolz breaks down sophisticated concepts without oversimplification. Each bi-weekly episode delivers research-backed strategies for personal development, mental wellbeing, and professional growth. Whether you're tackling workplace stress, seeking deeper understanding of psychological concepts, or simply curious about how your mind works, Deep Thinking offers actionable takeaways that respect your intelligence while expanding your horizons. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform (Spotify, Apple or YouTube). New episodes release every other Wednesday. Browse our complete episode library below, featuring comprehensive show notes, resources, and timestamps for each topic. Stay curious and think deeply.

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