Silver Disobedience® Perception Dynamics with Dian Griesel: How People Think, Lead and Succeed

Dian Griesel aka @SilverDisobedience

A psychology & mindset podcast for anyone rethinking success, leadership and reinvention at any age. Host Dian Griesel is a communication counselor and the provocateur of perception known as @SilverDisobedience She sits down with fascinating guests for unscripted, no-holds-barred conversations on human behavior, personal growth, mental health, relationships, pop culture + the B.S. in between. Through bold questions that spark honest revelations and unguarded "aha" truths, every episode delivers real mindset shifts, hard-won wisdom, and inspiration for living — and aging — on your own terms.

  1. 1d ago

    Gerd Gigerenzer, Psychologist on Heuristics, Decision-Making, and Economic Rationality

    Gerd Gigerenzer, Ph.D, on Risk Literacy, Heuristics, and Making Decisions Under Uncertainty ⁨@SilverDisobedience⁩  Perception Dynamics podcast host, Dian Griesel interviews psychologist and risk expert Gerd Gigerenzer about decision-making in an uncertain world; distinguishing calculable risks (like roulette) from uncertainty where “37s happen” (war, relationships, crises) and more. Gigerenzer explains that logic and consistency-based rationality don’t capture how people actually understand language and act, and argues that under uncertainty optimization is a fiction, so people rely on heuristics and Herbert Simon’s “satisficing,” which he links to modern option overload (e.g., Tinder) and unhappiness. They discuss learning to live with uncertainty, courage and responsibility in choices, and the benefits of collaborative decision-making (pilots vs. solo). Gigerenzer warns about groupthink and defensive decisions in business and “defensive medicine” driven by US tort law. He highlights poor risk literacy (CT scan vs. Fukushima radiation), recommends better information and reading, and critiques tech-driven attention and mental health harms. Bio: Gerd Gigerenzer is a German psychologist and decision scientist known for his research on bounded rationality, heuristics, and risk literacy. His work explores how people make decisions under uncertainty, emphasizing the effectiveness of simple rules and intuitive reasoning over complex models. Notable books authored by Gerd Gigerenzer include: Gut Feelings, Risk Savvy, Calculated Risks, Simple Heuristics That Make Us Smart Central to Gigerenzer’s work is the concept of “ecological rationality,” which argues that human decision-making strategies evolve to fit real-world environments rather than conforming to idealized models. He champions the use of “fast and frugal” heuristics—simple cognitive shortcuts that often outperform complex algorithms when time, data, or computational resources are limited.  Gerd Gigerenzer's Website here has more information: https://www.gerd-gigerenzer.com/ Please SUBSCRIBE! I’m Dian Griesel, Ph.D. aka @SilverDisobedience to my hundreds of thousands of monthly blog readers. You can learn more about me here:   ⁠⁠https://diangriesel.com⁠⁠ But for starters…⁠I am a perceptionist and communication counselor.⁠ For 30 years I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. "Raw, truth-driven conversations with fascinating guests — from business & psychology to careers, pop culture & the B.S. in between." Expect bold questions. Unfiltered insights. A few laughs. Real growth. Subscribe & Join the Conversation. Show Run: 00:00 Why News Feels Crazy 01:16 Risk vs Uncertainty 01:42 Logic and Intuition 03:06 What Is Rationality 03:45 Heuristics and Satisficing 06:30 Tinder and Commitment 07:48 Gigerenzer Origins 10:14 Learning Uncertainty 12:17 Courage to Decide 13:32 Team Decisions and Checklists 16:20 Groupthink and Defensive Choices 18:44 Defensive Medicine Reality 21:32 Radiation and Risk Literacy 22:38 Better Information Not More 25:34 Thinking in a Smart World 29:06 Closing and Subscribe

  2. 4d ago

    Willpower, Identity Shifts & Maintaining Permanent Weight Loss with Susan Pierce Thompson, Ph.D.

    Maintain Weight Loss for Life: Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson on Identity Shifts, Food Addiction, and the Ozempic Era Dian Griesel welcomes Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD, author of Maintain, to discuss why lasting weight loss often requires more than willpower, especially in the “Ozempic revolution.” Thompson describes GLP-1 medications as a powerful but imperfect tool, noting weight regain, adaptation over time, the ability for sugar and processed foods to “break through,” and many people stopping within two years. Dr. Thompson also raises concerns about reduced vagal tone and blunted intuition. She outlines three identity shifts for long-term maintenance—becoming devoted (a consistent lifestyle with strong support networks); resourced (new coping skills and deeper inner work instead of eating over stress); and, liberated (moving beyond the food/weight struggle and “finish line anxiety”). Dr. Thompson explains Bright Line Eating’s clear boundaries, including no sugar or flour, and how structure can create lasting freedom. Learn more about Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson here:https://www.susanpeircethompson.com/ Get her book Maintain, here:https://amzn.to/4gSQe0T Please SUBSCRIBE! I’m Dian Griesel, Ph.D. aka @SilverDisobedience to my hundreds of thousands of monthly blog readers. You can learn more about me here:   ⁠⁠https://diangriesel.com⁠⁠ But for starters…⁠I am a perceptionist and communication counselor.⁠ For 30 years I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally."Raw, truth-driven conversations with fascinating guests — from business & psychology to careers, pop culture & the B.S. in between." Expect bold questions. Unfiltered insights. A few laughs. Real growth. Subscribe & Join the Conversation. Show Run:00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:53 From Aerobics to Ozempic 01:40 Limits of GLP-1 Meds 04:58 Sugar Breakthrough and Palate Shift 07:41 Vagus Nerve and HRV Effects 09:42 Why Maintenance Is Psychological 13:25 Identity Shift One Devoted 17:31 Identity Shift Two Resourced 19:38 Identity Shift Three Liberated 28:53 Bright Lines and Food Addiction 30:20 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find the Book

  3. 6d ago

    Hollywood, Variety and Talent with Dan D'Addario, Chief Correspondent & Author of "The Talent"

    Variety’s Dan D’Addario on Interviewing, Awards Campaigns, Streaming Wars, and His Novel The TalentDian Griesel @SilverDisobedience interviews Dan D’Addario, chief correspondent at Variety and author of the novel The Talent, about his path into entertainment journalism, how he prepares for interviews, and why spontaneity and deep listening matter more than rigid scripts. Dan shares standout interviews, including Ana de Armas and Jodie Foster, and discusses formative career moments for actors like Foster on Taxi Driver. He explains how Oscars campaigning works, why it has intensified amid today’s content glut, and how Variety covers streaming and the “streaming wars.” They also discuss how industry contraction after the 2023 writers and actors strikes has reduced work, and why theatrical moviegoing is resurging as a communal experience. Dan describes The Talent as a fictional awards-season story following five Best Actress nominees navigating ambition, rivalry, image, and being seen. Learn more about Dan at any of these links! https://www.danieldaddario.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dandaddario/ https://variety.com/author/daniel-daddario/ "The Talent" book by Dan D'Addario: https://amzn.to/4wkn3bO Please SUBSCRIBE! I’m Dian Griesel, Ph.D. aka @SilverDisobedience to my hundreds of thousands of monthly blog readers. You can learn more about me here:   ⁠⁠https://diangriesel.com⁠⁠ But for starters…⁠I am a perceptionist and communication counselor.⁠ For 30 years I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. "Raw, truth-driven conversations with fascinating guests — from business & psychology to careers, pop culture & the B.S. in between." Expect bold questions. Unfiltered insights. A few laughs. Real growth. Subscribe & Join the Conversation. Show Run: 00:00 Meet Dan D'Addario01:05 Breaking Into Variety02:42 The Art of Interviewing06:29 Favorite Celebrity Chats10:21 When Interviews Go Wrong11:57 Listening as a Parent14:39 Inside The Talent Novel16:13 How Oscar Campaigns Work18:38 Streaming Wars Explained22:41 Theaters Making a Comeback26:39 Prep Writing and Editing31:15 Wrap Up and Where to Find Dan

  4. Jul 19

    Life By Design with Sunny Sherman, Designer and Style Influencer @OldFashionGuru

    Sunny Sherman aka @Old Fashioned Guru on Fashion Reinvention, Boldness, and Staying Visible at Every AgeDian Griesel interviews fashion designer and influencer Sunny Sherman, known on Instagram as the @OldFashionedGuru about her evolution from fine artist to fashion entrepreneur and her philosophy of style at every age. Sunny explains how she adopted the name “Sunny,” began in the 1970s hand-painting and tie-dyeing T-shirts, and built a career through bold, unorthodox selling and learning manufacturing in NYC factories after a business setback. She recounts major brand successes including bright washable silk and durable crushed pleats, and how Sunny Lee grew into a high-end mass-market sportswear line known for prints and quality details like French seams. Sunny shares how she chooses outfits, styles for her body proportions, embraces gray hair, and uses social media to promote aging with joy, confidence, and visibility. Here's Sunny's Instagram. Give her a follow! https://www.instagram.com/oldfashionguru/ Please SUBSCRIBE! I’m Dian Griesel aka @SilverDisobedience to my hundreds of thousands of monthly blog readers. You can learn more about me here:   ⁠⁠https://diangriesel.com⁠⁠ But for starters…⁠I am a perceptionist and communication counselor.⁠ For 30 years I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. "Raw, truth-driven conversations with fascinating guests — from business & psychology to careers, pop culture & the B.S. in between." Expect bold questions. Unfiltered insights. A few laughs. Real growth. Subscribe & Join the Conversation. SHOW RUN: 00:00 Meet Sunny Sherman00:54 How Sunny Got Her Name03:05 From Painter To T Shirts06:02 Bold Sales Breakthroughs08:06 Just Do It Mindset10:44 Scaling Up Production12:49 Real Clothes And Fifth Ave15:21 Betrayal Factory MBA17:37 First Job Million Dollar Order23:44 Signature Fabrics Home Runs27:55 Closet Cleanout Regrets29:31 Building Sunny Lee Brand30:51 Craftsmanship and French Seams34:02 Old Fashioned Guru Origin36:24 Going Gray New Hair37:57 Getting Dressed Daily42:20 Fit Tricks and Styling45:19 Aging with Joy47:34 Rock Star Style Forever51:47 Closing Thoughts and Subscribe

  5. Jul 16

    Inside the Strike Fighter League: F/A-18 Pilot Tim “Monk” Miller on Fighter Jets, Flight Simulation & Esports

    What if you could experience the speed, pressure, strategy, and excitement of being a fighter pilot—without ever leaving the ground?In this episode, Dian Griesel speaks with Tim “Monk” Miller, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, former F/A-18 pilot, and founder of the Strike Fighter League. Strike Fighter League combines aviation, advanced flight simulation, competitive gaming, and live sports-style broadcasting to bring the world of fighter aviation to a broader audience. Tim explains how the league works, why debriefing and constructive criticism are central to improvement, and how the discipline, accountability, and resilience required in the cockpit also apply to gaming, leadership, and life. They also discuss SFL’s first online tournaments, its plans for team competition, and the vision for a live professional series combining esports, aviation technology, and the excitement of an air show. Strike Fighter LeagueThe world's first professional air combat sport didn't come out of nowhere — it came out of a cockpit. Founder and CEO Tim "Monk" Miller, retired Marine Corps Lt. Col., TOPGUN graduate, and former squadron commander, sits down to tell the story: why the ethos of fighter aviation — the discipline, the reps, the brutally honest debrief — deserved an arena of its own. To check out the SFL’s digital collision with real world fighter aviation visit www.the-sfl.com, follow them on Instagram and subscribe to their Youtube channel, both @thestrikefighterleague. Learn more about Strike Fighter League:Website: https://www.the-sfl.com/briefing-room/ SilverDisobedience© Perception Dynamics™ is a psychology and mindset podcast for anyone rethinking success, leadership, and reinvention at any age. Host Dian Griesel — perception analyst, communication counselor and the provocateur of perception known as @SilverDisobedience — sits down with fascinating guests for unscripted, no-holds-barred conversations on human behavior, personal growth, mental health, relationships, pop culture, and the B.S. in between. Through bold questions that spark honest revelations and unguarded "aha" truths, every episode delivers real mindset shifts, hard-won wisdom, and inspiration for living — and aging — on your own terms. No scripted fluff. Subscribe for more conversations exploring perception, leadership, innovation, resilience, and the people building what comes next. #StrikeFighterLeague #FighterPilot #FA18 #Aviation #FlightSimulation #Gaming #Esports #MilitaryAviation #TopGun #MarineCorps

  6. Jul 13

    Primatologist Dr. Christine Webb: Questioning Human Exceptionalism, Darwinism and Ecological Arrogance

    Are Humans Really ‘Superior’? Primatologist Christine Webb on Human ExceptionalismHost Dian Griesel interviews primatologist and author Christine Webb about humans’ role in the animal kingdom and her book, The Arrogant Ape: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism and Why It Matters. Webb explains what primatologists study, how she was influenced by Jane Goodall and Frans de Waal, and clarifies that humans did not descend from modern apes but share a common ancestor with chimpanzees and bonobos. She argues evolution is not a progressive ladder but a branching tree, and that ecological relationships are better understood as food webs rather than hierarchical food chains. Webb defines human exceptionalism as the belief that humans are separate from and superior to nature, calls it scientifically unsound, and links it to the ecological crisis. They discuss love, creativity in animals, dominance hierarchies, cultural learning of exceptionalism, and redefining evolutionary “success” through cooperation and longevity. SilverDisobedience© Perception Dynamics™ is a psychology and mindset podcast for anyone rethinking success, leadership, and reinvention at any age. Host Dian Griesel — perception analyst, communication counselor and the provocateur of perception known as @SilverDisobedience — sits down with fascinating guests for unscripted, no-holds-barred conversations on human behavior, personal growth, mental health, relationships, pop culture, and the B.S. in between. Through bold questions that spark honest revelations and unguarded "aha" truths, every episode delivers real mindset shifts, hard-won wisdom, and inspiration for living — and aging — on your own terms. No scripted fluff. More about Dian here :https://diangriesel.com Subscribe.  Show Run:00:00 Welcome and Big Question00:14 Meet Christine Webb00:40 What Primatologists Do01:13 How She Got Into Primates03:12 Darwin Misconceptions Explained06:05 Food Webs Not Hierarchies08:53 Love and Animal Minds12:51 Creativity in Nature18:43 When Human Exceptionalism Hurts21:31 Zoo Hierarchies vs Moral Ones24:57 Naming the Arrogant Ape28:00 Unlearning Evolutionary Progress32:58 Wrap Up and Where to Find More

  7. Jul 9

    Understanding Homeownership: Exploring Title Insurance with Michael Haltman of Hallmark Abstract

    Do You Really Own Your Home? Title Insurance Explained with Michael Haltman of Hallmark AbstractDian Griesel speaks with Michael Haltman of Hallmark Abstract about how title insurance helps ensure a homebuyer receives good, clean, clear title by researching the past for issues like unpaid mortgages, liens, boundary line disputes, estate heir claims, and other encumbrances. Haltman explains that title insurance is backward-looking, typically required by lenders, and usually purchased as a one-time premium for long-term peace of mind, though claims are uncommon; he also describes how property searches are conducted across different New York jurisdictions and what goes into a policy. The conversation broadens to Haltman’s Wall Street and mortgage background, how the 2008 crisis led him and his wife to start a title company, his writing and podcasting, observations on interest rates and consumer debt, and his focus on gratitude, charitable work, and support for veterans. Learn more about Michael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/titleinsurancenewyork/ Please SUBSCRIBE! I’m Dian Griesel, Ph.D. aka @SilverDisobedience to my hundreds of thousands of monthly blog readers. You can learn more about me here:   ⁠⁠https://diangriesel.com⁠⁠ But for starters…⁠I am a perceptionist and communication counselor.⁠ For 30 years I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. "Raw, truth-driven conversations with fascinating guests — from business & psychology to careers, pop culture & the B.S. in between." Expect bold questions. Unfiltered insights. A few laughs. Real growth. Subscribe & Join the Conversation. SHOW RUN00:00 Do You Really Own It01:12 What Title Insurance Covers02:05 Boundary Disputes Done Right03:57 Claims and Peace of Mind04:58 How Title Searches Work06:39 City Issues and Air Rights07:34 Chain of Title and Liens09:14 When You Need the Policy10:18 One Time Premium Explained11:12 How Mike Got Into Title14:32 Big Short and Market Timing18:13 Rates Debt and Predictions19:22 Consumer Spending on Credit20:44 Writing and Leaving Politics21:49 Canceled for the Flag23:35 Pride and Free Speech24:23 Silver Disobedience Origins25:05 What He Writes About27:01 Wild Podcast Guests28:38 Long Island to Manhattan30:37 Kids as True Success31:28 Gratitude and Giving Back32:55 Veterans and Moral Injury34:42 Military Family Stories37:44 Closing Thanks and Links

  8. Jul 8

    Comedy, Laughter and Funny Women with Carole Montgomery Stand Up Comedian, Producer & More

    Ever wonder how comedy shapes our lives? 🎤 Laughter keeps us alive! Tag someone who needs a good laugh! Comedy isn’t just entertainment; it’s a lifeline. My guest for this episode is the incredible Carol Montgomery, who shares her journey from being a kid in the Catskills, hanging out with legends like Rodney Dangerfield, to carving her own path in a male-dominated industry. What stood out? The realization that stand-up is the only field where you can’t fake it. You learn by doing! Carol’s story reminds us that every great comedian started somewhere. Now, more than ever, we need humor to connect and reflect on society. Let’s keep laughing and supporting each other in this wild ride called life! Learn More about Carol Here: https://carolemontgomery.com/ #ComedyLife #LaughterIsTheBestMedicine #WomenInComedy #StandUp SilverDisobedience© Perception Dynamics™ is a psychology and mindset podcast for anyone rethinking success, leadership, and reinvention at any age. Host Dian Griesel — perception analyst, communication counselor and the provocateur of perception known as @SilverDisobedience — sits down with fascinating guests for unscripted, no-holds-barred conversations on human behavior, personal growth, mental health, relationships, pop culture, and the B.S. in between. Through bold questions that spark honest revelations and unguarded "aha" truths, every episode delivers real mindset shifts, hard-won wisdom, and inspiration for living — and aging — on your own terms. No scripted fluff. Subscribe. More about Dian here: https://diangriesel.com SHOW RUN: 00:00 Why Comedy Matters 00:54 Borscht Belt Beginnings 02:29 First Time on Stage 04:22 Early Club Breakthroughs 07:20 Women in the Comedy Boom 11:55 Finding Material in Real Life 17:02 Writing and Shaping a Set 19:32 Testing Unfinished Jokes 20:35 Light Failure Reset 21:44 Rallying the Crowd 22:47 Podcast Recording Blunder 24:14 Owning Mistakes Onstage 25:28 Origins of Funny Women 28:06 Pitching and Landing Showtime 30:16 Rebranding After Paramount 32:24 Teaching Comedy Craft 34:26 Timing Notes and Feedback 36:01 Memoir Writing and Internet 36:57 Parting Advice and Wrap

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

A psychology & mindset podcast for anyone rethinking success, leadership and reinvention at any age. Host Dian Griesel is a communication counselor and the provocateur of perception known as @SilverDisobedience She sits down with fascinating guests for unscripted, no-holds-barred conversations on human behavior, personal growth, mental health, relationships, pop culture + the B.S. in between. Through bold questions that spark honest revelations and unguarded "aha" truths, every episode delivers real mindset shifts, hard-won wisdom, and inspiration for living — and aging — on your own terms.