Your Mind On Podcast

John Shaw

Your Mind On is a weekly podcast that delves into the world of psychology to teach listeners about psychological concepts, groundbreaking studies, and psychological conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. The Rosenhan Experiment

    1D AGO

    The Rosenhan Experiment

    Have you ever sat outside a therapist's office or browsed a mental health website and felt a quiet wave of anxiety? A thought that whispered: What if I say the wrong thing? What if they decide to lock me away... and how would I ever convince them I’m actually okay? This week on Your Mind On, we are putting that deep-seated fear to rest by looking at the spectacular historical failure that forced modern mental healthcare to rewrite its rules. In 1973, Stanford professor David Rosenhan asked a dangerous question: "If sanity and insanity exist, how shall we know them?" To find out, he launched one of the most controversial undercover operations in psychological history. He sent eight perfectly healthy people into psychiatric wards across America with only a single fake symptom—hearing a voice that said "empty, hollow, thud." The moment they were admitted, the volunteers stopped faking symptoms entirely and acted completely normal. Yet, they quickly discovered that once a system stamps a label onto your mind, acting sane is completely useless. Join host John Shaw as we go behind the locked doors of the Rosenhan Experiment to explore the unsettling power of clinical labels, the "stickiness" of a psychiatric diagnosis, and the thin, blurry line between being sane and being seen as "insane." We’ll break down the surreal undercover experiences where ordinary behaviors were pathologized, look at the devastating secondary challenge that tricked an elite teaching hospital, and confront the modern investigative findings that have recently shattered Rosenhan’s pristine narrative. Next Week's Preview: Stay tuned until the end of the episode for a sneak peek at next week’s finale for Mental Health Awareness Month, where we take a deep breath of fresh air and dive into the fascinating, data-driven science behind the evolutionary architecture of a punchline: The Psychology of Humor. Connect with the Show: Email: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastWebsite: yourmindonpodcast.com (Stream past episodes, read more about the show, and visit the official merch store!)Show Support: If you are enjoying the podcast, please take a moment to leave a rating or review in your preferred listening app. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to help our community grow and learn together! Music Credits: Intro & Outro Theme: More Now Than Ever by North SphereBackground Soundbed: Soundbed by Blue SagaRemember: Understanding your mind is the first step to changing your life. Until next time, be kind to yourself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  2. Mindfulness Monday 11

    4D AGO

    Mindfulness Monday 11

    Does your week feel crowded before it even begins? When facing a complex or chaotic week, our natural instinct is often to match it with equal complexity—packing our schedules, overthinking our strategies, and getting lost in the noise. In psychology, a fragmented focus often leads straight to overwhelm or performative hustle. But true control doesn't come from doing everything; it comes from doing the core things with total presence. In this longer Mindfulness Monday episode, we step back to the 14th century to explore a famous encounter between a Vatican messenger and the master painter Giotto. Through a single sheet of paper and a drop of red ink, we unlock the power of stripping away the unnecessary to reveal pure, unshakeable focus. In this session, we’ll cover:A grounding entry to clear the mental canvas of fragmented thoughts.The story of Giotto, the courtier, and the flawless red circle.How to identify your own "perfect circle"—the core element of your day that deserves your protected focus.A reminder that you don't need to prove your worth by being overwhelmed.Take ten minutes to strip away the noise and find your center today. Connect With Us:We’d love to hear what your "perfect circle" is this week! Website: yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comThe Sounds of Mindfulness Monday:To help you find your center, today’s episode featured: Intro: Spent a Whole Day in My Head by Rebecca MardalThe Story: alma by bomullOutro: Finetuned Fiesta by Dusty DecksMusic provided by Epidemic Sound. New "Mindfulness Monday" episodes drop every Monday morning. Our full-length deep dives continue every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min
  3. Schizophrenia

    MAY 14

    Schizophrenia

    In this episode of Your Mind On, we are peeling back the layers of one of the most misunderstood conditions in mental health: Schizophrenia. Moving beyond the Hollywood tropes of "shattered personalities," we dive deep into the actual neurobiology of the condition—exploring the "Internal Engine," the role of Dopamine and Glutamate, and the "Biological Weather" that shapes the experience. We also introduce the Vulnerability-Stress Model (the Stress Bucket), explaining why environment and "Urbanicity" matter just as much as genetics. Finally, we move from the clinic to the classroom as I share a personal story about a former professor that illustrates the most important lesson of all: a diagnosis does not define a life. Recovery isn't just about the absence of symptoms; it’s about the presence of happiness. In this episode, we cover: The "Under the Hood" mechanics of the brain.The signal vs. the static: Understanding hallucinations and delusions.The Stress Bucket metaphor and how environmental "overflow" happens.Five Essential Truths for those living with—and supporting those with—schizophrenia.Connect with the Show: We want to hear your thoughts on this series! Reach out to us with questions, stories, or topic suggestions for future episodes. Website: yourmindonpodcast.comEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastMusic Credits: Main Theme: "More Now Than Ever" by North Sphere (via Epidemic Sound)Featured Background Music: "Mindscape" by Lennon Hutton (via Epidemic Sound) If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 (in the US) or seeking help at your nearest emergency room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  4. Mindfulness Monday 10

    MAY 11

    Mindfulness Monday 10

    Where are you subconsciously bracing for the week ahead? Most of us carry our Monday stress before we even realize it—in a clenched jaw, hiked shoulders, or a tight chest. In clinical psychology, we use Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) to break this cycle. By intentionally creating tension, we teach our nervous system how to recognize and, more importantly, how to fully let go of that "battle-ready" state. In this 10-minute Mindfulness Monday exercise, we are moving from head to toe to identify and drop the hidden weight you might be carrying. It’s a "bottom-up" approach to mental clarity: when the body settles, the mind often follows. In this session, we will:Identify the physical "bracing" patterns common at the start of the week.Practice a guided Progressive Muscle Relaxation sequence.Learn to recognize the physical sensation of "neutral" in your body.Create a mental check-in point you can use during stressful meetings or deadlines.Take ten minutes to drop the weight. Your week doesn't have to be a heavy lift. Connect With Us:We’d love to hear how these physical resets are working for you! Website: yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comThe Sounds of Mindfulness Monday:To help you find your center, today’s episode featured: Intro: Spent a Whole Day in My Head by Rebecca MardalThe Exercise: ebb by bomullOutro: Finetuned Fiesta by Dusty DecksMusic provided by Epidemic Sound. New "Mindfulness Monday" episodes drop every Monday morning. Our full-length deep dives continue every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    6 min
  5. Counseling

    MAY 7

    Counseling

    In this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode of Your Mind On, we’re stepping inside the counseling room to demystify the actual "work" of wellness. For Episode #27, we’re moving past the Hollywood tropes and "crisis-mode" stereotypes to look at counseling as a collaborative, proactive infrastructure for your life. We break down the clinical "operating system" behind the scenes, covering: The Rules of Engagement: Why Verbal Informed Consent is the foundation of a safe partnership.The Cultural Soil: A look at the MSJCCs (Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies) and why your specific environment and history matter.Steering the Car: A deep dive into Choice Theory and the "Front Wheels" of your behavior—Action and Thinking.Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you're just joining the conversation today, this episode is a challenge to redefine "strength." It’s time to stop waiting for the system to crash and start checking the logs of your own mental health. Connect With the ShowWe want to hear your thoughts on the "Mental Architecture" of your own life. Website: yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comEpisode CreditsIntro & Outro Music: More Now Than Ever by North Sphere (via Epidemic Sound)Background Music: Peregrine by Jobii (via Epidemic Sound) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  6. Mindfulness Monday 9

    MAY 4

    Mindfulness Monday 9

    Is your mind already full before your week even begins? We often walk into Monday with our "cups" overflowing—packed with rigid plans, preconceived opinions, and mental shortcuts that help us move fast but keep us from seeing clearly. In psychology, these are our schemas, and while they are useful, they can also become a cage that prevents us from experiencing anything new. In this 10-minute Mindfulness Monday episode, we explore a classic story about an intellectual professor and a Zen master to uncover the "Beginner’s Mind." We’ll discuss why true resilience requires the ability to "empty your cup" and make room for the unexpected. In this session, we’ll cover:A grounding check-in to identify where you are holding mental clutter.The story of the Zen master, the professor, and the overflowing tea.How to pivot from a "full" mindset to a "curious" one as you start your tasks.A reflection on the difference between being prepared and being rigid.Don't just start your week—arrive in it. Take ten minutes to make some space. Connect With Us:We’d love to hear how these stories are landing for you! Website: yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comThe Sounds of Mindfulness Monday:To help you find your center, today’s episode featured: Intro: Spent a Whole Day in My Head by Rebecca MardalThe Story: alma by bomullOutro: Finetuned Fiesta by Dusty DecksMusic provided by Epidemic Sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min
  7. Face Blindness

    APR 30

    Face Blindness

    What if the faces of your coworkers, neighbors, or even your own family members appeared as a jumbled puzzle you had to solve every single day? In this episode of Your Mind On, we go beyond the clinical definition of "face blindness" to explore the profound cognitive and emotional reality of living with Prosopagnosia. We discuss the concept of the "Internal Detective"—the exhausting manual decoding process that turns every social interaction into a high-stakes investigation—and look at the "Identity Gap" that occurs when we can't rely on our brain's most basic social hardware. Whether you’re curious about neurodiversity or looking for ways to manage the cognitive overhead of social anxiety, this episode offers a mindful look at how we truly "see" one another. In this episode, we cover:The distinction between Acquired and Developmental Prosopagnosia.The "Detective’s Toolkit": How secondary identifiers (gait, voice, context) replace facial recognition.The reality of social fatigue and the "Invisible Mask" of neurodivergence.Modern tools for reframing recognition, including the PI20 Index.Connect With The ShowWebsite: yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comMusic CreditsIntro/Outro Theme: More Now Than Ever by North SphereBackground Ambience: Soft Weight of Slow Desire by Jay TaylorMusic sourced via Epidemic Sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  8. Mindfulness Monday 8

    APR 27

    Mindfulness Monday 8

    The Box Breath: A Tactical ResetWhen the Monday momentum takes over, how do you take it back? Most of us start our week in a "reactive" state—answering pings, dodging deadlines, and letting the morning’s energy dictate our internal pace. This creates a physical "buzz" in the nervous system that can leave us feeling frayed before lunch. In this 10-minute Mindfulness Monday exercise, we are moving from reactive to proactive. We’re using a high-performance breathing technique—the Box Breath—to consciously decelerate the nervous system and regain a sense of steady, quiet control. It’s a simple, tactical tool used by everyone from athletes to first responders to find focus in the middle of a storm. In this session, we will:Transition out of the "Monday rush" with a grounding soft entry.Learn the 4-4-4-4 Box Breathing technique.Practice several guided cycles to physically lower your heart rate and settle your mind.Create a mental "anchor" you can use anytime your day starts to feel too loud.Take ten minutes to reset your internal rhythm. You’re in the driver’s seat today. Connect With Us:We’d love to hear how these exercises are helping you navigate your week. Website: yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comThe Sounds of Mindfulness Monday:To help you find your center, today’s episode featured: Intro: Spent a Whole Day in My Head by Rebecca MardalThe Exercise: ebb by bomullOutro: Finetuned Fiesta by Dusty DecksMusic provided by Epidemic Sound. New "Mindfulness Monday" episodes drop every Monday. Our full-length deep dives continue every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min
See All (40)

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Your Mind On is a weekly podcast that delves into the world of psychology to teach listeners about psychological concepts, groundbreaking studies, and psychological conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    John Shaw
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Shaw
  • Show Website
    Your Mind On Podcast

You Might Also Like