Psyche Magazine

Psychology & Relationships

About

Psyche audio helps you to better understand yourself and others through expert guides, provocative ideas and personal life stories. We address psychological questions and puzzles from a range of perspectives including philosophy, history, anthropology and more. You will discover practical knowledge and insights to help you navigate everyday challenges, overcome difficulties and find meaning, wonder and spirituality. Psyche is a nonprofit digital magazine. With a dedication to pluralism and openness, Psyche is a companion on your journey to better knowing your self and living well. Free to read and now free to listen. Discover articles and videos at psyche.co. Psyche articles are only ever written and edited by human experts. We use AI for audio narration only.

Episodes

  • The ghost in the image was me

    This episode delves into the experience of observing others through cameras and screens, questioning the nature of perceived truth. Psyche Magazine aims to foster self-understanding through expert insights and diverse perspectives.

  • Reality shifting opens portals to the weirdness of our world

    This episode explores the concept of 'reality shifting,' arguing that while some may dismiss it as a delusion, there is potential value in learning to perceive the world as unfamiliar.

  • A psalm for lost spaces

    This episode explores the importance of finding quiet, unhurried spaces to reflect and hear oneself. It is part of Psyche Magazine's series on psychological insights and human well-being.

  • Good apologies don’t close the book: they open a new chapter

    This episode explores how successful political apologies require a long-term commitment beyond just setting the record straight. It highlights the importance of regarding apologies as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of a…

  • Not fight, flight or freeze, but fawn

    This episode discusses appeasement as a response to threats. It explores how recognizing this response can help in stopping people-pleasing behaviors.

  • After the cod

    This episode features a personal story reflecting on the collapse of Newfoundland's fishing industry. It draws parallels between this event and human connection, exploring psychological questions from the perspectives of philosophy, histor…

  • How to bring up pet peeves in your relationship

    This episode from Psyche Magazine features a couples therapist who explains how to constructively discuss pet peeves in a relationship. The discussion focuses on effective communication strategies to ensure both partners feel heard.

  • The uncanny feeling that a dead person is still close by

    This episode explores naturalistic explanations for the common feeling that a dead person is still present. It addresses psychological questions from multiple perspectives, including philosophy, history, and anthropology.

  • How to stop your life playing on repeat

    This episode from Psyche Magazine discusses how schemas may contribute to frustrating life patterns and explores a therapy that can help. The podcast aims to help listeners understand themselves and others through expert guides and psychol…

  • The kids forgotten by calls to ban phones

    This episode from Psyche Magazine explores the complexities of campaigns calling for smartphone-free childhoods, noting that the choice is not simple for all families. It aims to help listeners understand themselves and others through expe…

  • Have online worlds become the last free places for children?

    This episode discusses children's diminishing freedom to explore and play independently and their subsequent search for autonomy in digital landscapes.

  • How to practise a musical instrument

    This episode from Psyche Magazine explains how to practice a musical instrument using the AIR method: awareness, isolation, and repetition. It offers practical knowledge and insights to improve skills.

  • A prescription for randomness

    This episode, "A prescription for randomness," discusses the value of embracing randomness, inspired by an André Breton essay. The host shares how this concept aligns with their personal life philosophy.

  • Romila Thapar: doyenne and dissenter

    This episode features historian Romila Thapar discussing her experiences and insights regarding India's past and present. Psyche Magazine provides expert guidance and explores psychological questions from various perspectives.

  • Why it’s so hard to agree on what counts as true

    This episode explores new research on differing conceptions of truth, aiming to explain why many arguments are difficult to resolve. It delves into psychological questions from various perspectives, offering insights for navigating everyda…

  • The empathy lie

    This episode from Psyche Magazine discusses the concept of empathy, particularly in the context of an autism diagnosis. It explores understanding oneself and others through various psychological perspectives.

  • What rituals from the past teach us about panic and anxiety

    This episode explores how historical rituals for healing can provide guidance for understanding panic and anxiety. It delves into psychological questions from various perspectives, including philosophy, history, and anthropology.

  • When we experience FOMO, what are we really afraid of?

    This episode from Psyche Magazine discusses the fear of missing out (FOMO), examining what it truly signifies and its possible social utility. It aims to help listeners understand themselves and others better through expert insights into p…

  • Reclaiming the skull

    This episode explores the meaning of passing down tradition through personal stories and expert guides. It addresses psychological questions from various perspectives to help listeners understand themselves and others.

  • How to thrive as an adoptee

    This episode discusses the complex feelings associated with being adopted, with advice from therapists who are adoptees themselves. It offers insights to better understand oneself and others.

  • Turn off your sleep tracker

    This episode explores the potential negative impacts of sleep trackers, which are popular in the sleepmaxxing trend. A researcher shares observations on how these devices can do more harm than good.

  • We’ll soon find out what is truly special about human writing

    This episode considers the unique nature of human writing in an age where AI can perform many writing tasks. It discusses the irreplaceable quality of text with a human author behind it.

  • Fight like a mother

    This episode recounts a mother's efforts to find a cure for her son after doctors predicted his death. She raised millions of dollars and traveled internationally in her search for a cure.

  • Vintage clothes: a balm for my perfectionism

    This episode discusses how wearing vintage clothes can help individuals come to terms with and accept imperfection. It explores the psychological benefits of embracing flaws through personal experience.

  • What the therapy buzzword ‘cycle-breaking’ really involves

    This episode discusses the therapeutic concept of "cycle-breaking," focusing on how individuals can move past patterns of abuse. A therapist provides insights into the process, highlighting that it involves more than just refraining from a…

  • Mostarska Škola

    This episode features a personal story of an individual returning to Bosnia 24 years after fleeing during wartime. The discussion explores themes related to home and psychological questions.

  • Try seeing your personality as dimensional

    This episode discusses the concept of seeing personality as dimensional, contrasting it with personality types. It aims to offer a different perspective on understanding oneself and others.

  • The cure for body dissatisfaction that doesn’t involve the body

    This Psyche Magazine episode discusses body dissatisfaction. It suggests that connecting with nature can help address issues with self-image.

  • How to nurture confidence in a child with dyslexia

    This episode from Psyche Magazine discusses how to nurture confidence in a child with dyslexia. A psychologist shares tips to prevent dyslexia from negatively impacting a child's self-belief.

  • The Ozempic era should change how we think about self-control

    This episode of Psyche Magazine discusses how the advent of GLP-1 drugs for weight management reframes the concept of self-control. It suggests that the struggles with weight management highlight a misunderstanding of willpower.

  • How to deal with doubts about your therapist

    This episode discusses how to approach doubts about your therapist and offers guidance on what actions to consider. It addresses why questioning the effectiveness of therapy can be a valuable signal for self-reflection and personal growth.

  • Circular 108

    Circular 108 explores themes of trauma and resilience. This episode is presented by Psyche Magazine, which offers insights into understanding the self and navigating life challenges.

  • Not all procrastination is created equal

    This episode from Psyche Magazine explores a new way of understanding procrastination, helping to reduce self-criticism while promoting productivity. It offers practical insights from various perspectives, including philosophy, history, an…

  • If we avoid sadness in life, why do we seek it in art?

    This episode discusses the allure of tragic art, exploring why people seek sadness in art. It features insights from philosophers and psychologists, along with new findings on how sadness can provide comfort.

  • How to get to know your neighbourhood

    This episode from Psyche Magazine explores how to get to know your neighborhood better. It aims to help listeners deepen their connection to their community and understand themselves and others through psychological perspectives.

  • Intimacy is risky, but it’s the only way to true acceptance

    This episode from Psyche Magazine discusses the risks and rewards of intimacy and sharing hidden parts of ourselves. It explores how understanding ourselves and others through expert guides and personal stories can lead to true acceptance.

  • My cousin Anna

    This episode recounts the story of a Korean adoptee who met a blood relative through 23andMe. It explores themes of personal identity and unexpected family connections.

  • Stronger

    This episode discusses how physical exertion can help manage grief and distraction. Psyche Magazine explores psychological questions to help listeners understand themselves and others better.

  • We should invent new names for feelings

    This episode discusses the limitations of current vocabulary for describing emotional states. It suggests inventing new words to better understand ourselves and others.

  • I tested whether cannabis really can boost the runner’s high

    This episode investigates the claim that cannabis can enhance a runner\

  • How to give a compliment

    This episode of Psyche Magazine discusses how to give a compliment. It explores the benefits of sincere compliments and offers insights from various psychological perspectives.

  • Why chatbot therapists can’t offer what we need

    The episode discusses the limitations of AI therapists in addressing the human need for connection. It highlights how Psyche Magazine offers insights through expert guides and diverse perspectives to understand oneself and others.

  • She found the Mother Tree

    Suzanne Simard reveals how trees in forests support each other. She suggests that Indigenous ecological knowledge is crucial for saving the Earth.

  • Defensible space

    This episode from Psyche Magazine discusses a personal account of navigating crisis and wildfire, offering insights into understanding oneself and life challenges. The podcast aims to provide practical knowledge and perspectives from vario…

  • How to use AI chatbots to make you smarter, not dumber

    This episode from Psyche Magazine discusses how to use AI chatbots strategically with the right prompts to enhance intelligence, rather than dull the mind. It explores practical knowledge and insights for navigating everyday challenges.

  • The capacity to be alone depends on the sense of being held

    This episode explores the psychoanalytic idea that the capacity to be alone depends on the sense of being held. It uses personal experiences of grief and parenthood to illustrate this concept.

  • How to recognise a phobia (and get help)

    This episode discusses how to recognize a phobia and differentiate it from normal fear. It also provides information on how to address phobias and seek help. The content aims to help listeners understand themselves and others better throug…

  • What could have been?

    This episode discusses counterfactual history, exploring what might have been and how applying this concept to our own lives can offer insights. It delves into psychological questions from various perspectives to help listeners understand…

  • You can’t revoke my autism

    This episode explores the personal experience of an autism diagnosis and a psychologist's attempt to downgrade it. It delves into the individual's life and scientific perspectives to challenge the psychologist's assessment.

  • Are morally good people any happier or sadder than others?

    This episode from Psyche Magazine explores recent studies on whether living a moral life impacts an individual's happiness or sadness. It examines the potential costs and benefits associated with ethical living.