Psychology Life Lessons

In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dan talks with distinguished professor and Brewer Award winner Eric Landrum about teaching, career development, and what sustains a life in academia. Eric shares how his approach to teaching evolved over more than 3 decades—including why he stopped giving tests—and reflects on the challenges psychology majors face when planning for life after graduation. They also discuss his podcast Psych Sessions, the role of improv in the classroom, and what Eric has learned about balancing professional ambition with personal well-being. More

In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dan talks with existential therapist and author Emmy van Deurzen about what it means to live authentically in the face of life’s challenges. Emmy reflects on her journey from the Netherlands to France and eventually the UK, where she became a leading voice in existential therapy and education. She shares how philosophy and psychology can work together to help us navigate freedom, responsibility, and the anxieties that come with uncertainty. Together, they explore why anxiety can be seen as a sign of possibility and what it takes to embrace life’s paradoxes with passion. Emmy’s insights blend decades of clinical work, philosophical reflection, and cultural critique, offering a fresh perspective on human resilience and authenticity. More

In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dr. Dan Lannin talks with author Elizabeth Weingarten about how to navigate life’s most uncertain moments. Drawing from her new book How to Fall in Love with Questions, Weingarten explores how big, unanswerable questions about purpose, relationships, and identity can be sources of growth rather than anxiety. She discusses how binary questions and societal “charlatans of certainty” can trap us into seeking fast answers instead of meaningful clarity. Through science, storytelling, and personal reflection, she shares tools for developing a “questions practice” to live more intentionally and patiently. Together, they unpack the cultural roots of impatience, the influence of identity and power on question-asking, and how cultivating courage can help us thrive in the unknown. It’s a powerful reminder that the right questions—not quick answers—can often be a the liberating force we need.More

In this episode of Psychology Life Lessons, Dr. Steven Heine joins Dr. Dan Lannin to explore the psychology of meaning in an increasingly fragmented world. Drawing on decades of work in cultural and existential psychology, Dr. Heine explains how cultural contexts shape the way people see themselves, what it means to live a "good" life, and how psychological universals are often misunderstood. They unpack his research on WEIRD societies, the Meaning Maintenance Model, and how humans respond to disruptions in meaning—sometimes by doubling down on existing beliefs. Heine also shares insights from his latest book Start Making Sense, offering practical wisdom for restoring purpose in an age of disconnection. From the loss of community to the numbing effects of social media, the conversation highlights how identity, connection, and culture intertwine in the search for meaning.More

In this episode of "Psychology Life Lessons," Dr. Yi Du takes over hosting duties to interview Dr. Dan Lannin about their co-authored book, "The Art and Science of Helping." After introducing Dr. Lannin's background in psychology, research, and helping behavior, they discuss how effective helping requires both artistic creativity and scientific evidence. Dr. Lannin shares the powerful "help maze" metaphor from his camp counselor days, where blindfolded children walking in circles could only exit by raising their hand for help—illustrating how seeking assistance is often the crucial first step toward healing. They explore how self-stigma creates additional suffering and prevents help-seeking, while previous negative experiences with vulnerability can further discourage people from reaching out. Both psychologists note a societal "empathy shortage," attributing it partly to our culture of convenience and immediate gratification. Throughout their conversation, they emphasize that becoming an effective helper requires self-knowledge and intentional practice, while highlighting human resilience symbolized by their book's cover image of a flower growing through concrete.More

Psychology Life Lessons features Dr. Dan Lannin in conversation with Dr. Michele Sherman, a seasoned clinical psychologist. They explore challenges faced by those loving individuals with mental health issues, offering insights on emotional validation and navigating healthcare systems. Dr. Sherman emphasizes compassion's role in healing for both patients and their families.More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin interviews Jessica Chen, a global communications expert and author of Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons. Jessica shares her journey from being an Emmy award-winning journalist to founding a communications training company that has reached millions. She discusses the challenges of navigating "quiet" versus "loud" cultures in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, effective communication, and mindset. Jessica offers practical tips on how to build a career brand, advocate for oneself, and celebrate personal achievements without losing authenticity. The conversation highlights how embracing your unique values while learning to adapt can lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.More

Psychology Life Lessons is a podcast featuring conversations with experts to glean wisdom. In an episode, Dr. Dan Lannin talks to Mo Bunnell, founder of a company aiding in relationship building and business growth. Mo discusses his book "Give to Grow," emphasizing proactive, mutually beneficial business relationships, challenging traditional sales methods, and advocating for a helping-centered strategy. He is an author, podcast host, and founder who helps organizations scale business development and create growth-oriented cultures.More

The Psychology Life Lessons podcast features Dr. Dan Lannin interviewing Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy. Harrison's approach to happiness emphasizes well-being and challenges societal views, focusing on self-worth and community connections. With a master’s degree in positive psychology and a track record in promoting well-being, her company reaches millions worldwide, and her book is set for release in May 2024.More

"Psychology Life Lessons" podcast features Elaine Lin Hering, discussing her book "Unlearning Silence." She shares insights on effective communication and her extensive experience in global collaboration and conflict management, preluding the release of her upcoming book.More

This podcast features an interview with Dr. Steve Joordens, a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, known for his innovative approach to large-scale education. Joordens discusses his journey into teaching large classes effectively using technology to enhance learning experiences. He shares insights into several advocacy causes he is passionate about, including improving diversity in DNA databases, combating loneliness and social isolation among students, and addressing the surge in sports gambling marketing. Joordens also delves into future educational paradigms, such as personalized AI learning assistants, and emphasizes the importance of psychological health, connection skills, and societal impact through education. More

Psychology Life Lessons podcast features Dr. Dan Lannin's conversation with Dr. Eric Potterat and Alan Eagle, coauthors of "Learned Excellence." Eric, a former US Navy commander, discusses mental disciplines in high-end performance. Alan is an author and executive communications consultant with 16 years at Google. The episode offers practical tips for personal improvement.More

Psychology Life Lessons is a podcast featuring conversations with psychology experts, extracting wisdom and life lessons. In a recent episode, Dr. Huggy Rao talks about leadership and his new book, The Friction Project. Huggy shares insights on how smart leaders navigate friction and offers profound life lessons applicable to various aspects of life and work.More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Matt Abrahams, author of book Think Faster, Talk Smarter.More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Patricia Ryan Madson--a world expert on incorporating principles of improvisation into everyday life to improve health, well-being, and performance. Patricia shares some of her improv wisdom with the podcast, highlighting four important As: Attention, Acceptance, Appreciation, and Action.More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Bill O’Hanlon–a renaissance man who has had a distinguished career as a therapist, writer, public speaker, and now as a professional songwriter.More

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Dr. James C. Kaufman, Ph.D., about creativity and how it can affect our personal and professional lives. James is one of the world experts on creativity, and it is fascinating to learn from him about how creativity is conceptualized, how it can be developed, and how it affects the world. More Drs. Dan Lannin and James C. Kaufman

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with the author and educator Clay Drinko about how to apply principles of improvisation to a person's everyday life. Performing improvisational theater requires listening, reacting, and living in the moment--and learning these skills are also beneficial for bolstering mental health and "getting our of your head." More Dan Lannin and Clay Drinko

In this 12th episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Dr. John Pryor, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Illinois State University. John had a distinguished career studying a host of areas--and notably sexual harassment.More Dr. John Pryor

In this 11th episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Drs. Laura Finan and Julie Campbell--both professors of Developmental Psychology at Illinois State University. Both are brilliant professors that study interesting areas related to development.More

The conversation starts with a discussion of the benefit of taking risks and betting on yourself, moves to a discussion of strengths and wounds. The guests talk about how we form our identities, and that a part of being authentic is sometimes being clear about "who you are not." The podcast concludes with some wonderful rapid fire life lessons that include a challenge to think of authenticity as a verb (rather than an adjective), and the beauty that can open up in a person's life when they choose courage over comfort. More Episode 10: Drs. Nelson-Johnson, Sievert, and Ramaeker

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Drs. Luke Russell and Chang Su-Russell from Illinois State University. In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Drs. Luke Russell and Chang Su-Russell from Illinois State University. Luke studies resilience in relationships, and especially within families of divorce and stepfamilies. Chang studies development in early childhood and socialization to being a sibling and topics like race/ethnicity, and death/dying. The conversation starts with a discussion of narratives, and how the stories we tell influence our identity and even the lives of our families. Chang talks about the importance of meeting basic psychological needs like autonomy, competence, and relatedness--core aspects of Self-Direction Theory. More Episode 9: Drs. Luke Russel and Chang Su-Russell

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with two prominent psychology researchers -- Dr. David Vogel and Dr. Nathaniel Wade from Iowa State University. The conversation starts by talking about finding and pursuing passions in work and in life, and continues with thoughts on what it means to be true to one's self. More Episode 8. Dr. David Vogel and Dr. Nathaniel Wade

Life is really lived in the moments when we are not distracted.More Episode 7: Dr. Andrew Seidman

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Marcia O'Donnell and Dr. Diane Zosky--two social workers at heart. Marcia reflects on her journey through a serious illness, and how it stripped away different false selves and fostered self-acceptance. Diane reflects on her own transitions in her life, and how big changes and transition can prompt a process of "returning to oneself."More Episode 6: Dr. Diane Zosky and Marcia O'Donnell

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Dr. Jordan Arellanes and Dr. Anthony Ferraro. They reflect on their experiences navigating academia, both in training and as professionals. More Episode 5: Drs. Arellanes and Ferraro

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Dr. Joey Ramaeker, the director of sport psychology at the University of Notre Dame. Joey and Dan talk about issues relating to sport psychology, but also general tips for non-athletes. Joey talks about his journey to becoming a sport psychologist and offers some great life lessons.More Episode 4: Dr. Joey Ramaeker

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Dr. Jeremy Kanter and Dr. Amy Rauer--both from the University of Tennessee. These two professors are experts on romantic relationships, having conducted important research in the field.More Episode 3: Dr. Jeremy Kanter and Dr. Amy Rauer

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with Dr. Yi Du and Dr. Raquel Botello -- two counseling psychologists. More Episode 2: Dr. Yi Du and Dr. Raquel Botello

In this episode, Drs. Wesselmann and Labouff talk about social phenomenon like ostracism and humility -- making connections to mental health and well-being.More