In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr. Andy Norman, researcher, public philosopher, and author of “Mental Immunity: Infectious Ideas, Mind Parasites, and the Search for a Better Way to Think” and one of the founders of the Mental Immunity Project on how to boost your mental immunity by protecting yourself and guarding against infectious ideas and mind parasites.
Dr. Norman explains how the mind like the body has an immune system and how we can immunize ourselves against flawed thinking, biases, and conspiracy theories. Through mind inoculation, we can also prepare for upcoming or anticipated false narratives and prebunk them (i.e. debunk them in advance) so we have better protection and guardrails against disinformation and misinformation as demonstrated in the case of the Biden administration and the invasion of Ukraine.
Since the advent of the European enlightenment, we have become somewhat more rational in our outlook and have been less prone to fall for dangerous superstitions like witchcraft, while also being a bit more able to modify and regulate emotions via our reflective and thoughtful selves. In addition, we need to have intellectual humility, open-mindedness, and curiosity and not be overconfident as this could comprise our ability to separate fact from fiction. In such cases, doubts are our mind’s antibodies, but if they are prevalent, they can derail us by making us too rigid and biased in our thinking.
Finally, we also discuss the inherent dangers of generative AI with deep fakes that could mislead many users and viewers and also how technology with its algorithm of increased engagement and profiteering may contribute to more extreme and radical thinking. Yet, if we immerse ourselves in healthy practices, infuse our thinking with reasonable doubt, and take advantage of projects like mental immunity, we can come out stronger and more resilient.
Sigourney Award Recipient Dr. Jill Savege Scharff on Technology, Teaching and Culture
Interview with Physician-Psychoanalyst Dr. David Scharff on Distance Analysis, Education and Psychotherapy
Psychologist and Psychoanalyst Dr. Jane Tillman on Resilience, Suicide and Suicidal Ideation
Sigourney Award Recipient Dr. Jorge Ulnik on Skin, Psychoanalysis, Psychosomatic Disorders and the Effects of the Pandemic
Keep Thriving: Laura Berg on How to Move Forward Despite Toxic Family Relationships
Synchronicity, Oracles, Tarot Cards, and the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection : An Interview with Etan Ilfeld
Recovering from Trauma and PTSD with Conventional and Alternative Methods: An Interview with Michele Rosenthal
Taking Control and Being in the Driver‘s Seat: An Interview with Life and Leadership Coach Luce Campagna
The Challenges and Hardships of NICU Parents: An Interview with Kelli Kelley from Non-Profit Hand to Hold
Life in the Middle Lane: One-on-One Interview with Dr. Loretta Breuning from the Inner Mammal Institute
Dealing with Adolescence and Overcoming Adolescent Trauma: An Interview with Psychoanalyst and Parent Guidance Expert Erica Komisar
Shifting Mindsets and Redesigning your Room: An Interview with Creativity Coach Dr. Eric Maisel
Overcome Trauma and Transform Yourself: An Inspirational Interview with H. I. Yates
Date Smart and Without Fear: Dating and Relationship Tips and Advice from Dr. Carla Marie Manly
Aperture and Developing Awareness and Empathy in Intimate Relationships with Dr. Kathryn Ford
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Opening your Heart and Mind to Freedom and Enlightenment with Robert Thurman
Resilience and Climbing your Own Mountains with Michael Schauch
Saying No to Child Abuse: How to Avoid it and What to Do about Childhood Trauma with Steve Simpson
Mary Joye on Codependency, Narcissism and Authentic Living
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