Advertise on podcast: SuperPsyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews New York Times bestselling author Nir Eyal about his book Beyond Belief, co-written with Julie Li, on how beliefs—distinct from facts—shape behavior and outcomes. Eyal explains the book’s origin in reader calls about Indistractable and argues motivation is a triangle of behavior, benefit, and belief, with belief as the keystone. They discuss changing beliefs through evidence, how attention can amplify pain, and research on pain reprocessing, placebo/nocebo effects, and hypnos-sedation, including case studies of surgery without anesthesia and a placebo “overdose.” Eyal warns that labels can become limits, shares how reframing his ADHD-related beliefs reduced shame and anxiety, contrasts Dorsay’s experience of diagnosis as empowering, and highlights internal locus of control as beneficial. Eyal’s “insider skill” is intellectual humility and distinguishing faith, fact, and belief. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 Beliefs Shape Outcomes 02:21 Why Nir Wrote It 04:53 Motivation Needs Belief07:35 Beliefs Are Tools 10:34 Science That Feels Magic 13:16 Pain Without Suffering 16:48 Nocebo and Labels 20:48 ADHD and Identity 25:56 Internal Locus Control 28:04 Final Skill Humility 31:16 Closing Thanks HELPFUL LINKS: Nir Eyal Nir Eyal LinkedIn Nir Eyal YouTube Nir Eyal Instagram Beyond Belief Book Indistractable Book

Host Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and longtime guest Jungian analyst Dr. James “Jim” Hollis for a personal conversation about Hollis’s life and lessons. Hollis says he’d reassure his younger self that an inner compass can guide one’s path, and that denying inner truth shows up externally. He reflects that others’ approval, especially parents’, mattered less than self-trust and leaving “home” psychologically to live one’s own journey. He describes a major mistake of intellectualizing emotions, leading to depression at 35 and retraining in Zurich as a Jungian analyst. He emphasizes permission to own one’s life, discernment amid internal and external “traffic,” and courage in the face of fear and risk. Hollis discusses love as enduring mutual support, parenting without imposing unlived agendas, friendship built on shared values and trust, happiness now and at his children’s births, grieving his son Timothy while continuing relationship through memory and values, and gratitude for taking big risks and for supportive people. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 Meeting James Hollis 02:28 What I Wish I Knew 07:23 Leaving Home and Approval 11:46 Self Trust and Permission 18:03 Mistakes and Depression 24:26 Purpose in Hard Times 25:57 Relationships That Matter 29:12 Love Beyond Romance 38:48 Fear Risk and Courage 40:55 Happiness and Mortality 43:14 Grief and Losing a Child 51:39 Wisdom Friendship and Gratitude 57:57 Final Thanks and Farewell Helpful Links: Dr. James HollisT he Middle Passage Book Other Books

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews Dr. Robert Frantz (“Dr. Robbie”), an emergency physician, former paramedic, and SWAT police officer, about caregiver fatigue, vicarious trauma, and the systemic roots of what is commonly called burnout. Frantz discusses the realism of HBO’s The Pitt, describes burnout as “emotional cancer” from cumulative “emotional radiation exposure,” and argues the problem is often the normalized, abnormal environment rather than individual weakness. He outlines warning signs such as perseverating on cases, sleep disruption, and physiological fight-or-flight reactions, and emphasizes draining “the reservoir” through counseling (“emotional chemotherapy”) and other coping tools, including finding the right therapist. Frantz recounts a malpractice trial loss that triggered an emotional collapse, shares a colleague’s suicide, addresses workplace violence in healthcare, and suggests institutional supports like recognition, peer-to-peer debriefing, team activities, safer policies, and reduced documentation burden. He closes by advocating empathy and being seen and understood as a key human skill. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 Burnout on the Front Lines 00:57 Meet Dr Robbie Frantz 03:26 The Pitt Realism Check 04:19 Emotional Cancer Framework 06:59 Why It’s the Cost of Caring 08:51 Signs of Vicarious Trauma 11:58 Coping Before the Dam Breaks 16:41 Malpractice Trial Breaking Point 21:34 Getting Help When You’re the Helper 24:04 Finding the Right Therapist 26:01 Fear Versus Growth 27:15 Workplace Violence Reality 31:07 Building Safer Hospitals 36:15 Peer Support and Bonding 38:16 Relationships Under Pressure 45:18 Empathy as a Superpower 47:00 Closing Thanks and Wrap Helpful Links: Robert Frantz, MD The Cost of Caring Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews thought leadership strategist Peter Winick, co-author of The Thought Leadership Handbook, about what defines a thought leader and how people earn that reputation. Winick argues thought leadership is bestowed by others and requires adding a distinct perspective to a field, sharing ideas publicly through writing, speaking, and research, and having the courage to risk criticism without resorting to reckless attention-seeking. They discuss negativity bias, handling trolls, and why thought leaders shouldn’t aim to please everyone but should be authentic and memorable. Winick advises elite speakers to prepare by learning audience language and needs, continually improving, and treating keynotes as the start of broader business relationships and scalable IP beyond time-for-money practices. They also cover using AI as a verified pattern-finding tool, experimenting with content, and cultivating curiosity through cross-training and new experiences. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 What Is Thought Leadership 03:09 Earning the Title 03:59 Courage vs Recklessness 05:17 Handling Trolls and Negativity 07:48 Authenticity and Standing Out 11:17 Crushing the Keynote 14:17 Pre Show Rituals 16:20 Monetizing Intellectual Property 18:23 AI as a Thought Tool 22:46 Tiny Experiments That Work 24:46 Curiosity as the Superpower 25:43 Curiosity Habits You Can Try 26:48 Closing Thanks and Subscribe Helpful Links: Peter Winick Peter Winick LinkedIn The Thought Leadership Handbook Leveraging Thought Leadership Podcast

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews Tom Rath about his book, "What’s the Point?: Turning Purpose into Your Daily Superpower." Rath shares how a rare genetic condition and decades-long cancer battle shaped his focus on using each hour intentionally, prioritizing creating/initiating over passive consumption, and front-loading meaningful work and relationships early in the day. They discuss how phones and constant inputs can produce a false sense of productivity, why carving out thinking time and protecting sleep helps restore agency, and how purpose is built by planting small “seeds” throughout the day rather than finding one big calling. Rath argues purpose and happiness increase when attention shifts outward to serving others’ needs, and he emphasizes expanding career exposure so people don’t commit to paths after seeing only a narrow slice of options, especially amid AI-driven automation. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 01:29 Meet Tom Rath 02:28 A Life With Memento Mori 05:02 Consumer Versus Creator 08:04 Take Back Intentionality 10:15 Initiator Blueprint 14:48 Make Time to Think 21:13 Questions That Shape Life 24:34 Beyond Happiness to Purpose 30:13 Expand Career Exposure 35:15 Magic Wand Listening 38:24 Closing Thanks and Subscribe Helpful Links: Tom Rath Tom Rath LinkedIn Tom Rath “What’s the Point” Book Tom Rath "StrengthsFinder 2.0” Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews Dr. Holly Richmond about healing sexual trauma and her book Reclaiming Pleasure. They note prevalence statistics and emphasize that sexual trauma is violating even when not violent, making accurate naming (e.g., sexual abuse vs assault vs rape) central to healing because “words inform our experience.” Richmond outlines a sequence of awareness, understanding, and behavior change, integrating somatic, trauma, and sex-therapy interventions, and uses grounding practices such as “that was then, this is now” and present-moment sensory orientation. She defines sex positivity as sex that is consensual and pleasurable, discusses eros as life force linking sexuality and overall wellbeing, and explains fantasy as a safe bridge to desire, including consensual non-consent themes distinct from real-life consent. Richmond previews a forthcoming book on sex after kids and names attunement and giving the benefit of the doubt as key skills for relationships. 00:00 Welcome and Content Warning 01:44 Meet Holly Richmond 03:58 Couples After Trauma 04:33 Awareness to Change 07:11 Power of Naming 09:19 Defining Abuse Assault Rape 12:19 Thoughts Feelings Sensations 15:27 Sex Positivity Framework 18:29 Pleasure Beyond Sex 20:00 Control and Nervous System Scale 22:06 That Was Then This Is Now 24:03 Grounding With Mantras 24:56 Visual Tethers And Boundaries 26:56 Real Versus True Pain 28:57 Sex And A Better World 32:01 Why Fantasy Matters 35:19 Consensual Non Consent 37:06 Fantasy Versus Reality 40:45 Porn Jealousy And Honesty 41:46 Sex After Kids Book 43:22 Attunement And Benefit Of Doubt 46:04 Closing Thanks And Subscribe Helpful Links: Dr. Holly Richmond Reclaiming Sexual Pleasure Book Dr. Holly Richmond Instagram Dr. Holly Richmond Facebook Dr. Holly Richmond LinkedIn

Dr. Adam Dorsay, host of the SuperPsyched podcast, shares a solo story about an April father–son trip to Death Valley with his 17-year-old, Bren. Driving home, they off-roaded onto what looked like the dry bed of Owens Lake and got their four-wheel-drive vehicle stuck in mud amid 40–50 mph winds and flying debris. AAA wouldn’t help because they were more than 100 feet off the road, so they hired an expensive private tow that kept delaying and increasing the price. He highlights lessons learned: stress impairs logical thinking, regret and catastrophizing don’t help, and focusing on solutions, laughter, support from loved ones, and distraction helped them cope; being prepared with water, snacks, and warm clothes mattered. After six hours, a driver in a small Ford Fiesta used shoveling, boards, ropes, and a winch to free them, and they arrived home after 1 AM with a lasting bonding story.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Why This Solo Story00:48 Father Son Death Valley Trip01:23 Off Roading at Owens Lake02:22 Stuck in the Mud02:45 Six Hour Survival Mode03:20 Mindset Lessons Under Stress05:18 Calling for a Private Tow06:16 The Ford Fiesta Rescue07:31 Worth It and Takeaways08:24 Travel Wisdom and Goodbye

Host Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and discusses grief as a personal, normal response to loss, then interviews Dr. Adam Kimowitz, a New Jersey dentist whose younger brother David was murdered in 2019. Kimowitz describes their close, laughter-filled bond, David’s work in comedy and real estate, and the traumatic aftermath of the murder, including shock, hypervigilance, and struggling with basic tasks. He explains what helped: not being alone, relying on therapy and safe people, focusing on “micro wins,” learning from grief and resilience thinkers, and using humor appropriately to break tension. He shares guidance on supporting the bereaved—saying “I have no words, but I’m here,” offering presence and hugs, avoiding comparisons, and inviting stories about the person. He also covers parenting through grief with honesty, communication, professional help, and modeling that it’s okay not to be okay, plus how his marriage provided mutual support. Kimowitz keeps David’s memory alive through journaling, music, traditions with David’s daughters, and living by a “Dave test,” and emphasizes empathy, self-grace, and asking for help to reconnect. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:29 Grief Is Personal 00:50 Meet Adam and David 03:57 From Corporate to Dentistry 05:55 The Night Everything Changed 08:05 Goldfish and Micro Wins 10:54 Learning Through Trauma 13:03 What Helped in Shock 15:20 David and the Power of Laughter 18:59 Humor as Support 24:58 What to Say to Grievers 28:50 Humor Inside Grief 30:00 Why Death Feels Taboo 31:52 Talking to Kids About Loss 36:24 Self Care for High Achievers 41:41 Marriage as an Anchor 47:53 Keeping Dave Alive 51:30 Resilience and Asking Help 52:46 Empathy Over Judgment 55:25 Music Montage Farewell Helpful Links: Dr. Adam Kimowitz

Some of the greatest lessons in psychology, communication, leadership, and business don’t come from textbooks—they come from world-class performers. The very best entertainers understand something profound: how to capture attention, build trust, create connection, and leave people transformed. Those skills matter just as much in our relationships, our work, and our everyday lives. After seeing the most extraordinary live performance I’ve experienced, I knew I had to invite magician and mentalist Jay Alexander onto the SuperPsyched podcast. Jay doesn’t just amaze audiences—he brings people together. Regardless of age, background, nationality, or beliefs, he creates moments of shared wonder and genuine human connection. It’s a masterclass in psychology as much as it is entertainment. Over the course of his remarkable career, Jay has worked with the NBA, The Rolling Stones, and countless other world-class organizations and performers. In this conversation, he shares the principles behind creating unforgettable experiences, connecting across differences, and earning the trust of any audience. If you’re interested in psychology, communication, leadership, influence, or simply want to hear from someone at the absolute top of his craft, I think you’ll really enjoy this episode. Helpful Links: The San Francisco Magic Theater Jay Alexander Jay Alexander Facebook Jay Alexander LinkedIn Jay Alexander YouTube

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews keynote speaker and author Elaine Lin Hering about her book Unlearning Silence and the harms of feeling silenced, including resentment, depression, quiet quitting, and group catastrophes when crucial information is ignored, especially for minorities. Hering argues leadership advice to simply “speak up” misses that voice also depends on whether others honor it, and she defines silence as withholding self for others’ comfort. They discuss authenticity, the “low power double bind,” and how silence erodes a sense of self and agency. Hering distinguishes strategic silence from oppressive silence based on choice, describes self-, social-, and system-based silencing, and offers practical tools like saying “From where I sit” and clarifying decision roles (decider, consulted, informed). Both emphasize agency as the key skill that creates healthier norms and inspires voice in others. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 Why Silence Hurts 01:06 Meet Elaine Lin Hering 01:49 Finding Your Real Voice 06:29 Authenticity and Becoming 10:08 The Business Case for Voice 12:32 Low Power Double Bind 16:30 Emotional Costs and Agency 22:59 Strategic Silence vs Oppression 25:16 Practical Tools to Speak Up 33:09 Self Social and System Silence 36:12 Agency as the Insider Skill 38:37 Final Thanks and Subscribe Helpful Links: Elaine Lin Hering, JD Website Elaine Lin Hering, JD LinkedIn Elaine Lin Hering, JD Instagram Elaine Lin Hering, JD YouTube Unlearning Silence Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay, Silicon Valley psychologist and host of the SuperPsyched podcast, reflects on watching the World Cup final with his father and draws psychological lessons from the match’s global scale. He contrasts the goalie’s prevention-focused role with the striker’s acquisition-focused role, linking this to positive psychology’s avoid goals versus approach goals and noting that approach mindsets are more enjoyable and effective; he describes a long conversation with Dr. Leidy Klotz about goalie psychology. He also shares Annie Duke’s distinction between resulting and decision-making, arguing that good decisions can be overlooked when only final outcomes are remembered. Upset by an announcer saying “the king is dead” about Lionel Messi after a loss, he criticizes win-or-nothing thinking, urges cognitive flexibility, and advocates celebrating multiple “GOATs” rather than diminishing others, emphasizing integrity, effort, and appreciating human potential in sport.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 World Cup Awe02:01 Goalie Psychology04:15 Approach vs Avoid Goals05:24 Results vs Decisions07:07 Legacy and Forgetting07:51 The King Is Dead09:53 Beyond One GOAT11:38 Closing Reflections

Dr. Adam Dorsay, psychologist and host of the SuperPsyched podcast, reflects on attending his 40th high school reunion and argues that reunions can be emotionally activating yet healing, echoing Frank McCourt’s idea that they reveal who you are now and who you were then. He shares key takeaways: many classmates were silently suffering in high school (family problems, neglect, loneliness, anxiety, abuse, substance issues, and even being unhoused), and nearly everyone has since faced humbling life challenges such as divorce, illness, or addiction, creating unexpected similarities and deeper connection. He notes the poignancy of classmates who have died, the energy of reconnecting, and the value of organizers’ choices (outdoor venue, quiet music, good lighting, and photo name tags). He encourages staying in touch sooner than every 10 years and reaching out via social media or Zoom to build friendships. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 Why Reunions Matter 00:50 Frank McCourt Wisdom 02:23 The Reunion Reality Check 03:44 Takeaway One Shared Suffering 05:57 Takeaway Two Life Humility 07:17 Distance and Missing Classmates 08:23 Loss and In Memoriam 10:09 The Night’s Energy 11:34 Organizer Tips That Work 12:59 Stay in Touch Sooner 13:51 Final Encouragement and Goodbye

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Zeshaan Maan about myths and realities of plastic surgery and its psychological impact. Maan explains “plastic” comes from Greek for molding and shaping, and describes plastic surgery as restoring form and function through principles of tissue handling and blood supply. He discusses the demands of training and long operations, self-care, and the team required in the OR and office. Maan frames cosmetic surgery as aligning external appearance with internal identity, citing breast reduction as especially high-ROI for quality of life and explaining motivations and outcomes for breast augmentation and rhinoplasty, including functional breathing benefits. He describes evaluating patient motivations, screening for body dysmorphic disorder and social-media-driven expectations, and declining inappropriate requests. Maan also shares volunteer work operating on children in Israel and the West Bank, and ends by naming empathy as the key skill to reduce conflict. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 Why Plastic Surgery 01:44 Meet Dr Zeshaan Maan 02:51 What Plastic Surgery Means 04:06 Choosing the Specialty 06:01 Training and Stamina 08:23 Self Care and Music 09:47 The OR Teamwork 12:52 Psychology and ROI 13:57 Breast Reduction Benefits 15:42 Breast Augmentation Outcomes 17:14 Rhinoplasty Stories 19:35 Form Meets Function 21:05 Screening Dysmorphia 23:14 Social Media Pressures 25:04 When Surgeons Say No 27:39 Humanitarian Reconstructive Work 30:00 Misconceptions and Reality 35:31 Not Just Skin Deep 38:47 Empathy and Farewell Helpful Links: Dr. Zeshaan Maan Dr. Zeshaan Maan LinkedIn Dr. Zeshaan Maan Instagram

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and highlights that women have ADHD yet up to 75% may be undiagnosed, then interviews psychologist Dr. Michelle Frank, co-author of A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD. They discuss why girls and women are often overlooked, the relief and grief that can accompany later-in-life diagnosis, and how medication should feel supportive rather than numbing or euphoric amid stigma. Frank describes how ADHD can be misattributed to character, the need to rule out or address co-occurring issues (depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, sleep disorders, head injury), and women-specific considerations including PMDD, postpartum risk, and hormonal impacts across the menstrual cycle and menopause. Frank shares her own late-recognized ADHD experiences, masking and imposter syndrome, and notes children with ADHD may receive 20,000 more negative comments by age 10. They outline multimodal supports for a teen diagnosis (curious adults, accommodations, coaching, therapy, family validation), emphasize avoiding shame spirals when symptoms recur, and recommend learning about ADHD, connecting with community, self-compassion, and taking small risks toward vulnerability. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 Women and Undiagnosed ADHD 01:09 Meet Michelle Frank 04:21 Late Diagnosis Relief and Grief 07:40 Medication That Fits 08:27 Stigma and Self Blame 11:16 Ruling Out Lookalikes 12:47 Hormones PMDD and Menopause 16:51 Michelles ADHD Journey 22:59 Imposter Syndrome and Masking 27:24 Negativity Bias and Shame 29:05 Susie Treatment Roadmap 34:47 Practical Tips and Connection 36:41 Final Insight Vulnerability 38:13 Closing and Share Helpful Links: Michelle Frank, PhD Michelle Frank, PhD LinkedIn A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD Book

Dr. Adam Dorsay hosts University of Virginia behavioral scientist and engineering/architecture professor Dr. Lediy Klotz to discuss Klotz’s book In a Good Place on how spaces affect psychology and how people can thrive by making small, actionable changes. They explore habituation and the idea that subtracting (removing obstacles, noise, or clutter) can improve environments, including using available outdoor space differently (like eating outside). Klotz emphasizes agency as a core psychological need, citing a nursing home study where residents allowed to customize their rooms were 50% more likely to be alive 18 months later, and discusses regaining agency when it’s constrained (e.g., sealed hotel windows). They examine space and dominance in negotiation and sports (goalkeepers, Emiliano Martínez), intentional design to foster interaction (Pixar), “space before screen,” and Klotz shares the loss of his daughter Josie and creating “Josie’s Way” as a memorial space. 00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched 00:28 Why Spaces Feel Good 00:47 Meet Dr Lediy Klotz 02:09 Arrive Early Hack 03:16 The Research Behind It 04:38 Five Years to Write 05:56 Spaces Shape Psychology 07:06 Small Tweaks Big Control 09:04 Subtract to Improve Space 10:04 Eat Outside Reframe 12:08 Designing Outdoor Space 12:56 Office Choices and Agency 15:33 Defining Agency in Space 16:55 Soccer and Agency Lessons 18:31 Goalie Mindset and Space 20:18 Owning the Penalty Area 22:22 Agency Life or Death Study 24:18 Mandela Garden Agency 25:40 Churchill Shapes Commons 26:49 Designing Serendipity 30:01 Digital vs Real Space 31:17 Space Before Screen 32:41 Grief and Boundaries 35:18 Josies Way Memorial 38:50 Spirit Lives in Stories 40:22 Josie Joke Punchline 43:49 Miracle Skill Reaction 46:25 Closing Thanks Farewell Helpful Links: Lediy Klotz, PhD Lediy Klotz, PhD Linked InIn a Good Place Book