Advertise on podcast: Ego/Id: The Psychology of Everything

Everyone knows the line from intro psych: eyewitness memory is unreliable. Dr. John Wixted thinks that line is incomplete, and that getting it wrong has put innocent people in prison. Wixted spent two decades on the basic science of memory, mathematical models, signal detection theory, single-neuron recordings in the human hippocampus, and flatly refused to touch eyewitness research. A colleague wore him down. What he found once he looked reframed a field: on a first, fair memory test, an eyewitness’s confidence is genuinely informative. By the time of trial, months or years later, it often isn’t, because memory has been quietly contaminated in the interim. His conclusion is uncomfortable. The problem isn’t that eyewitness memory is unreliable. It’s that the legal system listens to it at the wrong time. We get into why forgetting is the threat everyone understands and contamination is the one nobody feels, why a photo lineup should be treated like a crime scene you cordon off the same night, what the hippocampus actually does, why simultaneous lineups beat sequential ones, and the death penalty case that has kept Wixted up at night for years. Key takeawaysMemory faces two threats, not one. Forgetting is the one we all learn about from experience. Contamination is the one we never feel happening, and gets no corrective feedback.Your brain blends memories on purpose. It’s building general knowledge to predict the future, not preserving a verbatim record for a courtroom two years later.The first identification test is the uncontaminated sample. Every test after it is testing a memory the previous test already changed.High confidence on a fair first test is a strong signal of accuracy. High confidence at trial often isn’t.Nobody goes back to a crime scene a year later to collect DNA. Wixted’s argument is that memory evidence deserves the same treatment.Links and resources mentionedDr. Wixted’s work Wixted Memory Lab / UCSD faculty profile — https://psychology.ucsd.edu/people/profiles/jwixted.htmlPublication list — https://profiles.ucsd.edu/john.wixtedHis TEDx talk (mentioned at 01:24:31) “The new science of eyewitness memory,” TEDxUCSanDiego, May 2025 (18 min) — https://www.ted.com/talks/john_wixted_the_new_science_of_eyewitness_memoryThe Nature feature (mentioned at 01:24:57) R. J. Mackenzie, “Memory on trial: the new science of when to trust eyewitness testimony,” Nature 653, 998–1000 (27 May 2026) — https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01618-1Nature podcast discussion of the same piece — https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01736-wCase discussed Kevin Strickland, exonerated 2021 after 43 years — https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/24/us/kevin-strickland-exonerated-triple-murder-trnd/index.htmlConnectNew episodes of Ego/Id every two weeks. More at egoid.org, and follow @ego.over.id on Instagram.

Why do people sometimes see another group’s struggle as connected to their own and other times see that same group as a competitor? In this episode, I sit down with political psychologist Dr. Efrén Pérez, Professor of Political Science and Psychology at UCLA, to explore the psychology of race, identity, political solidarity, and coalition-building. We talk about racial and ethnic groups as if shared experiences naturally translate into shared politics. But Dr. Pérez’s research shows a much more complicated picture. Black, Latino, Asian American, and other communities contain substantial political and psychological diversity, and solidarity between groups is neither automatic nor inevitable. Instead, we explore the psychological processes that can expand our sense of “us.” One of the ideas I kept coming back to throughout our conversation is that our identities can be remarkably stable while the boundaries of the groups we identify with can still expand. The larger psychological question may be this: How do we learn to make the circle of “us” bigger without erasing the differences within it? About Dr. Efrén Pérez Dr. Efrén Pérez is a Professor of Political Science and Psychology at UCLA and a leading scholar in political psychology. His research examines racial and ethnic politics, group identity, interminority relations, political cognition, language, and public opinion. He directs UCLA’s Race, Ethnicity, Politics & Society (REPS) Lab and co-directs its Intergroup Relations Lab. Learn more about Dr. Pérez: Efrén Pérez — Official Website UCLA Faculty Profile Race, Ethnicity, Politics & Society (REPS) Lab Dr. Pérez’s Publications Follow @ego.over.id for more conversations exploring the psychology behind how we think, behave, and make sense of ourselves and the world around us.

What actually makes us feel close to another person? Is chemistry enough to build a lasting relationship? Do opposites really attract? Is conflict a sign that something is wrong? And can someone genuinely love us while still failing to make us feel loved? In this episode of Ego Over Id, we sit down with renowned relationship scientist Dr. Harry Reis, Dean’s Professor of Psychology at the University of Rochester and co-author of How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most. Drawing from more than five decades of research on social interaction and close relationships, Dr. Reis shares with us what relationship science actually tells us about intimacy, chemistry, compatibility, vulnerability, listening, conflict, attachment, and love. One of the central ideas of our conversation is surprisingly simple: being loved and feeling loved are not necessarily the same thing. For intimacy to develop, we need more than another person’s good intentions. We need to experience them as someone who understands us, appreciates us, and cares about us—a concept relationship researchers call perceived partner responsiveness. How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters MostDr. Reis is the co-author, with happiness researcher Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky. The book explores a deceptively important distinction: many people are loved but don't consistently feel loved. Learn more about the book, explore its resources, and take the authors’ quiz: How to Feel Loved — Official Website ResourcesDr. Harry Reis — University of Rochester Faculty Profile & Research How to Feel Loved Official Book Website More on Dr. Reis's relationship research University of Rochester — Relationship Science & Online Dating Research: Perceived Partner Responsiveness & Well-Being Oxford Academic More from the authors on feeling loved Greater Good Science Center — Five Ways to Feel More Loved Follow Ego/IdIf you enjoyed this conversation, follow Ego/Id for more conversations that separate pop psychology from what the science actually tells us. 📸 Instagram: @ego.over.id 💼 LinkedIn: Ego/Id: The Psychology of Everything Follow the show, share this episode with someone you care about, and join us for the next conversation on Ego Over Id.

What if getting dressed each morning is one of the most psychological decisions you make all day? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carolyn Mair, behavioral psychologist, founder of the Psychology of Fashion programs at the London College of Fashion, and author of The Psychology of Fashion. Together, we explore the fascinating intersection of psychology, identity, confidence, and consumer behavior. Far from being about trends or luxury brands, fashion is a powerful psychological tool that shapes how we see ourselves, how others perceive us, and even how we think and behave. Dr. Mair explains why clothing influences confidence, how unconscious biases drive first impressions, the psychology behind fashion trends, and how we can build a healthier, more intentional relationship with what we wear. Whether you've never thought much about fashion or you're fascinated by the science of human behavior, this conversation will change the way you think about the clothes in your closet. Dr. Carolyn Mair is a behavioral psychologist specializing in the psychology of fashion. She founded both the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Psychology of Fashion at the London College of Fashion and has spent years researching how clothing influences identity, well-being, consumer behavior, and social interaction. She now works internationally as a consultant, helping organizations apply psychological science to create more ethical, sustainable, and human-centered approaches to fashion. Connect with Dr. Mair:The Psychology of Fashion (Second Edition)LinkedIn: Carolyn Mair, PhDInstagram: @psychologyforfashion Enjoying Ego/Id?If you enjoyed this episode: Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.Leave a rating or review. It really helps us reach more listeners.Share this episode with someone who loves psychology, fashion, or understanding human behavior.Follow @ego.over.id on Instagram for more evidence-based psychology content.

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between psychology and financial decision-making with Dr. Adrian Furnham, a renowned psychologist from Oxford and expert in the field. Discover how personality influences money habits, the myths surrounding wealth and happiness, and practical tips to improve your financial well-being. Topics Covered: How personality traits and cultural background shape our perceptions of moneyThe impact of early socialization and taboo around discussing financesBehavioral economics concepts like heuristics, anchoring, and decoy effects in everyday financial choicesThe role of delayed gratification in building wealth and happinessMyths about money, intelligence, and happiness debunkedStrategies for fostering open conversations about money in relationships and organizationsThe importance of monitoring finances regularly for success Check out Dr. Furnham's Book: The New Psychology of Money by Dr. Adrian Furnham on Amazon Connect with Dr. Adrian Furnham: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-furnham-8472a82ba/ Website: https://adrianfurnham.com/

Why does being left out feel so personal? Why can ghosting or exclusion stick with us so deeply? And what is the real difference between social exclusion, loneliness, rejection, and FOMO? We sat down with social psychologist Dr. Michael Bernstein to unpack the science of belonging and what happens when that belonging feels threatened. We explored why humans are wired for connection, how exclusion shapes the way we think and behave, why social pain can feel surprisingly similar to physical pain, and how social media can intensify the fear of missing out. We also break down the difference between being directly rejected and being ignored, why ambiguity can be so hard to process, and what we can do to cope when exclusion shows up in everyday life. Whether you’ve felt left out by friends, overlooked in a group, ghosted, or caught in a comparison spiral online, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover:What psychologists mean by social exclusionThe difference between exclusion, rejection, loneliness, and FOMOWhy humans are so sensitive to belonging threatsHow rejection changes attention, memory, and social perceptionWhy social pain can feel physically painfulThe impact of social media on FOMO and connectionGhosting vs direct rejectionSmall ways to help others feel includedWhy feeling left out is more common than most people thinkAbout our guestDr. Michael Bernstein is a social psychologist whose research focuses on social exclusion, ostracism, person perception, stereotyping, and how social experiences shape human behavior, cognition, and health. You can learn more about him HERECheck out his published academic work HEREGot questions? Shoot him an email! Enjoyed the episode? Please consider following and giving us a 5-star review! It really helps!

Dr. Boris Baer, an expert in evolutionary biology and insect behavior, shares insights into the fascinating world of bees and their complex social organizations. From decision-making to stress responses, bees offer valuable lessons for human systems and organizations. The conversation delves into the fascinating world of bees and their societal structures, drawing parallels to human society and evolution. It explores the themes of fairness, societal cooperation, and the implications of bee research on human understanding and behavior. The conversation also highlights the impact of bee research on sustainability and the interconnectedness of species. Connect with Dr. Baer: Center for Integrative Bee Research (CIBER)Scholarly work by Dr. Baer Chapters 00:00 The Extraordinary World of Bees05:10 The Journey to Studying Social Insects10:51 Culture and Personality in Bees19:53 Collective Decision-Making in Superorganisms26:09 The Role of the Queen and Caste System38:12 Fairness and Cooperation in Bee Societies44:25 Optimism for Humanity and Societal Evolution55:39 Fun Lightning Round: Insights into Bee Behavior and Psychology01:07:46 Reflections on Bee Societal Structures and Human Behavior

My conversation with Dr. Zach Soulliard centers on body image and LGBTQ+ identity. If you've ever been curious about how society shapes our body standards, struggled with body image yourself or want to learn how to be more mindful in how you compliment someone's appearance, then check out this episode! Connect with Zach and check out his work at the links below: Dr. Zach Soulliard Faculty ProfileMeet Zach and his Clinical PracticeThe BISQue Lab Think you might have an eating disorder? Check out NEDA for more resources and support. Enjoyed the episode? Please consider following us here and on Instagram @ego.over.id for similar content and to support our mission!

Dr. Sheldon shares groundbreaking insights from his research on the self-determination theory, the hedonic adaptation prevention model, and his own journey from a rock band to distinguished academic. We break down some of the most common myths about happiness — including the false promise that more money equals more joy — and highlight the surprisingly small role income plays in our well-being. If you're tired of surface-level solutions and crave practical, science-based guidance for a happier life, this is your episode. Tune in, get inspired, and start making empowered choices today. Support Ego/Id If you found this episode enjoyable or helpful: Like and subscribe to the podcastFollow us on Instagram for research breakdowns, clips, and upcoming episodesCheck out our Ego/Id pin, available now to support the launch of the show Every pin helps fund the podcast, research-based content, and our mission to make psychology accessible without oversimplifying it. Learn more about Ego/Id HERE!

In this episode, we're focused on the psychology of women in leadership, exploring the impact of gender norms, stereotype threat, and the imposter phenomenon. It also addresses the challenges faced by women as the only woman in leadership roles and the misconceptions and biases prevalent in the field of leadership. The conversation explores gender bias in leadership, organizational strategies for equity, the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, skill sets in leadership, the cultural narrative and leadership, broadening the cultural narrative, and leadership development strategies. Chapters 00:00 Psychological Effects of Being the Only Woman in Leadership29:23 Organizational Strategies for Equity38:30 Skill Sets in Leadership43:44 Cultural Narrative and Leadership51:30 Leadership Development Strategies Connect with Dr. Tan: Dr. Sherylle Tan's InstagramCheck out her website at: www.sherylletan.comHer book: Women and Leadership: Journey Toward EquitySupport Ego/IdIf you found this episode enjoyable or helpful: Like and subscribe to the podcastFollow us on Instagram for research breakdowns, clips, and upcoming episodesCheck out our Ego/Id pin, available now to support the launch of the showEvery pin helps fund the podcast, research-based content, and our mission to make psychology accessible without oversimplifying it. Learn more about Ego/Id HERE!

Our conversation with Dr. Faraone explores the changing landscape of mental health care in the US, the complexities of ADHD, expanding access to care, new tools and interventions, and the underdiagnosis of mental health conditions. Dr. Stephen Faraone was recently presented with a lifetime achievement award for his work on ADHD. You can check out his book on navigating ADHD below and his other socials: Dr. Stephen Faraone Faculty ProfileNavigating ADHD Care: A Practical GuideThe ADHD Evidence Project (Featured Non-profit)Connect on LinkedIn

Mental health in the U.S. is at a crossroads. In this debut episode of The Psychology of Everything, we take a big-picture look at the State of Mental Health in 2026—what the data actually tells us, what’s changed in care, where the pushback is coming from, and how to navigate the growing wave of misinformation around mental health online. This conversation is grounded in research, shaped by real-world clinical experience, and designed to help you separate signal from noise in today’s mental health landscape. Resources & SupportIf you’re in the U.S. and experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.Support Ego/IdIf you found this episode enjoyable or helpful: Like and subscribe to the podcastFollow us on Instagram for research breakdowns, clips, and upcoming episodesCheck out our Ego/Id pin, available now to support the launch of the show Every pin helps fund the podcast, research-based content, and our mission to make psychology accessible without oversimplifying it. Learn more about Ego/Id HERE!