Show Notes
Individual beliefs empower us. They embolden us with confidence and assuredness about issues we deem important. But what if some of our beliefs aren’t really ours? What if we are merely hosts to mind viruses that enter quietly and opportunistically, exploiting our trust and open-mindedness? No one is immune to misinformation. We all need to understand our vulnerabilities to protect ourselves and each other.
To better understand our vulnerability to misinformation, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with philosopher, cognitive scientist, author, and founder of the Cognitive Immunology Research Collaborative (CIRCE), Dr. Andy Norman.
To promote mental immunity, Andy examines signs of mental immune disorder, what makes some groups more susceptible to mind ‘bugs’ and mental hijacking, and how to talk to someone who believes misinformation. His cognitive hygiene habits offer mental immunity to those who prefer to think rationally and want to protect themselves from conspiracy theories.
Like what you're hearing?
WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on https://harvestinghappiness.substack.com/ and https://medium.com/@HarvestingHappiness.
More from Harvesting Happiness Podcasts
The growing alignment between conservative politics and traditional religion has alienated younger Democrats and Independents, leading many to abandon faith-based activism. This retreat begs the question: can religious leaders still mobilize to address racial inequality, or have structural forces like gerrymandering permanently entrenched these divisions?
The burgeoning neuroscience of meditation validates soul-centered psychology by revealing tangible, measurable changes in brain structure and stress regulation. Clinical investigations into mind-body medicine for anxiety demonstrate how integrative psychiatry successfully merges conventional treatments with holistic care to alleviate psychological distress and cognitive impairment.
Democracy is imperfect because ‘we the people’ are imperfect. Yet through collaborative bargaining, compromise, and a willingness to govern ourselves, we can spark democratic renewal and press forward in our pursuit of happiness. Because our politics and personal well-being are deeply intertwined, healing our civic foundations and institutions can help us build a future free of authoritarian rule.
Younger generations carry the burden of economic instability, often finding the milestones of homeownership and secure retirement slipping further out of reach than they were for their grandparents. As traditional social safety nets fray, many people are left navigating a profound sense of anxiety and social disconnection. This raises the question: Why do financial elites continue to achieve overwhelming success at the ballot box? How does the media manipulate voters to support outcomes that ultimately undermine their own well-being and psychological safety?
Growing up, very few of us had kitchen table conversations about how vulnerability builds intimacy. Instead, most of us were handed a survival guide that taught us to "never let them see you sweat" and to "be strong." As a result, walking into adult relationships and talking intimately about our attachment styles and desires can be terrifying. Yet, finding the courage to share our true desires—free from shame or fear—transforms not just our sex lives, but deepens the connection with our partners and ourselves.