Reading for Well-Being with Dr. Pozzulo

Dr. Daisy Fancourt joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss her book Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives. How do music, visual art, and creative expression impact our mental and physical health? What happens in the brain when we engage with the arts? And how can creative activities be used to support healing, resilience, and well-being? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode.

Jennifer Breheny Wallace joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss her book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose. What does it mean to truly matter to others? How does feeling valued and significant shape our mental health and relationships? And what can families, schools, and communities do to help people feel seen and appreciated? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode. Find out more about Jennifer Breheny Wallace @ https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/ 

Mark Medley joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss his book Live to See the Day: Impossible Goals, Unimaginable Futures, and the Pursuit of Things That May Never Be. What drives us to pursue goals that seem out of reach? How do hope and imagination shape the way we think about the future? And what does striving for the seemingly impossible reveal about resilience and meaning? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode.

Dr. Sunita Sah joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss her book Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes. Why is it so hard to say no, even when we know we should? What psychological forces shape obedience, compliance, and moral courage? And how can learning to defy unhealthy pressures help us live with greater integrity and well-being? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode.

Celebrity pastry chef Anna Olson joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss baking, cooking, and life in the kitchen. What makes baking with kids such a joyful and meaningful experience? How does cooking serve as a form of self care? And which go-to recipes does Anna rely on most? Find the answers to these questions and more in this special episode!

Dr. Kari Leibowitz joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss her book How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days. How does our mindset shape the way we experience winter and other challenging periods? Why do some cultures flourish during cold, dark months while others struggle? And how can psychological science help us feel more resilient, connected, and well during difficult seasons? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode.

Dr. Robert Coplan joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss his book The Joy of Solitude: How to Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World. What can time alone do for our mental and emotional health? How does solitude differ from loneliness in the brain and in daily life? Why do some people thrive on quiet separation while others find it uncomfortable? And how can we use intentional solitude to improve well-being? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode.

Dr. Marc Berman joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss his book Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being. How does nature affect our attention, mood, and physical health? What happens in the brain when we spend time outdoors—or bring elements of nature inside? And how can we apply these findings to our daily lives? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode.

Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss her book Smartphone Nation: Why We're All Addicted to Our Screens and What You and Your Family Can Do About It. How did we become so dependent on our devices? What is this doing to our attention, relationships, and mental health? And what practical steps can families take to break free from digital overload? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode!

Adam Galinsky joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss his book Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others. Are you inspiring or infuriating as a leader? What is the difference between shame and guilt? What was Adam's most surprising finding as he conducted the research featured in Inspire? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode!

Catherine A. Sanderson joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss her book The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity. How much of happiness is genetic? How can you keep happiness alive as you age? What is the connection between mindset and wellbeing and how can you change your mindset? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode!

Jennifer Heisz joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss her book Move The Body, Heal The Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep. How does the efficacy of exercise compare to antidepressants? Is walking adequate exercise? How much exercise do you need to do to maximize its health benefits? What are some strategies for breaking up sedentary time? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode!

Katy Milkman joins Professor Pozzulo to discuss her book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. How can you learn to follow through on your behavior change goals? How do you know when you're truly ready to change, and what are the biggest obstacles to behavior change? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode!

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau discusses her book Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other (2023). How can we cope with negative emotions and respond to criticism with grace? In Closer Together, Sophie explores the connection between self-awareness, emotional resilience, and deeper relationships. This episode dives into her strategies for slowing down in a fast-paced world and embracing vulnerability as a path to growth.

Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross discuss their book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us (2023). What is art? Many of us think of the arts as entertainment—a luxury of some kind. In Your Brain on Art, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross show how activities from painting and dancing to expressive writing, architecture, and more are essential to our lives.

Dr. Ethan Kross discusses his book, Chatter: The voice in our head, why it matters, and how to harness it (2021). Learn how to channel the voice in your head for happier living and better well-being.

Dr. Marc Schultz discusses, The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger, MD and Marc Schultz, Ph.D. (2023). Gain a greater understanding of emotional well-being and the changes you might want to make to your relationships to increase your happiness and improve your well-being.

Dr. Pozzulo introduces the Reading for Well-Being Podcast. Each month, Dr. Pozzulo will interview authors of evidence-based books for well-being, that are chosen as part of her book club, selected as Professor Pozzulo's Picks. Dr. Pozzulo will help listeners understand the science and strategies that can be applied to improve their well-being. Join Dr. Pozzulo's Reading for Well-Being Community Book Club to be part of the conversation and the evidence-based well-being community; https://carleton.ca/mental-health/mewerths-reading-for-well-being-community-book-club/ Links: Join the Reading for Well-Being Community Book Club Learn more about the Mental Health and Well-Being Research and Training Hub (MeWeRTH) MeWeRTH on X Summer reading: 4 books on well-being that you can rely on