Is nature or nurture more important? Trick question! Nature and nurture coexist in a delicate spectacle and we cannot place a more important significance on one or the other. In this episode, we have a distinguished guest, Dr. David Moore. He is an important figure in the fields of cognitive development, mental rotation, infant-directed speech, and more. Dr. Moore also serves as the Director of the Claremont Infant Study Center at Pitzer College, and his expertise extends stands across diverse aspects of developmental psychology.

Our conversation with Dr. Moore promises to be a captivating exploration of the nature and nurture discussion - dismantling the notion of a "debate." We delved into his pioneering research on mental rotation and infants, uncovering the intriguing role of gene coding and development. He uses real evidence from both his own research and others' past research to support these ground-breaking discoveries in psychology that help us understand how nature and nurture are so intertwined.

But our episode isn't about exploration; it's about the empowerment of knowledge. Dr. Moore will share valuable resources for those keen on delving deeper into these subjects, enabling listeners to apply their newfound knowledge to their daily lives. Make sure to check out the link in the description to look at Dr. Moore's book we discuss too!

In this episode, we have a very special guest joining us – Dr. Steffanie Guillermo, a distinguished figure in psychology and an associate professor at Pitzer College. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of topics, including racial/ethnic stereotyping, perceptions of threat, biases against immigrants, and disparities in racial/ethnic health.

Our conversation with Dr. Guillermo will provide unparalleled insights into the subtle yet profound ways that implicit biases influence our perceptions, actions, and judgments, particularly through the lens of visual perception. We’ll explore the concepts of "in-groups" and "out-groups" and how these categories shape our perceptions of others. By tapping into her extensive research, we'll gain an understanding of the roots of prejudice in diverse settings and contexts (Make sure to follow the provided link to read more about the research she references!).

Throughout the episode, we'll uncover the mechanisms that underlie automatic biases, shedding light on how these biases can impact our day-to-day decisions, often without our conscious awareness. Dr. Guillermo will eloquently guide us through her studies, unveiling the startling ways that race can impact even the most well-intentioned individuals.

But it's not all about exploring the intricacies of bias – we're also committed to providing practical solutions. Dr. Guillermo will offer valuable recommendations for those seeking to diminish prejudice in their lives, enabling listeners to take actionable steps toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Perfectionism, an intriguing facet of human behavior, has captured the curiosity of researchers and individuals alike. In this episode, we'll unravel the layers of this phenomenon, digging into the question: What exactly is perfectionism? We'll delve into its different dimensions and understand how it manifests in various aspects of life, from personal goals to professional pursuits. Through scientific research and real-life examples, we'll uncover the spectrum of perfectionist traits, from the pursuit of excellence to the paralyzing fear of failure. Discover the regions and neural circuits associated with perfectionist tendencies. From the prefrontal cortex's role in setting high standards to the amygdala's influence on the fear of falling short, we'll piece together the neural puzzle of perfectionism. The mindset of a perfectionist is both fascinating and intricate. In this episode, we'll delve into the psychology behind this mindset, and how it differs from the neurotypical individual. Of course, in the end, this episode will give you tips on overcoming perfectionism tendencies with realistic and changeable approaches. So, whether you're seeking self-improvement, striving to understand a perfectionist loved one, or simply intrigued by the intricacies of the human mind, this episode promises to be a captivating journey.