Listening Lists
Every month we post a thematic Listening List with 1-5 hours of podcast episodes for our PBC meetings and online discussions. We send these out by email, so be sure to subscribe. You can always find the selections here.
NEURODIVERSITY: June 2025 podcast playlist
The Neurodiversity Playlist explores the diverse experiences within the neurodivergent community. Each episode features personal stories from individuals who identify as neurodivergent, providing listeners with an intimate look into their journeys, challenges, and successes. From navigating social dynamics to embracing unique perspectives, these candid conversations aim to foster understanding, empathy, and support for neurodiverse individuals. Whether you are neurodivergent or simply interested in learning more about how people think and perceive the world, this playlist offers valuable insights.
PAIN: May 2025 podcast playlist
What is pain, really? Is it just a signal from the body—or something far more complex? In this playlist, we explore pain not just as a physical experience, but as a cultural, psychological, and deeply human phenomenon. From the power of the mind to unlearn chronic pain, to the biases—gendered, racial, and institutional—that shape how pain is perceived and treated, these episodes invite us to reconsider everything we think we know about discomfort and healing.
PERSUASION: April 2025 podcast playlist
This podcast playlist explores the power of persuasion, showcasing real-life stories of individuals who remarkably changed others’ beliefs, behaviors, and perspectives. Each episode dives into the science behind these transformations, with experts in psychology and neuroscience explaining the cognitive biases and emotional triggers that drive change. From shifting political views to changing habits, this playlist […]
SHELL GAME (Deep Dive): March 2025
This month we’re doing a deep dive into a single podcast: Shell Game. Shell Game delves into what would happen if you created a digital copy of yourself, powered by AI, and set it loose in the world. Evan Ratliff, longtime tech journalist, decided to find out. He combined a clone of his voice, an AI chatbot, and a phone line—many phone lines, actually—into what are called “voice agents.” Then for the six months, he sent them out… as himself.
ESPIONAGE: February 2025 podcast playlist
Dive into a world of shadows and espionage with this gripping playlist, exploring captivating spy stories throughout history. From centuries-old cunning operations to Cold War high-stakes missions, each episode reveals the lives of those who navigated danger and deception. Discover thrilling accounts of intelligence agents and undercover operatives, featuring firsthand stories, expert interviews, and an exploration of the strategies and risks they faced in their quest for information.
MAKING CONNECTIONS: January 2025 podcast playlist
The world has changed in profound ways over the past few years, and so has the way we connect with one another. The pandemic reshaped our relationships—both personal and professional—and forced us to rethink how we communicate, collaborate, and build community. Now, as we emerge from this challenging period, we are faced with a new reality: how do we re-establish and strengthen the connections that were disrupted? This podcast playlist delves into the science and art of building meaningful relationships, from fostering trust to embracing vulnerability. Through powerful stories and actionable insights, the episodes will show how connecting with others goes beyond networking—it’s about creating genuine bonds that lead to growth, collaboration, and positive change. Together, let’s discover how we can turn this new chapter into an opportunity to build deeper, more meaningful connections that will last long into the future.
RITUALS: December 2024 podcast playlist
Rituals have the power to give structure and meaning to our lives, bridging the gap between the ordinary and the extraordinary. They can mark transitions, build connections, and ground us in shared values or personal intentions. Whether steeped in tradition or newly created, rituals provide a sense of continuity and purpose, often offering comfort and focus amid life’s unpredictability. What makes them particularly fascinating is their diversity—they can be deeply spiritual, purely practical, or even whimsical, yet they all reveal something profound about the human desire for meaning and connection.
PARASOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS: November 2024 podcast playlist
This month we’re diving into a fascinating and increasingly relevant topic: parasocial relationships. These are one-sided connections where individuals form emotional bonds with media figures, celebrities, or fictional characters without any reciprocal interaction. In our digital age, where social media and online content dominate, understanding these relationships is crucial as they profoundly impact our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. From the comforting familiarity of a favorite podcast host to the deep admiration for a beloved influencer, parasocial relationships shape how we connect with the world around us. Join me as we explore how these bonds form, their psychological effects, and their broader implications for our social lives and mental health.