Psychology I.R.L cover art

Psychology I.R.L

Psychology I.R.L

Written by: Daniel Allan
Listen for free

About this listen

Ever wondered why social media is so addictive? Or why we can't seem to do anything about climate change? Or why Snoop Dogg is in every commercial ever?


Welcome to Psychology I.R.L, the show where we use the power of psychology to explain the chaos of life in the 21st century!


Each episode involves an accessible deep dive into a particular concept from the history of psychology. Then, we take that concept and use it to explain an aspect of human behaviour in the real world!


From conditioning to conformity, whether you've studied psychology before or don't know your Freud from your Festinger, Psychology I.R.L has something to offer!


tldr: it's psych, irl


This show is written, performed and produced on Noongar Country. I extend my deepest respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge the sacred memories, cultures and knowledges they hold. I am honoured to call this Land home, and endeavour to walk alongside my brothers and sisters along the path of Reconciliation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Allan Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Conformity (& Why I Wear Pants)

    Conformity (& Why I Wear Pants)
    Feb 9 2025

    Ever wondered why I wear pants?


    No?


    Huh. Well, that makes two of us.


    But, irrespective of my lack of critical thinking, the clothes we choose to wear are a very interesting psychological phenomenon. After all, there are plenty of things I could use to keep my legs warm - stockings, animal pelts, massive socks, aluminium foil and the lower half of a wetsuit all come to mind. Yet I don't.


    Why is that?


    Today, we're exploring conformity. What it is, the types that can occur, and how it can lead to us doing some very silly things indeed.


    *I accidentally call Kelman 'Kerman' at 27:00. I beg you find it in your heart to forgive me.


    References:

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VYqFd07kbmLqzjU_-9mBVIsJ4xVgS1BZLVJY_gHm1IY/edit?usp=sharing


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Obedience (& Why Warcrimes Happen. Yes, Warcrimes)

    Obedience (& Why Warcrimes Happen. Yes, Warcrimes)
    Jan 12 2025

    What does it take to become a murderer?


    Worse, what drives a nation to commit genocide?


    Today, we take a casual stroll down the glistening cobblestones that pave the path to damnation. On our way, we're going to explore some of the psychological research into obedience - namely, the Milgram Shock Experiment and the Stanford Prison Experiment. Then, we're going to try our hand at explaining how entire nations of otherwise righteous people can be convinced to remain complicit in atrocities, in the hopes that we can prevent them in the future.


    All in 45 minutes (give or take 78 seconds).


    References:

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fLD9w5oeiPxLZDvadytjLU4HfayyajEaTK37_SFVsY0/edit?usp=sharing

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Putting It All Together (& Why We Drink Poison)

    Putting It All Together (& Why We Drink Poison)
    Dec 10 2024

    Alcohol is weird. Like, conceptually. It's very often expensive, bitter and, to put it lightly, poisonous.


    And, yet, it plays a fundamental role in many societies. Why?


    On this episode of the podcast, we recap the previous three episodes by applying the theories we've discussed so far - operant conditioning, classical conditioning, and social learning theory - to human drinking behaviour. Hopefully, somehow, we can get to the bottom of this.


    Corrections:


    39:57 - I should clarify: a tendency in online discourse around psychology


    40:06 - Yes, I'm aware this was Maslow's whole thing - the point is that theories like his get much less attention in pop psychology than theories focused on maladaptive behaviours.


    References:

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EwRZKA2TlZW2Fiwl3wecxUAjEZqLWZFnZ8yuuTri8d8/edit?usp=sharing

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
No reviews yet