Virtual environments and digital interactions are becoming increasingly central to our lives, and with that, comes a host of questions: Do online communities influence our identity? To what extent? So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella Quek is joined by Dr. Vanessa Dennen to learn more about online communities and its effect on our self-identity

As professor of Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies at Florida State University, Dr. Vanessa Dennen’s research investigates the cognitive, motivational, and social elements of computer-mediated communication. Specifically, she concentrates on three major issues: learner engagement in online discussion activities, identity development, knowledge management and knowledge brokering within online networks and communities of practice, as well as ethical issues related to computer-mediated learning.

In this episode, Dr. Vanessa Dennen reveals that there are two types of engagement—passive and active—that equally contribute to both an individual’s identity development and online communities. That aside, she cites search engines like Google, and social media platforms like Facebook, as decent entry points for locating niche forums with strong communities.

Together, Marie Stella Quek and Dr. Vanessa Dennen address the common misconception that online communities are merely echo chambers that spiral into negativity, as well as risks associated with forming identities through virtual spaces.

So, tune in to this episode for a thought-provoking discussion about what you can do for an online community and more importantly, what an online community can do for you.

Visit Dr. Vanessa Dennen’s work: https://vanessadennen.com/

Produced by the Personal Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ to learn more about LMSL and visit https://personal.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for more information about Personal Science labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkzFBwo4woLyZTf2H7iBPg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personal.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personal.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeScienceLabs Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/personalsciencelabs TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@personal.science.labs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/personal-science-labs/

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights/id1648239031 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAXFGqBb74eVs6TDLQC6 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c382490e-f526-418e-8a51-d07c7534a621/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-self-improvement-atlas-the-102784432/ Podbean: https://personalscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3401808 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/self-improvement-atlas-the-per-4911252/episodes/recent

In an age where financial literacy is paramount, knowledge of how money works in the 21st century can make all the difference in financial planning. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by economics professor Richard Holden to get a grasp on our rapidly changing economic landscape.

A professor of economics at UNSW Business School with a strong passion for education, Richard Holden also serves as the director of the Economics of Education Knowledge Hub and co-director of the New Economic Policy Initiative, spearheading a movement towards smaller classrooms, allowing for more attention given to each student.

In this episode, Richard Holden first breaks down the history of money from the BCE to present-day, asserting that three major events in 2008 led to the most drastic change in the financial world: financial crash resulting in low interest rates, the iPhone Gen 3 was released along with the ability to pay via mobile phones, and bitcoin white paper.

He then elaborates on the financial opportunities available in the 21st century that individuals can take advantage of, as well as challenges to be aware of. That aside, Richard Holden offers advice on cultivating healthy attitudes and behaviors towards money, emphasizing on the importance of understanding our personal biases. Together, Marie and Richard Holden discuss the economic theory, sunk-cost fallacy, and how it intersects with our day-to-day financial decisions.

From historical chronicles of money to financial opportunities that are bound to arise, as well as economic theories that intersect with personal finance, this episode leaves no stone unturned, so tune in for a wealth of financial knowledge!

Visit Richard Holden’s work: https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/richard-holden

Produced by the Personal Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ to learn more about LMSL and visit https://personal.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for more information about Personal Science labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkzFBwo4woLyZTf2H7iBPg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personal.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personal.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeScienceLabs| Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/personalsciencelabs TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@personal.science.labs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/personal-science-labs/ You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights/id1648239031 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAXFGqBb74eVs6TDLQC6 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c382490e-f526-418e-8a51-d07c7534a621/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-self-improvement-atlas-the-102784432/ Podbean: https://personalscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3401808 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/self-improvement-atlas-the-per-4911252/episodes/recent

Between boardroom meetings and date nights, the key to nailing style and practicality boils down to wardrobe versatility. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by wardrobe consultant Paula Newlands.

With 19 years of experience in the fashion industry, Paula Newlands top passion is styling and educating clients. Her previous stints as a fashion model and women’s accessory boutique owner have offered her the skills and insight into what it takes to curate a stylish yet functional wardrobe.

In this episode, Paula Newlands starts out by outlining the traits of a wardrobe that serves both form and function. She then offers advice for bringing an outfit from the workplace to the pub, as well as how to use color to our advantage to maximize wardrobe options. Together, Marie and Paula Newlands discuss the various ways to incorporate trends into the wardrobe while maintaining its timelessness.

So, get ready to elevate your style game and leave a lasting impression with Paula Newlands advice from this episode!

Visit Paula Newlands work: https://www.styledbypaula.com

Resources mentioned by Paula Newlands:

We Wore What: https://weworewhat.com

Style by Paula: https://www.styledbypaula.com

Produced by the Personal Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ to learn more about LMSL and visit https://personal.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for more information about Personal Science labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkzFBwo4woLyZTf2H7iBPg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personal.science.labs/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personal_science_labs/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeScienceLabs

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/personalsciencelabs

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@personal.science.labs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/personal-science-labs/

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights/id1648239031

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAXFGqBb74eVs6TDLQC6

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c382490e-f526-418e-8a51-d07c7534a621/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights-podcast

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-self-improvement-atlas-the-102784432/

Podbean: https://personalscienceinsights.podbean.com/

PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3401808

Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/self-improvement-atlas-the-per-4911252/episodes/recent

Trauma tends to leave deep scars on the psyche and spirit, yet there exists a path to healing, especially when accompanied by meditation. So, in this week’s episode of Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by professor Dessa Bergen-Cico, Ph.D.

As a professor in the Department of Public Health, as well as faculty in the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program at Syracuse University, Dessa Bergen-Cico, Ph.D. possesses extensive knowledge on trauma. But beyond the lecture halls, she is a Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS), Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and a Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher.

In the episode, Dessa Bergen-Cico, Ph.D. first outlines trauma recovery, listing hypervigilance, ruminants, and explosive rage, as common experiences that meditation can help to alleviate. To add, she asserts that those who might not necessarily have information on the trauma at the front of their minds might find meditation more effective as compared to talk therapy.

Together, Marie and Dessa Bergen-Cico, Ph.D. walk through the journey of recovery with mindfulness-based meditation, discussing the three key practices used: sitting, gentle stretching, and body scanning.

So, for an eye-opening conversation about the role of meditation in trauma recovery, tune in to this enlightening episode!

Visit Dessa Bergen-Cico, Ph.D.’s work: https://falk.syr.edu/people/bergen-cico-dessa/ Connect with Dessa Bergen-Cico, Ph.D. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessa-bergen-cico-735133179/

Produced by the Personal Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ to learn more about LMSL and visit https://personal.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for more information about Personal Science labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkzFBwo4woLyZTf2H7iBPg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personal.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personal.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeScienceLabs Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/personalsciencelabs TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@personal.science.labs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/personal-science-labs/

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights/id1648239031 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAXFGqBb74eVs6TDLQC6 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c382490e-f526-418e-8a51-d07c7534a621/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-self-improvement-atlas-the-102784432/ Podbean: https://personalscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3401808 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/self-improvement-atlas-the-per-4911252/episodes/recent

It is common knowledge that eating well and exercising are the hallmarks of a healthy lifestyle. But what about sleep hygiene? This week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella chats with sleep consultant Samantha Sadighi about all the work that goes into becoming a successful sleeper.

As a psychology graduate and former insomniac with over 20 years of corporate experience, Samantha Sadighi channels a wealth of knowledge into helping professionals overcome their sleep difficulties using evidence and research-based techniques. In her sleep consultancy practice, Samantha Sadighi offers a holistic approach, taking her time to learn about her clients and their circumstances.

In this episode, Samantha Sadighi sheds light on how different sleep hygiene can look across various groups of people, sharing that sleep cycle and age group can play a huge role in the duration of an adequate sleep for individuals. That aside, she highlights the importance of paying attention to temperature, noise, and mattress comfort, revealing her personal mattress pick.

Together, Marie and Samantha Sadighi discuss nutrition and eating habits that may affect sleep quality, as well as common misconceptions that continue to persist. So, tune in for an episode flowing with expert knowledge and insights on how to make sleep work for you.

Connect with Samantha Sadighi's social media on: Visit Samantha Sadighi’s work on: https://easysleepsolutions.co.uk/ Connect with Samantha Sadighi via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-sadighi-easy-sleep-solutions/

Produced by the Personal Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ to learn more about LMSL and visit https://personal.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for more information about Personal Science labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkzFBwo4woLyZTf2H7iBPg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personal.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personal.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeScienceLabs Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/personalsciencelabs TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@personal.science.labs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/personal-science-labs/

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights/id1648239031 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAXFGqBb74eVs6TDLQC6 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c382490e-f526-418e-8a51-d07c7534a621/self-improvement-atlas-the-personal-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-self-improvement-atlas-the-102784432/ Podbean: https://personalscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3401808 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/self-improvement-atlas-the-per-4911252/episodes/recent