From the pages of classic literature to the plotlines of modern blockbusters, the concept of revenge has held a longstanding grip on our collective psyche. So, this week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychiatry lecturer James Kimmel, Jr., JD to investigate the neuroscience behind revenge.

Based at the Yale School of Medicine, James Kimmel, Jr., JD is not only a lecturer, but also the founder and co-director of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies. In his work, James Kimmel, Jr., JD largely focuses on neuroscience, psychology, revenge, addiction, forgiveness and violence. Additionally, he is the author behind a new book, ‘The Science of Revenge’, to be released in May 2025.

In this episode, James Kimmel, Jr., JD starts out with an enthralling personal anecdote, illustrating how revenge turns into addiction. Furthermore, he goes into detail about the evolutionary origins of revenge.

Together, Marie and James Kimmel, Jr., JD discuss how the same interventions used to combat addiction could be applied in a revenge context, and how forgiveness towards oneself and others is a key practice in easing the cravings of revenge. So, whether you’re struggling with vengeful behavior, or simply fascinated by the brain’s mysterious movements, tune in to this episode!

Follow James Kimmel, Jr., JD’s work: https://medicine.yale.edu/research-profile/james-kimmel/

Connect with James Kimmel, Jr., JD via email: james.kimmel@yale.edu

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

Explore LMSL on https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://personal.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Personal Science Labs.

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Imaginary relationships have had a longstanding history of being frowned upon for its perceived juvenility and lack of real-world purpose. Yet, research seems to show otherwise. This week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella consults psychology researcher Naomi Aguiar to learn more.

An expert in how children and adults create imaginary relationships for themselves, either entirely on their own or with help from the media, Naomi Aguiar has published research on a broad range of topics in psychology and education. Additionally, she is an expert in how children and adults perceive and form relationships with AI chatbots, and how this may affect their real-world learning and behavior.

In this episode, Naomi Aguiar reveals that imaginary relationships—though often perceived as offering no positive real-world impact—may offer opportunities for people to practice being in a relationship that they may not otherwise have. Additionally, Naomi Aguiar asserts that imaginary relationships tend to be a vehicle for coping with adversity, offering reprieve from arduous real-world circumstances.

Together, Marie and Naomi Aguiar discuss various habits that may prove useful in evoking imagination and amusement for overall happiness. So, tune in this week for awe-inspiring expert insights, backed by research, on how imaginary relationships can offer real happiness!

Follow Naomi Aguiar’s work via the following platforms: Naomi Aguiar: https://naomiaguiar.wixsite.com/research Imaginary Friends and the People Who Create Them: https://www.imaginaryfriendsbook.com/

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

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://ha.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Happiness Science Labs.

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You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sero-boost-the-happiness-science-insights-podcast/id1648514660 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tAnnsetgCxHVig1HZDE7E Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9010428a-46cd-44c2-a253-699a3586c156/sero-boost-the-happiness-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-sero-boost-the-happiness-s-102890037/ Podbean: https://happinessinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402528 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/sero-boost-the-happiness-scien-4914858

As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. So, this week on Sero Boost: The Happiness Science Insights Podcast, host Lu Ngo interviews philosophy professor Dr. Chris A. Kramer to learn about what we can apply to our daily lives based on the works of American orator Frederick Douglass.

Based at Santa Barbara City College, Dr. Chris A. Kramer serves as both Assistant Professor and Chair of Philosophy. That aside, he is the advisor to the Philosophy Club and a professor for the Umoja and Raices programs. His interests intersect across the philosophy of humor, mind, religion, informal logic, existentialism and phenomenology, and oppression. His dissertation was on “Subversive Humor”, half about humor, half about oppression. Readers will laugh and cry, but mostly cry, and mostly because they are reading a dissertation; what has become of their lives?

In this episode, Dr. Chris A. Kramer delves into the various definitions and approaches to humor, citing notable philosophers such as Aristotle and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Additionally, he highlights how Frederick Douglass wielded intellectual play to challenge slavery and fight for equality, while evading cognitive biases and belief traps, in his speeches, autobiographies and interactions with other people.

Conversely, Lu and Dr. Chris A. Kramer also discuss when humor may not be the best prescription, as well as practical advice for evoking humor and laughter in our daily lives. So, tune in to learn about how humor can disrupt power dynamics, foster solidarity, and so much more!

Follow Dr. Chris A. Kramer’s work: https://sbcc.academia.edu/ChrisKramer

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

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://ha.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Happiness Science Labs.

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You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sero-boost-the-happiness-science-insights-podcast/id1648514660 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tAnnsetgCxHVig1HZDE7E Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9010428a-46cd-44c2-a253-699a3586c156/sero-boost-the-happiness-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-sero-boost-the-happiness-s-102890037/ Podbean: https://happinessinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402528 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/sero-boost-the-happiness-scien-4914858