Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science

About Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science

Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science is a podcast from the University of Maryland’s Psychology Department that makes psychological research accessible and relevant. Each episode breaks down current studies, explores key psychological topics, and introduces the people behind the science. Episodes range from deep dives into specific studies and research methods to stories about researchers’ career paths, all designed to make complex psychological science clear, engaging, and relevant to listeners outside academia. #psychological science, #psychology, #mental health, #clinical psychology

Publisher

Maryland PSYCTerps

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Dec 2024

Latest episode

4 May 2026

Latest episodes

39 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 May 2026

   Is Autism Really One Spectrum? Scientists May Be Wrong

   In this episode of Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Redcay to explore how studying real‑time interaction is reshaping what we know about the social brain and autism. We dive into second‑person neuroscience, brain‑to‑brain synchrony, and why measuring social cognition in isolation can miss what actually matters in everyday life. The conversation also unpacks emerging research showing that autism is not a single spectrum, but may involve distinct subgroups with different behavioral, neural, and genetic profiles—raising important questions about how we study, diagnose, and support autistic individuals. #Autism. #Social Neuroscience, #Psychology Resources: Dr. Elizabeth Redcay lab site (Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab): https://dscn.umd.edu/index.html (https://dscn.umd.edu/index.html) Nature Genetics (2025): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z) (four latent classes; genetics/developmental programs) Nature Neuroscience (2023): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01259-x (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01259-x) (brain–behavior dimensions; four reproducible subgroups; molecular/network links)

2. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Do Violent Video Games Increase Aggression?

   Do violent video games turn people violent? After forty years of research, dozens of meta-analyses, and even a Supreme Court case, the debate still won’t die. In this episode of Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science, Mike and Joey trace the controversy from Mortal Kombat and the birth of the ESRB to today’s competing meta-analyses. They unpack key critiques—how “aggression” is measured, publication bias, and confounds—and explain why many findings are small but consistent. Finally, they ask the real-world question: if effects exist, do they matter for policy? Anderson, C.A., et al. (2010). Violent video game effects on aggression, empathy, and prosocial behavior. Psychological Bulletin, 136(2), 151–173. https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/bul-136-2-151.pdf Ferguson, C.J. (2015). Do angry birds make for angry children? Perspectives on Psychological Science. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1745691615592234 Mathur, M.B., & VanderWeele, T.J. (2019). Finding common ground in meta-analysis "wars" on violent video games. Perspectives on Psychological Science. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1745691619850104 Prescott, A.T., Sargent, J.D., & Hull, J.G. (2018). Meta-analysis of violent video game play and physical aggression over time. PNAS, 115(40). https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1611617114 Miles-Novelo, A., & Anderson, C.A. (2025). The question of violent video games and aggression. Aggressive Behavior. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ab.70042

3. 

   30 Mar 2026

   Understanding LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Minority Stress, and the Crisis of Suicide

   Nearly half of transgender and nonbinary youth seriously considered suicide last year. In this episode, hosts Mike and Joey talk with Dr. Ethan Mereish, licensed psychologist and director of the Lavender Lab at the University of Maryland, about what the data say—and what can help. We explore minority stress, intersectionality, and how discrimination and chronic stigma shape mental health, substance use, and suicide risk. Dr. Mereish also highlights resilience, affirming care, and the protective power of supportive families, schools, and communities. Content note: suicide, self-harm, discrimination. Resources: Mental Health Crisis hotline: call or text 988 Trevor project: 1-866-488-7386. Dr. Mereish's laboratory: www.the-lavender-lab.com/ Trevor project website: www.thetrevorproject.org/ NAMI Helpline: ⁠1-800-950-NAMI (6264)⁠ (tel:+18009506264)

Who has been a guest on Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Arianna Gard
• Dr Cassandra Phetmisy
• Dr Jessica Magidson
• Dave Yager

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.