Welcome to the Psychology in the Wild Podcast, where we dive deep into the chaos of everyday life. Join psychologists Dr Gemma Leigh Roberts and Erin Shrimpton as they explore realistic ways of dealing with day-to-day challenges: from getting comfortable with failure to redefining expectations to making mindfulness *actually* work. Each episode is a conversation filled with insights, personal experiences, and practical tips that are *easy* to apply. (Because the wild chaos is hard enough, right?)
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E12: The Enough Conundrum: Easing Life's Modern Pressures
Discover how to navigate the pressures of modern life in this thought-provoking episode of Psychology in the Wild. We unpack societal expectations, the concept of 'slow productivity,' and the power of mindfulness and critical thinking to help you manage the chaos of everyday demands. Learn how to define success on your terms, let go of unrealistic standards, and find joy in the journey. This conversation is packed with practical strategies and reflections to inspire balance and fulfillment in your life.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Welcome to Psychology in the Wild
00:20 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey
00:41 Technical Challenges and Triumphs
03:26 The Therapeutic Side of Podcasting
05:50 Listener Question: Feeling Like You're Not Doing Enough
06:27 Managing Expectations and Comparisons
15:13 Mindfulness and Critical Thinking
27:05 Defining Your Own Success
30:29 Reevaluating Success and Expectations
31:31 The Concept of Slow Productivity
34:04 Challenges of Applying Slow Productivity
38:11 The Competitive Nature of Society
42:34 Managing Expectations and Self-Compassion
43:12 Letting Yourself Off the Hook
51:41 Balancing Busy Phases and Connection
52:54 Final Thoughts on Expectations
slow productivity, mindfulness, critical thinking, societal expectations, personal productivity, mental health, balance in life, defining success, podcast therapy, managing stress, finding fulfillment, Psychology in the Wild podcast.
8 Jan 2025
E11: The Anti Resolution Guide - Success by your own measure in 2025
How to Set Meaningful Goals: Behavioral Science, Stoicism, and Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions | Psychology in the Wild
Are New Year’s resolutions a blessing or a burden? In this episode of Psychology in the Wild, we explore the science and psychology behind this annual ritual. Learn how to set goals that truly matter, overcome common pitfalls, and align your resolutions with your personal values and well-being.
We unpack behavioral science insights, including the Fresh Start Effect, mental contrasting, and the role of intrinsic motivation. Discover how stoicism and mindfulness can transform your approach to the New Year, helping you stay grounded while striving for meaningful change.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why New Year’s resolutions often fail (and how to avoid the traps)
The power of intrinsic motivation and aligning goals with your values
Practical techniques for achieving goals, like mental contrasting
How stoic philosophy and mindfulness can guide your journey
Alternatives to traditional resolutions for a happier, healthier year
🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Psychology in the Wild
00:24 New Year's Resolutions: A Love-Hate Relationship
02:02 The Fresh Start Effect and Behavioral Science
06:52 Alternatives to New Year's Resolutions
13:19 The Importance of Rest and Mindfulness
18:06 Mental Contrasting for Goal Achievement
24:57 The Importance of Motivation and Overcoming Obstacles
25:57 Defining Wellbeing for the New Year
30:16 The Role of Stoic Philosophy in Modern Life
32:14 Finding Meaning in the Present Moment
47:02 The Entrepreneurial Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation
51:19 Reflecting on Goals and Resolutions for 2025
🎯 Whether you're tired of the same old resolutions or looking for a fresh approach, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration. Start the year on the right foot by focusing on daily well-being and being present in the moment.
👉 Subscribe for more episodes exploring how psychology shapes our everyday lives. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your own strategies for goal-setting and personal growth!
18 Dec 2024
E10: Purpose without Pressure: Why Small Moments Matter Most
In this episode of Psychology in the Wild, we explore the difference between big 'P' Purpose and small 'p' purpose, and why the small, everyday moments of meaning matter most. You'll learn practical strategies for:
Micro moments of meaning in daily life
Task and relational job crafting to make work more fulfilling
Finding purpose through attention and connection
Discover how focusing on small, meaningful moments can lead to greater fulfilment at work and in life. Plus, we share actionable tips to help you identify and nurture these moments for improved wellbeing.
🔔 Subscribe for more insights on purpose, meaning, and mental wellbeing.
Optimised Chapters
00:00 Introduction: What This Episode is About
00:51 Listener Questions and First Email
05:13 What is Big 'P' Purpose vs Small 'p' purpose?
16:02 Why Micro Moments of Meaning Matter
27:38 Finding Fulfilment in Small Daily Moments
27:57 Nature, Awe, and Finding Purpose
29:43 Self-Care: Wellbeing Through Meaningful Attention
31:52 The Power of Attention to Create Purpose
39:02 Job Crafting: Making Your Work Meaningful
44:33 Connecting Your Work to the End User
53:12 Practical Tips to Find Meaning Every Day
54:32 Conclusion: How to Craft a More Meaningful Life
11 Dec 2024
E09: Lonely in the Crowd: Understanding Modern Isolation
In this episode of 'Psychology in the Wild,' we discuss the collective struggle with loneliness and social isolation, highlighting its detrimental effects on health.
We offer practical strategies for fostering meaningful connections and intentional socializing, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships and micro-interactions ('pebbling') for mental well-being. We also delve into the beneficial role of shared meaningful experiences and vulnerability in creating deep social bonds.
You can talk to us at hello@psychologyinthewild.com
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O ur Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation Report: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf (https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf)
00:00 Introduction to Psychology in the Wild
00:35 Reflecting on Smoking and Social Norms
02:21 The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation
04:09 COVID-19 and the Loss of Social Connection11:15 The Importance of Social Connection in the Workplace
23:15 Building Resilience Through Connection
28:40 The Vulnerability Loop: Building Connections
29:26 The Skill of Vulnerability in Small Talk
32:54 Navigating Social Anxiety and Small Talk
36:57 Embracing Uncertainty for Connection
39:04 Supporting Others and Self-Care
40:44 Pebbling: Small Gestures for Big Connections
45:34 Final Thoughts and Practical Tips
4 Dec 2024
E08: Protecting your time, energy and focus (when setting boundaries gives you the ick)
Join us as we discuss the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries in our everyday lives. We delve into personal stories and offer practical tips on how to effectively communicate your boundaries to protect your time, energy, and focus. Learn how to navigate the challenges that come with both personal and professional commitments and find resilience in the process.
You can talk to us at hello@psychologyinthewild.com
27 Nov 2024
E07: Why we need to power-up not power through
In this episode of Psychology in the Wild, Dr. Gemma and Erin dive into the everyday chaos we all face, sharing stories and practical insights to help you feel more in control. From finding connection and support to embracing little moments of joy, they unpack the power of small 'power-ups' to navigate life’s challenges. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, this episode is your reminder to prioritise your well-being and find joy, even in the messiness of life.
You can talk to us at hello@psychologyinthewild.com
21 Nov 2024
E06: What are we getting wrong about Emotional Intelligence?
In this episode, we explore the depths of emotional intelligence and its crucial role in navigating the wild chaos of everyday life.
From understanding the four quadrants of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—to practical tips for managing emotions and building strong relationships, we cover it all.
Join us as we discuss how to develop emotional intelligence and why it's essential for personal and professional success.
Don't miss out on this insightful conversation aimed at helping you thrive emotionally and socially!
We hope you enjoy!
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If you want to share your you story or want us to discuss any topic of your interest, send us a note on
hello@psychologyinthewild.com (mailto:hello@psychologyinthewild.com)
21 Nov 2024
E05: Not a Failure, Just a Trial Run: Reframing Challenges
In this episode, the focus is on navigating failure and redefining success through personal experiences and insights. The conversation emphasises the importance of defining one's own version of success based on values and strengths, highlighting the need for an experimental mindset that views failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Engaging in open discussions about failure with trusted individuals can provide essential support and help process experiences. Sharing these moments fosters a culture of openness, leading to collective growth and resilience.
We hope you enjoy.
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Send us your personal experience, episode topic suggestions or just a hello at
hello@psychologyinthewild.com (mailto:hello@psychologyinthewild.com)
13 Nov 2024
E04: Optimism – If You Think You Can, You Will
In this episode, we explore the impact of optimism on success and resilience and share insights on why those who believe in their potential are often the ones who achieve it.
It’s not about ignoring challenges but seeing opportunities and staying motivated to keep pushing forward.
Discover how a shift in mindset can fuel your goals, and learn practical ways to build optimism—even on the tough days. Because when you truly believe you can, you’re already halfway there.
We hope you enjoy it. If you’d like to share your story or topic suggestion, email us at hello@psychologyinthewild.com.
6 Nov 2024
E03: From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Navigating Change with Grace
This episode dives into the challenges of navigating change and managing uncertainty, focusing on why change often feels uncomfortable. You'll explore how the brain’s natural need for predictability can lead to stress when faced with the unknown.
Practical strategies for handling life transitions are shared, with an emphasis on practising self-compassion and recognising personal reactions to change.
The episode also explores personal agency, offering small, actionable steps to help you regain a sense of control in unpredictable situations.
With real-life examples, this discussion provides insights to build resilience, develop psychological flexibility, and embrace change in everyday life.
We hope you enjoy.
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Send us your personal experience, episode topic suggestions or just a hello at
hello@psychologyinthewild.com (mailto:hello@psychologyinthewild.com)
31 Oct 2024
E02: The Power of Resilience: Bouncing Back vs. Bouncing Forward
In this episode the focus is on the concepts of 'bouncing back' versus 'bouncing forward' in the context of resilience.
The discussion highlights the importance of workplace wellbeing, the phenomenon of burnout, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Insights from resilience research differentiate resilience from grit and offer practical tips for building resilience through mindset changes, support networks, and embracing challenges.
We hope you enjoy.
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Send us your personal experience, episode topic suggestions or just a hello at
hello@psychologyinthewild.com (mailto:hello@psychologyinthewild.com)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/PITWPodcast ( https://www.instagram.com/PITWPodcast)
31 Oct 2024
E01: Rethinking Mindfulness: Overcoming Misconceptions for Authentic Calm and Clarity
In this episode, the focus is on navigating life’s daily challenges through mindfulness, emphasising the impact of small, mindful moments on well-being and self-awareness.
Mindfulness is distinguished from meditation, with insights on how it enhances focus, presence, and connection. Practical ways to check in with ourselves foster both personal and collective growth, while the benefits of flow states and being fully immersed in everyday tasks are explored.
The conversation wraps up with practical tips for incorporating mindful practices—like mindful breathing, eating, and walking—into daily life.
We hope you enjoy.
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Send us your personal experience, episode topic suggestions or just a hello at
hello@psychologyinthewild.com (mailto:hello@psychologyinthewild.com)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/PITWPodcast ( https://www.instagram.com/PITWPodcast)
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Pb2Biz Production
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,858
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
3.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
58
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
30
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