Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Jodi Gilman discuss the implications of cannabis use on health and safety. Dr. Gilman explains that THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, affecting areas involved in emotion, memory, and decision-making. Cannabis use can lead to long-term brain alterations, particularly in adolescents, frequent users, and those using high-potency products. Dr. Gilman highlights the risks of cannabis-induced psychosis, depression, and anxiety, especially in those with a family history of psychosis. She also notes the...
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Robert Meade, an expert in thermal physiology, discuss the dangers posed to human health by the rising heat. Dr Meade explains that extreme heat is a combination of air temperature and humidity, which can strain the body's ability to regulate temperature. He notes that older adults and women may be more vulnerable to heat stress due to reduced sweating and cardiovascular function. They talk about the differences between heat stress and heat stroke and how to identify symptoms to keep an eye on if you are in a hot environment. The discussion highlights...
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Brandon Sparks discuss the phenomenon of involuntary celibacy (incels). Dr. Sparks, an applied forensic psychologist, explains that incels are men experiencing long-term involuntary celibacy, often due to social exclusion and bullying during adolescence. Incels, primarily aged 18-30, are less likely to be in education or employment. The term "incel" originated from a woman's project at Carleton University. Incels often self-identify online, where they discuss the "Black Pill" philosophy, a nihilistic view of society. Dr. Sparks highlights the need for...
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In this episode, Therese Markow discusses the impact of budgetary cuts on scientific research and the Nations Report Card from the Department of Education. She explains what the funding from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation supports, and argues how cutting overhead costs to 15% shuts down scientific progress. She also highlights the importance of the Nations Report Card, which has tracked student performance since 1969, for informing educational policy. Markow urges listeners to contact their representatives to reinstate funding for the National Report Card....
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We all believe in something, from Santa Claus, to the global shape of the earth, to babies needing to be taken care of for survival. While some of our beliefs are intuitive or have evidence, many are not. Sometimes the evidence that we believe to be true is faulty. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. James Alcock discuss how these beliefs are built, how we interpret situations to create beliefs, and why we, as a society, have so many common beliefs. As humans, we like to believe we are rational beings, but so many of our beliefs are happening automatically, without our conscious thought or...
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Loretta Mayer discuss the growing problem of urban rat populations, exacerbated by climate change and the ineffectiveness of traditional poisoning methods. Dr. Mayer discusses the non-lethal contraceptive method for rats and mice, developed from her research on reproductive physiology, and successful field tests that have shown significant reduction in rodent populations around the world. Finally, they discuss the non-profit Wisdom Good Works as well as Wisdom Good Bites and their aim to improve public health and environmental conditions by reducing...
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Charles Piller discuss the slow progress of Alzheimer’s treatments. Based on his research and findings as an investigative journalist, as well as his newest book, Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer’s, they discuss the complexity of the disease, msiconduct in the research, and the other problems the research is facing despite the funding for it being at an all time high. Charles comments on the FDA's reliance on industry-affiliated advisors, the revolving door phenomenon, and why the new anti-amyloid drugs are not as...
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Paul Offit discuss the MMR vaccine, the history of it, and the current decay of measles herd immunity today. Many parents are refusing to vaccinate their children, referencing politicians, actors, and social activists who lack correct information regarding the vaccine. Even if an unvaccinated child recovers from measles, they may, years later, develop a fatal encephalitis from the measles virus that has hidden in their brains. Dr. Offit thus discusses not only the serious potential complications of measles during the illness but the...
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Jamie Lo discuss the complex topic of marijuana and the fetal brain. Dr. Lo explains some of the findings from a study of over 3 million pregnant individuals in California, why pregnant individuals may choose to use marijuana, the links between THC exposure in the fetal brain and long-term neurodevelopmental issues, and why this conversation is becoming increasingly important for healthcare providers to have with their patients. Dr. Lo emphasizes the importance of both maternal and fetal health, the need for better public health campaigns, and increased...
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Natalie Wexler discuss the poor reading skills of American students, as evidenced by NAEP test results. Natalie highlights the ineffectiveness of current reading programs and the focus on skills over content. She also talks about the discrepancies between students of different backgrounds, and how The Matthew Effect appears in reading comprehension and general knowledge. She also encourages teachers and parents to introduce their children, as early as possible, to higher concepts and vocabulary as children can and do understand more than many give them...
info_outlineIn this episode, Therese Markow and psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Scott, discuss narcissism, its clinical definition and the characteristics of “malignant narcissism”. Dr. Scott explains that narcissism involves patterns of grandiosity, a need for constant admiration, a lack of empathy, high levels of manipulation, and the narcissist’s “kryptonite” - criticism. They view themselves as the victim, never at fault. Despite their arrogance, they are very insecure. Dr. Scott also discusses why treatment is challenging and why therapy often focuses on managing symptoms rather than the deeper core issues. They can’t see that they have a problem, and thus are resistant to treatment
Key Takeaways:
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The myth of Narcissus illustrates the danger of excessive self-focus, which is the hallmark of narcissism in clinical terms and is becoming increasingly common in some aspects of our modern society.
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Narcissists are very good at manipulation. They consciously will do things to sort of manage their image in the eyes of others. They may appear to show empathy at times in a relationship, but it's usually more of a means to an end than a genuine concern for the feelings of others.
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Criticism is like a kryptonite to a narcissist, so even the mildest critique can provoke a strong defensive reaction: anger, denial, or shifting the blame to somebody else.
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You cannot change a narcissist's behavior, but you can control your own responses to it. Think about limits and then give yourself leeway within those to protect your own mental health.
"[Narcissists] might mimic empathetic behaviors to achieve their own ends, but it's more about manipulation than genuine caring. So they can understand maybe what empathy looks like, but not really get how it feels and how it's supposed to feel and how those behaviors are supposed to be rooted in something inside them." — Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D.
Connect with Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D.:
Twitter: https://x.com/ElizabethScott
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AboutStressManagement/
Website: https://drelizabethscott.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elizabethscott/
Book: 8 Keys to Stress Management: https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Stress-Management-Mental-Health-ebook/dp/B00AJUKO5M
Connect with Therese:
Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net
Threads: @critically_speaking
Email: [email protected]
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