Welcome to But Why? — real talk on messy minds and messier systems. Hosted by two psychologists, Kristin and Laura, we dive deep into the psychology of human experience: from mental health and identity to power, culture, and the systems that shape our lives. Expect thoughtful conversations, critical questions, and honest reflections on how people—and the world—really work. No self-help platitudes. No easy answers. Just meaningful, accessible dialogue for curious minds. Topics we explore: • P ...
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But Why Is Joy "Basic" for Women? | Gendered Taste, Cultural Shame & Internalized Misogyny
1:09:05
1:09:05
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1:09:05In this thought-provoking episode, Kristin and Laura ask why women’s joy so often gets dismissed as “basic.” From Taylor Swift fandoms to fantasy novels, they unpack the deep psychological roots of how gendered taste is constructed—and why we feel guilty for what we love. They dive into: • Why "guilty pleasures" are a feminist issue • The Enlighten…
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Netflix's Adolescence: A Psychological Perspective
1:10:05
1:10:05
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1:10:05In this episode, we delve into the themes of Netflix's limited series 'Adolescence' from our perspectives as psychologists who often work with boys and young men in sports. We discuss the psychological implications of incel culture and the manosphere, the societal pressures faced by young men, and explore broader cultural narratives surrounding mas…
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In this episode, we delve into the complexities surrounding women's sports. We explore the historical barriers that have hindered women's participation in sports and the ongoing challenges in achieving equity and visibility for women's sports, emphasising how sports are often a tool of patriarchy in preventing women's progress. We end by reflecting…
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Women's History: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
1:10:47
1:10:47
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1:10:47In this episode, we try to ground the ongoing backlash against women's rights in its historical context. After some chaotic 'small talk', we explore the cyclical nature of women's rights movements and the ongoing struggles against patriarchal systems, as well as the mental health implications of societal expectations placed on women. We end by refl…
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Unlocking the Secrets of Motivation
1:12:27
1:12:27
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1:12:27After a solid conversation about food and fascism, we delve into the topic of motivation, exploring intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how these concepts relate to well-being. We explore the intricacies of motivation, focusing on the three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness and how these needs influence personal g…
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Unpacking Myths of Performance and Women's Stories in Sport
1:11:27
1:11:27
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1:11:27Summary In this episode, we engage with out first two (legendary) guests, Dr. Amy Whitehead and Jenny Coe, to explore their most recent two books and their expertise in sport, sport coaching, and DEI/EDI initiatives in sport. We delve into identity, self-understanding, and the role of equity, diversity, and inclusion in sports, and Amy and Jen's ex…
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From Chaos to Clarity: New Year's Resolutions
1:02:28
1:02:28
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1:02:28In this festive episode, we celebrate our 10th episode with a holiday party. We discuss the significance of New Year's resolutions and goal setting, reflecting on personal growth and motivation. The conversation is light-hearted yet insightful, exploring the chaos of the holidays while delving into the deeper meanings behind setting goals for the n…
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In this episode, we delve into neurodiverse experiences of burnout, building on last episode's discussion about burnout in general. Taking a neuro-affirmative approach, we specifically explore ADHD and autistic burnout, discussing how these neurodiversities can intersect and the unique challenges faced by individuals living in a neurotypical world.…
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In this episode, we delve into the topic of burnout. We discuss how burnout manifests physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, and highlight the significant impact of workplace dynamics and societal pressures on mental health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout as a serious condition that requires attention and care…
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How Environment Shapes Human Behaviour
1:08:38
1:08:38
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1:08:38In this episode, we explore the socio-ecological model, a framework for understanding how various layers of influence shape human behavior and well-being. We chat about the relevance of this model in real-world scenarios and how it is a useful framework to understand the interconnectedness of personal, interpersonal, organizational, and societal fa…
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In this episode we delve into the complexities of mental health, particularly in the context of current societal challenges. We discuss the impact of online discourse on mental health, differentiate between mental health and mental illness, and explore the building blocks of well-being that contribute to mental health. We conversation emphasizes th…
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In this episode, we delve into the concept of psychological safety and explore the importance of inclusivity, personal experiences of psychological safety, and the implications of these concepts in organizational culture and high-risk jobs such as medicine. The conversation emphasizes the need for environments where individuals feel safe to express…
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But Why Do Witches Still Haunt Us? | How Misogyny & Media Keep the Witch Alive
1:04:59
1:04:59
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1:04:59In Part 2 of our Halloween series, we move from broomsticks to boardrooms — exploring how the witch trials never truly ended. Kristin and Laura dive into how the image of the witch morphed into modern misogyny, media tropes, and political smear campaigns. From Sabrina the Teenage Witch to Hillary Clinton, we unpack: • How "witch" became a slur for …
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But Why Are Women Still Being Burned at the Stake? | Witch Hunts, Patriarchy & Historical Misogyny
1:04:47
1:04:47
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1:04:47TW: This episode contains mentions/discussions around difficult topics such as death, sexual assault, and assault more broadly. Why were witches really hunted — and why does it still matter today? In this Halloween special of But Why: Real talk on messy minds and messier systems, psychologists Kristin and Laura explore the history of witch trials t…
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But Why Is Sexism Still a Thing? | Ambivalent Sexism and Gender Roles
55:23
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55:23TW: This episode discusses potentially distressing topics such as sexism and related topics (e.g., harassment or assault) Why does sexism still feel so damn relentless in 2024? In this episode of But Why: Real talk on messy minds and messier systems, psychologists Kristin and Laura unpack ambivalent sexism — the sneaky blend of benevolent and hosti…
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In the very first episode of But Why: Real talk on messy minds and messier systems, meet Kristin and Laura — two psychologists, academics, and friends — as they dig into why they’ve created this podcast and what you can expect from future episodes. With honest reflections, some healthy sarcasm, and a dash of academic insight, this episode explores …
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