5 Social Psychology Podcasts

  • All in the Mind
  • New Books in Psychoanalysis
  • Psychologists Off the Clock: A Psychology Podcast About the Science and Practice of Living Well
  • Hidden Brain
  • The Psych Central Podcast: Psychology Made Simple

Social psychology is a fascinating field that deals with social interactions, their origins, and their effects. There are so many aspects to investigate, from the unconscious mind to neurobiology. It’s also a complex, quickly evolving field, so keeping up to date with the latest developments and breaking down concepts into basic elements can be a time-consuming endeavor. One way to explore this captivating topic is through podcasts. Podcasts range from academic interviews to motivational advice for lay listeners. Below are five podcasts for those who are interested in social psychology.

1. All in the Mind

All in the Mind is a podcast that explores the connection between the mind, brain, and behavior. The producers of this podcast interview professionals and share personal stories that delve into the power and mystery of the mind. Recent podcasts include titles such as “Creating Selves To Survive,” an episode about overcoming childhood trauma; “Meditation For The Collective Good,” an episode about overcoming adversity through self-reflection and meditation; and “Empathy For Mental Health Through The Arts,” an episode about the use of innovative technology to replace fear with empathy.

2. New Books in Psychoanalysis

New Books in Psychoanalysis is a podcast that features interviews with academic scholars discussing their latest work within the field of psychoanalysis. Each podcast focuses on a recently published book, giving the listener a unique opportunity to hear theory put into practice. Some of the books that have been featured on this podcast include Death and Mastery: Psychoanalytic Drive Theory and the Subject of Late Capitalism by Benjamin Fong, Psychoanalysis as an Ethical Process by Robert P. Drozek, and “Prescribing the Dharma: Psychotherapists, Buddhist Traditions, and Defining Religion” by Ira Helderman.

3. Psychologists Off the Clock

Psychologists Off the Clock is a podcast where three clinical psychologists chat about anything and everything in the field of psychology. Hosts Diana Hill, Ph.D., Debbie Sorensen, Ph.D. and Yael Chatav Schonbrun, Ph.D. bring the principles of clinical psychology into our daily lives, to help listeners develop richer experiences while working, parenting, building relationships, and navigating personal health.

4. Hidden Brain

Produced by National Public Radio (NPR), Hidden Brain uses science and storytelling to explore unconscious patterns and biases that motivate human behavior. Shankar Vedantam, a social science correspondent for NPR, exams the world through a lens of psychology and neurobiology. Hidden Brain has won numerous awards including a Kavli Science Journalism Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, an Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Social Media, and a Salute to Excellence Award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

5. The Psych Central Podcast: Psychology Made Simple

The Psych Central Podcast seeks to make the concepts of psychology and mental health accessible to the average listener. The award-winning, weekly podcast hosted by Associate Editor Gabe Howard and overseen by Dr. John Grohol. Recent episodes include titles such as “Using Music to Spark Your Inner Hero,” “Hiding Depression: Using Perfectionism to Hide Our Struggles,” and “Parents of Children with Mental Illness.”

Related Resource: Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs

Interest in individual mental health and social interactions continues to grow. From academic studies to medical research, knowledge is always evolving and providing new approaches to living well. Whatever your interest in social psychology, there is certainly a podcast that covers the topic in an entertaining and informative way.