Best Scott Stick Productions Podcasts (2025)

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239 — You’re Being Brainwashed Every Day—Here’s How to Stay Mentally Strong in a World of Hidden Influence with Professor Rebecca Lemov 45:33

1d ago45:33

45:33

Why would someone confess to a crime they didn’t commit? Or why would someone join a cult? Most of us think we’re too mentally strong to fall for brainwashing, but subtle forms of persuasion might already be shaping the way we think, feel, and act—without us even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with historian, professor, and author Rebecc…

1
238 — Stuck in a Rut? How to Break Free with DSD 19:29

4d ago19:29

19:29

Do you ever feel stuck in a rut or frustrated that you keep falling back into the same old patterns that aren’t working? If so, this episode is for you. We often go through life on autopilot. We rely on routines that feel comfortable even when they aren't working for us. The good news is, you have the power to break free and the answer is as simple…

1
Why did we build communities that discourage walking? 43:49

6d ago43:49

43:49

Episode 207: Walking is one of the simplest, healthiest, and most accessible things a person can do. It strengthens the heart, reduces stress, helps maintain a healthy weight and boosts mental well-being. Yet, in the United States, daily walking has quietly slipped out of many people’s lives. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada dig into why that happ…

1
237 — The Science of Laughter: How Humor Can Rewire Your Brain and Boost Mental Strength with Dr. Steven Sultanoff 45:14

8d ago45:14

45:14

How often do you laugh? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. But laughter isn’t just enjoying a good joke. It is actually a powerful tool for building mental strength. I sit down with Dr. Steven Sultanoff, a psychologist and leading humor expert, to explore the science behind humor and why laughter is good for your health. Some of the things we …

1
236 — 10 Myths About Mental Health That Are Holding You Back 22:22

12d ago22:22

22:22

What if most of the self-help advice you’ve been hearing might actually make things worse? Unfortunately, there's a lot of bad advice being shared on social media and in the news that could be downright destructive to your mental health. So today, I'm busting 10 of the biggest mental health myths and mindset. When you understand the truth about men…

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Should professional athletes still be role models? 46:11

13d ago46:11

46:11

Episode 206: Bat flips. End zone dances. Trash talk amplified by social media. For some, these moments are pure joy — a celebration of hard-earned achievement. For others, they signal the slow erosion of something more important: the grace and humility once expected from those at the top of their game. In this episode, hosts Richard Kyte and Scott …

1
235 — Trust Your Gut: The Science Behind Intuition and Better Decisions with Professor Laura Huang 45:49

16d ago45:49

45:49

Do you trust your gut? Have you ever had a gut feeling about something but couldn't really explain why you felt it? Intuition is often misunderstood and sometimes, we're reluctant to listen to it because it doesn't seem to make sense. But intuition is a science-backed process that can help you make better decisions once you understand how to listen…

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Trailer - Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin 1:05

17d ago1:05

1:05

Discover the tools you need to build mental strength and live your best life. In Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin, psychotherapist and bestselling author Amy Morin breaks down science-backed strategies to help you overcome challenges, build better habits, and grow stronger every day. On Mondays, Amy interviews world-class experts—from sci…

1
234 — Stop Pressuring Yourself to Bounce Back After Trauma: The Surprising Truth About Post-Traumatic Growth 21:21

19d ago21:21

21:21

Have you ever felt like you needed to bounce back fast after something traumatic happened? Or felt pressured to show people that you've actually grown and become better because of what you went through? Post-traumatic growth is real. But the concept is often misunderstood, and it leads to unrealistic expectations and unnecessary guilt. In this epis…

1
What’s the difference between shame and guilt? 44:51

20d ago44:51

44:51

Episode 205: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada dive into one of the year’s most unexpected viral moments — not to rehash the gossip, but to explore what it reveals about the culture we live in. You’ve probably seen the clip: a Coldplay concert in Boston, a playful moment on the jumbotron and two people who instinctively pull away from the camera. W…

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233 — The Science-Backed Herbs That Can Improve Stress, Focus, and Mental Health With Herbalist Rachelle Robinett 48:01

23d ago48:01

48:01

Do you ever wonder if herbal remedies could help you feel calmer, sleep better, or even help you become mentally stronger? What if there was a natural way to manage stress, improve focus, and improve your mental health? Herbs have been used for centuries to support well-being, and modern science is now catching up to their incredible potential. In …

1
232 — 5 Daily Habits To Build Unstoppable Mental Strength 22:42

26d ago22:42

22:42

Practice the skills from this episode for free with this tool I made for you —Episode 232 Exercise. What if you could build mental strength in just a few minutes a day? No complicated routines, no drastic life overhauls — just five practical habits that help you feel stronger and take more control of your life. In this episode, I’m sharing the simp…

1
How can we give feedback that people actually use? 46:12

27d ago46:12

46:12

Episode 204: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada explore why so much of what we call “constructive criticism” fails — and what it takes to make it truly effective. Many of us dread the annual performance review, and with good reason. As Kyte points out, a well-run workplace shouldn’t save observations and advice for one stressful meeting a year. “Goo…

1
231 — Triggered Easily? 7 Strategies to Take Back Control of Your Life with Psychotherapist Michelle Chalfant 41:17

30d ago41:17

41:17

Do you ever feel like someone knows exactly how to push your buttons — and it leaves you spiraling long after your interaction? Whether it’s a snide comment, a frustrating situation, or an awkward interaction, triggers can feel like they’re controlling your emotions. But what if those triggers were actually trying to teach you something? Triggers c…

1
230 — 7 Ways I Found Mental Strength During My Darkest Times 24:46

1M ago24:46

24:46

Work through today’s strategies with a free, interactive too — Episode 230 exercise. Have you ever felt like life has hit you so hard that it knocked the wind out of you? Maybe you're in one of those moments right now, wondering how to even take the next step. In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing the seven strategies that helped me navigate…

1
How can we encourage others when anxiety is everywhere? 45:26

1M ago45:26

45:26

Episode 203: Anxiety seems to have become a defining feature of modern life. Despite living in one of the safest and most prosperous periods in human history, rates of unease, worry and fear are rising — especially in developed nations. Why is that? And more importantly, what can each of us do to help those around us feel more secure, confident and…

1
229 —Rewrite Your Story and Reclaim Your Strength with Lauren Sisler 45:22

1M ago45:22

45:22

Are the stories you tell yourself holding you back? After all, there's always more than one way to tell the same story. You could be a victim of tragic circumstances or a hero who survived them. The way we interpret our past influences our identities, but it doesn’t have to define who we are forever. This week, I’m joined by Lauren Sisler, a sports…

1
228 — 5 Signs You're Stuck in Survival Mode and Science-Backed Ways to Escape 20:09

1M ago20:09

20:09

Are you thriving, or do you feel like you are barely surviving? If you feel stuck in survival mode, you are not alone. It is common, but you don't have to stay there. Survival mode is helpful in a crisis. But staying stuck there too long can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to enjoy life fully. Fortunately, there are strategies …

1
Is creativity suffering because we’re never unplugged? 47:36

1M ago47:36

47:36

Episode 202: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada agree that smartphones and apps can make life more efficient, but they also worry these tools are making it harder to think deeply, reflect and create. The hosts discuss how the constant stream of notifications, tasks and digital distractions — what some experts call “sludge” — leaves little room for q…

1
227 — How to Break Free From a Scarcity Mindset and Start Living More Abundantly with Bob Rosen 50:37

1M ago50:37

50:37

You've likely heard about the importance of living abundantly and giving up a scarcity mindset, but how do you actually do that? Knowing how to let go of a scarcity mindset and doing it are two different things. Attachments can weigh us down, keeping us stuck in old thought patterns and limiting our potential for growth and happiness. This week, I’…

1
226 — Why Life Feels Out of Control (and 5 Steps to Take Charge) 22:06

2M ago22:06

22:06

How much control do you have over your life? Do you think life happens to you? Or do you believe you have the power to shape it? On this episode of Mentally Stronger, we’re exploring the psychology of control, also known as "locus of control." Your belief about who or what is in control of your life has a huge impact on your mental strength. Unders…

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Is gentleness outdated — or more necessary than ever? 44:14

2M ago44:14

44:14

Episode 201: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada dive into a virtue that’s often dismissed in modern society: gentleness. The discussion began with a simple LinkedIn post Kyte shared about how much he’s come to value gentleness in others — particularly when reflecting on mentors, teachers and leaders who shaped his life. The post sparked numerous res…

1
225 — Control Your Vagus Nerve to Improve Your Mental and Physical Health With Dr. Kevin Tracey 49:43

2M ago49:43

49:43

What if improving your mental health and physical well-being could be as simple as understanding one nerve in your body? Research shows your vagus nerve plays a powerful role in your well-being. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Kevin Tracey, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and pioneering researcher, to explore the vagus nerve and how improving your vagal…

1
224 - 8 Myths About Feelings That Can Sabotage Your Emotional Intelligence 23:29

2M ago23:29

23:29

What if everything you’ve been told about emotions is wrong? Emotional intelligence is important but there's a lot of misinformation about emotions that are holding people back. On this episode, I’m exposing eight common myths about emotions that keep us stuck and make it hard to grow mentally stronger. From the idea that venting your feelings help…

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Is delaying adulthood a sign of self-awareness or immaturity? 49:04

2M ago49:04

49:04

Episode 200: What makes someone an adult? Is it a job? A mortgage? A family? Or something harder to define, like emotional maturity or civic contribution? In this 200th episode of The Ethical Life podcast, hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada explore how our expectations around growing up have shifted and whether the long arc toward independence seen …

1
223 — How to Get the Deep Rest You Need for a Stronger, Clearer Mind with Dr. Therese Huston 48:07

2M ago48:07

48:07

Do you think of rest as a luxury instead of a necessity? Or maybe you can’t seem to rest even when you try? This week, I’m joined by Dr. Therese Huston, a cognitive scientist and psychologist who specializes in brain health. Dr. Huston breaks down why rest is crucial for building mental strength and shares actionable techniques to give your brain t…

1
222 — 5 Areas of Your Life to Declutter So You Feel Less Overwhelmed and More in Control 20:39

2M ago20:39

20:39

What if decluttering your life could make room for more energy, joy, and freedom? Have you ever felt weighed down by the physical, emotional, or mental clutter in your life? This week, I’m breaking down five key areas where decluttering can make life simpler and more meaningful. From tidying up your spaces to reassessing relationships, we’re coveri…

1
How do you know when it’s time to walk away? 43:46

2M ago43:46

43:46

Episode 199: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada take a closer look at quitting, not as a failure, but as a potentially wise — and even ethical — choice. Using Jason Feifer’s recent column as a starting point, the two explore how our cultural celebration of grit and perseverance can trap us in situations that no longer serve us, whether it’s a dead-e…

1
221 — Feeling Stuck? How Sharing Your Struggles Can Set You Free with Carnie Wilson 35:53

2M ago35:53

35:53

Our struggles often feel isolating. But talking about them, even when it's uncomfortable, can be the key to growth and healing. Today's guest, Carnie Wilson, co-founder of the world famous musical group Wilson Phillips, understands the importance of vulnerability. From navigating fame and a multigenerational legacy in music (including her legendary…

1
220 — 3 Nightly Questions to Ask Yourself to Build Emotional Intelligence, Boost Mental Strength, and Quiet Your Brain Before You Go to Sleep 16:57

2M ago16:57

16:57

Does your mind race at night? Maybe you replay everything that went wrong during the day? Or maybe you lie awake worrying about tomorrow?You’re not alone. Asking yourself three simple questions every night can calm those thoughts, boost your emotional intelligence, and help you sleep better. These questions only take a couple of minutes to answer, …

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How would you respond to these four ethical dilemmas? 47:04

2M ago47:04

47:04

Episode 198: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada are off this week, so we looked back through our show archives and are sharing four of our favorite ethical dilemmas from the past few months. Topics include whether to reimburse someone for the cost of gas, what to do if you think someone at your gym doesn't belong there and how important it is not to…

1
219 — Stop Hating Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Worth with Dr. Blaise Aguirre 42:04

2M ago42:04

42:04

Do you feel like your inner critic is trying to make you hate yourself? That deep-rooted feeling that you’re not good enough can quietly shape your life, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. I’m joined by Dr. Blaise Aguirre, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and one of the top experts on self-hatred and borderline personality disor…

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218 — 3 Steps to Building Boundaries That Stick So You Can Reclaim Your Time and Energy 17:05

2M ago17:05

17:05

Do you struggle to set boundaries that stick? You're not alone. Boundaries protect your time, energy, and mental well-being, yet many of us feel guilty or back down when faced with pushback. Fortunately, boundary setting is a skill, and just like any skill, you can get better with practice. This episode is all about helping you create boundaries yo…

1
What if the best ideas for America are the ones no one wants to hear? 49:11

3M ago49:11

49:11

Episode 197: It’s easy to complain about what’s wrong with the country. It’s much harder to suggest meaningful solutions — especially when those solutions are bound to be unpopular. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada take a different approach. Instead of lamenting what’s broken, they each offer three ideas they believe would make life in America bet…

1
217 — The Science of Validation: The Secret Ingredient Your Relationships Need with Dr. Caroline Fleck 46:30

3M ago46:30

46:30

Do you feel heard when you talk to people? Have you struggled to connect deeply with others in challenging moments? Validation could help you build trust, strengthen your relationships, and prevent miscommunications. But validation is often misunderstood. You don't have to agree with someone to validate them. No one knows this better than Dr. Carol…

1
216 — 7 Ways to Heal Trauma Without Going to Therapy 19:08

3M ago19:08

19:08

Research shows 70% of us will experience trauma at least once in our lives, but many won’t seek therapy to work through it. Whether it’s because therapy doesn’t feel right for you, it’s not accessible, or you want to supplement it with additional strategies, there are many ways to recover from a traumatic experience. From drum circles to spending t…

1
Should admiration for Amish culture include a closer look at its harms? 45:54

3M ago45:54

45:54

Episode 196: The Amish are often portrayed as paragons of simplicity, faith and hard work — living peacefully in the countryside, growing food without chemicals and raising barns as a community. In an era of rapid change and digital burnout, their lifestyle can seem idyllic, even enviable. But are we overlooking serious ethical concerns in favor of…

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215 — Are You Addicted to Revenge? Why We Crave It and How to Break the Cycle with James Kimmel 52:12

3M ago52:12

52:12

Revenge sounds like a good idea sometimes. Whether you want to get back at an ex or you want to hurt a coworker who wronged you, there's a reason why you might fantasize about getting even. It has to do with the way your brain works. Today's guest, James Kimmel Jr., is a researcher at Yale School of Medicine and the author of The Science of Revenge…

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214 — Why Self-Care Isn't the Answer to Your Problems 16:41

3M ago16:41

16:41

Self-care often gets hailed as the ultimate fix for stress, burnout, and every mental health issue. But self-care is frequently misunderstood. Sometimes, it can be like putting a Band-Aid on a deeper wound. So if self-care isn't the cure-all answer, what really helps for long-term change? That's what I'm talking about today. Some of the things I sh…

1
What’s keeping employees from feeling engaged at work? 39:09

3M ago39:09

39:09

Episode 195: Everyone says they want a motivated team. But when it comes to actually fostering a workplace where people care about their jobs — and feel like they matter — most companies fall short. Hosts Scott Rada and Rick Kyte explore why efforts to improve workplace culture so often miss the mark. Instead of focusing on deeper needs like trust,…

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BONUS: Try My New "Mentally Strong" App — 24/7 Support to Build Mental Strength 8:13

3M ago8:13

8:13

Introducing Mentally Strong! My new program provides feedback, advice, and mental strength-building tools at any time you need them. I've spent over a year working on this, and I can't wait for you to try it! Mentally Strong gives you access to 16 specialized AI mental strength coaches. Whether you want help creating a script to say no to someone o…

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213 — 5 Signs of High Functioning Depression and What to Do About It with Dr.Judith Joseph 49:41

3M ago49:41

49:41

High-functioning depression often goes unnoticed as people hide their struggles behind busy schedules and impressive achievements. But understanding and addressing these hidden challenges can help you find more joy and live a mentally stronger life. My guest is Dr. Judith Joseph, a Columbia-trained psychiatrist, clinical assistant professor, and le…

1
212 — What Are You Feeding Your Brain? Here's What You Need to Know About Your Mental Diet 18:36

3M ago18:36

18:36

Have you stopped to consider what you're feeding your brain every day? You wouldn’t fuel your body with junk food and expect peak performance. But many of us do exactly that with our minds. We doomscroll or binge watch stuff without giving it a second thought. But the things you read, watch, and engage with shape your mental strength. Just like you…

1
Who gets to decide what the American Dream really means? 48:04

3M ago48:04

48:04

Episode 194: For generations, the American Dream has been portrayed as a promise of success — a good job, a home to call your own and a better life for your family. But in 2025, that dream looks very different depending on where you live and who you ask. Hosts Scott Rada and Rick Kyte explore how lifestyle choices have become a new front in America…

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211 — 5 Ways to Add More Joy to Your Life with Dr. Tiffany Moon 45:28

3M ago45:28

45:28

Do you get so caught up in chasing goals or ticking off your to-do list that you forget to enjoy life along the way? Or maybe you’re stuck and unsure how to bring more fun into your daily routine? Or maybe you think mental strength and joy can't go hand-in-hand? Dr. Tiffany Moon is here to discuss the life-changing power of joy. She is an anesthesi…

1
210 — Reverse Aging: Science-Backed Mental Strategies That Make You Look and Feel Younger 17:13

3M ago17:13

17:13

What if your mind could reverse aging? Well, research shows mindset plays a major role in your physical health and your appearance as you grow older. The famous Counterclockwise Experiment shows that your mindset has the power to rewind the clock. Other studies have also shown that specific mental strategies could be the real fountain of youth. Som…

1
What do manners reveal about our moral values? 42:03

3M ago42:03

42:03

Episode 193: Hosts Scott Rada and Richard Kyte explore the erosion of social etiquette in American life and why it may be more consequential than it first appears. From rising road rage and customer service outbursts to the coarse tone of online discourse, the episode looks at how rudeness has become more visible — and perhaps more accepted. One re…

1
209 — The Money Talk Every Couple Needs to Have with Ramit Sethi 46:17

4M ago46:17

46:17

Do finances cause stress in your relationship? Have you and your partner avoided conversations about money? Or are you stuck arguing over small expenses like groceries and takeout? Money is one of the most significant sources of conflict in relationships, but it doesn’t have to be. Personal finance expert Ramit Sethi, host of the Netflix series How…

1
208 — Coping With Anxiety: An Anxiety Toolkit for Fast Relief 19:40

4M ago19:40

19:40

When anxiety creeps in slowly (or skyrockets suddenly), you're going to want fast relief. With the right tools, you can calm yourself down right away. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but often the advice given for managing it is long-term lifestyle changes that feel out of reach when you're in a state of panic. As a ther…

1
How can we reclaim the curiosity we had when we were kids? 43:04

4M ago43:04

43:04

Episode 192: Hosts Scott Rada and Richard Kyte delve into the critical role of curiosity in modern life, examining how individuals can maintain a sense of wonder and learning throughout their personal and professional journeys. The discussion highlights how children naturally embody curiosity, constantly exploring and questioning the world around t…

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Scott Stick Productions Podcasts

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