Best Cognitive Recalibration Podcasts (2025)

1
What If: Cognitive Recalibration 34:48

26d ago34:48

34:48

Send us a text What if dreams were the only way to remember? It's not good, but we talk about it anyway. Derrick's new series of writing guides is here! Ebooks are available now, and paperbacks are available via Amazon! Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, which includes The Trials of Tiarsus, Berylis, Qetran…

1
What If: The Value of Story 36:56

5d ago36:56

36:56

Send us a text What if stories were used as currency? This is our question of the week, as we also discuss pushing through writer's block and creatively named foods. Derrick's new series of writing guides is here! Ebooks are available now, and paperbacks are available via Amazon! Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy …

1
Recalibration conversations 5:59

12d ago5:59

5:59

For conflict in vital relationships, don’t overlook the conversation that comes before the problem-solving conversation (part 4 of 4). Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
Break free from rowboating 6:57

26d ago6:57

6:57

Stop a conflict's past from holding you fast (part 3 of a 4-part series). Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What If: Stab Them with Style 45:07

1M ago45:07

45:07

Send us a text What if enchanted weapons had personalities and were sentient? We discuss that, imagine anime girls, and much more! Derrick's new series of writing guides is here! Ebooks are available now, and paperbacks are available via Amazon! Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, which includes The Trials o…

1
Discover what you're really fighting about 10:25

1M ago10:25

10:25

Our conflict hooks influence the conflicts we get into, how we react, and how stuck we get (part 2 of a 4-part series). Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What is happening with Star Wars? 59:51

2M ago59:51

59:51

Is the Force still with us? In this episode, we're joined by long-time Star Wars fan Bhaskar to break down the current state of the franchise—from the highs of Andor to the lows of The Acolyte. We talk about the Disney+ overload, the trilogy that derailed itself, the missed opportunities, and whether it's time for a creative hiatus. There's plenty …

1
What If: Reality Check 31:48

2M ago31:48

31:48

Send us a text What if the laws of reality were rewritten every decade? That is our question, along with a bad movie review and Derrick's most hated character. Derrick's new series of writing guides is here! Ebooks are available now, and paperbacks are available via Amazon! Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series…

1
Deadpool & Wolverine Review 37:23

2M ago37:23

37:23

💥 Deadpool & Wolverine has finally arrived… and we’re (fashionably) late to the party! Recorded right after release, we’re finally dropping this long-overdue review along with a juicy MCU deep dive. From D23 announcements (Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom?!) to Deadpool cameos, future Marvel line-ups, and a full breakdown of our Japan theme park ad…

1
What If: Ripples in the World 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

Send us a text Editor's Note: Apologies for the delay between episodes. We are working to remedy the situation and return to our regular schedule, but for now, life has other plans. Until then, we will upload as often as possible. What if water led to different dimensions? That is our question this week. We also discuss how different people build t…

1
Mickey 17 | Snow White 29:34

2M ago29:34

29:34

🎙 Mickey 17, Snow White, Novocaine & Ne Zha 2 | Sci-Fi, Disney Flops & Action Twists We're back with a stacked episode! Sravan and Tarun dive into Bong Joon Ho’s latest sci-fi dark comedy Mickey 17, unpack the controversial Snow White (2025) live-action reboot, spotlight the action-packed rom-com Novocaine, and review China's record-breaking animat…

1
Unpacking our stuck stories 3:37

3M ago3:37

3:37

The story we tell ourselves and others about a conflict isn’t the story of the conflict. It’s our story of the conflict. But what is it trying to tell us? (Part 1 of a 4-part series) Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
Captain America: Brave New World Review 28:13

3M ago28:13

28:13

Our first movie review of 2025 is here! We finally watched Captain America: Brave New World—but was it worth the wait? We dive into the strengths, weaknesses, action sequences, and Marvel’s future. Is Anthony Mackie a great Captain America? Was Red Hulk worth the hype? Does this movie set up anything important for the MCU? 🎧 Tune in for our spoiler…

1
What If: The Mind of a Shadow 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

Send us a text What If shadows were sentient? That is our question, along with a crash course on organizing your world, and Derrick's fizzy pink cocktail. Derrick's new non-fiction books, The Elements of Creation: World-Building for a Fantasy Setting & Unforgettable: Creating Characters that Live Beyond the Page, are here! Ebooks are available now,…

1
Communicate better with looping 5:43

3M ago5:43

5:43

Effective communication requires both sending and receiving skills. This communication tool will help you do both. Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
Most Anticipated for 2025 28:08

4M ago28:08

28:08

We're back in 2025! Sravan and Tarun break down their most anticipated movies and TV shows of the year—including Superman, Fantastic Four, Mortal Kombat 2, Knives Out 3, and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning! Which movies are must-watch, and which ones are we skipping? Tune in for a genre-by-genre breakdown and our hottest takes on 2025 cinem…

1
What If: Future Past 34:48

4M ago34:48

34:48

Send us a text What If time worked differently in various regions, causing age regression and forgotten futures? That is our question, along with a crash course on Adulting and Xtina's new World Wiki! Derrick's new non-fiction books, The Elements of Creation: World-Building for a Fantasy Setting & Unforgettable: Creating Characters that Live Beyond…

1
5 phrases to use when they raise their voice 7:55

4M ago7:55

7:55

How to lower the volume without fuss or drama and get the conversation back on track. Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What If: Home Free 36:16

5M ago36:16

36:16

Send us a text What If cities were sentient and adapted to the needs of their inhabitants? That is our question, along with a crash course on Scotch tasting, Derrick's crazy voices, and an exciting announcement! Derrick's new non-fiction book, The Elements of Creation: World-Building for a Fantasy Setting, is here! Ebooks are available now, and a p…

1
Kraven the Hunter Review 27:20

5M ago27:20

27:20

Sravan and Tarun return to discuss Kraven the Hunter—a film that may just be the final installment of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. Is it a roaring success or a flop? Tune in to hear their thoughts on this “masterpiece”! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lY3O4QbceY4 Timestamps: 0:34 - Introduction to Kraven the Hunter 1:02 - Production and Context 2…

1
Replay: What really matters 9:22

6M ago9:22

9:22

In honor of his remarkable legacy, I’m replaying my 2020 story about Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter. Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
Christmas Special 2024 1:24:14

6M ago1:24:14

1:24:14

Celebrate the holidays with our annual Christmas Special! 🎄 This year, we’ve doubled the fun with four reviews of Christmas-themed films, featuring our special guests. Sravan and Tarun are joined by Bhaskar and Kireeti for a lively discussion about their picks for the best (and maybe the worst!) holiday movies. Tune in for festive fun, film insight…

1
What If: Mythomorphosis 41:11

6M ago41:11

41:11

Send us a text What If mythical creatures were real, but their appearance changed based on the beliefs of the people viewing them? That is our question, along with a lengthy aside on the importance of setting, Derrick's crazy voices, and an exciting announcement! Derrick's new non-fiction book, The Elements of Creation: World-Building for a Fantasy…

1
Can this single ingredient shield a relationship from conflict’s aftershocks? 9:23

6M ago9:23

9:23

Conflict can be detrimental to relationships, but it doesn’t have to be. What makes the difference? Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What If: Elements of Creation 39:33

7M ago39:33

39:33

Send us a text What is World Building? This week we take a slight detour and reorient the show toward world-building - What parts of writing do we consider world-building, and how do we implement them? M.J. Lindsey is a published author of novellas, and shorts, and has just released her debut novel A Distortion of Fate. She can be found at threebug…

1
Express disagreement amicably with these 5 phrases 4:30

8M ago4:30

4:30

These phrases will help you introduce disagreement in a non-confrontational way. Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What If: One of These is a Walrus 30:11

8M ago30:11

30:11

Send us a text What if elemental beings controlled the elements? Also, Walruses (Walri?). M.J. Lindsey is a published author of novellas, and shorts, and has just released her debut novel A Distortion of Fate. She can be found at threebugspublishing.com. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, consisting of The …

1
Joker: Folie à Deux Review 27:56

8M ago27:56

27:56

Joker: Folie à Deux – Did it live up to the hype? 🎬 With Joaquin Phoenix returning and Lady Gaga stepping into Harley Quinn's shoes, this sequel took an unexpected twist into musical territory. Sravan and Taran break down what worked (hint: not much) and what didn’t (hint: almost everything). Is it worth a watch? Find out in our full review! 🎧 Watc…

1
Keep your wits during conflict with these cognitive distancing techniques 9:21

9M ago9:21

9:21

Help yourself think clearly, make better decisions, and keep impulses in check with these 11 mental tricks. Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What If: Storms of the Past (Featuring Cindy L. Sell) 41:40

9M ago41:40

41:40

Send us a text What if Sentient storms existed that could be harnessed and used? That is the question this week, along with a discussion of when to write that nagging scene. Cindy L. Sell joins us this week to talk about her debut novel and writing process and play a quick game with us. She is a fantastic author and friend of the podcast having app…

1
My favorite ways to gain insight into a conflict 7:12

9M ago7:12

7:12

How I form “provisional theories” that can influence the trajectory of a conflict. Find episode transcript and links here, the QueryCards here, and conflict resolution quotes here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What If: To Dance with Penguins 47:56

10M ago47:56

47:56

Send us a text What if people could explore hidden dimensions in art? That is the question this week, along with a ramble on POV and children's innermost thoughts. Cindy L. Sell is a fantastic author and friend of the podcast having appeared on several episodes in the past. Her debut novel, Remnants of a Scarlet Flame is available now! She can be f…

1
You're not listening 5:15

10M ago5:15

5:15

Do you seem like a bad listener when you disagree? Yes, you do, even when you’re an ace listener. Here's why. Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my free monthly Substack newsletter here.

1
What If: Toxic Shock 28:44

11M ago28:44

28:44

Send us a text What if mundane natural phenomena were toxic? That is the question this week, along with a new addition to the team. M.J. Lindsey is a published author of novellas, shorts, and is planning to release Tapestry in the near future. She can be found at threebugspublishing.com. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson P…

1
Throwback: Chasing Squirrels 1:01:35

12M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Send us a text Due to life and the July 4th Holiday, we offer a well-preserved throwback rather than a fresh episode. Learn more about Derrick and Xtina as we interview each other and - as always - chase a few squirrels. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, consisting of The Trials of Tiarsus, Berylis, Qetran…

1
3 problem-solving pitfalls that can derail conflict resolution 8:37

12M ago8:37

8:37

Good problem-solving process is like a reliable GPS, helping us navigate a difficult conversation coherently. Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What If: Seeing Stars 24:16

12M ago24:16

24:16

Send us a text What if the light of the stars held memories? That is the question this week, along with how writer's block can actually be productive and weird movies. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, consisting of The Trials of Tiarsus, Berylis, Qetran Odyssey, and Qetran Revival. He can be found at his …

1
What If: When Myth Becomes Fantasy 28:00

1y ago28:00

28:00

Send us a text What if Hercules appeared in your fantasy world? That is the question this week, along with Mark Twain, military history, and the importance of POV to a story. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, consisting of The Trials of Tiarsus, Berylis, Qetran Odyssey, and Qetran Revival. He can be found …

1
Venting anger: Why it doesn’t help and what to do instead 10:09

1y ago10:09

10:09

Venting anger doesn’t help you calm down and increases aggression. So why is the venting myth still embraced? And what’s better? Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What If: City of Secrets 40:42

1y ago40:42

40:42

Send us a text What if an underground city full of advanced technology were discovered? That is the question this week, along with info dumps, beer choices, and the finer points of whisky. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, consisting of The Trials of Tiarsus, Berylis, Qetran Odyssey, and Qetran Revival. He…

1
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Review 1:39:10

1y ago1:39:10

1:39:10

In this episode, we are joined by special guest Bhaskar to analyze Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. We explore the cinematic history of Godzilla and Kong before diving into the character dynamics and narrative depth of the latest film. We also review the latest instalment in the Ghostbusters franchise Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Watch on YouTube: …

1
Discovering and managing conflict hooks, part 2 9:20

1y ago9:20

9:20

Here's an exercise to help you identify your conflict hooks and increase emotional agility during difficult interactions. Find episode transcript here. Find part 1 here. How knowing your conflict hooks helps reduce conflict in your life. More about my book here and the free worksheet here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.…

1
What If: To the Moon 33:50

1y ago33:50

33:50

Send us a text What if the moon had a profound influence on magic? That is the question this week, along with color theory, problems inherent with translations, and creative Jenga. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, consisting of The Trials of Tiarsus, Berylis, Qetran Odyssey, and Qetran Revival. He can be …

1
What If: Counterpoint 35:22

1y ago35:22

35:22

Send us a text What a magical artifact appeared in our world that could change the nature of magic? That is the question this week, along with the nature of beer, and how we've been growing as writers. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, consisting of The Trials of Tiarsus, Berylis, Qetran Odyssey, and Qetra…

1
Discovering and managing your conflict hooks, part 1 8:55

1y ago8:55

8:55

One of the best ways to increase emotional agility in conflict is to recognize and manage your conflict hooks. Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter here.

1
What If: Use the Force 56:20

1y ago56:20

56:20

Send us a text What if our characters found themselves in the Star Wars universe? This week, that is the question at hand as we discuss the expanded universe, the merits of alpha and beta readers, and interesting cans. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, consisting of The Trials of Tiarsus, Berylis, Qetran O…

1
Dune: Part 2 Review 1:24:43

1y ago1:24:43

1:24:43

In this episode, we are joined by returning Kireeti and we deeply analyze "Dune: Part 2" discussing its visual grandeur, character arcs, and pacing. We venture into spoilers in the second half of the episode and dissect character motivations and narrative intricacies, comparing themes with other works. We also review the Netflix show "Avatar: The L…

1
What If: No Power in the 'Verse 26:25

1+ y ago26:25

26:25

Send us a text This week we take our exercise in theoretical world-building to new heights by discussing the world surrounding Joss Whedon's Firefly, and what would happen if everyone's favorite tight-pantsed captain and crew couldn't lie. Derrick is a working photographer and author of the Crimson Prophecy series, consisting of The Trials of Tiars…

1
Madame Web Review 42:58

1+ y ago42:58

42:58

In this episode, we discuss the Sony's Spider-Man Universe Universe and "Madame Web." We critique the film's flaws in dialogue, acting, and storytelling. We covers character dynamics, plot holes, and CGI quality, offering insights into its strengths and weaknesses within the superhero film landscape. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cb5i1e3LkKc T…

1
Unburied empathy 5:59

1+ y ago5:59

5:59

What we do immediately after we express empathy helps or hinders the connection and alignment we’re trying to build. Find episode transcript and links here. Subscribe to my Substack newsletter here.

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Cognitive Recalibration Podcasts

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