Virus or Human Management Problem? Two Perspectives on Pandemic Policy

Does it seem to you that we have become more fragile? Not only people, but culture, climate -- even whole countries -- seem brittle, one step away from crisis and catastrophe. In the latest Book Case podcast, my colleague Dr. Dan Lewis and I review two new books on the subject. Not only do they provide a provocative explanation for this trend – the way we think about risk and growth is wrong, even harmful – but also a number of concrete tools readers can apply to actually benefit from uncertainty and danger. Here’s the video link if you prefer to watch: https://youtu.be/uWibz43xTko. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The science says ...," "Follow the science...," "The best evidence shows..." -- all phrases that became ubiquitous during the outbreak of CVD-19. But, was this actually science or scientific? In this episode, Scott and Dan review two magazine articles published recently in Harper's Magazine on the use and misuse of science in public policy and psychotherapy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What ails the world? Too little or too much rationality? A lack of curiosity or failure to face facts?In this episode of the Book Case, Dan and Scott review two top selling books, each emphasizing a different solution for what ails the world and human interactions. Should you "take two" and call us in the morning, or read neither.Listen in for the answer! Here are the books reviewed (or mentioned) in the bookcase:1. Rationality (Pinker): https://amzn.to/3IiSjSs2. In Awe (O'Leary): https://amzn.to/3IgOL2Y3. Heart and Soul of Change (Hubble et al.): https://amzn.to/3WQgeg24. Rational Choice in an Incertain World (Dawes): https://amzn.to/3WBgNKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "The Book Case," Dan and Scott review two recent books about conflict and polarization. Both go far beyond the "othering" and "blaming" typical of volumes on this subject, providing a research-based explanation and evidence-based steps for reducing conflict and improving cooperation between people and groups with divergent beliefs and opinions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Scott return with two books on love. The first, by psychoanalyst Erich Fromm, was published 66 years ago. The latter, "The Course on Love," a novel. Both are timely volumes on the status of interpersonal relationships in our time. The Course on Love: https://amzn.to/3rt14j7The Art of Loving: https://amzn.to/3SDUnH4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Book Case, Dan and Scott review two recent books about the pandemic. Each offers a different, scientifically-based take on the successes and failures of pandemic policy. Special focus is placed on addressing the impact of treating the last two years as a virus rather than human-factors problem.The books:1. Pandemia by Alex Berenson (https://amzn.to/3HVQGrA)2. The Premonition by Michael Lewis (https://amzn.to/3bzcsVK)3. The Fifth Risk (https://amzn.to/3NpG7hq) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Scott return to discuss two books. The first is what many consider the most authoritative volume on psychotherapy: The Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change. Published in multiple editions since the late 1970's, these massive volumes review the evidence about "what works," separating fluff and nonsense from facts. The second book is, "Ghost Hunters," Deborah Blum's delight history of the search for life after death. What, you might reasonably ask, could these vastly different books have in common? Listen and learn!Here are the links to the books:Handbook: https://amzn.to/3mBNfwbGhost Hunter: https://amzn.to/3aVfMKN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our attentional resources are easily overwhelmed and frequently impaired by self-confirmation bias. What can we do to see the world more accurately? How can we get the feedback needed to improve our lives, work, and decision making? These are the questions addressed in episode 5 of "The Bookcase."The Scout Mindset (https://amzn.to/34wkTyg)Did you spot the Gorilla (https://amzn.to/3CpXf2R)The Invisible Gorilla (https://amzn.to/3vVqhWP) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Scott return with two new books on the origins and science of psychotherapy. If you think modern helping began with Freud and that psychotherapy is scientific, these two books will blow your mind while simultaneously opening the door to more effective care!1. Cultures of Therapy (Fancher) https://amzn.to/3mRRX9P2. Mind Games (Caplan) https://amzn.to/31l3GGg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Scott return with two new books on building better, more effective relationships in life and therapy:1. Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues (https://amzn.to/3Cs2OfG)2. The Full Facts Book on Cold Reading (https://amzn.to/3DwFwGD)During the podcast, two other books are mentioned:1. Everyday Mind Reading (https://amzn.to/3nvjPB6)2. Supersense (https://amzn.to/3qLAcMd) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.