News and Public Affairs

Above The Noise

Our host Myles Bess cuts through the hype and takes a deeper look at the research and facts behind controversial and trending topics in the news.

How Your Brain Tricks You Into Negative Thinking

8m 7s

Ever find yourself in a negative thinking spiral? Of course you have! It’s human nature. Cognitive distortions aka thinking traps– are basically exaggerated or irrational negative thought patterns that can lead us to believe things that aren’t necessarily true.

Episodes

  • How Your Brain Tricks You Into Negative Thinking: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Your Brain Tricks You Into Negative Thinking

    S7 E14 - 8m 7s

    Ever find yourself in a negative thinking spiral? Of course you have! It’s human nature. Cognitive distortions aka thinking traps– are basically exaggerated or irrational negative thought patterns that can lead us to believe things that aren’t necessarily true.

  • To Bean Or Not To Bean: Is Coffee Helping Or Harming You?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    To Bean Or Not To Bean: Is Coffee Helping Or Harming You?

    S7 E13 - 8m 56s

    Do you need a caffeinated drink like coffee to start your day or meet a big deadline? You're not alone. About 90% of human beings worldwide consume some form of caffeine. Medically, caffeine isn't considered addictive. But it can feel that way, since caffeine blocks the neurochemicals that make us feel sleepy. And too much caffeine can cause jitteriness and even anxiety attacks.

  • How Social Media Apps Use Design Tricks To Hook You: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Social Media Apps Use Design Tricks To Hook You

    S7 E12 - 8m 15s

    Ever find yourself losing track of time while you’re on your phone? Well, that’s not by accident. Our favorite apps are intentionally designed to keep us on them as long as possible so tech companies can gather data from us about what we like and engage with. But what design tricks are these app companies using, and what is the impact on us?

  • Is Social Media Making Us All the Same?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Is Social Media Making Us All the Same?

    S7 E11 - 10m 22s

    You'd think with millions of people posting ideas, photos and funny dances that social media would be a great place for individuality. So why are the same viral videos and trends everywhere? Watch as Myles breaks down what's going on with the help of some teen collaborators!

  • How Does Electronic Waste Impact the Environment?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Does Electronic Waste Impact the Environment?

    S7 E10 - 10m 20s

    America tosses out tons of old electronics every year. Literally! Around 6.92 million tons in 2019 alone and a lot of that e-waste contains toxic chemicals, things like lead and mercury. If those are not handled properly, they can contaminate the environment and cause serious health issues... So what actually happens to all that hazardous e-waste? You might not like the answer...

  • Is Lab-Grown Meat The Answer To Our Meat Eating Problems?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Is Lab-Grown Meat The Answer To Our Meat Eating Problems?

    S7 E8 - 10m 8s

    The sad truth is that we have a meat problem. We raise BILLIONS of animals every year, and for many of them, the conditions are pretty terrible. AND the whole process is a big contributor to climate change. Join Myles in exploring the cell to table process of lab-grown meat and the potential impacts it can have on the environment and the global food industry.

  • The Secret Ways Highways Are Killing Us: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Secret Ways Highways Are Killing Us

    S7 E7 - 7m 44s

    Highways are everywhere in America and are a big part of our everyday lives as they allow us to expand our ability to travel places efficiently -- but is their presence secretly impacting our health? Myles explores the history of the interstate highway system and the impacts it has on certain communities to answer the question: Should we remove some of America's highways?

  • The Psychology of Parasocial Relationships: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Psychology of Parasocial Relationships

    S7 E6 - 7m 20s

    Do you feel a special connection with a celebrity or famous person? You might be in a parasocial relationship. Myles Bess explores the psychology of parasocial relationships and seeks to answer the question: Why do some people have them and are they harmful?

  • The Inconvenient Truth Behind Celebrities and Private Jets: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Inconvenient Truth Behind Celebrities and Private Jets

    S7 E5 - 6m 46s

    True, private jets are mostly the rarified ride of rock stars and pro athletes, but they are also a growing share of air travel. How can such small planes be damaging the environment? Myles explores the data on how CO2 emissions from private jets affect climate change. It's more than you think, especially if you look at it per trip or per passenger. Some European countries want to ban private jets

  • Is Autism A Disorder Or A Difference To Be Celebrated?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Is Autism A Disorder Or A Difference To Be Celebrated?

    S7 E4 - 9m 59s

    In this episode Myles talks to people with autism and explores what acceptance of neurodiversity could look like. Watch and then let us know: How can the social model of disability change how society views autism?

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