Pleased to Meet Me

Genetics

Is Our Fate Determined by Our Genes?

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on June 26, 2024

The science of epigenetics highlights the crucial role of our environment.

Happiness

You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Lead a Rich Life

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on February 28, 2024

Here's what low-income societies can tell us about money and happiness.

Social Media

Social Media Creates Unhappiness by Promoting Materialism

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on February 5, 2024

A new study shows materialism in social media is associated with lower life satisfaction. But there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening to you.

Happiness

Happiness Is Not a Destination; It Is the Road Trip

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on December 6, 2022

Here's what you need to focus on to ensure happiness comes your way.

Genetics

What Genes Tell Us About Ourselves (and What They Don’t)

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on September 12, 2022

Can a genetic test predict physical traits, diseases, and behaviors? Here's what you need to know.

Genetics

Souls: It’s Time We Give Up the Ghost

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on June 30, 2022

Why we don’t have souls and why that’s good news.

Sport and Competition

The Case for Removing Competition from Youth Sports

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on February 23, 2022

Would taking competition out of the game be a good thing for youth sports?

Health

How to Spot Fake Health News

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on February 2, 2022

Fake health news endangers lives. Here are five simple things you can do to identify and stop it.

Wisdom

Ancient Wisdom for the Stresses of Modern Life

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on January 4, 2022

I put the ancient wisdom of Stoicism to the test by practicing it for a year. Here is what I learned.

Bias

When You Feel Overwhelmed, Subtraction Can Lead to Gains

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on June 9, 2021

The author of "Subtract" explains how our natural tendency to add more often prevents us from spotting an easier or more efficient solution.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Manage the Stress of COVID-19 with Stoicism

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on January 5, 2021

The ancient Stoics devised useful psychological tools that can help you manage the stress of the pandemic.

Psychology

Divided We Fall: How to Mend Political Differences

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on June 16, 2020

What created America’s political divide and how can we fix it?

Anger

Can “Tiger King” Madness Be Explained by a "Cat" Parasite?

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on April 2, 2020

“Tiger King” madness: Can it be explained by a parasite we get from cats?

Spirituality

Here’s Why You Should Stop Searching for a Soul Mate

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on February 3, 2020

The idea that there is one perfect person for you puts love in jeopardy.

Deception

The Truth About Lying and What It Does to the Body

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on January 5, 2020

In the movie "Knives Out," lying makes Marta vomit. Can that really happen?

Heuristics

Break All Your Bad Habits with This One Good Habit

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on November 18, 2019

Everyone has bad habits. Here's a simple brain hack to help you break them.

Fear

Halloween Monsters Provide Teachable Moments

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on October 23, 2019

Are your kids too scared to sleep on Halloween night? Teaching them the fascinating science behind monster legends can help.

Genetics

Culturomics: Using Big Data to Study Human Behavior

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on September 19, 2019

Google has scanned 30 million books. What secrets can they reveal about us?

Relationships

Why Do We Love The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper?

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on August 19, 2019

He’s annoying. He’s self-centered. He’s rude. So why does Sheldon Cooper from "The Big Bang Theory" fascinate us?

Genetics

Dear Dr. Melfi: Regarding Your Patient, Mr. Tony Soprano

Bill Sullivan Ph.D. on July 8, 2019

It's been 20 years since the debut of The Sopranos. Is science closer to explaining Tony Soprano’s behavior?