Psychology for Students
Psychology for Students is a short-form podcast designed to help high school and college students better understand the mind—and themselves. Hosted by Professor Jeff Hastings, each episode breaks down complex psychological ideas into real-life lessons that improve mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re studying psychology or just trying to get through the semester with a clearer head, this podcast gives you tools you can use today to feel more connected, grounded, and confident.
Episode 17: Becoming You: Navigating Identity, Love, and Growth in Emerging Adulthood
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Chapter 4: Development Across the Lifespan
Becoming You: Navigating Identity, Love, and Growth in Emerging Adulthood
In this episode, Professor Jeff Hastings explores the emotional highs and lows of young adulthood — from brain development and identity struggles to choosing the right friends and partners. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, lost, or unsure of your path, you’re not alone. Learn how to build self-awareness, choose relationships that support your growth, and take powerful steps toward the life you truly want.
Psychology for Students — understanding your mind, your worl...
Episode 16: From Birth to Adulthood — Psychology Across the Life Span
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Chapter 4: Development Across the Lifespan
From Birth to Adulthood — Psychology Across the Life Span
In this episode, Professor Jeff Hastings walks us through the incredible journey of human development — from the very first moments of life to late adulthood. We’ll explore how our bodies grow, how our minds evolve, and how early experiences can shape the way we see ourselves and others. From prenatal development and attachment theory to Piaget, Erikson, parenting styles, and early trauma, this episode lays the foundation for understanding how we become who we...
Episode 15: Chapter 3 Summary Review
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In this review of Chapter 3, Angela (Jeff's AI Teaching Assistant) breaks down everything you need to know about consciousness — from attention, sleep, and dreaming to altered states like hypnosis and meditation. Learn how your brain creates awareness, why sleep is critical for memory and mental health, and how selective attention shapes your experience of reality. Plus, test your knowledge with a quick interactive quiz at the end. Whether you're prepping for a test or just want to understand your mind better, this review has you covered!
Psychology for Students — understanding your mind...
Episode 14: Dreams, Nightmares, and the Science of Sleep: What Your Brain’s Up to While You Snooze
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Chapter 3: Consciousness
Dreams, Nightmares, and the Science of Sleep: What Your Brain’s Up to While You Snooze
We spend about one-third of our lives asleep — but what exactly is happening in the brain during all those hours of shut-eye? In this episode of Psychology for Students, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of sleep and dreams.
Join Professor Jeff Hastings and teaching assistant Angela as they explore the science behind why we sleep, what’s going on in the brain during different sleep stages...
Episode 13: Attention -- How Your Brain Chooses What to Focus On (and What It Misses)
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Chapter 3: Consciousness
Attention -- How Your Brain Chooses What to Focus On (and What It Misses)
In this episode of Psychology for Students, we explore one of the most important — and misunderstood — topics in psychology: attention. Professor Jeff Hastings and teaching assistant Angela break down how your brain decides what to notice and what to ignore, why multitasking is a myth, and how limited attention shapes your experiences, relationships, and success in school. We’ll discuss selective attention, inattentional blindness, change blindness, and the dangers of task s...
Episode 12: Consciousness — More Than Meets the Eye — Understanding Awareness and the Unconscious Mind
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Chapter 3: Consciousness
More Thank Meets the Eye - Understanding Awareness and the Unconscious Mind
In this episode of Psychology for Students, we kick off Chapter 3 by exploring one of the most fascinating and personal aspects of psychology — consciousness. But what exactly is consciousness, and why does it matter? We’ll break down the concept of awareness, explain how it exists on a spectrum from full alertness to deep sleep, and introduce the key ideas behind controlled versus automatic processing. Plus, we’ll take a look at Sigmund Freud’s influe...
Episode 11: Introduction to Chapter 3 - Consciousness
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In this Chapter, we explore the fascinating world of consciousness — your moment-to-moment awareness of yourself and your environment. You’ll learn about the different states of consciousness, from being fully alert to dreaming, and how your brain cycles through these states each day. We’ll break down how substances like caffeine, alcohol, and THC alter conscious experience, and how practices like meditation and hypnosis can shift your awareness in powerful ways. This chapter also explains why sleep is critical for your memory, learning, and mental health — and what happens when your brain do...
Episode 10: Chapter 2 Review on Biology and Psychology: How Your Brain and Body Work Together
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Chapter 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
In this episode of Psychology for Students, Angela takes you through a detailed, easy-to-understand review of Chapter 2: The Role of Biology in Psychology from Psychology in Your Life, 4th Edition by Grison and Gazzaniga.
We break down the key concepts you need to know for your quiz—but more importantly, we help you understand how these ideas apply to your real life.
Learn how your nervous system works like your body’s communication network, how different part...
Episode 5: Chapter 1 Review: Key Concepts, Principles, and People in Psychology
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In this episode, we’ll walk through the essential ideas from Chapter One of your Introduction to Psychology course — including the major concepts, the five domains of psychology, and the early thinkers who helped shape the field.
This is your chance to relax, listen, and reinforce what you’ve learned — all while preparing for common quiz questions you might see in a typical psychology class.
Join Angela, Professor Hastings’ teaching assistant, as she guides you through the key terms and definitions, helping you focus and feel more confident for your quiz...
Episode 9: Emotional Intelligence: The Secret Skill for Success They Don’t Teach You in School
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Chapter 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
What if I told you that one of the biggest predictors of success in your life, your career, and your relationships isn’t your IQ—it’s your Emotional Intelligence?
In this episode of Psychology for Students, Professor Jeff Hastings dives into the science and practice of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and explains why understanding and managing your emotions may be the most important skill you ever learn.
We break down what Emotional Intelligence really is—not just a buzzword, but a powerf...
