Two Old Psychologists Talking About Stuff – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Join clinical psychologists Rich and Ray as they dive into the importance of human connection. From their serendipitous meeting at a psychology conference to forging a deep friendship, this episode explores why hanging out with others is vital. The duo discuss context in psychology, the cultural stories we tell ourselves about connection, and why solitary confinement is considered a severe punishment. Their humorous reflections reveal the innate social nature of humans and the quest for meaningful interactions.

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com

In this podcast episode, Rich and Ray discuss their recent observations, ranging from sports tournaments to significant political changes in the UK and US. They delve into societal perceptions of ageing, particularly in the context of productivity and respect. The conversation also highlights the age-related controversies in the US presidential election, contrasting the public's perception of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Drawing from their professional experience in physical and mental health care, our hosts provide insights into what we gain and lose as we age, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the process.

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com

This episode continues to unpack the contents of the show's title, focussing on the field of psychology and the work of psychologists. Our hosts reflect on the deeper influence of psychology in our lives, why they chose careers in psychology, myths and misconceptions about psychologists, and what makes the field eternally fascinating. Rich also shares his concerns on the increasingly polarized nature of public discourse, whilst Ray bangs on for three whole precious minutes about the joys of building a shed.

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com

This episode further continues the journey through the show's title, focussing on the unique communication abilities of human beings. Using the lens of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), Rich and Ray examine the structure and function of our capacity for language, and how it is that we can communicate so flexibly and at such scale. They also discuss why, at so many levels, we fail to communicate effectively with other. In this episode, you'll also learn about why September is such a big deal for Ray, and hear about Rich's experience of attending Pride in Belgrade.

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com

This episode takes the journey through the show's title to a whole new level of tenuous, where Rich and Ray use the word 'about' as a gateway into discussing how humans make sense of the world by relating to ideas and events in terms of other ideas and events. This leads to a discussion about how this ability can be harnessed as a means of promoting insight and behaviour change in a psychotherapy context via the deliberate use of metaphor. On the way, you can also find out how our hosts coped when their respective holiday plans went wrong, and why Ray spent his big birthday sat on a baggage carousel at Gatwick airport.

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com

Our hosts, Rich and Ray, conclude season one, and their journey through the show's title, by exploring an idea that sits deep within the DNA of modern psychotherapy, namely, that humans are not so much distressed by things, but rather, by what we think about things. Human minds have a remarkable ability to construct a version of reality that is so compelling, it can alter our perceptions of the real thing. This internal model of the world also drives much of our behaviour. Along the way, our two old psychologists also discuss topics as wide-ranging as cake, Richard Dawkins' new book, society's insatiable demand for feedback, and whether or not to eat offal.

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com

It's Christmaaaaaaas! In this bonus episode to round off season one, Rich and Ray are joined by Dr Rachel Black and Dr Dawn Johnson for a discussion of all things Christmassy. This episode discusses the enduring cultural popularity of Christmas as a festival, with reference to both religious and secular traditions. The group discuss all the highs and lows of the festive season, sharing some views on how people might usefully navigate Christmas and look after their wellbeing at the same time. You can even find out their favourite Christmas song choices and Christmas present experiences. So, come and join a bunch of psychologists talking about Christmas!

Dr Rachel Black appears courtesy of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and you can find more information about Dr Dawn Johnson at https://www.dawnjohnson.uk/

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com

After a short break, our two old psychologists are gearing up for a second season. Here's a quick outline of what they've got planned.

In the first episode of season two, Rich and Ray catch up on recent developments in world politics, most notably, the apparent rise of populism and the re-election of Donald Trump to the US presidency. They explore the psychological conditions that play a role in nurturing these developments and consider some potential consequences. Aside from all of that, you can find out what happened when one old psychologist decided that it might be a good idea to experiment with growing his own fungi.

Ray's book recommendation was 'Entangled Life' by Merlin Sheldrake, which you can find here

Rich's recommended interview between Nihal Arthanayake and Gary Stevenson can be found on BBC Sounds here

The International IDEA democracy assessment pages are here

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com

Rich and Ray join Podcasthon 2025, focusing on Winston's Wish, a charity centered on supporting children childhood through grief. Drawing particularly upon Ray's extensive experience of working as a clinical psychologist with people at the end of their life, this episode explores the psychological themes around mortality, dying, and grief. Our hosts discuss why these issues can be so difficult for people to talk about, and just why it is so important for people to do so. As ever with this podcast, this episode filters the issues of loss and grief through the lens offered by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Here are links to the books mentioned in the episode:

The End in Mind by Kathryn Mannix

Healthy Habits Suck by Dayna Lee Baggley

If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at 2oldpsychspod@gmail.com