Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman (SBK) joins The Nick Standlea Show to talk about his new book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. From his early years in special education to earning a PhD and becoming one of psychology’s most engaging voices, SBK shares powerful stories, science-backed insights, and mindset-shifting strategies for anyone looking to take back control of their life. We dive into why the victim mindset is so seductive, how social media rewards helplessness, and why sensitivity can be a superpower when embraced the right way. This is a must-watch for anyone who wants to live with more agency, authenticity, and purpose.

🎯 Big Takeaway from the Episode with Scott Barry Kaufman You are not powerless—no matter what you've been through. Victimhood may be real, but staying in a victim mindset is a choice. Empowerment begins when you stop waiting to be saved and start saying, “Yes, this happened… and now what?”

Throughout the episode, SBK drives home that:

Trauma doesn't have to define you.

Sensitivity isn't weakness—it’s a superpower, if you own it.

The algorithm—and culture—might reward helplessness, but real growth happens when you reclaim your agency.

Whether you’ve faced real adversity or just feel stuck, Rise Above offers the mindset shifts, language, and tools to stop blaming the world—and start building a better one, starting from within.

👉 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Nick Standlea Show for more bold conversations that challenge conventional thinking. https://www.youtube.com/@TheNickStandleaShow

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Connect with The Nick Standlea Show: YouTube: @TheNickStandleaShow Podcast Website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml

Nick's Socials: Instagram: @nickstandlea X (Twitter): @nickstandlea TikTok: @nickstandleashow Facebook: @nickstandleapodcast

Timestamps: 0:00 – Scott Barry Kaufman (SBK) 1:32 – Joan Rivers quote & the power of inner change 3:01 – Defining the victim mindset 4:50 – How social media rewards victim identity 6:30 – The algorithm vs. real growth 9:00 – Tribalism, status, and survival wiring 11:00 – College essays, agency, and who gets rewarded 13:20 – What California universities are missing 16:00 – SBK’s story: From special ed to Ivy League professor 20:00 – Choir, cello, hacking: Unearthing hidden talent 22:30 – “Yes, and” mindset explained 24:00 – SBK on neuroticism and how he changed 26:50 – Empowerment vs. fragility 29:00 – Sensitivity as strength 30:45 – The male stigma around being sensitive 32:00 – Maddie, rejection, and the incel epidemic 36:30 – Redefining trauma and responsibility 41:05 – Vulnerable narcissism: What it is and why it matters 44:41 – Entitlement vs. contribution 45:56 – Final thoughts & where to find SBK

Ask questions. Don't accept the status quo. And be curious.

Can plunging into freezing water actually boost your workouts, improve mental health, and improve libido? Professor Thomas Seager, co-founder of Morozko Forge (they built Joe Rogan's home ice bath), thinks so—and he's got the data to back it up.

In this episode of The Nick Standlea Show, we dive into the emerging science behind cold exposure and its surprising effects on metabolism, mood, and stress resilience. Whether you’re a seasoned cold-plunger or cold-curious, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about discomfort, healing, and health.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode explores the science and personal experiences behind cold plunging as a tool for mental clarity, stress relief, and metabolic health. While many of the claims discussed are supported by emerging research, others remain anecdotal or under-studied. Cold exposure may offer real benefits, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Individuals with chronic health conditions—especially hypertension, thyroid disorders, or hormone imbalances—should consult a healthcare professional before starting any extreme cold therapy.

The views expressed are those of the guest and do not constitute medical advice.

What We Covered: ✅ How cold plunges activate brown fat and supports metabolism ✅ The "dive reflex" and parasympathetic nervous system response ✅ Why cold plunges might improve focus, resilience, and libido ✅ Whether plunging before or after workouts is a good idea ✅ The role of cold in regulating stress and boosting mood ⚠️ Claims about diabetes, thyroid function, or testosterone remain unproven in clinical settings and need more controlled studies

Takeaway: Cold plunges are a powerful form of hormetic stress—challenging in the short term, but potentially beneficial in the long term. Just like lifting weights, the key is proper use, gradual adaptation, and listening to your body.

💡 "Start cold enough to gasp, stay long enough to shiver, and always prioritize safety."

👉 Like what you heard? Subscribe to The Nick Standlea Show for more bold conversations that challenge conventional thinking. https://www.youtube.com/@TheNickStandleaShow

Learn More About Morozko Forge Ice Baths: https://www.morozkoforge.com

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Connect with The Nick Standlea Show: YouTube: @TheNickStandleaShow

Podcast Website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml

Nick's Socials: Instagram: @nickstandlea X (Twitter): @nickstandlea TikTok: @nickstandleashow Facebook: @nickstandleapodcast

Ask questions, Don't accept the status quo, And be curious.

Why do we stop noticing the most meaningful parts of our lives?

In this episode of The Nick Standlea Show, neuroscientist and author Dr. Tali Sharot joins Nick to discuss her new book, Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There. They explore the science of habituation, the secret to revitalizing relationships, reigniting joy, and making everyday life feel vibrant again. From midlife malaise to marriage monotony, Tali explains how small changes—like disrupting routines or traveling differently—can help us rediscover wonder.

We also unpack: * Why we become desensitized to even the best parts of life * How novelty recharges the brain * What brain science says about risk-taking, lying, and truth-telling * Tips for keeping long-term relationships exciting * Why TikTok is easy—but snowboarding is better

Stick around to hear Dr Sharot's ideas for a future tech tool that could measure confirmation bias—and maybe even help break our online echo chambers.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge your thinking and sharpen your curiosity.

📚 Get the book: Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There - https://amzn.to/3YxJEmf

🎙 More from Tali Sharot: The Affective Brain Lab - https://affectivebrain.com

TED Talks: How to motivate yourself to change your behavior - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp0O2vi8DX4

The optimism bias https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8rmi95pYL0

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Test Prep Gurus: https://www.prepgurus.com Instagram: @TestPrepGurus

Connect with The Nick Standlea Show: YouTube: @TheNickStandleaShow Podcast Website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml

Nick's Socials: Instagram: @nickstandlea X (Twitter): @nickstandlea TikTok: @nickstandleashow Facebook: @nickstandleapodcast

Ask questions, Don't accept the status quo, And be curious.

00:00 – Intro: Who is Tali Sharot? 01:03 – The U-curve of happiness & Nick’s midlife story 03:19 – Why happiness dips in midlife 07:23 – What is habituation and why it matters 10:13 – Why routine dulls life—and how novelty revives it 11:50 – Habituation, lying, and risk-taking 20:52 – How to revive long-term relationships and marriages 24:00 – The balance between explorers and routine-seekers 27:23 – Why even novelty needs contrast to feel new 28:03 – Travel tips to make experiences more memorable 30:45 – Nick’s Amazon honeymoon story (and why luxury feels better after hardship) 34:09 – Can habituation explain the midlife crisis? 39:32 – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow, and the difficulty of starting meaningful activities 41:00 – Small changes vs. big shake-ups—what really works? 43:38 – Nick on how the podcast adds challenge and learning 45:08 – Tali's tips: easy changes that fight habituation 48:30 – What’s next for Tali Sharot’s research 52:24 – Could we measure confirmation bias with tech? 54:07 – Why echo chambers are dangerous 55:06 – Where to find Tali Sharot and her work 55:29 – Final thoughts: Be curious