Professor P with Dr.Peykar

[Mini Series] Episode 26: René Descartes in Today's World: The Doubter Who Built Certainty

René Descartes, the “Father of Modern Philosophy,” taught us to doubt, to question, and to rebuild life on what is certain. In this episode, we explore his radical method of doubt, his famous “I think, therefore I am,” and his unshakable belief in the power of reason. From science and mathematics to personal growth, Descartes’s lessons remain as urgent today as they were in the 17th century.
Discover how doubt can bring clarity, how self-awareness grounds identity, and how clarity itself can transform the way we live and lead.
🔎 Reflective Questions for Listeners
1.Doubt & ClarityWhat assumptions in my life am I accepting without question—and what might change if I applied Descartes’s method of doubt to them?
2.Identity & Self-AwarenessDo I define myself by roles, possessions, or outcomes—or by the deeper awareness that I think, therefore I am? How might this shift my sense of self-worth?
3.Reason & ActionWhen I face big decisions, am I letting impulse or habit guide me—or am I pausing to gather facts and apply reason? What decision in my life right now could benefit from clearer reasoning?
---------------------------------------------------------
René Descartes (1596–1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist often called the “Father of Modern Philosophy.” Born in La Haye en Touraine, he studied law but turned to a life of inquiry, traveling across Europe in pursuit of truth. In his Meditations on First Philosophy, he developed the method of doubt, famously concluding “Cogito, ergo sum”—“I think, therefore I am.” He also made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics, including Cartesian coordinates, and to physics. Descartes sought certainty in a world of confusion, and his work laid the foundation for both rationalism and the scientific revolution.
---------------------------------------------------------
Fun Fact: Descartes often conducted his deepest thinking while lying in bed until late morning. He believed relaxed reflection was more valuable than rushing into action—a reminder that deep work often requires stillness.

Episode 47: Language Skills as the Foundation for Success (Podcast with Oxford Professor and Spearman Medal of the British Psychological Society Winner, Dr.Charles Hulmes) [LEADERSHIP SERIES]

In this thought-provoking episode of Professor P Podcast, Dr. Parsa Peykar explores how language is far more than communication—it is the architecture of the human mind.
The episode opens with a deep dive into Dr. V. S. Ramachandran’s groundbreaking book, The Tell-Tale Brain, unpacking how words create the very scaffolding of thought, emotion, and self-identity. From mirror neurons to metaphor, Dr. Peykar breaks down five key lessons revealing how language wires the brain for learning, empathy, and leadership.
In the second segment, Dr. Peykar is joined by Dr. Charles Hulme, Professor of Psychology and Education at the University of Oxford, whose pioneering research reshaped how educators understand early language acquisition. Together they discuss:
The critical milestones of childhood language development
The link between early speech, social confidence, and academic success
How socioeconomic differences shape verbal skills—and the power of targeted interventions to close that gap
Practical strategies parents and teachers can use to foster rich language environments
Finally, the conversation turns personal, as Dr. Peykar reflects with his former student Cindy, exploring how the lessons of language, mentorship, and growth continue to echo into adulthood.
-----------------------------
💡 Act of Kindness:Listen to others respectfully—and leave a kind sticky note for someone today.
-----------------------------
Dr. Charles Hulme is a leading psychologist and Professor of Psychology and Education at the University of Oxford, where he also serves as the William Golding Senior Research Fellow at Brasenose College. His groundbreaking research has transformed how we understand children’s language, reading, and learning development. A pioneer in educational psychology, Dr. Hulme co-created the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI)—a nationally adopted program that strengthens young children’s oral language skills and school readiness. His work bridges neuroscience and education, showing how early language lays the foundation for literacy, emotional growth, and lifelong success. A Fellow of the British Academy, his honors include the Spearman Medal and the Marion Welchman International Award for his outstanding contributions to child development and dyslexia research.

[Mini Series] Episode 25: William of Ockham in Today's World: The Razor of Simplicity

In this episode, we explore the bold and brilliant life of William of Ockham, the English friar who taught the world to cut away excess and focus on what’s essential. From his principle of simplicity—Ockham’s Razor—to his courage in challenging authority, Ockham’s ideas shaped science, democracy, and the way we think. Discover how his call to simplicity, humility, and clarity can guide us in our modern, overcomplicated world.
Reflective Questions for Listeners
1.Simplicity & ClarityWhere in my life am I overcomplicating things—adding unnecessary steps, excuses, or assumptions—when a simpler path might be more effective?
2.Courage & AuthorityAm I willing to question traditions, systems, or authorities when they no longer serve truth or growth? Where is one area I could show more courage this week?
3.Humility & KnowledgeWhen faced with uncertainty, do I pretend to know more than I do—or do I allow humility to guide me toward learning? How can I practice saying “I don’t know, but I will find out”?
---------------------------------------------------------
William of Ockham (1287–1347) was an English Franciscan friar, theologian, and philosopher. Born in Ockham, Surrey, he studied at Oxford but left without a degree, later clashing with the Church over theological debates and political authority. Best known for Ockham’s Razor, his principle that “entities should not be multiplied without necessity,” he championed simplicity and clarity in both logic and faith. He was excommunicated for challenging papal authority, yet his ideas influenced the Reformation, modern science, and the very foundations of rational inquiry.
---------------------------------------------------------
Fun Fact: Though excommunicated, William of Ockham was so respected that many of his critics still used his ideas. Today, even physicists and economists cite Ockham’s Razor without always knowing it comes from a medieval friar.

Episode 46: Breaking the Myths: The Truth About Intimate Partner Violence (Podcast with Living Legend Award Winner, Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell) [INFLUENCE SERIES]

What are the biggest misconceptions about intimate partner violence—and how can understanding the truth help us prevent abuse before it begins?
In this powerful episode of the Professor P Podcast, Dr. Parsa Peykar begins with a deep dive into Trauma and Recovery by Dr. Judith Herman, a foundational work that reshaped how we understand the aftermath of violence and the path toward healing. The book review sets the stage for a crucial conversation about the realities of intimate partner violence (IPV)—a subject too often silenced or misunderstood.
Joining Dr. Peykar is Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell, one of the world’s leading researchers and advocates on domestic and intimate partner violence. A Professor at Johns Hopkins University and creator of the renowned Danger Assessment Tool, Dr. Campbell has spent decades transforming how health systems, policymakers, and communities respond to abuse. Together, they dismantle the myths—such as why leaving isn’t as simple as “just walking away,” why abuse isn’t only physical, and how societal beliefs and gender norms perpetuate cycles of harm.
They also explore early intervention (“You need to catch the abuse right at the beginning in order to put a stop to it”), risk factors across different populations, and practical tools for support—including Strengthen Home, The MyPlan App, and ways families, friends, and professionals can make a difference.
The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection featuring Rue, one of Dr. Peykar’s students, who shares her perspective on compassion, awareness, and breaking the silence surrounding IPV.
Reflection Themes:
Understanding that both survivors and those who use violence need early intervention and education.
Replacing judgment with empathy—and awareness with action.
Practicing self-compassion while extending compassion to others.
🎧 Listen to learn:
The top myths about intimate partner violence—and the truths behind them.
The psychological and social barriers survivors face when trying to leave.
How trauma recovery and prevention begin with community, awareness, and kindness.
-----------------------------
💡 Act of Kindness:Smile and say hello to everyone you encounter today—small gestures of kindness can be the first steps toward creating safer, more compassionate communities.
-----------------------------
Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell is a renowned nurse researcher, advocate, and educator, widely recognized for her groundbreaking work on intimate partner violence (IPV) and its health consequences. A Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and the Bloomberg School of Public Health, she is the developer of the Danger Assessment Tool, a widely used instrument to assess a victim's risk of being murdered by their intimate partner. With over 200 publications to her name, Dr. Campbell's research focuses on the intersection of domestic violence, women's health, and empowerment. She has received numerous awards, including being named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing, for her profound impact on public health policy and IPV advocacy. Her work continues to save lives and reshape our understanding of domestic violence globally.

[Mini Series] Episode 24: Cicero in Today's World: The Voice of Reason and Republic

From humble beginnings to the Senate of Rome, Marcus Tullius Cicero rose by intellect and integrity to become one of history’s most powerful voices for truth, reason, and civic virtue. In this Professor P Podcast mini-episode, we explore how a man born outside the Roman elite reshaped the moral language of leadership and inspired thinkers from Augustine to the Founding Fathers.
🧭 What You’ll Learn:• Why Cicero believed character is the foundation of leadership—and how that lesson still applies to modern leaders.• How the power of words can move nations and defend truth in corrupt times.• Why civic duty isn’t optional—it’s the soul of every functioning society.• How philosophy, for Cicero, was not abstract theory but practical wisdom for daily life.• The meaning of courage in the face of tyranny—and why standing for principle may cost you, but silence costs more.
🕊️ “The welfare of the people is the ultimate law.” — Cicero
This episode reminds us that greatness begins not with status, but with service, wisdom, and moral courage. Cicero’s words echo across centuries—urging us to lead with conscience, speak with clarity, and live with integrity.
---------------------------------------------------------
Cicero (106–43 BCE) was a Roman orator, lawyer, statesman, and philosopher. Born into a modest equestrian family, he rose by talent and intellect to become one of Rome’s greatest speakers and defenders of the Republic. His writings on ethics, politics, and philosophy introduced Greek thought to Rome and influenced thinkers from Augustine to the Founding Fathers of America. Though his defense of the Republic made him powerful enemies, and he was eventually executed in the power struggles following Julius Caesar’s assassination, Cicero’s voice remains one of history’s clearest calls for integrity, balance, and civic duty.
---------------------------------------------------------
Fun Fact: Cicero’s name comes from the Latin word for “chickpea.” His family’s humble origin meant he carried a vegetable nickname his entire career—but he turned it into a name that still stands among the giants of history.

Episode 45: The Sociometer in the Social Media Age: Navigating Self-Esteem in a Digital World (Podcast with Psychology and Neuroscience Professor at Duke University, Dr. Mark Leary) [INFLUENCE SERIES]

Why do we care so much about likes, comments, and followers?Is social media quietly hijacking our self-esteem?
In this episode, we explore the psychology behind our craving for digital approval through the lens of Sociometer Theory — the groundbreaking idea by Dr. Mark Leary that our self-esteem functions as an internal gauge of social acceptance.
We begin with a book review of 📘 You Are What You Click (2021) by Dr. Brian A. Primack, examining how our online habits shape identity and emotional health. Then, Dr. Leary joins the conversation to discuss how his theory has evolved in the era of constant connectivity — where Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms keep our “sociometer” always on.
Our guest, Sophia, a former student, adds a fresh generational perspective on navigating social validation, online comparison, and emotional balance in the digital world.
🎙️ In this episode, we unpack:
✅ How social media amplifies our sensitivity to social acceptance and rejection✅ Why self-esteem fluctuates with online feedback — likes, views, and comments✅ The hidden ways algorithms exploit our need for belonging✅ What happens when our sociometer never turns off✅ Practical strategies to build digital resilience and stay grounded amid online validation
Tune in for a fascinating conversation that blends science, story, and self-awareness — exploring how our digital lives shape who we believe we are, and what it means to belong in the age of endless connection.
🎧 Listen now on The Professor P Podcast — where psychology meets the pulse of modern life.
-----------------------------
Act of Kindness: When you are interacting with others, be a good listener; Being act of kindness toward yourself, continued self-care
-----------------------------
Dr. Mark Leary is a distinguished social psychologist known for his groundbreaking work on self-esteem, social belonging, and interpersonal motivation. He is the originator of Sociometer Theory, which proposes that self-esteem functions as an internal gauge of social acceptance and rejection. His research has profoundly influenced our understanding of how human emotions and behaviors are shaped by the need for social connection.
Dr. Leary is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University, where he previously served as the founding director of the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Research Center. Over his career, he has authored or co-authored more than 200 scholarly articles and several influential books, including The Curse of the Self: Self-Awareness, Egotism, and the Quality of Human Life and Social Psychology and Dysfunctional Behavior.
His expertise extends beyond academia, as his insights have been widely applied in clinical psychology, leadership, and social media research. Dr. Leary’s work is particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where social validation and rejection are magnified through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Through his research, public speaking, and writing, Dr. Leary continues to explore the intricate relationship between self-perception, social interaction, and emotional well-being, making him a leading voice in the psychology of human connection.

[Mini Series] Episode 23: Zeno in Today's World: The Painted Porch of Wisdom and the Birth of Stoicism

What if the secret to freedom wasn’t power or possessions—but mastering your own mind? In this episode, we explore the wisdom of Zeno of Citium, founder of Stoicism. Shipwrecked and stripped of wealth, Zeno built a philosophy that still guides leaders, athletes, and everyday seekers: focus on what you can control, live with nature’s rhythm, and let adversity shape strength.
Discover how Zeno’s teachings can help you navigate today’s chaos with clarity, resilience, and inner freedom.
---------------------------------------------------------
Zeno of Citium (c. 334–262 BCE) was a Greek philosopher from Cyprus who founded the Stoic school in Athens. A wealthy merchant by birth, Zeno lost his fortune in a shipwreck and turned to philosophy for meaning. He studied under the Cynics before developing Stoicism, teaching that virtue, reason, and living in harmony with nature are the only true goods. His lectures at the painted Stoa Poikile in Athens gave Stoicism its name. His ideas influenced figures from Seneca and Marcus Aurelius to modern psychology, leadership, and resilience practices.
---------------------------------------------------------
Fun Fact: Zeno taught philosophy at the Stoa Poikile, or “Painted Porch” in Athens. From this setting, his students became known as “Stoics.” So the very word Stoicism comes not from a theory, but from a gathering space where wisdom was lived out in public.

Episode 44: Inside the Fire: What One Family Taught Us About Healing and Human Connection (Podcast with Leading scholar in developmental psychology, Dr.Rand Conger) [LEADERSHIP SERIES]

Families are where some of life’s greatest joys—and deepest challenges—are born. But what makes certain families thrive under stress while others fracture? In this powerful episode, we explore the science, stories, and practical strategies for building resilience at home.
Part I — Lessons from The Family CrucibleWe open with five transformational lessons from the classic book The Family Crucible, distilling insights into practical steps for everyday family life. From recognizing the “symptom bearer” as a messenger, to understanding why chaos often precedes clarity, these lessons show us how healing happens when the whole family steps into the crucible together.
Part II — Expert Conversation with Dr. Rand CongerNext, I sit down with world-renowned family researcher Dr. Rand Conger to ask:
What exactly is family stress, and how does resilience help families cope?
Why do some families adapt and grow stronger under strain, while others struggle?
How do cultural differences shape the way stress and resilience play out—and what can we learn from them?
Dr. Conger reminds us: “In order to have close relationships, you have to be someone who is able to develop close relationships.” His wisdom offers a blueprint for families seeking to grow closer even in difficult times.
Part III — A Student’s Perspective with Karen CoxFinally, my former student Karen Cox shares her personal perspective on family stress and resilience. Her reflections bridge theory and lived experience, showing how these ideas take root in real life.
✨ Whether you’re a parent, partner, therapist, or simply someone navigating the complexities of family life, this episode offers both deep insight and practical guidance.
🔑 Reflection Questions for Listeners:
1.What roles do I play in my family, and do they still serve me?
2.When someone “acts out,” what hidden message might they be carrying for the group?
3.How do I respond to relational chaos—by shutting it down, or leaning in with curiosity?
-----------------------------
Act of Kindness: Being open to those around you who need support; Smile more
-----------------------------
Dr. Rand Conger is a renowned expert in the fields of family stress, resilience, and developmental psychology. With over two decades of experience in both academic research and applied practice, Dr. Conger has made significant contributions to our understanding of how families cope with adversity and thrive in challenging environments. His work spans a wide range of topics, from the effects of socioeconomic stress on family dynamics to the role of parenting in fostering resilience.
Dr. Conger’s research focuses on identifying the protective factors that enable families to overcome stress and build long-term resilience. His groundbreaking studies have highlighted the importance of social support systems, cultural influences, and adaptive coping mechanisms in strengthening families during times of crisis.
Throughout his career, Dr. Conger has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field, including the International Family Stress and Resilience Award and recognition from the National Institute of Family Studies. His work has been published in top-tier academic journals, and he regularly collaborates with community organizations to develop evidence-based interventions for families facing adversity.

[Mini Series] Episode 22: Heraclitus in Today's World: The Philosopher of Flow and Change

What if the only constant in life is change itself? 🌊In this mini-episode, we journey into the mind of Heraclitus—the “weeping philosopher” of Ephesus—who saw the world not as fixed, but as a flowing river, ever-shifting and ever-renewing.
Discover why he believed struggle creates strength, how hidden order lives beneath life’s chaos, and why our identities are never finished but always becoming. Through practical reflections, we’ll explore how to embrace transformation, find resilience in tension, and look deeper for meaning in life’s paradoxes.
Heraclitus’s timeless wisdom challenges us to stop resisting change and instead flow with it—turning uncertainty into clarity, conflict into growth, and paradox into insight.
---------------------------------------------------------
Heraclitus (c. 535–475 BCE) was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher best remembered for his doctrine of flux—that all things are in constant change—and for introducing the concept of the Logos, the rational principle underlying the universe. Known as “the Obscure” for his cryptic style, he rejected conventional wisdom and stressed that struggle, conflict, and transformation were not problems to be solved, but essential aspects of life itself.
---------------------------------------------------------
Fun Fact: Heraclitus was so critical of human ignorance that he became known as “the weeping philosopher.” Yet his tears weren’t despair—they reflected his compassion for humanity’s blindness to the wisdom right in front of them.

Episode 43: The Healing Power of Touch: Science, Therapy, and Connection (Podcast with Research Scientist Award Winner, Dr.Tiffany Field) [INFLUENCE SERIES]

What if one of the most powerful tools for mental health has been in our hands all along—literally?
In this episode, we explore the profound role of touch in shaping our emotional lives, healing our minds, and connecting us more deeply with others.
📘 Book ReviewWe begin with Touch: The Science of Hand, Heart, and Mind by neuroscientist Dr. David J. Linden. From the soothing power of a hug to the silent language of empathy, we uncover how touch isn’t just a sense—it’s a foundation for human connection, stress relief, and even moral behavior.
🧠 Expert Interview with Dr. Tiffany FieldNext, we dive into the science of touch therapy and its impact on depression and anxiety. Dr. Field, a leading researcher in this field, explains how intentional touch can lower cortisol, boost serotonin, and reset the nervous system. We discuss practical ways to bring these benefits into daily life, ethical considerations, and how cultural norms shape our access to touch.
💬 Student Voices with Jenna KatchenFinally, we close with a conversation with my former student Jenna Katchen, reflecting on how these ideas show up in real life—through relationships, resilience, and the small acts of kindness that remind us we’re not alone.
✨ Key Takeaway: Touch isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity—for emotional development, for healing, and for living a more connected, human life.
-----------------------------
Act of Kindness: Go home and give your partner or kid a massage; Post a secret, loving notes
-----------------------------
Dr. Tiffany Field is an internationally renowned psychologist, researcher, and pioneer in the science of touch. She is the Founder and Director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, the world’s first center devoted entirely to studying the role of touch in human health and development.
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (B.A.) and the University of Miami (Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology), Dr. Field began her career exploring early childhood development before turning her focus to the profound impact of physical touch on mental and physical well-being. Over the course of four decades, she has transformed our scientific understanding of how something as simple as human touch can alter brain chemistry, strengthen immune function, accelerate growth in premature infants, and reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and pain.
Dr. Field has published over 450 peer-reviewed articles and authored or edited more than 30 books, including Touch, Touch Therapy, Massage Therapy Research, and The Amazing Infant. Her scholarship bridges neuroscience, pediatrics, psychology, and public health, making her one of the most prolific and influential researchers in developmental and clinical psychology.
Her pioneering work has earned her some of the highest honors in psychology and research. She is a recipient of the American Psychological Association’s Boyd McCandless Distinguished Young Scientist Award, a Research Scientist Award from the National Institute of Mental Health, and in 2014 became the first psychologist to receive the Golden Goose Award from the U.S. Congress for her groundbreaking studies on infant massage.
Beyond her publications and awards, Dr. Field’s legacy lies in shifting global awareness toward the vital importance of touch—not as a luxury, but as a biological necessity. Her work has influenced health care practices worldwide, from neonatal intensive care units that now incorporate infant massage to therapeutic approaches for mental health that recognize touch as an evidence-based intervention.
Today, she continues to lead research, publish widely, and advocate for the integration of touch into medicine, psychology, and everyday life—reminding us that the human hand is one of the most powerful tools for healing and connection.