Professor P with Dr.Peykar

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?
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Act of Kindness: Being open to those around you who need support; Smile more
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Act of Kindness: Go home and give your partner or kid a massage; Post a secret, loving notes
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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.

[Mini Series] Episode 21: Paracelsus in Today's World: The Rebel Who Burned the Rulebooks and Rewrote Medicine

What happens when one man dares to defy centuries of tradition, burn the textbooks of the great masters, and insist that truth lives not in authority, but in direct experience?
In this episode, we journey into the life and mind of Paracelsus (1493–1541)—the fiery Swiss physician, alchemist, and philosopher who turned medicine upside down. Known as the father of toxicology and an early pioneer of holistic healing, Paracelsus believed that the body, mind, and spirit must all be treated together. His radical declaration that “the dose makes the poison” laid the groundwork for modern pharmacology, while his courage to challenge authority anticipated the scientific method itself.
We’ll explore five transformative lessons from his life:
1.Experience Over Authority – Why experiments matter more than tradition.
2.The Dose Makes the Poison – The balance principle shaping medicine, habits, and life.
3.Healing as Mind–Body–Spirit Unity – The holistic vision ahead of its time.
4. Courage to Defy Tradition – The power of burning outdated rulebooks.
5.Nature as the True Teacher – How the world around us still holds the deepest wisdom.
Along the way, we’ll uncover how his radical ideas anticipated psychology, influenced modern science, and still offer practical steps to reshape how we live, work, and heal today.
Paracelsus wasn’t just a physician—he was a rebel, a visionary, and a reminder that progress begins with daring to think differently.
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Paracelsus (1493–1541), born Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, was a Swiss physician and alchemist who redefined the very nature of medicine. He rejected the dominance of ancient authorities like Galen and Avicenna, preferring hands-on study of the body, disease, and nature. He pioneered toxicology with his principle “The dose makes the poison”, and believed healing required an understanding of not just the body, but also the mind and spirit. He scandalized universities by publicly burning medical textbooks, but in doing so, he cleared the ground for modern medical science.
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FUN FACT: Paracelsus carried a sword with a secret compartment in the hilt—where he kept his handwritten formulas and alchemical notes. He was as much a wandering warrior as a physician, embodying his belief that healing required courage as well as knowledge.

Episode 42: The Social Brain: Why We’re Wired to Connect (Podcast with US Leader Award–Winning Neuroscientist and Pioneer of the Social Brain, Dr.Henry Grafman) [LEADERSHIP SERIES]

What if your brain’s most natural state isn’t problem-solving or goal-chasing—but simply thinking about people? In this episode of the Professor P Podcast, we explore the science of human connection and the neuroscience that makes us profoundly social beings.
📘 Part 1 – Book SpotlightWe begin with Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect by Dr. Matthew D. Lieberman, a pioneering UCLA professor and founding father of social cognitive neuroscience. His groundbreaking research reveals that social connection is not a luxury—it’s as essential as food, water, and shelter. From why rejection literally feels like pain to how helping others activates the brain’s reward system, we uncover five key lessons that prove: we are wired to belong.
🧠 Part 2 – Expert Conversation with Dr. Jordan GrafmanNext, I sit down with neuroscientist Dr. Jordan Grafman to dive deeper into The Social Brain. We discuss the prefrontal cortex and how it shapes empathy, morality, and human interaction. From the Structured Event Complex theory to clinical implications for traumatic brain injury and mental health, Dr. Grafman unpacks how our brain represents the social world—and what happens when that system breaks down.
🎓 Part 3 – Student Reflection with Mila ChavezFinally, we bring these insights into lived experience. In conversation with my former student Mila Chavez, we reflect on how understanding the social brain impacts everyday life—our relationships, education, and the way we see ourselves in a hyper-connected (yet often isolating) digital world.
✨ Key Takeaway:Your brain didn’t evolve in isolation—it evolved in a tribe. Whether in the classroom, workplace, or your closest circle of friends, connection is the fuel for growth, healing, and purpose.
🧘‍♂️ Reflection Questions for Listeners:
Who are the people my brain returns to when I’m alone?
Do I treat social rejection or loneliness with the same seriousness as physical pain?
Where do I feel a true sense of belonging—and where am I performing just to be accepted?
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Act of Kindness: Give someone a compliment.
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Dr. Jordan H. Grafman is a distinguished American neuropsychologist and cognitive neuroscientist, widely recognized for his groundbreaking work on the human prefrontal cortex and its role in social cognition, moral reasoning, and belief systems. Born in 1950, he completed his Ph.D. in Human Neuropsychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and began his career as a Captain in the United States Air Force, contributing to the historic Vietnam Head Injury Study at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His early work established the foundation for a lifelong focus on how brain injuries and neurological conditions affect human thought, behavior, and social functioning.
Dr. Grafman went on to serve for more than two decades at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), where he was Chief of the Cognitive Neuroscience Section. Later, he directed Traumatic Brain Injury Research at the Kessler Foundation in New Jersey. Since 2012, he has led Brain Injury Research and the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago—ranked the #1 rehabilitation hospital in the United States—and holds professorships in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Neurology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, as well as in Psychology at Northwestern’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences.
His research has spanned the neural basis of social cognition, moral judgment, structured event complex theory, brain plasticity, and the impact of traumatic brain injury on human behavior. With over 500 published scientific articles and an h-index above 130, Dr. Grafman’s scholarship has had lasting influence in both cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology. He also serves as co-editor of the prestigious journal Cortex and has edited multiple authoritative volumes on the frontal lobes, traumatic brain injury, and human beliefs.
Throughout his career, Dr. Grafman has been honored with numerous awards for his scientific contributions. These include the Humboldt Research Award (2011), as well as recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health for his pioneering work in neuropsychology and rehabilitation science. More recently, he has been named among the top scientists in psychology and neuroscience by Research.com’s U.S. Leader Awards (2023–2025). His enduring impact lies not only in advancing our scientific understanding of the social brain but also in shaping clinical approaches that improve the lives of individuals with brain injuries and neuropsychiatric conditions.

[Mini Series] Episode 20: Epicurus in Today's World: The Quiet Power of a Simple Life

What if true happiness had nothing to do with fame, luxury, or power—and everything to do with simplicity, friendship, and peace of mind?
In this episode, we step into the Garden of Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher who was often misunderstood as a champion of indulgence, yet in reality, taught one of the most healing and grounded philosophies of life. Far from excess, Epicurus emphasized freedom from fear, modest living, and the transformative joy of friendship.
🌿 What You’ll Discover:
Happiness in Simplicity — Why less often means more, and how decluttering your life can create space for joy.
Freedom from Fear — A liberating perspective on death, anxiety, and living fully in the present.
Friendship as the Foundation — Why Epicurus placed loyal relationships above wealth, success, and recognition.
Living Modestly, Thinking Deeply — How mindful consumption and reflection cultivate peace.
Philosophy for Everyday Life — Practical tools to bring wisdom down from abstraction into action.
🧠 In His Own Words:
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”            This episode blends ancient philosophy with modern challenges, offering you practical steps to reset your priorities, reclaim inner peace, and live with gratitude.   Tune in, reflect, and take one simple step toward a more meaningful life.

Episode 41: The Neuroscience of Pleasure and Reward (Podcast with APA Award Winner for Distinguished Scientific Contributions, Dr.Kent Berridge) [INFLUENCE SERIES]

How do the brain mechanisms behind pleasure and reward influence motivation? 
“Celebrate your small wins—they train your brain to stay on track. And stay aware of how temptations can sneak in and trigger your reward system.” — Dr. Kent Berridge
Pleasure is more than a fleeting feeling—it’s a driving force that shapes our choices, fuels our motivation, and even determines the habits we form. In this episode, we sit down with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Kent Berridge, whose groundbreaking research on the brain’s reward system has transformed our understanding of “liking” vs. “wanting,” cravings, and motivation.
From the subtle ways dopamine guides our daily behavior to the brain’s ability to rewire habits, Dr. Berridge unpacks the science behind why we pursue certain goals, how we can better manage temptations, and what it takes to sustain motivation even when rewards feel distant. His insight—“Reward your small steps toward your goal and be mindful toward your temptation”—becomes the guiding principle for the conversation.
We explore:
How the brain’s reward system shapes motivation and productivity.
Neuroscience-backed strategies for managing cravings and temptations.
The role of pleasure in relationships and social bonding.
What burnout does to the brain—and how to reset motivation.
The balance between indulgence and discipline in a world of instant gratification.
How to reignite joy in simple activities and protect ourselves from the pull of social media.
📚 Book Spotlight: How Pleasure Works
In the first segment, we review How Pleasure Works, a fascinating exploration of why humans take pleasure in art, food, love, and even seemingly odd activities. The book challenges the idea that pleasure is purely sensory—arguing instead that our beliefs, cultural context, and personal history shape how much we enjoy something. Whether it’s a glass of wine, a favorite song, or a family tradition, the meaning we attach to it is just as important as the sensation itself.
This lens beautifully complements Dr. Berridge’s work, showing that the neuroscience of pleasure isn’t just about brain chemistry—it’s about how the mind and culture interact to create meaning.
🎓 Student Voice: Meghan Fouad
In our final segment, my former student Meghan Fouad offers a fresh, personal reflection on the topic. She shares how learning about the neuroscience of pleasure and reward reshaped her view of motivation, how she applies “rewarding small steps” in her own goals, and why understanding our brain’s wiring can make self-discipline feel less like a battle and more like a game we can win.
Listen in for a blend of cutting-edge science, thought-provoking ideas, and practical takeaways that will help you rethink how you pursue pleasure, manage cravings, and keep your motivation alive.
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*Act of kindness: Connect with kindness with others ; Receiving compliment from someone
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Dr. Kent C. Berridge is a world-renowned neuroscientist and the James Olds Collegiate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan. For over three decades, he has been at the forefront of research on the brain mechanisms of pleasure, reward, motivation, and addiction. His pioneering work introduced the influential distinction between “liking” and “wanting,” showing how separate neural systems control the pleasure we experience and the desire that drives our behavior.
Dr. Berridge’s research has shed light on topics ranging from how cravings are triggered to how habits form, and his insights have influenced fields as diverse as psychology, psychiatry, behavioral economics, and public health. He has received numerous honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences, the APS William James Fellow Lifetime Achievement Award, the Grawemeyer Award for Psychology, and the APA Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions.
 

OLYMPIC SERIES Mini-Episode 10 | Ferenc Csik: The Champion Who Chose Courage Over Comfort

In this inspiring episode, we explore the remarkable life of Ferenc Csik—a Hungarian Olympic gold medalist who became a war-time physician. Beyond his athletic triumphs, Csik’s legacy is one of deep moral conviction and service. From the roar of Olympic applause to the silence of battlefield sacrifice, his story is a call to all of us: greatness lies not just in what we win, but in what we give. Discover how his life can guide us toward courage, excellence, and purpose in our own paths.
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Ferenc Csik (1913–1945) was a Hungarian Olympic swimmer and physician, born in Kaposvár, Hungary. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle, becoming a national icon. A gifted academic, Csik also studied medicine and became a physician. When World War II broke out, he served as a medical doctor. Despite his fame, he chose to go to the front lines to care for the wounded. He died in 1945 during an air raid while treating patients, embodying his deep belief in service over self. His life remains a powerful reminder of courage, humility, and responsibility.
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Fun fact: At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Ferenc Csik’s gold medal victory in the 100m freestyle came by the slimmest of margins—just 0.1 seconds—in a nail-biting finish that stunned the crowd. What made it even more remarkable was that Csik wasn’t considered the favorite; his win was a combination of strategic pacing and a perfectly timed final surge. His upset became one of the most thrilling moments of those Games, earning him instant international fame and solidifying his status as a Hungarian sports legend.

سری المپیک - قسمت ۱۰ | دانیال شه‌بخش: پیشگام بوکس ایران در مسیر المپیک [تیم ایران]

در این قسمت از پادکست، با داستان پُرشور و انگیزه‌بخش دانیال شه‌بخش، پیشگام بوکس ایران همراه می‌شوید؛ جوانی که از شهر زاهدان برخاست و با اراده‌ای تسلیم‌ناپذیر و تمرینی مستمر، به اولین ایرانی تبدیل شد که مدال تاریخ‌سازی در مسابقات جهانی بوکس به دست آورد. گفت‌وگوی ما با دانیال، دریچه‌ای است به زندگی او: از مبارزه با محدودیت‌های اجتماعی و اقتصادی در زادگاهش تا رویارویی با فشارها و توقعات در مسیر حرفه‌ای‌اش. همچنین روایت‌گر تجربه‌ی حضور او در المپیک ۲۰۲۰ توکیو هستیم—جایی که او نه‌تنها نماینده‌ی توانایی‌هایش بود، بلکه با درس‌هایی ارزشمند بازگشت و فلسفه‌ای تازه در باب آمادگی ذهنی و جسمی در رقابت‌های جهانی ارائه داد. در ادامه، با شنیدن چشم‌انداز او برای آینده‌ی بوکس ایران، از برنامه‌ها، اهداف و ایده‌هایی رونمایی می‌شود که می‌تواند مسیر این ورزش را در سطح ملی و بین‌المللی تغییر دهد. این اپیزود، فراتر از روایت یک مسابقه یا قهرمانی است؛ داستانی واقعی از تلاش بی‌وقفه، امید زنده، و شکستن مرزهای ممکن در راه تحقق رؤیاها.

OLYMPIC SERIES Mini-Episode 9 | Kobe Bryant: The Fire Within—Living the Mamba Mentality

Kobe Bryant was more than a basketball legend—he was a philosopher of excellence, a craftsman of the mind, and a fierce believer in the power of daily discipline. In this episode, we dive deep into the five most powerful lessons from Kobe’s life—from loving the grind to mentoring the next generation. We’ll explore how the “Mamba Mentality” applies far beyond sports—into leadership, creativity, and personal evolution.
Hear imagined reflections in his voice, revisit his iconic words, and walk away with daily, practical steps you can apply to your own journey. This is more than a tribute—it’s a call to rise.
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Kobe Bryant (1978–2020) was an American professional basketball player, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose influence extended far beyond the hardwood. Born in Philadelphia and raised partly in Italy, Kobe entered the NBA at just 17 years old, becoming one of the most celebrated athletes in history. Over a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he won five NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and was named an All-Star 18 times. But Kobe was more than his accolades—he was a fierce competitor, relentless learner, and tireless worker who inspired millions with his philosophy known as the “Mamba Mentality.”
After retiring, Kobe reinvented himself as a storyteller and creative visionary. He founded Granity Studios, wrote books for young athletes, and even won an Academy Award for his animated short film Dear Basketball. He became a dedicated father and coach to his daughters, most notably Gianna, who shared his love for the game.
Kobe’s life was tragically cut short in a helicopter crash in 2020, but his legacy lives on—in the game he transformed, in the stories he told, and in the countless lives he inspired through his example of discipline, drive, and purpose.
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Fun fact: Kobe Bryant gave himself the nickname “Black Mamba” after watching the movie Kill Bill, where the snake symbolized speed, precision, and lethal focus. He used the persona to separate his intense, competitive basketball identity from his personal life—a psychological tool to handle pressure and adversity. The “Mamba Mentality” became a philosophy embraced by athletes and professionals worldwide, symbolizing relentless self-improvement and inner fire.