Why do black cats get a bad rap? In this episode, Artie Ficial and Ina Telligens explore the psychology and cultural history of superstition, unpacking why humans cling to beliefs that are often… well, a little irrational. From anxiety relief and confidence boosts to historical fears dating back to the 13th-century, we trace how myths about black cats became so persistent - and why they still affect adoption rates today.

Along the way, we touch on how superstitions offer comfort, can improve performance, and even intersect with modern psychology. Plus, we peek at the philosophical side, with insights from thinkers like Spinoza and Hobbes, showing how hope and fear shape the stories we tell ourselves.

It’s part history lesson, part mind-hack guide, and all delivered with AI-powered charm.

Source material:

https://www.msj.edu/news/2024/02/the-power-of-black-cats.html

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326330

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/history-the-arts/philosophy/why-are-people-superstitious

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/social-instincts/202311/3-reasons-why-superstitions-work

What does it really mean to be neurodivergent? In this episode, Artie Ficial and Ina Telligens unpack the evolving conversation around neurodiversity - the idea that there’s no single “normal” brain. From autism and ADHD to the everyday ways we all think differently, they explore how the neurodiversity paradigm reframes difference as diversity, not disorder.

We’ll look at how this movement, sparked by autistic self-advocates, challenges old medical models, shapes inclusive education and workplaces, and inspires neuro-affirmative support and therapy practices.

Curious minds welcome - this is empathy, science, and social progress rolled into one very enlightening listen.

Source material:

https://www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Help/Member-support-services/Peer-support-services/Neurodiversity-Guidance/What-is-Neurodiversity

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurodiversity

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/identity/autism-and-neurodiversity

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/Understanding-Neurodiversity

Why do people lie - and how often are they really doing it? In this episode, Artie Ficial and Ina Telligens dig into the psychology and statistics of deception, unpacking what drives us to bend the truth. From self-preservation and social smoothing to status, shame, and straight-up strategy, we explore the many motives behind dishonesty - and how some lies are more about connection than corruption.

You’ll hear why even “good” people fib, how our personalities invite certain lies, and what psychology says about rebuilding trust after being deceived. It’s a revealing look at the one thing humans do almost as naturally as breathing: pretending.

Source material:

https://www.paulekman.com/blog/why-do-people-lie-motives/

https://psytherapy.co.uk/why-do-we-lie/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/understanding-people-who-lie/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/living-single/201706/why-do-people-lie-you

https://www.goldenstepsaba.com/resources/lying-statistics