Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke explain how our brain works.


Two Guys on Your Head

For many of us, the holidays bring us back to our families and the traditions we’ve carried through the years. And while that can come with its fair share of stress, it can also offer something unexpectedly beautiful: a chance to re-center ourselves and reconnect with the version of us we knew in childhood.



In this edition of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-markman-93aa6a22/">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/">Rebecca McInroy</a> explore how holiday gatherings can both challenge and ground us, and why revisiting our past selves can feel so meaningful this time of year.
The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/are-holiday-traditions-the-fountain-of-youth-rebroadcast">Are Holiday Traditions The Fountain of Youth? (Rebroadcast)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Are Holiday Traditions The Fountain of Youth? (Rebroadcast)

When we are grieving, having a supportive work environment can be helpful, but what about when we are working remotely or in a gig job? In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a> talk about how to support your co-workers and the importance of building community for times of loss.
The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/grief-work-and-the-gig-economy">Grief, Work and The Gig Economy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Grief, Work and The Gig Economy

Grief is difficult, exhausting, and slow, but our daily routines, including work, still continue during the grieving process. In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a> talk about how we can show up with compassion for colleagues who are grieving, and how we can prepare ourselves, psychologically, for returning to work while carrying loss.




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/grief-and-work">Grief and Work</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Grief and Work

Making big decisions is never easy, and the higher the stakes, the harder it can feel to trust our own judgment. So in this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a> explore what actually helps us make better choices, and how we can support others in their decision-making process without slipping into advice-giving.




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/tips-on-making-decision">Tips On Making Decision</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Tips On Making Decision

When it comes to making really tough decisions, like deciding where to go to college or where to work, we may think we should lay out all the options and weigh the pros and cons, but as <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a> talk about in this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, it turns out we are taking into account a lot more than we realize.




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/complex-decision-making">Complex Decision Making</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Complex Decision Making

Join the <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head </a>team, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, and <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, for this special live recording celebrating the <a href="https://socialwork.utexas.edu/texas-social-work-celebrates-75-years-of-leadership-and-innovation/">75th anniversary of the UT School of Social Work</a> and the 85th anniversary of the <a href="https://hogg.utexas.edu/">Hogg Foundation for Mental Health</a>.



Featured Guests:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://socialwork.utexas.edu/directory/allan-hugh-cole-jr/">Dean Allan Cole</a>, Dean of the School of Social Work at UT Austin</li>



<li><a href="https://socialwork.utexas.edu/directory/octavio-n-martinez/">Dr. Octavio Martinez</a>, Executive Director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health</li>
</ul>



In This Episode:



Recorded before a live audience, this conversation explores the intersection of psychology, social work, and mental health. The panel discusses what we really mean when we talk about &#8220;behavioral health&#8221; and how it differs from mental health, emphasizing the crucial role that environment, community, and social structures play in our well-being.



Key topics include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Power of Storytelling: How narratives help us understand our lives and connect with others in therapeutic and meaningful ways</li>



<li>Building Community: Why human connection is essential for mental wellness, especially in an age of increasing isolation and loneliness</li>



<li>Arts and Humanities in Healthcare: How literature, music, and creative expression foster empathy, prevent burnout, and improve patient outcomes</li>



<li>The Pace of Modern Life: Why slowing down and being present matters more than ever</li>



<li>Looking Forward: The promise and potential pitfalls of AI and new technologies in behavioral health</li>
</ul>



The conversation also addresses Dean Cole&#8217;s work with the Parkinson&#8217;s community, the importance of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world, and how universities can help create more inclusive, less reactive communities.



Episode recorded live at the University of Texas at Austin
The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/special-celebrating-75-years-of-the-school-of-social-work-at-the-university-of-texas-at-austin">SPECIAL: Celebrating 75 Years of The School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

SPECIAL: Celebrating 75 Years of The School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin

As the poet <a href="https://poets.org/poem/failing-and-flying">Jack Gilbert</a> reminds us, &#8220;Icarus also flew,&#8221; which ain&#8217;t nothing. But as <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a> explore in this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, it&#8217;s a good idea to check with the experts first before attempting a big new challenge, so that you don&#8217;t get burned.








The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/the-evolutionary-benefit-of-overconfidence">The Evolutionary Benefit of Overconfidence</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

The Evolutionary Benefit of Overconfidence

<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40808249/">New research </a>on the psychology of overconfidence reveals that even when people get clear feedback about their actual abilities, their confidence doesn’t budge. The finding might not surprise you, but as we explore in this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, with <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a>, the way researchers uncovered it is pretty ingenious.




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/overconfidence">Overconfidence</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Overconfidence

When it comes to luck, we often focus on the good kind, but what about bad luck, superstition, and the strange rituals we turn to for comfort and control? On this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a> talk about how these beliefs and behaviors can both calm and trap us, and what they reveal about our desire to manage the uncontrollable.




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/bad-luck-superstitions-and-safety-behaviors">Bad Luck, Superstitions, and Safety Behaviors</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Bad Luck, Superstitions, and Safety Behaviors

Chance may favor the prepared mind, but if you&#8217;re only looking for a lucky break, you may miss out on something much more important. In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a> talk about the psychology of luck.




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/luck">Luck</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Luck

Popularity shapes our choices every day, but in today’s world, what we perceive as “popular” is often steered by algorithms, targeted ads, push notifications, and the constant pull of social media; forces we may not fully recognize. 



In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a> explore the psychology of popularity and how its influence has evolved in the digital age.




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/the-weighted-vest-an-update-on-popularity">The Weighted Vest: an update on popularity</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

The Weighted Vest: an update on popularity

We often assume our choices reflect personal taste: selecting the “best” products, enjoying the movies we “want” to see, and listening to the music we believe is “good.” Yet underlying these decisions is the powerful influence of popularity. It doesn’t just affect what we buy—it informs how we evaluate ideas, people, and beliefs.



In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcinroy/?originalSubdomain=gr">Rebecca McInroy</a> examine the psychology of popularity and its impact on our everyday judgments.
The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/the-psychology-of-popularity">The Psychology of Popularity</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

The Psychology of Popularity

Humans may take the card we swipe for granted at the grocery store when we buy food, or look at our bank balance and not even think of how unique it is that we can translate those little numbers into experiences and things. It&#8217;s merely one of the benefits of having big brains.



In this edition of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a> and <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a> talk about the psychology of how our brains determine value.
The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/how-we-determine-value-rebroadcast">How We Determine Value (Rebroadcast)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

How We Determine Value (Rebroadcast)

Every day we’re surrounded by a flood of negative headlines, and it can take a real toll on our mental health. In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcinroy-a2a089239/">Rebecca McInroy</a> share practical ways to protect your well-being and stay mentally strong in the midst of all the noise.




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/mental-health-in-the-media-storm">Mental Health in the Media Storm</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Mental Health in the Media Storm

To resist or not to resist? That is the question. And the answer is—shocker to no one—it depends. But what it depends on matters a lot. In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcinroy-a2a089239/">Rebecca McInroy</a> explore the fine line between resistance as healthy self-preservation versus resistance as missed opportunity, and what to take into account when considering a path forward.








The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/the-psychology-of-personal-resistance">The Psychology of Personal Resistance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

The Psychology of Personal Resistance

We spend an increasing proportion of our time online, and, given the importance of social media to human welfare, the external factors that shape online behavior are important to consider. In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcinroy-a2a089239/">Rebecca McInroy</a> explore social media use and the weather.







Resources & References



Worse Weather Amplifies Social Media Activity — A 2025 study in Psychological Science by Kelton Minor, Esteban Moro, and Nick Obradovich shows that extreme weather events significantly increase social media use, often more than major cultural celebrations. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09567976241306099#:~:text=Abstract,in%20shaping%20digital%20social%20interaction.">Read the study here</a>.
The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/the-weather-and-social-media-use">The Weather and Social Media Use</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

The Weather and Social Media Use

We often blame the weather when we’re feeling low, or give it credit when we’re feeling great. But research shows our moods aren’t actually driven by sunshine or storms. In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcinroy-a2a089239/">Rebecca McInroy</a> explore the surprising psychology of weather and emotion.



Reference: Lucas, R. E., & Lawless, N. M. (2013). Does life seem better on a sunny day? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23607534/







<figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23607534
</div></figure>




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/the-weather-and-your-mood">The Weather and Your Mood</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

The Weather and Your Mood

Discoveries can make a lot of money, so can you enhance the discovery process with more money? In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcinroy-a2a089239/">Rebecca McInro</a>y explore a new study that examines this exact question.
The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/does-money-motivate-discovery">Does Money Motivate Discovery?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Does Money Motivate Discovery?

When our actions hurt someone or lead to a bad outcome, it can be uncomfortable to acknowledge that we’re at fault, yet as <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcinroy-a2a089239/">Rebecca McInro</a>y explore in this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, taking responsibility for our actions can yield long-term psychological benefits we shouldn’t overlook.
The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/retroactive-justification">Retroactive Justification</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

Retroactive Justification

We all know someone who seems to dislike everyone, until they decide they like you. But what happens next? In this episode of <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443482/two-guys-on-your-head">Two Guys on Your Head</a>, <a href="https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/psychology/faculty/markman">Dr. Art Markman</a>, <a href="https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/duke-robert">Dr. Bob Duke</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcinroy-a2a089239/">Rebecca McInroy</a> explore the psychology behind people who hate everyone.




The post <a href="https://kutkutx.studio/two-guys-on-your-head/why-we-like-people-who-hate-everyone">Why We Like People Who Hate Everyone</a> appeared first on <a href="https://kutkutx.studio">KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts</a>.

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#300

Are Holiday Traditions The Fountain of Youth? (Rebroadcast)

#299

Grief, Work and The Gig Economy

#298

Grief and Work

#297

Tips On Making Decision

#296

Complex Decision Making

#295

SPECIAL: Celebrating 75 Years of The School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin

#294

The Evolutionary Benefit of Overconfidence

#293

Overconfidence

#292

Bad Luck, Superstitions, and Safety Behaviors

#291

Luck

#290

The Weighted Vest: an update on popularity

#289

The Psychology of Popularity

#288

How We Determine Value (Rebroadcast)

#287

Mental Health in the Media Storm

#286

The Psychology of Personal Resistance

#285

The Weather and Social Media Use

#284

The Weather and Your Mood

#283

Does Money Motivate Discovery?

#282

Retroactive Justification

#281

Why We Like People Who Hate Everyone