Best of the Psychology of Star Trek VS. Star Wars

It's San Diego Comic Con week! THE PSYCH SHOW celebrates by looking back at the best moments from the Psychology of Star Trek VS. Star Wars Comic Con panel series. Watch Dr. Andrea Letamendi and I debate Data VS. C3PO, explore failure and regret, discuss love in the final frontier and a galaxy far far away, and breakdown the psychology of the Federation and Galactic Empire.

Thank you to Brian Ward for moderating and our panelists for being so awesome:

Be sure to check out Episode V of our panel later this week at Comic Con!

Crazy Sexy Geeks: Artificial Intelligence

Crazy Sexy Geeks - Artificial Intelligence

My buddy Alan Kistler, the New York Times bestselling author behind Doctor Who: A History, just relaunched his podcast Crazy Sexy Geeks and asked me to join him for a discussion on artificial intelligence. From the ancient Greeks to Blade Runner and Avengers: Age of Ultron, we explore what would happen if machines came to life and why these stories resonate with us.

Download the episode, subscribe to the podcast, and follow Alan on Twitter. 

San Diego Comic Con 2015

San Diego Comic Con

The 2015 San Diego Comic Con schedule is out and I'm honored to join 3 panels this year! Along with some cool people, I'll be exploring the evolution of geeks, debating the most controversial topics in pop culture, and celebrating the psychology of Star Trek and Star Wars. Check out the details below.  

The Geek Shall Inherit: A Look at the Evolution of Geek Culture at San Diego Comic Con

The Geek Shall Inherit: A Look at the Evolution of Geek Culture
Saturday July 11, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm Room 14A

Geek culture has become mainstream, but it wasn't always that way. Comic conventions have boomed in popularity, the cosplay community is thriving, and TCG tournaments are breaking attendance records. Dr. Billy San Juan (The Walking Dead Psychology, Magic: the Gathering judge), Jenna Busch (host/founder of Legion of Leia, Star Wars Psychology), Dr. Travis Langley (Game of Thrones Psychology, Doctor Who Psychology), Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History, The Walking Dead Psychology), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy,Star Wars Psychology), Dr. Ali Mattu (The Psych Show, Super Fantastic Nerd Hour), Josué Cardona (Geek Therapy, The Walking Dead Psychology), Tim Shields (Cascade Games), and Matt Munson (The Project Workbench) explore the evolution of our beloved culture.

Geek Wars at San Diego Comic Con

Geek Wars: The Nerds Awaken
Saturday July 11, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm Room 14A

Professional nerds square off in an epic trivia battle for the ages, all while discussing the hottest pop culture topics, including racial stereotyping, objectification, online bullying, casting decisions, and more. Spanning comics, TV, film, and the web, this discussion will be hilarious, outrageous, and challenge your perspective on culture. Moderated by Tony B Kim (Crazy 4 Comic Con), this super-powered team will be joined by Chris Gore (comedian), Amy Ratcliffe (writer), Andre Meadows (comedian), Ivy Doom Kitty (pro cosplayer), Sam Maggs (writer), and Ali Mattu (clinical psychologist).

Psychology of Star Trek VS. Star Wars: Episode V at San Diego Comic Con

Psychology of Star Trek VS. Star Wars: Episode V
Saturday July 11, 2015 7:30pm - 8:30pm Room 24ABC

Geeky psychologists Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions) and Dr. Ali Mattu (The Psych Show) step into the pop culture ring to debate the psychology of teamwork, rebellion, and galactic war. Panelists include Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise), Thom Zahler (Love and Capes), Consetta Parker (Rancho Obi-Wan), and Amy Ratcliffe (Star Wars Insider). Join a side, but remember: phasers and lightsabers are no match for this battle of wits! Refereed by Brian Ward (Comics, Assembled!).

New to San Diego Comic Con? Watch Tony Kim's Survival Guide and read the good, bad, and ugly psychology of comic con.

Han Solo and the Psychology of Happiness

Han Solo and the Psychology of Happiness.

It’s May the 4th! Happy Star Wars Day!

Today, with the help of my friend Diana Chang, I celebrate the psychology behind the coolest Star Wars character - Han Solo! 

Why Han? His story is a perfect reflection of everything we know about positive psychology and the science of happiness. 

Find out more on THE PSYCH SHOW! 

It's May the 4th! Happy Star Wars Day! What's the psychology of Han Solo? How does his story teach us about positive psychology and the science of happiness? Find out on THE PSYCH SHOW!