Savvy Psychologist

How 'Buy Now, Pay Later' companies use psychology to hook you

Wed, 09 Jul 2025

"Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) can feel like a "treat yourself" pass, but it's not magic; it's psychology. This episode looks at why BNPL systems are so seductive, especially for those with financial instability or emotional trauma. We also look at actionable steps to manage BNPL use, such as identifying the emotions behind spending and addressing financial shame.

Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/how-buy-now-pay-later-companies-use-psychology-to-hook-you/transcript

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.

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Why making friends as an adult is so hard (and how to fix it)

Wed, 02 Jul 2025

Are you feeling lonely? Hear why making and keeping friends as an adult is harder than ever, and learn evidence-based strategies to build meaningful connections in a world that prioritizes productivity over people.

Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/making-friends-as-adults/transcript

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.

Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.

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Understanding narcissism in relationships, with Dr. Khadijah Cyril

Wed, 25 Jun 2025

Dr. Monica Johnson is joined by Dr. Khadijah Cyril to discuss narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and how it differs from typical harmful behaviors like lying and cheating. They explore the dynamics of relationships involving NPD, the influence of modern dating apps, and offer strategies for breaking free from unhealthy relationship cycles. Dr. Cyril emphasizes the complexity of diagnosing NPD and the importance of personal boundaries and support systems in such scenarios. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone dealing with unhealthy relationships, whether romantic or familial.

Dr. Khadijah Cyril - https://drkhadijahcyril.com/

Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/understanding-narcissism-in-relationships-with-dr-khadijah-cyril/transcript

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 929-256-2191.

Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.

Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.

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The downsides of dopamine (Reissue)

Wed, 18 Jun 2025

While dopamine is a vital part of our brain's functioning, an over-reliance on it can lead to various downsides affecting our mental and physical well-being.

Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/the-downsides-of-dopamine-reissue/transcript

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 929-256-2191.

Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.

Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.

Links: