The Richard Nicholls Podcast

Have you ever walked into a room to find that everyone’s laughing about something and so you begin to smile and maybe even laugh yourself as you enquire what’s funny? It happens all the time, but what was it that made YOU smile and laugh? After all you didn’t know what they were laughing at! But in that moment your mood had genuinely lifted, even if for a second or so. You were smiling and laughing simply because someone else was smiling and laughing all because of the phenomenon of what’s called Emotional Contagion.

A lack of patience has probably always been an issue in society but it does seem to be getting worse. Why?

As the Royal Navy Engineers say: If you can fix a skateboard, then you can ultimately fix anything. But we need the steps in-between. What happens though when a species becomes impatient and lazy?

One thing that you can pretty much guarantee in life is that you will come under fire at some point, you WILL be criticised by someone. How do we deal with it? Well, let's find out.

Have you ever said “Yes” to something, when in your head you’re screaming “Nooooo!”? Maybe you fit in with the attitude that “If you want to get something done, ask a busy person” After all, that’s what people say isn’t it? But, why is that?

Ever heard of neuroplasticity? It means the brain’s ability to change and a lot of research has been undertaken to show just how flexible our brain really is, and coming back from a holiday last month made me think.

Why did a couple of drinks with a friend of mine whilst on holiday become the best thing about the whole trip?

Have you ever pretended to be someone you’re not? Maybe it’s not a bad thing.

Today's episode looks at the importance of valuing your goals. Is the end result really that much of a priority?

This month I want to give you a quick Top 10 of the hints and tips that I talk about as a therapist when helping people to become happier

I Am A Liar! It’s true! I lie to myself all the time, and guess what? You are a liar too!! It’s true. In fact you lie so much, that you believe your own lies. You even have constant hallucinations that create a whole new reality around you. A version of your own personal world that is different to the reality that anyone else may experience. But here’s the good news. These lies that we all tell ourselves often make our lives much easier and are a actually completely normal cognitive processes. They might sometimes get in the way but one in particular is very useful indeed and prevents a great big black hole from appearing in your vision.

As the old saying goes “Be careful what you look for, incase you find it.” This month is all about a psychological tendency we all have, to search for or interpret information in such a way that our reality confirms our existing preconceptions. Even if our existing preconceptions are incorrect.

If you've ever thought to yourself, "One of these days everyone will find out that I'm not as clever as they think I am," then you're in good company

How do you think you'd feel if you encountered severe psychological trauma? Would witnessing 26 people being shot damage you or strengthen you? You may be surprised.

I regularly talk about new years resolutions being a bad idea for permanent success, but what if that's not always the case.