Episode 39: Fears and Phobias: Maybe It’s Not Just All in Your Head
What is fear?
When does it become a phobia?
Click here for a deep dive study into the biology of fear, and here to see the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to better understand the difference between run-of-the-mill fear and full-blown phobia.
Why do we feel fear?
Our personal repertoire of fears can be influenced by a lot of different factors, such as past trauma, biological triggers, or genetic programming. But we can also learn to be fearful of specific things from our families and other close connections, our culture, our spiritual community, or even various forms of media.
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Hollywood Monsters or Misunderstood Animals?
This Smithsonian Magazine article explores Steven Speilberg’s regrets about making Jaws, and how Hollywood has significantly increased our fear of certain animals and destructively impacted their populations in the wild.
Seriously, what's the deal with clowns? They’re not that scary. Or…maybe they are after all.
Just when you thought you were safe, here’s a little more nightmare fuel you may not have considered.
Are you a redhead with a fear of dentists?
Turns out there may be a real good reason for that.
Click here to see why your fear might actually be more rational than you thought.
Not afraid of snails?
You might change your mind once you learn how they get their freak on.
Germophobic?
Poop shelf, anyone? If bodily functions give you the heebie jeebies, these toilets may force you to face your fears.