How Victimhood and Narcissism Hold Us Back (w/ Scott Barry Kaufman)

How Victimhood and Narcissism Hold Us Back (w/ Scott Barry Kaufman)

Author: Paul Ollinger July 2, 2025 Duration: 50:05
Scott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive scientist and best-selling author of the book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. Scott’s writing dives deep into the psychology of the victim mindset, narcissism, and the impact of performative vulnerability on social media. Having overcome childhood misdiagnoses that placed him in special ed classes and bullying peers, Scott went on to earn a PhD from Yale. He shares this deeply personal story of as a teachable moment to discuss mental health, cancel culture, psychological flexibility, and what truly helps us grow as humans. Thought-provoking, funny, and brutally honest—this is a must-watch for anyone navigating identity, trauma, or the modern self-help world. Scott’s other books include Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization and Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt.

Read Paul’s Substack here: http://words.PaulOllinger.com

Learn more about Scott’s academic on his website and his magic and mind-reading on https://www.theamazingdrscott.show/

Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe

Paul Ollinger has worn a few different hats-stand-up comedian, tech executive, and now, the curious host of Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger. This isn't a lecture series or a dry self-help guide. Instead, it feels more like pulling up a chair for a series of genuinely engaging talks that wander into the places where our daily lives, careers, and inner worlds collide. The conversations, which feature authors, thinkers, and various creatives, are refreshingly candid. They dig into the practical and philosophical questions about what it actually means to build a life that feels both successful and satisfying. You'll find that each episode of this podcast approaches big themes-money, purpose, and the pursuit of contentment-with a blend of wit and thoughtful depth. The underlying idea isn't about finding a perfect, Instagram-ready version of happiness, but something more grounded and attainable. It's for anyone who's ever wondered if there's a smarter, more meaningful way to navigate the pressures of business and culture without losing sight of what matters. Tuning in, you get the sense that Paul is figuring it out alongside his guests, making the insights feel earned and relatable. The result is a consistently interesting exploration of how we can all aim for a life that feels reasonably, and authentically, well-lived.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger
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