Zachary Elwood

Host at People Who Read People: A Psychology Podcast

I have a psych podcast: https://t.co/YFepZXEgEV. I work on polarization: https://t.co/O2arAt8pRB. My poker tells book is in 8 languages: https://t.co/IcPj8oHzO1.

Articles

Can blockchain revolutionize journalism? And make it less polarizing?

2 weeks ago | behavior-podcast.com | Zachary Elwood

Can blockchain tech reinvent journalism—and reduce toxic polarization polarization in the process? In this episode, Zachary Elwood talks with Don Templeman, founder of Aemula, a radically new kind of news platform.
Which Party Is More Undemocratic?

3 weeks ago | liberalpatriot.com | Zachary Elwood

Democrats and “Never Trump” Republicans have been warning that Donald Trump is a “danger to democracy” since he ran for president in 2016. But despite years of this message—including in the most recent presidential campaign—it’s clearly been unpersuasive to many Americans. A key reason for this is the perception among some Americans that Democrats and other Trump critics behave in undemocratic ways themselves.
Which Party Is More Undemocratic?

3 weeks ago | open.substack.com | Zachary Elwood

Democrats and “Never Trump” Republicans have been warning that Donald Trump is a “danger to democracy” since he ran for president in 2016. But despite years of this message—including in the most recent presidential campaign—it’s clearly been unpersuasive to many Americans. A key reason for this is the perception among some Americans that Democrats and other Trump critics behave in undemocratic ways themselves.
Can gaze direction reveal clues about lying/truth-telling? A talk with deception researcher Tim Levine

1 month ago | behavior-podcast.com | Zachary Elwood

Maybe you’ve heard that you can get clues about whether someone is lying by what direction they look when they talk. The most common form of this idea is that if someone is looking up and to their left, they’re more likely to be accessing real visual memories (associated with truth), and if they’re looking up and to their right, they’re more likely to be constructing visual images (associated with lies). But there is no basis for this; in fact, many studies have found evidence against that claim.
Tips for writing in less politically polarizing, triggering ways

1 month ago | defusingamericananger.substack.com | Zachary Elwood

“I believe it is our responsibility to connect with people outside of our political tribes. But that responsibility doesn’t only belong to the people communicating the news; it also lies with you and with me. The consumers.” — Isaac Saul, founder of News, in his TED Talk about language and polarizationGroup polarization leads to polarized language. Groups in conflict grow to use different language (e.g., “illegal alien” vs “undocumented immigrant”).
Ambiguity in "democracy"-related language and the ease with which we can call disliked stances "undemocratic"

2 months ago | defusingamericananger.substack.com | Zachary Elwood

This is a very rough set of ideas that I was thinking through for purposes of writing a more edited, final piece. If you have any thoughts you want to send (in comments or more privately via my contact form), I'd much appreciate hearing from you. There is probably someone who's written about this idea in a better, more intelligent way, so I appreciate hearing about any leads on such writings.
Hypnosis and mind control: What’s real? What’s bullshit? | with Martin S. Taylor

2 months ago | behavior-podcast.com | Zachary Elwood

A talk about hypnosis and mind control with Martin S. Taylor, a well known British hypnotist (hypnotism.co.uk). Martin is known for his stage hypnosis act but also for educating people about hypnosis and removing the illusions and mystique surrounding it. There are some people who make astounding claims that they can control and manipulate people using hypnosis; that they can get people to do things against their will and their ethics.
Even in victory, Republicans should listen to their opponents

Feb 7, 2025 | gmtoday.com | Zachary Elwood

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election, many people have discussed Democrats’ mistakes — from being “out of touch” and insulting, to focusing too much on Trump, to former President Joe Biden’s “arrogance” in running again. It’s good for political parties to ask tough questions about how their approach may be driving people away and how they can better serve people. As Republicans continue to celebrate their victory, will they be brave enough to ask themselves similar questions?
Commentary: Even in victory, Republicans should listen to their opponents

Feb 6, 2025 | union-bulletin.com | Zachary Elwood

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election, many people have discussed Democrats’ mistakes — from being “out of touch” and insulting, to focusing too much on Trump, to former President Joe Biden’s “arrogance” in running again. It’s good for political parties to ask tough questions about how their approach may be driving people away and how they can better serve people. As Republicans continue to celebrate their victory, will they be brave enough to ask themselves similar questions?
Opinion: Even in victory, Republicans should listen to their opponents

Feb 4, 2025 | timesfreepress.com | Zachary Elwood

In the wake of Donald Trump's election, many people have discussed Democrats' mistakes -- from being "out of touch" and insulting, to focusing too much on Trump, to former President Joe Biden's "arrogance" in running again. It's good for political parties to ask tough questions about how their approach may be driving people away and how they can better serve people. As Republicans continue to celebrate their victory, will they be brave enough to ask themselves similar questions?