Real Zombies, Part One: Parasitic Zombification Artwork

Reimagining Psychology

Psychology's an important science, one that can really help us live better lives day-to-day. In this podcast we look at what parts of this science work well, and what parts don't. If we dare to look closely, we can find ways to improve it. Join us in a mind-blowing journey to a behavioral science for the 21st century.

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Reimagining Psychology

Real Zombies, Part One: Parasitic Zombification

June 13, 2021 • Thomas • Season 1 • Episode 1

Parasites. They’re everywhere in biology. Every parasite needs a host, and the host generally suffers when the parasite comes on board. But did you know they can turn their hosts into zombies, changing their behavior, making them do things that aren’t good for them? We humans have parasites. Lots of them. Can they zombify us? You may not like the answer to that question.

In Part One of this three-part podcast we discuss how and why parasites zombify their hosts, making them do things that benefit the parasites at the host’s expense. A word of warning. This first part is weird. The second and third parts are even weirder. But if you’re game, you may find that thinking about parasites opens the door to some priceless insights into human behavior—insights we just can’t get any other way.

Participants in this discussion are Dr. Bill Whitehead, licensed psychologist and CEO of TherapyAppointment.com, and Joan Landers, a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor.