In this Q&A episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I address two insightful listener questions. The first explores coping with the end of a therapeutic relationship, while the second delves into the physical manifestations of depression and strategies to manage them. This episode offers practical advice and empathetic understanding for those navigating these challenges.

Chapters:

00:15 — Introduction: Returning to Q&A
After a series of interviews, I return to answering your questions. Learn how to submit your own and connect with the podcast.

02:05 — Coping with the End of Therapy
A listener shares the grief experienced after concluding therapy with a transformative therapist. I discuss why these feelings are normal, the concept of transference, and practical ways to navigate the loss of such a significant relationship.

12:15 — Understanding the Physical Symptoms of Depression
Addressing a listener's concern about the often-overlooked physical manifestations of depression, including fatigue, dissociation, and the role of self-injury as a coping mechanism. I explore what these symptoms can look like, why they occur, and practical tools to help reconnect with the body and manage the emotional weight.

24:00 — Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Reflecting on the courage it takes to share these challenges and offering guidance on taking small steps toward healing.

About the Podcast
I’m Dr. Robert Duff, a clinical psychologist and the host of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast. My mission is to break down complex mental health topics into relatable, actionable advice. Each episode combines expert insights, practical tips, and answers to listener questions, all aimed at helping you live a healthier, more fulfilled life.

Connect With Me:

• Website: duffthepsych.com
• Instagram: @duffthepsych
• YouTube: youtube.com/duffthepsych

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Book: Skin Game: A Memoir by Caroline Kettlewell. This memoir provides a vivid account of living with and overcoming self-injury. Available on Amazon:

I hope you find this episode insightful and supportive. If you'd like to send me a question for a future episode, please email me at duffthepsych@gmail.com.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Manu Kapur, a professor of learning sciences, to delve into his unique approach to education: productive failure. Dr. Kapur explains how intentionally designing failure within the learning process can lead to deeper understanding and greater knowledge retention. We discuss the science behind productive failure and how it differs from traditional methods, which often focus on direct instruction followed by application. Dr. Kapur shares his experiences from childhood dreams of soccer to academic life at ETH Zurich, showing how personal failures have shaped his life and work.

Together, we explore key concepts like the “four A’s” of productive failure: Activation, Awareness, Affect, and Assembly. This method encourages learners to first explore problems in a safe space, where failure is expected, to prepare them for deeper learning through expert guidance afterward. Dr. Kapur’s insights reveal how frustration and negative emotions, when managed safely, can enhance memory and motivation, making failure a powerful tool in the learning process.

In this episode, Dr. Kapur provides real-world examples, from learning statistical concepts in the classroom to developing retrieval paths in social interactions. We also discuss how productive failure can be applied beyond the classroom to daily life and parenting, helping adults model and reinforce the benefits of persistence and exploration for children.

Chapters:

00:15 — Introduction: Meet Dr. Manu Kapur and the Concept of Productive Failure
05:30 — The Science Behind Learning Through Failure
12:00 — The “Four A’s” of Productive Failure: Activation, Awareness, Affect, and Assembly
18:30 — Real-Life Examples: Productive Failure in the Classroom
24:00 — The Role of Emotions in Memory and Learning
30:05 — Applying Productive Failure in Daily Life
36:25 — Parenting and Productive Failure: Teaching Kids Resilience
41:50 — Productive Failure’s Global Applications and Cultural Reflections
47:05 — Key Takeaways and Where to Find More from Dr. Kapur

About the Podcast I’m Dr. Robert Duff, and on this podcast, we dive deep into mental health and personal growth, bringing expert insights and practical advice to help you navigate life’s challenges. Join us for conversations that break down complex concepts into actionable steps.

Guest Links:

• Dr. Kapur’s Book: Productive Failure: Unlocking the Science of Failure for Deep Learning and Growth
• Website: ProductiveFailure.com
• Follow Dr. Kapur on LinkedIn,

Connect With Me:

• Website: http://duffthepsych.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/duffthepsych
• YouTube: http://youtube.com/duffthepsych

#ProductiveFailure #Learning #Education #GrowthMindset #MentalHealth