The Innovator Next Door

Aging

Why That Old Clarinet Benefits Your Brain

John McCarthy Ph.D. on July 2, 2024

Older adults are often concerned with physical as well as brain health. Playing music may be one step in the beneficial direction.

Older adults are often concerned with physical as well as brain health. Playing music may be one step in the beneficial direction.

Mental Health Stigma

Remaking a Mental Health Approach in Belgium

John McCarthy Ph.D. on February 3, 2024

You may be familiar with Brussels, Antwerp, or Bruges, but another city in Belgium has a pivotal history in innovative mental healthcare.

You may be familiar with Brussels, Antwerp, or Bruges, but another city in Belgium has a pivotal history in innovative mental healthcare.

Creativity

Smiling: A Possible Ingredient in Creative Thinking?

John McCarthy Ph.D. on September 3, 2023

Nearly 20 muscles help us to smile, which can generate "positive affect." Could it also support creative thinking?

Nearly 20 muscles help us to smile, which can generate "positive affect." Could it also support creative thinking?

Creativity

Virginia T. Norwood Changed Our View of Earth

John McCarthy Ph.D. on July 23, 2023

In better understanding something like climate change, we have Virginia T. Norwood to thank.

In better understanding something like climate change, we have Virginia T. Norwood to thank.

Creativity

"Flopping" Toward Gold: How an Olympic Champion Transformed a Sport

John McCarthy Ph.D. on April 30, 2023

What image does a "flop" bring to mind?

What image does a "flop" bring to mind?

Psychopharmacology

Could Pill Color Matter?

John McCarthy Ph.D. on December 21, 2022

We seek the "right" color in all kinds of things. Would that include pills?

We seek the "right" color in all kinds of things. Would that include pills?

Creativity

The Joy of Preparation: Bringing Creativity Alive

John McCarthy Ph.D. on October 9, 2022

A Personal Perspective: Preparing for a class often uncovers interesting things related to creativity.

A Personal Perspective: Preparing for a class often uncovers interesting things related to creativity.

Wisdom

Finding Creative Wisdom by Looking for Less

John McCarthy Ph.D. on September 10, 2022

Are you missing opportunities by ignoring the unexpected?

Are you missing opportunities by ignoring the unexpected?

Gratitude

Appreciating Everyday Products That Add to Our Lives

John McCarthy Ph.D. on July 31, 2022

Combine fascination with gratitude and perhaps a dose of awe at certain products.

Combine fascination with gratitude and perhaps a dose of awe at certain products.

Cognition

How to Adopt an Explorer Mindset

John McCarthy Ph.D. on May 15, 2022

Does your potential employer value an explorer mindset? A few avenues can help you navigate your way there.

Does your potential employer value an explorer mindset? A few avenues can help you navigate your way there.

Eating Disorders

How Chatbots Are Being Used With Eating Disorders

John McCarthy Ph.D. on April 15, 2022

Might an initial screen with a chatbot become commonplace in mental healthcare?

Might an initial screen with a chatbot become commonplace in mental healthcare?

Creativity

Who Says There Shouldn't Be Fruit on Pizza?

John McCarthy Ph.D. on March 13, 2022

Creativity infused: Adding pineapple to a pizza.

Creativity infused: Adding pineapple to a pizza.