Dr. Amen: SPECT Imaging Beats Symptom-Based Diagnosis

X-rays of the human brain

What’s SPECT imaging? How does it aid in brain dysfunction diagnosis and subsequent treatment plans? Psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen’s approach is informed by SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans—a type of brain imaging that shows a brain’s blood flow and electrical activity. According to Dr. Amen, SPECT imaging revealed the flaws of traditional treatment. Read more to learn about SPECT scans and how they’re a useful tool for brain health.

NPR: Netanyahu Sticks to Gaza Mission Amid Harsh Realities

NPR: Netanyahu Sticks to Gaza Mission Amid Harsh Realities

What does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say about Israel’s presence in Gaza? What are the consequences for Gaza’s civilian population as a result of the Israeli military activities? On NPR, Netanyahu discussed his commitment to Israel’s mission in Gaza. The NPR News Now episode also explored the impacts of Israel’s persistent military presence in Gaza and the critical consequences for Gaza’s civilian population, with high casualty counts and resource limitations adding to their plight. Continue reading for a summary of this podcast episode from NPR News Now.

Leading With a Growth Mindset: Expert Advice From John Maxwell

An arrow pointing upward.

What’s wrong with focusing on goals? Are you comfortable with established ways of doing things? John C. Maxwell argues that leaders must make an active effort to grow and improve instead of just treating growth as a natural result of their experiences. You can do this by pursuing growth instead of achievement and by innovating instead of sticking to tradition. Keep reading for Maxwell’s advice on leading with a growth mindset.

Sonja Lyubomirsky’s Happiness Activities: 9 Paths to Joy

A woman smiling outside in a field.

To find long-lasting happiness, what should you actually do? What changes should you make in your life? Psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky asserts that positive thoughts and behaviors are the happiness factors you can control. She says that you can encourage this positivity by practicing happiness activities across three life areas: mental and physical health, relationships, and purpose. Read more to learn nine of Sonja Lyubomirsky’s happiness activities from her book The How of Happiness.

Soft Patriarchy in Christianity? Exploring the Complementarian View

A preacher reading from a Bible in a church with stained glass windows behind him.

What’s the complementarian view of scripture? Does it represent “soft patriarchy” in Christianity? Professor of history and gender studies Kristin Du Mez writes that, in the early and mid-20th century, evangelical Christians shifted toward a militant view of masculinity. Then, a lack of a US military opponent in the ’90s caused this conception to soften. Continue reading to understand Du Mez’s perspective on “soft patriarchy” within evangelicalism.

APEC Meeting 2023: Counterbalancing China (NPR News Now)

A scale balancing United States and Vietnam flag

Where did the APEC meeting (2023) take place? What national leaders did President Biden meet with? What signal might this send to China? President Biden’s recent meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in San Francisco holds significant implications for US-Mexico relations. The meeting coincided with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. Continue reading for a summary of this podcast episode from NPR News Now.

Dr. Amen: Mental Health Impacts Your Brain Health

A smiling, happy woman standing in front of architecture

How does your mental health affect your thinking? What kind of friends are particularly good for your health? Psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen takes a holistic approach to brain health. According to Dr. Amen, mental health—including your thought patterns, social connections, and spiritual beliefs and practices—affects your brain’s well-being. Keep reading to take a closer look at how your mental health impacts your brain health.

How to Develop Leaders: Expert Advice From John C. Maxwell

A happy, professional man in an meeting or interview.

What makes someone a good mentor? Why shouldn’t you focus on making others happy? How can you build a strong legacy as a leader? John C. Maxwell writes that the hallmark of effective leadership in the modern era is not a leader’s personal achievements. Instead, it’s their ability to inspire others to grow and become leaders in their own right. Continue reading to learn how to develop leaders for a new generation.

How to Control Happiness (Well, 40% of It)

A man looking at a frame with clouds who have happy and frowning faces.

Is it possible to control how happy you are? Can you override or offset your genetics? According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, 40% of your happiness is within your control. She identifies the factors that contribute to happiness and explains how to harness the one factor that will yield to your influence. Keep reading to discover how to control happiness with Lyubomirsky’s strategies.

Christianity in the 20th Century: A Gender-Based Critique

A half full congregation of a Christian church service inside.

How did Teddy Roosevelt help shape American Christianity? What impact did the wars of the 20th century have on the American church? As a professor of history and gender studies at Calvin University, Kristin Du Mez shares a new perspective on the history of American Christianity. She traces the evolving concept of masculinity within evangelicalism throughout the last century. Keep reading to get Du Mez’s take on American Christianity in the 20th century.