The Grieving Brain: Book Overview (Mary-Frances O’Connor)

A drawing of a sad woman reading a book

What happens in your brain when someone you love dies? How can understanding the science of grief help you cope with loss? The Grieving Brain, a book by Mary-Frances O’Connor, explores the neuroscience behind loss and healing. Drawing from her research at the University of Arizona’s GLASS Lab, O’Connor reveals how our brains create maps of loved ones and must literally rewire themselves after a death. Continue reading to discover why grief feels the way it does and find practical insights for navigating this universal human experience.

Start With No: Book Overview & Key Takeaways (Jim Camp)

A woman in a sweater reading a book at a desk with bookshelves in the background

What makes the word “no” so powerful in negotiations? How can getting comfortable with rejection lead to better deals? Start With No, a book by negotiation expert Jim Camp, challenges conventional wisdom about win-win deals. Drawing from his 25-year career coaching major corporations such as IBM and General Motors, Camp reveals why saying “no” can strengthen your bargaining position and help you avoid mediocre agreements. Keep reading to discover practical strategies that will transform your approach to negotiations and help you secure more favorable outcomes.

15 Minutes to a Better Interview: Book Overview & Tips

A business person reading a book in front of a bookshelf

What’s the difference between a good interview and a great one? What if you could transform your interview performance in just a few minutes? In 15 Minutes to a Better Interview, Russell Tuckerton shares strategies that can revolutionize your interview approach. His proven techniques help job seekers master the art of interviewing, from crafting compelling responses to maintaining a professional presence. Read more in our brief overview of 15 Minutes to a Better Interview.

What Does the Human Condition Mean? The Buddhist Philosophy

A man wondering what the human condition means, looking up at the sky

What does the human condition mean? Why does Buddhism believe that humans are unsatisfied in life? In Why Buddhism Is True, Robert Wright asserts that the Buddhist concepts of dukkha (suffering) and tanha (craving) offer an accurate view of the human condition. According to Wright, modern science supports these ideas.  Keep reading to learn what the Buddhist interpretation of the human condition is.

The Science of Grief: How Death Affects the Brain’s Maps

A sad man whose brain is highlighted illustrates the science of grief

What happens in your brain when someone you love dies? How does your brain process and adapt to loss? In The Grieving Brain, psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor explores how our brains create maps to track loved ones and what happens when death disrupts these mental maps. Her research reveals why grief takes time and how our brains gradually adjust to the permanent absence of someone we love. Read on to explore the fascinating—and insightful—science of grief.

Why Did Adam Kay Leave Medicine? The Last Straw

A doctor's white coat hanging on a rack

What did Adam Kay leave medicine? How does someone transition from saving lives to pursuing a completely different career path? In This Is Going to Hurt, Adam Kay explains why he walked away from his calling, detailing the emotional toll of working in Britain’s healthcare system. His journey from obstetrics and gynecology to comedy writing reveals the hidden struggles many medical professionals face. Discover the story of Kay’s difficult decision to prioritize his mental health over a demanding medical career.

Win-Win Negotiations: 4 Reasons They Can Lead to Loser Deals

A man in a business meeting with a suspicious look on his face illustrates the pitfalls of win-win negotiations

What makes win-win negotiations so appealing, and why might they lead to unfavorable deals? How can you protect yourself from making poor decisions when aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes? In Start With No, negotiation expert Jim Camp challenges the popular win-win negotiation approach, revealing its hidden pitfalls and potential dangers. His insights show how the desire for mutual benefit can actually lead to unnecessary compromises, rushed agreements, and emotion-driven decisions. Keep reading to discover practical strategies for navigating negotiations more effectively and securing better deals for all parties involved.

How to Conduct Yourself in an Interview: 6 Tips for Professionalism

A man interviewing a woman for a job, who knows how to conduct herself in an interview

How are candidates expected to act during an interview? Do you want to transform your interview performance from mediocre to memorable? Learning how to conduct yourself in an interview requires mastering essential techniques, as outlined in Russell Tuckerton’s book, 15 Minutes to a Better Interview. The book covers everything from professional appearance and authentic enthusiasm to maintaining proper boundaries during your interview interactions. Read on to discover how to stand out from other candidates and significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job.

Anatta in Buddhism: Why There Is No Permanent Self

A meditating buddhist representing anatta

What does “anatta” mean in Buddhism? Does the idea of your “self” even exist? In Why Buddhism Is True, Robert Wright explains how we view ourselves with the idea of “no-self.” In Buddhism, “anatta” is the claim that what you conventionally think of as your “self” doesn’t have inherent existence. Let’s dive deeper into this concept to better understand how we perceive ourselves.

What Is Complicated Grief? When Mourning Lingers

A sad man sitting on a park bench while other people walk by illustrates the question, "What is complicated grief?"

What is complicated grief? What happens when grief becomes more than just a natural response to loss? Why do some people experience grief that seems to have no end? In The Grieving Brain, psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor explores what complicated grief is and how it differs from typical grieving patterns. Her research reveals the intricate relationship between our brains and the grieving process, offering insights into why some people develop this prolonged form of grief. Keep reading to discover the science behind complicated grief and learn about proven therapeutic approaches that can help those who are stuck in an endless cycle