It Matters How We Treat One Another

S3 E13 - Tools & Techniques for Keeping Hope Alive

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Use this link to get 10% off in our merch store: https://itmattersmerch.etsy.com?coupon=ITMATTERS10

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social science show - now in its third season! Here, host Matthew David Vasko discusses all the various ways that we can improve our relationships with others - partners, children, parents, extended family, friends, coworkers, and all the different types of people with whom we share our beautiful and diverse world. Features include Inspiring News and The Quote of the Week. Find our premium content on our Patreon, including The Takeaway.

Season 3, Episode 13, Topic: Tools & Techniques for Keeping Hope Alive

This episode is dedicated to hope, and more specifically the many things we all can do to help keep hope alive for the sake of our own wellbeing.

QUICK TIPS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Core Definitions

• Optimism: A temperament-based expectation that things will work out; fragile under sustained adversity

• Hope (Snyder): The intersection of goals, perceived pathways, and personal agency; does not require certainty

• Active Hope (Joanna Macy): Hope as a practice, not a feeling — chosen and cultivated regardless of circumstance

• Radical Hope (Jonathan Lear): Hope directed toward a good that cannot yet be fully imagined or articulated

• The Stockdale Paradox (Jim Collins): Holding two truths simultaneously — unflinching honesty about difficulty + unshakeable conviction that you will prevail

The Six Practical Tools

1. Curate your information diet — protect your hope reservoir

1. Pursue micro-wins — restore your sense of agency

2. The Stockdale Practice — hold both truths at once

3. Radical presence + the Best Possible Self exercise (Laura King) — rebuild the mental architecture of hope

4. Use the “yet” factor — refuse finality in your self-talk

5. Choose connection — hope is contagious and is rarely a solo project

Listener Challenge

Carry out one act of connection or bridge-building before the next episode: a real conversation, a volunteer hour, a letter, or a moment of genuine curiosity with someone whose life looks different from yours.

Suggested Further Reading

• Radical Hope: Ethics in the Face of Cultural Devastation — Jonathan Lear (Harvard University Press)

• Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re In Without Going Crazy — Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone

• Hope in the Dark — Rebecca Solnit

• Good to Great — Jim Collins (Stockdale Paradox chapter)

• The Psychology of Hope — Charles R. Snyder

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

The information shared on this show is meant for general educational purposes only. Please consult with a licensed professional before making any life-altering decisions. Listener/viewer assumes all responsibility for any actions taken as a result of consuming this content. Any application of suggestions made on this show is taken at the listener/viewer's sole risk.

S3 E12 - Coping with Overwhelm

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Use this link to get 10% off in our merch store: https://itmattersmerch.etsy.com?coupon=ITMATTERS10

Season 3, Episode 12, Guest: Erin Wiley, Topic: Coping with Overwhelm.

Erin Wiley MA, LPCC. Her therapy clients describe Erin as friendly, upbeat, motivational, supportive, and a strategic & creative problem solver. Erin’s therapy style is energetic, caring, solution-focused, straightforward, and research-based. Erin earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bowling Green State University. Before founding The Willow Center, Erin worked as a therapist in a group private practice in Sylvania, Ohio.

Erin’s dream to create The Willow Center started even before she began graduate school. Recognizing the ways in which therapy had been instrumental in positively changing the lives of people around her, as well as her own life, she envisioned a therapy center where clients of all ages could partner with the best clinicians in the area to create the kind of change they want in their lives.

Erin has extensive experience counseling men and women, teenagers, married couples, and families. She has experience with the LGBTQ community, and has specific training in couples’ counseling; she is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR (a therapy technique that helps clients resolve issues and negative beliefs from their past that may be holding them back today). Her goal as a therapist is to train, support, and empower her clients, despite difficulties and limitations, to live their best life.

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E11 - From Overwhelm to Action

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Use this link to get 10% off in our merch store: https://itmattersmerch.etsy.com?coupon=ITMATTERS10

Season 3, Episode 11, Topic: From Overwhelm to Action. Moving ourselves from a sense of overwhelm with all that is happening in the world to taking action to create positive change where we can.

Cited Resources:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey — Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence

https://www.idealist.org/ — Find local volunteer opportunities near you

Your local city council, school board, and neighborhood council websites

https://5calls.org/ — Find your representatives, get scripts, and make your five calls this week

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E10 - Is the U.S. on a Path to Genocide?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Podchaser Code: GpKT9PbIvwrBXjhKx4p9

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Use this link to get 10% off in our merch store: https://itmattersmerch.etsy.com?coupon=ITMATTERS10

Season 3, Episode 10, Guest: Elisa von Joeden-Forgey, Topic: Is the U.S. on the Path to Genocide?

Elisa von Joeden-Forgey is Executive Director of the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention. She was formerly the Endowed Chair in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College, where she designed, founded, and directed the Master’s Program in Genocide Prevention and Human Security. Before that, she was the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University in New Jersey, where she also directed the master’s program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and founded the world’s first academic, graduate-level Genocide Prevention Certificate Program.

Website: https://www.lemkininstitute.com/

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E9 - Deepening Relationships

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Use this link to get 10% off in our merch store: https://itmattersmerch.etsy.com?coupon=ITMATTERS10

Season 3, Episode 9, Topic: Deepening Relationships

In this episode, Matthew does a deep dive into deepening relationships. He shares a variety of science-based strategies for increasing connection, decreasing loneliness, and performing acts of kindness, which are proven to increase happiness.

Key Research Links

Here are the direct links to the studies mentioned in our Feature Segment:

1. Harvard Study of Adult Development

Official website: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org
Dr. Robert Waldinger's TED Talk "What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness": https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_the_secret_to_a_happy_life_lessons_from_8_decades_of_research
Harvard Gazette article on the study: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/

2. Holt-Lunstad Meta-Analysis on Social Relationships and Mortality

Full study (open access): https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
PubMed link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20668659/

3. Shelly Gable's Research on Active-Constructive Responding

Key article: Gable, S. L., Reis, H. T., Impett, E. A., & Asher, E. R. (2004). "What do you do when things go right? The intrapersonal and interpersonal benefits of sharing positive events." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 87(2), 228-245.
Dr. Gable's faculty page: https://www.psych.ucsb.edu/people/faculty/gable
Educational overview: https://positivepsychology.com/active-constructive-communication/

4. Sonja Lyubomirsky's Research on Kindness and Happiness

Dr. Lyubomirsky's research page: https://sonjalyubomirsky.com/
Her faculty profile with publications: https://lyubomirsky.socialpsychology.org/
Key article: Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). "Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change." Review of General Psychology, 9, 111-131.

Resources for Additional Learning

If you'd like to dive deeper into these topics, here are some excellent resources:

Books:

"The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness" by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz
"Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect" by Matthew Lieberman
"The How of Happiness" by Sonja Lyubomirsky
"Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending" by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton

Key Research:

The Harvard Study of Adult Development website features Dr. Robert Waldinger's popular TED Talk "What Makes a Good Life"
Holt-Lunstad and colleagues' meta-analysis on social relationships and mortality, published in PLOS Medicine in 2010
Shelly Gable's research on active-constructive responding in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Sonja Lyubomirsky's work on the architecture of sustainable happiness in the Review of General Psychology

Online Resources:

Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley offers free, science-based practices at greatergood.berkeley.edu
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation provides inspiration and ideas at randomactsofkindness.org

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E8 - Emotional Intelligence with Joie Seldon

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Use this link to get 10% off in our merch store: https://itmattersmerch.etsy.com?coupon=ITMATTERS10

Season 3, Episode 8, Guest: Joie Seldon, Topic: Emotional Intelligence

Joie Seldon is the founder of Emotional Evolution Institute and the author of “EMOTIONS, an Owner's Manual.” She is an international life and professional success coach and EQ trainer. She brings 25 years of experience as an actor and acting teacher, 10 years as a somatic psychology therapist, and a lifetime of personal growth engagement to her innovative approach to teaching people how to release limiting behaviors and use their emotions as the powerful guidance system they are meant to be. She has worked with clients at companies like NASA, AT&T, Wells Fargo, Blue Shield, Dolby, and in a variety of professions.

Joie's website: https://joieseldon.com/

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E7 - Coping During the Holidays

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Use this link to get 10% off in our merch store: https://itmattersmerch.etsy.com?coupon=ITMATTERS10

Season 3, Episode 7, Topic: Coping During the Holidays

Rather than have a guest this episode, I’ve decided to devote this early December episode to Coping During The Holidays. This can be a difficult time of year for people, even for people who aren’t struggling otherwise. In our main segment I will share pro-tips to help you deal with Grief & Loss, Loneliness, Depression, Difficult Family Dynamics, General Coping Strategies and Self Compassion, and finally Coping Resources that are just a click or phone call away. This might be just the boost you need to help make this a happier and healthier holiday season!

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E6 - Choose Love Not Hate with Lisa Christy

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Season 3, Episode 6, Guest: Lisa Christy, Topic: Choose Love Not Hate

Lisa Christy is the founder of Choose Love Not Hate™, a faith-based kindness movement that’s catching fire across Georgia and beyond. A clean comedian, author, and three-time survivor, Lisa uses her story-filled humor to remind people that love is louder, kindness is contagious, and purpose often shows up in unexpected places—like her garage, where God told her to start all of this. Through her speaking, writing, and daily acts of simple compassion, she’s showing communities that it truly matters how we treat each other.

Learn more about Lisa Christy and her meaningful work, and about how to become a Kindness Ambassador at https://chooselovenothate.com/

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E5 - The LOVE rEVOLution

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Season 3, Episode 5, Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Rosner, Topic: The LOVE rEVOLution

Dr. Elizabeth Rosner, affectionately known as Dr. Roz, is a visionary leader and the heart behind LOVE rEVOLution. Through her work, Dr. Roz seeks to inspire and empower individuals to lead with love, compassion, and nonviolence. LOVE rEVOLution encompasses a range of initiatives, including DebtFreeDegree, Leading with L.O.V.E., and being a Nonviolence365 Trainer for The King Center. By integrating these elements, Dr. Roz offers a comprehensive framework for personal and collective transformation. Her mission is teaching 8 billion people to LOVE 8 billion people, one heart at a time. Discover the power of love-centered leadership and join her LOVE rEVOLution today!!!

Dr. Roz’s website: https://drroz.love/

The King Center’s “Be Love” campaign: https://thekingcenter.org/belove

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E4 - Improving School Mental Health

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Season 3, Episode 4, Guests: Charle Peck and Dr. Cameron Caswell, PhD, Topic: Improving School Mental Health

Charle Peck talk with Matthew about their recent book, “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution,” a revolutionary program to optimize student learning outcomes and well-being.

Charle is also the co-author of “The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Success,” She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work, and is a 20+ year veteran in K-12 education. Charle is also a keynote speaker and host of the “Thriving Educator” podcast.

Dr. Cam is known as “The Teen Translator” and is an adolescent psychologist, parenting coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the “Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam” podcast. With over 20 years of experience and with a teen of her own, Dr. Cam combines professional expertise with personal insight to help parents stop yelling, start connecting, and rebuild trust at home.

Links for Charle Peck:

Books: www.ThrivingEducator.org/books

Website: www.ThrivingEducator.org

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-educator/id1677382954

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-language-of-behavior/id1777075576

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlePeck

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlepeck1

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlepeck/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlepeck

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/charlepeck

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlepeck

Links for Dr. Cam:

Website: https://www.askdrcam.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teens-with-dr-cam/id1524209790

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcamcaswell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcamcaswell

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBiER8Hwo8TLzfIXAnYYhYg?sub_confirmation=1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.teen.translator

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E3 - Nonviolence with Michael N. Nagler

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Season 3, Episode 3, Guest: Michael N. Nagler, Topic: Nonviolence

Michael N. Nagler is Professor Emeritus of Classics and Comparative Literature at UC Berkeley, where he co-founded one of the first Peace and Conflict Studies Programs in the United States. In 1981, he also co-founded the Metta Center for Nonviolence, where he continues to dedicate his life to the values of nonviolence and spiritual discovery. He is the co-host of “Nonviolence Radio,” a popular radio show and podcast focused on exploring nonviolence, and has authored numerous influential books, including The Nonviolence Handbook and The Third Harmony. Learn more about Michael and nonviolence at https://www.mettacenter.org/

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E2 - How To Accept Others As They Are

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Season 3, Episode 2, Topic: How to accept others as they are/how to become more accepting of difference. If you’ve been with our show since the beginning then you might remember that in the first season we revealed that it is actually good for us - both mentally and physically – to be accepting of others. If that episode convinced you to be more accepting of others now you might still be wondering - but how do I go about actually being more accepting of others? Are there any tools that can help me do this? Well, the answer is yes, there are tools and techniques that lead to greater acceptance, and in this episode Matthew goes into them in wonderful detail. Listen/watch for details!

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

World Food Programme: https://www.wfp.org/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S3 E1 - Group Agreements, Community Agreements, Social Contracts

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Thank you to our sponsor, Audible. Get your free month of Audible Premium Plus at https://www.audibletrial.com/VxVNWj

Season 3, Episode 2, Topic: Group Agreements, Community Agreements, or Social Contracts. Can be called any number of things including Social Contracts, Covenants, Community Agreements, Group Agreements, Team Agreements, or Class Pledges, but the basic premise is the same. Essentially, a social contract is a list of agreements between a group of people about how they are going to treat one another and interact with one another. And even how they will resolve disputes. They are co-created by the group. Listen/watch for details!

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro/Interstitial music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E12 - Communicating Across The Divide

Fri, 30 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/itmatters

If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show - now in its second season! Here, host Matthew David Vasko discusses all the various ways that we can improve our relationships with others - partners, children, parents, extended family, friends, coworkers, and all the different types of people with whom we share our beautiful and diverse world. Features include Inspiring News and The Quote of the Week. Find our premium content on our Patreon, including The Takeaway.

Season 2, Episode 12, Guest: Professor Matt Koschmann, Topic: Host Matthew David Vasko and our guest discuss how we can best communicate with others across our current cultural and political divide.

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E11 - Scientific Support for DEI

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/itmatters

Season 2, Episode 11, Guest: Kia Afcari, Topic: Scientific Support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). MDV and Kia discuss the overwhelming evidence in support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and how good it is for both companies and for individuals of all identities.

Kia is the Director of Greater Good Workplaces at GGSC. He has over 25 years of experience helping leaders, teams, and organizations all over the world with DEI and other collaborative change efforts. Kia’s TEDx talk on How We Can Reshape Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Together has over 77,000 views, and he was awarded Chief Learning Officer Magazine’s Silver Award for Innovation for his accomplishments in helping to shift the organizational culture of UC Berkeley’s 8,000 staff.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

Lily Zheng: A new model for DEI - https://hbr.org/2025/01/what-comes-after-dei

John A. Powel: "The Power of Bridging" - https://belonging.berkeley.edu/power-bridging

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E10 - Combatting Loneliness

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/itmatters

Season 2, Episode 10, Guest: Jaime Kurtz, Topic: Combatting Loneliness

Jaime Kurtz is a professor of psychology at James Madison University in Virginia. Her research focuses on happiness, savoring, and social connection. In addition to co-authoring Our New Social Life, she is the author of The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations.

The UCLA Loneliness Scale - https://psytests.org/ipl/uclaen.html

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E9 - Should Journalists Counter Hate & Lies?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/itmatters

Season 2, Episode 9, Guest: Angie Chuang, Topic: Should journalists counter hate and lies? This episode is a follow-up to Season 2, Episode 6 on countering hate. In this episode, Matthew interviews media scholar Angie Chuang on whether or not journalists should make a practice of actively countering hate and lies.

Angie Chuang is an associate professor of journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder. Before entering academia, she was a staff writer for several regional daily newspapers for 13 years, including The Oregonian and the Los Angeles Times. She’s finishing a book called American Otherness in Journalism, due out this fall on Routledge.

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E8 - People We Admire 1

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0700

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/itmatters

Season 2, Episode 8, Guest: Registered Nurse Corinna Johnson, Topic: An inside look at the career of nursing. This was the first in a new type of episode we are offering called "People We Admire," interviews with people and careers that serve the greater good. We just happened to catch up with Corinna during the Eaton Fire that affected Altadena, CA, USA. If you would like to support people and/or organizations affected by the Eaton Fire, please visit https://bit.ly/3PBcLQQ

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E7 - 35 Ways To Spread Love

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/itmatters

Season 2, Episode 7, Topic: 35 Ways To Spread Love

In this episode, Matthew continues his series on the topic of countering hate by creating a list of 35 ways that we all can make a positive difference in the world by spreading love.

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

S2 E6 - 30 Ways To Counter Hate

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Click https://betterhelp.com/itmatters for a discount on your first month of therapy.

Season 2, Episode 6, Topic: 30 Ways To Counter Hate

In this episode, Matthew takes a deep dive into everything that each of us can do to counter hate on social media and in society. All combined, these 30 tips are sure to inspire you to help build a brighter future for all humanity.

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E5 - Customer Service

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/itmatters

Season 2, Episode 5, Topic: Customer Service - Matthew explores the inner world of customer service and the "tricks of the trade," including working with upset customers. There is something for everyone in this broad look at the world of customer service.

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E4 - Suicide Prevention

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/itmatters

Season 2, Episode 4, Guest: Kelly Manning of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Topic: Suicide Prevention. Learn more about AFSP at https://afsp.org

Show links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Patreon: http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Podcast website: https://it-matters.captivate.fm/

Host Matthew David Vasko’s website: https://matthewvasko.com/

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E3 - Kindness Is Free

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0700

This show is sponsored by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://betterhelp.com/itmatters

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Season 2, Episode 3, Guests: Josue Aria & Scott Ehlers of Kindness Is Free, Topic: Kindness movements and the Kindness Is Free kindness movement. Josue serves as Chief Kindness Officer and Scott as Chief Kindness Strategist, and together they are on a mission to spread kindness far and wide from youth clubs to schools, to businesses, and more! If you care about kindness then you’re going to love this interview! Learn more: KindnessIsFree.org

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

and our Patreon at http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E2 - Helping Someone Who Is Suffering From Depression

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Season 2, Episode 2, Guest: Erin Wiley, Topic: Helping Someone Who Is Suffering From Depression

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

and our Patreon at http://patreon.com/ItMattersPatrons

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

S2 E1 - Bridging Differences

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Season 2, Episode 1 Guest: Juliana Tafur of Greater Good's Bridging Differences initiative.

The Bridging Differences Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/GGSCBridgingDifferences/

Visit their Campaign for Connection page: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/bridging_differences

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus: www.youtube.com/@adoremus2624

Additional music by Z19: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfnVgE2H20vJQN4Yl7gbtA

Episode 9 - Helping Others Cope with Grief

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Episode 9 - Season 1 Finale Guest: Dr. Michael Kocet.

How to help our friends and loved ones navigate loss and grief.

Dr. Michael Kocet, is a licensed mental health counselor, who has been a grief counselor for over 25 years and has taught a graduate course in grief and loss for over 22 years. He is a university administrator and professor of counseling at the University of Colorado Denver.

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus.

Additional music by Zach V.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

Episode 8 - Why Accepting Others is Good for Us

Mon, 20 May 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Episode 8 Topic: Why Accepting Others is Good for Us

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus.

Additional music by Zach V.

Episode 7 - All About Trauma Informed Care

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Episode 7 Guest: Liz Arnold

To learn more about Young & Healthy, please visit https://yhpasadena.org/

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus.

Additional music by Zach V.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

Episode 6 - Trans Day of Visibility

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 23:00:00 -0700

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Episode 6, Guest: Taylor Chazan, Trans Advocate

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus.

Additional music by Zach V.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

Episode 5 - Twelve Movies That Can Help Us See the Best in Humanity

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0700

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Episode 5 - Guest: Jeremy Adam Smith

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus.

Additional music by Zach V.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

Episode 4 - The Helper's High

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology show based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Episode 4: The Helper's High

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus.

Additional music by Zach V.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

Episode 3 - Elmo & Wellbeing

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It Matters How We Treat One Another” is the social psychology podcast based on the popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Episode 3, Elmo & Wellbeing

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ItMattersHowWeTreatOneAnother/

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus.

Additional music by Zach V.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

Episode 2 - Guest Dr. Zanaida Stewart-Robles

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700

It Matters How We Treat One Another is the social psychology podcast based on the

popular Facebook and Instagram platforms by the same name.

Episode 2 Guest: Dr. Zanaida Stewart-Robles

Check out our Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ItMattersMerch

Intro/Outro music provided by Adoremus: "I Pray We'll Be OK" by Adoremus.

Additional music by Zach V.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 988 for the

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the United States).

Episode 1 - Welcome!

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Just 17 minutes long! This initial episode serves to introduce you to your host, Matthew David Vasko, and the show's biweekly format. It steps you through the various segments, including Inspiring News, The Interview, and The Takeaway.