Dr Aaron Kaplan

04/10/2026

The Neuroplasticity of Identity

Identity is often talked about as if it were something fixed, almost like a hidden object buried inside us that we are supposed to discover once and for all. But a more interesting and probably more accurate way to think about it is this: identity is something the brain is constantly building. That idea was a big inspiration for me after my ...

Identity is often talked about as if it were something fixed, almost like a hidden object buried inside us that we are supposed to discover once and for all. But a more interesting and probably more accurate way to think about it is this: identity is something the brain is constantly building. That....

04/07/2026

Episode 89: The Neuroplasticity of Identity:

In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Mateer, a Harvard Medical School neuropsychology fellow, writer, and Psychology Today contributor, to explore how identity is shaped by memory, attention, emotion, and the stories we tell ourselves. We talk about the idea that the self is not fixed, but continually built and rebuilt through experience.

Our conversation dives into neuroplasticity, self-narrative, authenticity, and the value of developing multiple aspects of identity rather than overinvesting in just one role. We also explore how emotionally charged experiences can shape the way we see ourselves, why people get stuck in limiting stories about who they are, and how greater psychological flexibility can help us adapt and grow.

Dr. Mateer brings warmth, clarity, and real depth to a conversation about how the brain, our experiences, and our choices all work together in shaping who we become.

Podcast Episode · Mind Tricks Radio · April 7 · 46m

03/31/2026

Aloha Everyone!
I’m excited to share that my debut novel, When Earth Blinked, comes out on April 28. Less than a month away!

If you want to take a look, here’s the page on my website, which also includes the Amazon link: https://waikikihealth.com/cool-stuff/

If you read When Earth Blinked, or if I’ve already sent you a digital copy, I’d really be grateful for a short review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Even a brief review helps a lot. Amazon won’t allow reviews until the release date, but Goodreads reviews can be posted now.

I’m also happy to send a free digital copy (PDF) to friends, colleagues, or associates in my network who would like one.
And most of all, if you do read it, I’d love to hear what you think.
Thanks so much for the support!

03/29/2026

What dystopian fiction can reveal about power, ideology, and the danger of turning people into abstractions

What if a society became so committed to fairness that it decided parents should no longer raise their own children? That is the chilling premise behind Progeny, a dystopian novel written by Dr. Peter Weiss, built on a brutal idea: in the name of equity, every newborn is taken from its birth mother and reassigned by the state. I had a lively conversation with Dr....

What if a society became so committed to fairness that it decided parents should no longer raise their own children? That is the chilling premise behind Progeny, a dystopian novel written by Dr. Peter Weiss, built on a brutal idea: in the name of equity, every newborn is taken from its birth mother....

03/14/2026

Stop Trying and Start Doing: A Small Shift That Changes Everything

Recently on MindTricks Radio, I had a lively conversation with author and speaker Carla Ondrasik about a surprisingly powerful idea: the difference between trying and doing. At first glance it sounds like semantics. After all, isn’t trying the first step toward doing? But as Carla pointed out—and the more I thought about it, the more it made sense—the word ...

Recently on MindTricks Radio, I had a lively conversation with author and speaker Carla Ondrasik about a surprisingly powerful idea: the difference between trying and doing. At first glance it sounds like semantics. After all, isn’t trying the first step toward doing? But as Carla pointed out—an...

03/12/2026

Episode 87: Stop Trying, and Start Doing!, with Carla Ondrasik

In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with author and motivational speaker Carla Ondrasik to talk about a deceptively simple word that may be quietly sabotaging our goals: try. In her book Stop Trying: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More, Carla argues that the language we use with ourselves matters more than we realize. When we say we’ll “try,” we often leave the door open for hesitation, procrastination, and excuses. But when we decide to do, something shifts—not only in our mindset, but even in the way our brains engage with the task at hand.

Carla shares stories from her unusual career path—from working in national security and aviation to becoming Vice President of Creative Writer Development at EMI Music Publishing, where she helped place songs with artists like Barbra Streisand, NSYNC, and Christina Aguilera. Along the way, she discovered a powerful mindset that guided her success: stop hedging your bets with “trying” and commit fully to action. Our conversation explores how fear of failure, procrastination, and even fear of success can keep people stuck in neutral—and how a simple shift in language can help move us into drive.

We also talk about practical tools for getting unstuck, including the “eat the frog” strategy for beating procrastination, the difference between excuses and real reasons, and how committing to action can build confidence, leadership, and a life with fewer regrets. Carla brings humor, energy, and plenty of real-world examples to the conversation, making this episode both motivating and surprisingly fun.

Podcast Episode · Mind Tricks Radio · March 12 · 1h

03/09/2026

Connection Is the Antidote to Modern Loneliness: Four Ways to Rebuild It in Your Life

In an age where we can instantly message someone across the globe, scroll through hundreds of social media updates, and join online communities in seconds, you might assume we are more connected than ever. But the opposite often feels true. Loneliness has become one of the defining psychological challenges of modern life. Many people report feeling isolated even while surrounded by technology designed to connect us....

In an age where we can instantly message someone across the globe, scroll through hundreds of social media updates, and join online communities in seconds, you might assume we are more connected than ever. But the opposite often feels true. Loneliness has become one of the defining psychological cha...

03/07/2026

Episode 86: Unleash the Power of the Four Kinds of Connections, with Dr. Adam Dorsay

In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down with my friend and colleague, psychologist, Dr. Adam Dorsay to explore one of the most essential ingredients of psychological well-being: connection. Drawing from his book Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love, Dr. Dorsay introduces a framework for understanding why so many people feel lonely and disconnected despite living in an age of constant digital communication.

We discuss the four kinds of connection that help people build fulfilling lives. Dr. Dorsay explains the importance of connection to others and why friendships and relationships often suffer in a world dominated by social media and busy schedules. We also explore connection to self, including authenticity, intrinsic motivation, and how people sometimes lose touch with what truly makes them feel alive.

The conversation also covers connection to the world through work, community, and culture, as well as connection to something greater — the experiences of awe and wonder that remind us we are part of a much larger universe.

Along the way, Dr. Dorsay shares personal stories, practical insights, and simple ways people can strengthen connection in their everyday lives.

Podcast Episode · Mind Tricks Radio · March 7 · 1h

02/25/2026

Episode 85: Don't Take It Personally!: -- Breaking Down The Cognitive Distortion of Personalization, with guest co-host Dr. Tyler Ralston

In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down once again with guest co-host Dr. Tyler Ralston for a lively, practical conversation about the cognitive distortion of personalization — that sneaky mental habit of assuming that other people’s behavior, moods, or even major life events are somehow about us. Together, we unpack what personalization really is (and what it isn’t), including why “don’t take it personally” can sometimes feel invalidating if we’re not careful. From not getting invited to dinner, to a boss’s sour expression in a meeting, to waiting anxiously for a text that doesn’t come — we explore how quickly the mind can jump to “This must be because of me.”

Dr. Ralston and I also dig into why personalization is so compelling. We talk about how our brains crave certainty, even if that certainty comes in the form of self-blame. We explore how childhood experiences — especially environments involving criticism, emotional abuse, or chronic blame — can prime people to over-attribute responsibility to themselves. Along the way, we examine the emotional costs of personalization, including guilt, shame, anger, relationship strain, and even road rage. Yes, we go there.

Most importantly, we offer practical tools. We walk through core CBT strategies like examining the evidence, generating alternative explanations, reality-testing assumptions, and even running behavioral experiments to challenge distorted beliefs. We also touch on mindfulness-based approaches that help us step back from our thoughts rather than automatically believing them. Whether you’re a clinician, a student, or someone who occasionally wonders, “Was that about me?”, this episode will give you concrete strategies — and a few laughs — to help you stop taking responsibility for things that may never have been yours in the first place.

Podcast Episode · Mind Tricks Radio · February 25 · 42m

02/25/2026

Don’t Take It Personally!: — Breaking Down The Cognitive Distortion of Personalization

In Episode 85 of Mind Tricks Radio, I sat down with Dr. Tyler Ralston to talk about a cognitive distortion that quietly shapes a surprising amount of mental anguish: Personalization. That conversation inspired this post. Personalization is the tendency to assume that external events, other people’s moods, or ambiguous situations are happening because of us. Usually, we add a negative interpretation....

In Episode 85 of Mind Tricks Radio, I sat down with Dr. Tyler Ralston to talk about a cognitive distortion that quietly shapes a surprising amount of mental anguish: Personalization. That conversation inspired this post. Personalization is the tendency to assume that external events, other people’...

01/17/2026

When Earth Blinked (a novel) cover announcement!

I’m excited to announce that the book cover survey for my upcoming debut novel, When Earth Blinked, is officially complete! Huge thanks to everyone who took the time to vote and share feedback. Your input genuinely mattered, and it was exciting to see such strong engagement across all the designs. After reviewing the results, the winning cover has now been selected—and you can check it out on my website under the tab…...

I’m excited to announce that the book cover survey for my upcoming debut novel, When Earth Blinked, is officially complete! Huge thanks to everyone who took the time to vote and share feedback. Your input genuinely mattered, and it was exciting to see such strong engagement across all the designs....

01/07/2026

Please vote for my book cover!

I’m excited to share that my debut novel, WHEN EARTH BLINKED, published by Koehler Books, is scheduled for release in April 2026.

We’re down to the final two cover designs, and the publisher is asking for reader input—so I’d love yours.

Please click the link below and simply vote for the cover you prefer. It takes about 10 seconds.

WHEN EARTH BLIKED is a post-apocalyptic novel set in Hawaiʻi after a global plague wipes out most of Earth’s population, following the psychological and moral aftermath of survival in a radically altered world.

Thanks in advance for helping out—and I’ll be sharing more updates soon.

Köehler Books welcomes all kinds of stories and authors, and combines the award-winning creativity and flexibility of a small publishing house with marketing muscle and distribution power.