In today's digital age, where misinformation spreads faster than wildfire, it's crucial to equip ourselves with the tools to discern fact from fiction. Vince Filak, an award-winning multimedia journalism professor and author from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, unravels the complex web of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in social and news media. In a lively discussion with Sage Faculty Partner and Mass Communications Professor Tim Molina, Vince explores the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age and shares ways in which all instructors can help their students navigate the news landscape and determine the truth among the falsehoods.

Dr. Wind Goodfriend, a professor of Experimental Psychology at Buena Vista University, recently sat down with PsychSessions' Garth Neufeld to discuss her career and journey from a challenging childhood in Ames, Iowa, to becoming who she is today. Wind recounts her experiences with undiagnosed Tourette's Syndrome and autism, her expulsion from a religious school for protesting sexist policies, financial hardship, and cultural barriers. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, fueled by a lifelong passion for understanding human behavior. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and inclusivity in education and discusses her research on the psychology of cults. Most notably, Wind reveals how her upcoming intro psych textbook, "Psychology and Our Curious World," aims to make psychology relevant and engaging for students of all backgrounds by exploring real-world examples and thought-provoking questions.

Steven Fein, a professor of psychology at Williams College, recently sat down with Garth Neufeld of PsychSessions to discuss his career, research, and teaching. He highlights his 32-year tenure at the elite liberal arts college, noting its small class sizes and focus on undergraduate education. Steve also discusses his work with co-authors Saul Kassin and Hazel Rose Markus on the widely-used textbook, "Social Psychology," now in its 12th edition. His research has focused on stereotyping, prejudice, and social norms, with notable studies examining the influence of audience reactions on presidential debates. In one study, he found that audience applause can significantly alter viewers' perceptions of a candidate's performance. He reflects on his educational and career paths, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and making psychology relevant for students.