Health Psych Currents Podcast

Episode #1: Dr. Beverly Thorn on Dementia Caregiver and Coping

Guest: Beverly E. Thorn, Ph.D.

Date: July 7, 2026

Expert bio, transcript, and details

Summary: Health psychologists play a critical role in supporting caregivers of patients with dementia — yet many clinicians feel underprepared for the emotional complexity of this work.

In this episode, we interview Beverly E. Thorn, Ph.D., the author of Before I Lose My Own Mind, a powerful exploration of dementia caregiving and the psychological toll it takes on families. We discuss how health psychologists can support dementia caregivers, recognize caregiver burnout, and provide meaningful mental health strategies throughout the progression of the illness.

This conversation focuses on practical clinical skills for health psychologists in practice and training, including how to address anticipatory grief, emotional burden, role transitions, and resilience in caregivers of dementia patients. Whether you work in primary care, behavioral health, geriatrics, or integrated care, you’ll gain tools to better support caregivers navigating one of the most challenging experiences in healthcare.

Episode #2: Dr. Jenny Cundiff on How Social Relationships Shape Physical Health

Guest: Jenny M. Cundiff, Ph.D.

Date: August 4, 2026

Expert bio, transcript, and details

Summary: In this episode of Health Psych Currents, Dr. Josh Eyer and Dr. Christine Guardino talk with Dr. Jenny Cundiff about the science behind social relationships and health. Drawing from a landmark special issue of Health Psychology, they explore how everyday interactions with family, friends, and communities influence stress, cardiovascular health, and long-term well-being. The conversation covers loneliness, social support, innovative research methods that capture life as it happens, and the way understanding our social world may be one of the keys to improving health. Whether you’re a psychologist, healthcare professional, researcher, or simply curious about the science of human connection, this episode offers practical insights and a fascinating look at where the field is headed.