SPEAKING
Presentations range from workplace performance and well-being to the psychology of belief and scientific thinking. It’s like MythBusters, but with fewer explosions and more psychology.
Do More, Stress Less
Packed schedules and endless to-do lists can leave even the best of us running on empty. This session offers a science-based reset. Drawing on cutting-edge research in cognitive and behavioral psychology, audiences are provided with strategies to beat procrastination and get more done. In short, how to have a better day at work.
Problem Solving and the Psychology of Creativity
Creativity is often seen as something you either have or you don’t, but research shows that isn’t true. It’s a skill like any other, and it can be developed. This session explores how to spark new ideas, approach challenges from fresh angles, and break free from rigid thinking. Get ready to explore practical strategies for building creative habits and applying research-backed methods to strengthen problem-solving.
The Science of Not Boring People
We’ve all sat through talks where the lights dim, the slides fill with text, and the audience quietly checks their email. It doesn’t have to be that way. This workshop shows how to turn complex material into presentations that are clear, engaging, and memorable. Participants will learn how to distill research into crisp messages, use visuals that support rather than distract, and shape content around a story worth telling. Whether leading a meeting, pitching an idea, or speaking at a conference, this session provides practical tools for delivering talks that truly connect.
Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions
We like to think we make choices based on logic, but our brains often have other plans. This session explores cognitive biases and how they quietly shape judgment, from why good advice is so often ignored to why we misjudge risk. Learn simple, research-backed tools to spot when your thinking is off track and apply practical strategies to make clearer, more informed decisions under pressure.
Sleep Well: The Science of Rest and Recovery
Good sleep is the foundation for focus, mood, and long-term health. This session highlights what research reveals about how rest affects both the brain and body and provides practical advice for improving sleep and managing fatigue. You may be surprised at just how much sleep matters and how small changes can make a big difference.
Can Scientific Skepticism Make Us More Empathetic?
Skepticism is often misunderstood as cold or dismissive, but it can just as easily be a path to empathy. In this thought-provoking talk, first presented at TEDx, you’ll see how applying scientific skepticism sharpens reasoning while deepening human connection. Drawing on psychological research and real-world examples, the session shows that critical thinking is not only about spotting flaws but also about building better conversations and stronger relationships.
The Need for Scientific Thinking: Teaching Students How to Detect Baloney
In an age of information overload, helping students think clearly is more important than ever. This session focuses on practical ways to teach scientific thinking by using tools that help students question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and spot misleading claims. Drawing on empirical research and classroom-tested strategies, educators will learn how to foster both skepticism and curiosity.
Ghosts in the Mind: The Science Behind Hauntings
Why do ghost stories feel so real, and what can they teach us about how we think? This session uses paranormal experiences as a window into the psychology of belief. From creaking floors to eerie sensations, we’ll explore how perception, memory, and suggestion can trick the mind into seeing patterns that aren’t really there. Along the way, participants will learn how to question assumptions, recognize cognitive shortcuts, and apply skeptical thinking to both ghostly encounters and everyday decisions.
Lessons from Teaching Skepticism
What makes people believe in things that aren’t true? How can we help them think more clearly? This talk shares insights from over 15 years of teaching scientific skepticism through hands-on experiences, such as ghost hunts, psychic readings, and testing paranormal claims. Drawing on psychological research and real-world examples, this talk explores why pseudoscientific beliefs persist and how to challenge them in ways that are engaging, respectful, and effective. The session offers practical tools for promoting rational thinking in the classroom, the workplace, and everyday conversations.
Who Has the Time? Self-Management in Academia
Research in psychology consistently shows that productivity and well-being depend less on doing more and more on making deliberate choices about where to focus time and energy. This session applies those findings to academic life, where competing demands of teaching, research, and service often push people toward overload. Drawing on empirical studies and years of experience in the academy, this presentation highlights concrete strategies for setting boundaries, protecting time, and sustaining the work that matters most for both career success and personal well-being.
Interested in booking a keynote or workshop?
Contact Dr. Schmaltz to discuss formats, availability, and how a session can be tailored to meet the needs of your organization or institution.
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