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Articles by Mark Sherman
Supreme Court sends Trump immunity case back to lower court, dimming prospect of pre-election trial
The Supreme Court on Monday extended the delay in the Washington criminal case against Donald Trump on charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss, all but ending prospects the former president could be tried before the November election. In a historic 6-3 ruling, the justices said for the first time that former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for their official acts and no immunity for unofficial acts.
Humor Archives
Years ago, as a psych professor, I did a research project where I interviewed beautiful women on what it feels like to be the subject of so much attention based on looks. March 20, 2020 by Mark Sherman Leave a Comment Years ago, as a psych professor, I did a research project where I interviewed beautiful women on what it feels like to be the subject of so much attention based on looks.
In Memory of Herbert Shore
March 29, 2024 by Mark Sherman and Virginia Franco Herbert Shore was a founding member of DSA in 1982 and of the San Diego chapter until he passed away in February of 2024. November 18, 1939 – February 12, 2024 In Herb’s own words “I was born in 1939 in Brooklyn, New York to secular, Jewish, working class parents. My parents were not actually Communist Party members, but our lives revolved around the ‘fellow traveling’ milieu that existed until the mid 1950s.
"Annabelle Sorensen on Balancing the Positives and Negatives" by Annabelle Sorensen and Mark Sherman
Document Type News Article Abstract Ever feel like life is happening to you instead of for you? Join Annabelle Sorensen (certified life coach) and Mark Sherman as they discuss maintaining control of your life. Annabelle shares the importance of balancing the negatives and positives in your life as well as the value of growing while pursuing your goals. Sorensen, Annabelle and Sherman, Mark, "Annabelle Sorensen on Balancing the Positives and Negatives" (2020). . 81.
Despite the current upheaval, the show will go on
I'm not sure what this year's inauguration will look like, but one will indeed take place and a new administration will begin, signs of renewal as welcome as the first buttercups that will pop up in our tiny yard a month or so later. Ronald Reagan said in his 1981 inaugural address that "government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem." The coronavirus outbreak teaches otherwise.
Snippets of Fun - The Good Men Project
Home / Featured Content / Snippets of Fun In this episode, I first talk about how there are potentials for humor all around us constantly – in what we think, see, and hear. So for the professional in the comedy biz, his or her workweek is never done. Of course, for the rest of us, it’s fun to notice funny stuff and hear people laugh when we share it. Hope this episode gives you at least a chuckle or two, if not a full-fledged guffaw. — Previously published on Thekvetchingprofessor.libsyn.com.
The Joys of Discontent
Home / Featured Content / The Joys of Discontent After a shout-out to Jordan Peterson for his book, “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos,” I talk about my own proposal for a very different kind of self-help book. Mine will tell you how to be more discontent in life. For example, I urge readers not to do meditation or yoga. Why stress yourself out trying to be happy? It’s so much easier to be miserable. — Previously published on Thekvetchingprofessor.libsyn.com.
Saying So Long to Your Shrink
Home / Featured Content / Saying So Long to Your Shrink This episode starts off with some serious stuff about why therapy is so valuable. What I read in the second half of the episode is something I wrote more than 20 years ago, and while I wrote it with humor, it was way ahead of its time in its commentary on feminism, men, and traditional masculinity. Listen to find out what I wrote! Originally posted on The Kvetching Professor — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Marital Minefields
Home / Featured Content / Marital Minefields Marriage is great. (I’ve been married a long time and I’m a big fan). But I recognize that it has its pitfalls – and the biggest is the stuff we say. In this episode you’ll learn how lines like “Who’s that?” can get you into big trouble. And how the word “honey” is sometimes not so sweet. Originally posted on The Kvetching Professor — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Some Fun Thoughts
Home / Featured Content / Some Fun Thoughts After a brief discussion of the meaning of “kvetching,” and how annoying optimistic people can be, the Kvetching Professor makes some humorous observations on life – including the basic principle of child-rearing, and also why we need professional apologizers. Originally posted on The Kvetching Professor — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Throwing My Hat in the Ring
Home / Featured Content / Throwing My Hat in the Ring No one I know is really happy with the choice of presidential candidates right now, so I feel it is my patriotic duty to announce my candidacy! In this episode I do that, and tell why I’d make the best choice in 2020. My campaign slogan will be “Isn’t it time we had a psychologist in the White House?” Originally posted on The Kvetching Professor — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Becoming a Professor - Part 2
Home / Featured Content / Becoming a Professor – Part 2 In Part 2, I talk more about becoming a college professor – including my realization of how humor is so important in the classroom. In fact, I point out some parallels between college teaching and stand-up comedy that help explain why some very smart people could never be college teachers. There’s this and much more that will be of interest to past and present college students, professors, and those thinking about a college career.
Becoming a Professor
Home / Featured Content / Becoming a Professor Why did I become a psychology professor? I started out loving math … so what happened? In a humorous way, I tell you about what led me to choose the psychology field, and what my best and worst professors in college did that showed me how to be a good teacher. Every college student, teacher, or aspiring teacher should give this a listen! Originally posted on The Kvetching Professor — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
The Good Men Project
Home / Featured Content / Pet Peeves Join the Kvetching Professor as he kvetches about “pet peeves” … no, not talking about things your pets may do that bother you. These are things people do that he, and no doubt others, find annoying – starting with drivers who don’t use their directional signals, or put them on after they’ve already started making their turn. Originally posted on The Kvetching Professor — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Teacher Stories - The Good Men Project
Home / Featured Content / Teacher Stories I admire the teaching profession, and I remember many of my teachers – some terrific ones, and some not so terrific. We all have our teacher stories, and here are a few of mine: a grammar school teacher who used behavioral principles all wrong, an unforgettable third grade substitute teacher, and one of my professors in college who had a great way to get us to do our homework.
The General Quiz
Home / Featured Content / The General Quiz Do you lack self-esteem? Join the crowd! Listen in as the Kvetching Professor talks about his own issues in that area, and the long-term pain of narrowly losing in a competition. It’s 15 minutes of fun about stuff most of us can relate to – and features a story of a memorable experience from his youth about that quiz! Originally posted on The Kvetching Professor — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Beautiful Women - Part 2 [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Beautiful Women – Part 2 [Podcast] Although this episode (like the previous one) focuses on the fascinating topic of female beauty, a highlight here is a lively performance of a folk rock song I wrote and recorded in 1977. And then there are 15 engaging minutes of me, as the Kvetching Professor, talking about the politics and reality of beauty. Originally posted on The Kvetching Professor — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Beautiful Women - Part 1 (Podcast)
Home / Featured Content / Beautiful Women – Part 1 (Podcast) Years ago, as a psych professor, I did a research project where I interviewed beautiful women on what it feels like to be the subject of so much attention based on looks. That was back when it wasn’t politically incorrect to describe a woman as beautiful or, God forbid, tell her that she is. But whether it’s PC or not, my interviews showed that being beautiful is real and is complex. I talk about all this here.
Hassle-Free Fame [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Hassle-Free Fame [Podcast] So many of us want to be famous, but fame does have its drawbacks. In this episode I talk about some of the dilemmas, but I also tell you one way that fame can truly be hassle-free! And tune in as well to learn about what I call “humorous license” and “age math.” Originally posted on The Kvetching Professor — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
How to Start a Conversation [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / How to Start a Conversation [Podcast] Though texting has made speech unnecessary, some of us still enjoy this antiquated means of communication. But sometimes the problem is starting a conversation. In this episode, you’ll learn how to do this! And it doesn’t involve alcohol. It’s all in fun, though, so I wouldn’t advise doing most of what I suggest here. — A version of this post was previously published on Libsyn and is republished here with permission from the author.
Dear Dr. Mark [Podcast]
Home / Uncategorized / Dear Dr. Mark [Podcast] In this episode, the Kvetching Professor first talks about two of the most famous advice columns ever — “Dear Abby” and “Ask Ann Landers.” And then it’s about his own altogether fictitious contribution — “Dr. Mark.” Unless you wanted a good laugh, you probably wouldn’t want to write in to ask Dr. Mark for his advice. — A version of this post was previously published on Libsyn and is republished here with permission from the author.
Podcast Spotlight: Noella Moshi and Misan Rewane on Wave
Home > Journals > Marriott Student Review > Vol. 3 > Iss. 2 (2019) Keywords Podcast Summary Recommended Citation Sherman, Mark (2019) "Podcast Spotlight: Noella Moshi and Misan Rewane on Wave," Marriott Student Review: Vol. 3 : Iss. 2 , Article 13.
My Life as a Renaissance Soul [Podcast]
Home / Humor / My Life as a Renaissance Soul [Podcast] A rare treat! Hear one of my most popular songs in an episode where I humorously discuss the pros and cons of having a bunch of passions rather than just one. This is what it means to be a Renaissance soul — which is a problem when it’s 400 years after the Renaissance. — A version of this post was previously published on Libsyn and is republished here with permission from the author.
The Kvetching Professor on Apple Podcasts
75 episodes Mark Sherman is a Renaissance soul, a guy with so many interests that he's never made it to the top in anything. Got a PhD in Psychology and taught it for 25 years, but always preferred being funny to anything else. As "The Kvetching Professor" he'll have you laughing, but learning at the same time. Mark Sherman is a Renaissance soul, a guy with so many interests that he's never made it to the top in anything.
Fudgsicles Anonymous [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Fudgsicles Anonymous [Podcast] — The very smart and funny Howard Sachar joins me for his third appearance on the “The Kvetching Professor.” As usual, a variety of unforeseen topics comes up, including a great idea for a consulting business, what happens when you call a doctor’s office these days, a beautiful European city not a whole lot of Americans have visited, and my addiction to fudgsicles. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
We Can Laugh Now [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / We Can Laugh Now [Podcast] — Mark Twain once said, “Humor is tragedy plus time.” In this episode I talk about an example of that, focusing on something that happened before any of us were born. But then I discuss a couple of experiences I had that were not at all tragic, but very awkward – and yet soon became really funny stories. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Door Dilemmas [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Door Dilemmas [Podcast] In a time when civility so often seems to be missing in everyday life, it’s great that there’s still a place where we can easily practice it and brighten the day for our fellow human beings. I’m talking about doors and doorways. But what are the rules about opening doors or holding them open? — A version of this post was previously published on TheKvetchingProfessor and is republished here with permission from the author.
Real Men and Me [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Real Men and Me [Podcast] While the centerpiece of this episode is humorous, there is a serious message here as well. And in the introduction, I definitely get serious as I talk about issues concerning boys in America today. Girls are getting all kinds of encouragement, but boys are not, and yet I think our society will do best when boys as well as girls are encouraged to be all that they can be.
Born to Be Mild [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Born to Be Mild [Podcast] — Listening to “Born to Be Wild,” the great Steppenwolf rock song from the late 1960s, got me thinking about what the title of my signature song might be. I think “Born to be Mild” would come closer. This episode takes a fun look at that, but I also talk about the lasting joys of rock. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
My Little Black Book [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / My Little Black Book [Podcast] — In going through the piles of stuff I’ve saved over the years, I came across the “little black book” I bought when I was 16 years old, so I could write in the names and phone numbers of girls I hoped I might go out with. I kept this little book going for three or four years. In this episode I talk about a few of the girls I did go out with, and one who had an exclamation mark next to her name – but whom I can’t remember at all.
High Maintenance or Piece of Work? [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / High Maintenance or Piece of Work? [Podcast] — We all know people who are, shall we say, “difficult.” This episode talks about various terms we have for them, some of which aren’t so nice. But others are OK, like “high maintenance” and “piece of work.” Assuming you’re not the easiest person to be with, which would you rather be called?
Revisiting Kids' Tales [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Revisiting Kids’ Tales [Podcast] — Here I look back at some old and classic children’s stories – from a contemporary perspective. The little engine that could? Are you kidding? Give me a break! I also talk about some of the best kids’ stories of the late 20th Century. I’m talking “George and Martha,” the two wonderful hippopotamus friends. Each story in the series is so short and sweet. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Am I an Alpha Male? [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Am I an Alpha Male? [Podcast] — I’ve long heard about the status associated with being an “alpha male,” so I’ve always wondered if I was one. In this educational and entertaining episode I talk about alpha males, beta males, and what makes you one or the other. Am I, the Kvetching Professor, an alpha male? There’s only one way to find out! Listen in… — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
The Strange World of Mottos [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / The Strange World of Mottos [Podcast] — In this episode I take a lighthearted poke at some mottos of companies, colleges and countries. If you think about it, mottos are all around us. Many are quite inspiring, like Nike’s “Just Do It.” Others are a bit less so, like KFC’s “Finger-Lickin’ Good,” or the state of Michigan’s “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” I mean let’s be honest. How many of us are truly seeking a pleasant peninsula?
Raining on Their Parade [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Raining on Their Parade [Podcast] — In this episode, the Kvetching Professor, who has attended many a college graduation ceremony, suggests what a commencement speaker might say if he were being truly realistic about what the future holds for today’s graduates. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman. An emeritus professor of psychology shares his wit and wisdom in these short and pithy episodes.
Age Shaming [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Age Shaming [Podcast] — Today we’re encouraged to take pride in whatever groups we are a part of – whether it’s race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, etc. But one group, to which we all ultimately aspire, doesn’t seem to be proud of its identity: the old folks.
The Self Esteem Quiz [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / The Self Esteem Quiz [Podcast] — Wondering if you really feel good about yourself? For a lighthearted look at this, try the Kvetching Professor’s short self-esteem quiz, which is featured in this episode. Obviously, the Professor must not be feeling so good about himself if he’s spending his time coming up with this kind of silliness. — — This post was previously published on www.thekvetchingprofessor.libsyn.com and is republished here with permission from the author.
College Professor Fantasy Camp
Home / Humor / College Professor Fantasy Camp — In this episode, the Kvetching Professor talks about the fantasy camp he could start, where for big bucks you could see how it feels to be a college professor! Who would need a rock’n’roll fantasy camp or a big league baseball fantasy camp if for a few days you could have the full college teacher experience?! — — This post was previously published on www.thekvetchingprofessor.libsyn.com and is republished here with permission from the author.
Schadenfreude: Finding Pleasure in Someone Else's Kvetch
Home / Humor / Schadenfreude: Finding Pleasure in Someone Else’s Kvetch — In this episode, I talk about how English has borrowed lots of words from other languages, including quite a few from German. Sometimes it’s because we don’t have just the right word to capture a familiar feeling. A well-known illustration of this is the word “angst.” Another, which is not as well known, is a feeling called “schadenfreude.” Listen to some fun examples of that one here, including my own experience of it.
Two Fathers Talking
Home / Featured Content / Two Fathers Talking — My guest on this episode is Irwin Sperber, longtime professor of sociology at the State University of New York at New Paltz. Irwin is a fascinating man who I’ve known for more than 40 years. There are laughs here (he is a very funny guy), but they are interspersed with serious talk about being a father – in Irwin’s case, daughters; in mine, sons. And we also talk about our own fathers.
My Autograph Album [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / My Autograph Album [Podcast] — One day when I was doing some decluttering, I came across something I just couldn’t toss. It was my junior high school autograph album – from 1956! Have 12- and 13-year-old boys and girls changed in the last 60+ years? Listen to what they wrote back then, and you decide. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman. An emeritus professor of psychology shares his wit and wisdom in these short and pithy episodes.
Staying Home [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Staying Home [Podcast] — In this episode I think about what my autobiographical novel might be like as compared to Jack Kerouac’s classic On the Road. My book would be Staying Home, and rather than writing beautifully about the excitement of wild cross-country trips, I’d describe such thrills as going from the bedroom to the kitchen and back again. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
I Love You, But You're Impossible [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / I Love You, But You’re Impossible [Podcast] — This episode features a piece I often read to audiences, who really seem to enjoy it. I talk about some of the difficulties we typically have in marriage, but also give some humorous suggestions for dealing with them. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman. An emeritus professor of psychology shares his wit and wisdom in these short and pithy episodes.
Parking Fights and Other Fun Marital Squabbles [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Parking Fights and Other Fun Marital Squabbles [Podcast] — Is your marriage getting dull and drab? Are you getting along too well? Maybe it’s time to have some of those little squabbles that get the excitement back into your relationship! In this episode, the Kvetching Professor (who’s been married for 48 years!) will tell you all about it. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman.
Teachable [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / Teachable [Podcast] — While I taught for many years, I don’t know if I was always so teachable myself. But here, presented with my usual style of humor, are some instances where I definitely have been open to learning and change. I think at least one of these (#2) could be valuable for all of us. — — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman. An emeritus professor of psychology shares his wit and wisdom in these short and pithy episodes.
Droll Dialogue with a Funny Guy [Podcast]
Home / Humor / Droll Dialogue with a Funny Guy [Podcast] — The always amusing Howard Sachar makes a delightful and engaging return appearance, as he wonders what TV ads for psychedelics might look like if doctors started prescribing them. He also discusses some linguistic amusements, such as what he calls the “conjugal we.” And finally Howard and I talk about some of the odd things that can happen when you use voice-to-text on your smartphone. .
Insensitive Health Care Professionals [Podcast]
Home / Humor / Insensitive Health Care Professionals [Podcast] — When you go to a healthcare professional, you may not be happy with what he or she says about your health, but you don’t expect the visit will make you feel bad about the way you look. The Kvetching Professor has had such experiences, and while he can laugh now, they weren’t so funny then. And what about the doctor who gets excited because he or she thinks you might have a rare disease?
A Fun Talk With a Psychologist and Poet [Podcast]
Home / Humor / A Fun Talk With a Psychologist and Poet [Podcast] — The Kvetching Professor’s guest in this episode is psychologist and poet Arnie Weiner. His big project is a libretto for an opera, which he’s been working on for 25 years. My feeling is, give it one more year, and then, that’s enough! Arnie is a very funny guy, though he occasionally gets a little serious here. But mostly we have a good time – including some fun talk about cats and dogs.
The Waiting Game [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / The Waiting Game [Podcast] I’ve never waited on tables, but I certainly admire those who do, some of whom have gone onto fame and fortune (like Chris Rock and Meryl Streep). In this episode I have fun with an old waitstaff manual lent to me by a wonderful waitress some years back. — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman. An emeritus professor of psychology shares his wit and wisdom in these short and pithy episodes.
On Butterscotch, Obits, and Math [Podcast]
Home / Featured Content / On Butterscotch, Obits, and Math [Podcast] — Here’s more about The Kvetching Professor Podcast by Mark Sherman. An emeritus professor of psychology shares his wit and wisdom in these short and pithy episodes. Mark Sherman has written seriously on gender issues, especially about his concern for how boys and young men are doing in our country.
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