Navigating Mental Health from the Frontlines with Dr. Richard Lopez

This week on Living Undeterred, I sat down with Dr. Richard Lopez, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and director of the Social Neuroscience of Affective Processes (SNAP) Lab.

Dr. Lopez studies how our brains help us connect, regulate emotions, and adapt in an increasingly digital world. Together, we explore:

• How social media rewires young minds—for better and worse

• Why reframing and gratitude can shift how we experience suffering

• The role of journaling and AI in helping people process and prevent mental health struggles

• His pilot study with first-year college students, values, and building resilience

This conversation reminded me that while technology often pulls us apart, it can also be harnessed to bring us closer to who we really are.

This episode isn’t just a philosophy. It’s a blueprint for building a life that works.

🎧 Stream it now:

Let’s continue to challenge the way we think about wellness, technology, and resilience.

#LivingUndeterred #Brightn #MentalWellness