Tony Biglan and Alison Szarko sit down with Steve Hayes, a Foundation Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno and a co-originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the broader Relational Frame Theory. (www.stevenchayes.com)

In this episode:

* The vision behind A Nurturing Nation and why human well-being should take priority over profit

* What psychological flexibility is—and the three core skills of being open, aware, and actively engaged

* Why ACT helps people clarify their values and live with greater purpose

* The difference between values and goals, and why shortcuts to happiness often fail

* How corporations and digital platforms exploit human psychology for profit

* Why authentic connection and community require embracing discomfort rather than avoiding it

Takeaway: Creating a more nurturing society begins with psychological flexibility—learning to act from our deepest values instead of reacting to fear, discomfort, or the short-term rewards that today’s systems encourage.

Host: Dr Anthony Biglan

Co-host: Dr Alison Szarko is a behavioral scientist whose work bridges contextual behavioral science with healthcare experience management, omnichannel listening architecture, and organizational performance. She is passionate about the intersection of behavioral science, psychological flexibility, and clinical experiences in complex health systems. www.alisonszarkophd.com

Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at Hello@valuestoaction.org

For more information on Values to Action, to join the movement, or learn more about The Nurture Effect Podcast or A Nurturing Nation, please visit valuestoaction.org.