Ep. 469 Revenge Addiction: What You Need to Know with James Kimmel Jr., JD | Mental Health

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

Today, I am delighted to connect with James Kimmel Jr., a Yale psychiatry lecturer, a lawyer, and the founder and co-director of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies. 

In our conversation, we explore the science of revenge, examining how it affects the brain and identifying risk factors that could contribute to extremes in revenge activity. James shares his journey from childhood to law and academia and offers his perspective on the intersection of justice, neuroscience, and human behavior. We talk about forgiveness, exploring how it reshapes the brain, counteracts revenge addiction, and serves as a tool for healing. We also cover specific interventions, including the non-justice system and the warning signs for extremes in addictive behaviors.

This invaluable and insightful conversation with James Kimmel Jr. is an incredible resource for moms everywhere.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

  • How revenge impacts the brain

  • How psychological harm can lead to revenge cravings

  • The link between addiction and revenge-seeking

  • Why some individuals are more at risk for revenge-seeking than others

  • Some common forms of revenge-driven behavior

  • What does a revenge attack look like?

  • James shares how revenge motivated his choice to become a lawyer and how he came to do the work he does now

  • The benefits of forgiveness as an antidote to revenge cravings

  • How social media platforms exploit the addictive process of revenge-seeking

  • Interventions and support systems for managing revenge addiction

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with James Kimmel Jr.

More description

Today, I am delighted to connect with James Kimmel Jr., a Yale psychiatry lecturer, a lawyer, and the founder and co-director of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies. 

In our conversation, we explore the science of revenge, examining how it affects the brain and identifying risk factors that could contribute to extremes in revenge activity. James shares his journey from childhood to law and academia and offers his perspective on the intersection of justice, neuroscience, and human behavior. We talk about forgiveness, exploring how it reshapes the brain, counteracts revenge addiction, and serves as a tool for healing. We also cover specific interventions, including the non-justice system and the warning signs for extremes in addictive behaviors.

This invaluable and insightful conversation with James Kimmel Jr. is an incredible resource for moms everywhere.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

  • How revenge impacts the brain

  • How psychological harm can lead to revenge cravings

  • The link between addiction and revenge-seeking

  • Why some individuals are more at risk for revenge-seeking than others

  • Some common forms of revenge-driven behavior

  • What does a revenge attack look like?

  • James shares how revenge motivated his choice to become a lawyer and how he came to do the work he does now

  • The benefits of forgiveness as an antidote to revenge cravings

  • How social media platforms exploit the addictive process of revenge-seeking

  • Interventions and support systems for managing revenge addiction

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Connect with James Kimmel Jr.

2025-05-28 59 min
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