Hidden Brain

Science & Ideas

About

Shankar Vedantam on the unconscious patterns that shape behavior.

Episodes

  • Radical Acceptance

    This episode features behavioral scientist Dave Evans discussing radical acceptance and its importance for a meaningful life. Additionally, psychologist Sarah Schnitker answers listener questions about patience.

  • Designing a Life that Matters

    Behavioral scientist Dave Evans presents a design thinking approach to crafting a fulfilling life, moving beyond conventional ideas of impact and passion. The episode explores how to build a life that feels more authentic and adaptable.

  • Do You Feel Loved?

    This episode explores the difference between being loved and feeling loved with psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, offering insights into fostering closer relationships. Additionally, psychologist Greg Walton addresses listener questions rega…

  • How to Change the World

    This episode of Hidden Brain explores whether violence is the most effective way to create change, with insights from political scientist Erica Chenoweth. Additionally, Ranjay Gulati answers listener questions about cultivating courage.

  • The Debt Trap

    This episode of Hidden Brain delves into the psychology of money with researcher John Dinsmore, discussing mental biases that influence spending and borrowing. Also, researcher Bobby Parmar considers the upsides of embracing uncertainty.

  • When It's Okay to Lie

    This episode explores the psychology behind when people deem lying acceptable. Psychologist Emma Levine discusses the unwritten rules guiding these decisions and their implications for trust, harm, and moral values.

  • Group Think

    This episode of Hidden Brain discusses how group loyalties shape an individual's sense of self and influence perceptions. It also explores the surprising benefits of scary entertainment.

  • Rethinking Depression

    This episode of Hidden Brain, "Rethinking Depression," features psychologist Jonathan Rottenberg discussing the evolutionary aspects of depression. He considers how low mood could have a purpose and reflects on personal experiences with de…

  • Yuck! The Science of Disgust

    This episode of Hidden Brain explores the science of disgust, its evolutionary purpose, and its influence on morals and politics with psychologist David Pizarro. Additionally, Huggy Rao addresses listener questions regarding the failure of…

  • The Secret of Charisma

    This episode of Hidden Brain, "The Secret of Charisma," explores how charismatic leaders inspire devotion and offer clarity, as well as the potential costs of such influence. Historian Molly Worthen discusses recognizing and questioning ch…

  • Do You Feel Invisible?

    This episode explores the psychological impact of feeling overlooked, featuring psychologist Gordon Flett on how a lack of "mattering" can fuel loneliness and depression. It also touches on the healing power of nature and an installment of…

  • Why You're Smarter Than You Think

    This episode revisits a conversation with cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman about intelligence. It also features psychologist James Cordova answering listener questions on romantic relationships.

  • Coming Clean

    This episode of Hidden Brain features psychologist Leslie John discussing the psychological power of self-disclosure, and its ability to strengthen relationships. Later, psychologist Eli Finkel returns to answer listener questions about mo…

  • Keeping Secrets

    This episode of Hidden Brain explores the psychological impact of keeping secrets. Psychologist Leslie John discusses how secrecy can affect mental health and relationships.

  • You 2.0: Trusting Your Doubt

    This episode of Hidden Brain, "You 2.0: Trusting Your Doubt," explores how doubt can be a valuable tool for decision-making and navigating an uncertain world. Researcher Bobby Parmar discusses how doubt can sharpen judgment, and Emily Falk…

  • You 2.0: The Practice of Patience

    Psychologist Sarah Schnitker explains why patience is crucial for success, distinguishing it from passivity and offering methods to improve it. The episode also includes advice on finding and relinquishing a life calling, touching on the b…

  • You 2.0: How to Get Out of a Rut

    This episode features psychologist Adam Alter discussing why people get stuck and how to overcome challenges, and psychologist George Bonanno answering questions about trauma and resilience. The discussion covers managing project plateaus,…

  • You 2.0: Cultivating Courage

    This episode discusses courage, exploring why individuals react differently in crises. Behavioral scientist Ranjay Gulati suggests that courage is a choice that can be cultivated and strengthened.

  • You 2.0: Stop Spiraling!

    This episode of Hidden Brain features psychologist Greg Walton discussing how to escape negative thought spirals and psychologist Abigail Marsh answering listener questions about extremely kind people.

  • The Reset Button

    This episode revisits a conversation with psychologist Dacher Keltner on the joy found in savoring nature, art, and the courage of others. It also features Mary Helen Immordino-Yang answering listener questions about learning and student e…

  • The Path to Enough

    Psychiatrist Anna Lembke discusses the neuroscience of compulsive consumption and shares patient-derived techniques for overcoming addictive substances and behaviors. This episode also addresses listener questions on topics like dopamine f…

  • The Paradox of Pleasure

    This Hidden Brain episode revisits psychiatrist Anna Lembke's argument that addiction is broader than commonly thought, potentially explaining widespread anxiety and depression. The episode explores the human drive for pleasure and modern…

  • Murder Mystery

    Psychologist Coltan Scrivner explains the psychological and evolutionary roots of human fascination with true crime, horror, and morbid stories. The episode explores why people are drawn to dark content and how it impacts the mind and soci…

  • Parents: Keep Out!

    This episode of Hidden Brain revisits a conversation with psychologist Peter Gray about the crucial role of independent play in child development. It explores how to balance safety with exploration, the skills children gain from unsupervis…

  • The Power of Family Stories

    This episode delves into the profound impact of recurring family narratives on personal identity and perception, featuring insights from psychologist Robyn Fivush. Additionally, it addresses listener questions about Stoicism with Massimo P…

  • Why Following Your Dreams Isn't Enough

    This episode of Hidden Brain explores the factors beyond passion that contribute to entrepreneurial success, featuring insights from Huggy Rao. It also includes a segment where sociologist Robb Willer addresses listener questions about man…

  • How Nature Heals Us

    This episode features psychologist Marc Berman discussing the scientific evidence behind nature's healing effects on mood and mind, explaining how outdoor time can mitigate the negative impacts of modern living.

  • Reframing the Battle of Wills

    This episode explores why common methods to alter behavior fail, featuring psychologist Stuart Ablon who explains his techniques for facilitating lasting change in individuals.

  • Love 2.0: How to Move On

    This episode of Hidden Brain concludes the Love 2.0 series by exploring common breakup mistakes and coping strategies with psychologist Antonio Pascual-Leone. It also features cognitive scientist Phil Fernbach addressing listener questions…

  • Love 2.0: Reimagining Our Relationships

    This Hidden Brain episode examines the evolution of marriage and offers advice on improving relationships, including the idea of asking less of partners. It also features psychologist Jonathan Adler discussing the science of storytelling.

  • Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 2

    This episode of Hidden Brain, Part 2 of 'Love 2.0,' discusses relationship strategies that focus on acceptance instead of trying to change a partner. It also features a follow-up conversation with researcher Victor Strecher about finding p…

  • Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 1

    This episode of Hidden Brain, the first in a series on long-term relationships, features psychologist James Cordova discussing common marital difficulties and potential solutions. It also includes a Q&A segment with researcher Jon Jachimow…

  • Passion vs. Paycheck

    Researcher Jennifer Tosti-Kharas examines the significant influence and drawbacks associated with discovering a sense of purpose in one's job, a modern secular pursuit with historical parallels to religious vocations.

  • It's Not My Fault!

    This episode delves into the psychology of defensiveness, explaining why people resist constructive criticism. It also features psychologist Ciara Greene answering listener questions about memory and forgetfulness.

  • Winning the Battle Against Yourself

    This episode features psychologist Emily Falk discussing why our minds can work against our best interests and exploring strategies to regain control.

  • Escaping Perfectionism

    This episode features psychologist Thomas Curran discussing the downsides of perfectionism and alternative approaches to excellence. It also includes sociologist Allison Pugh answering listener questions about connective labor.

  • The Trauma Script

    Psychologist George Bonanno's research suggests many people recover from life's tragedies more quickly than anticipated. His findings have influenced scientific understanding of trauma and resilience.

  • How Our Brains Learn

    Psychologist and neuroscientist Mary Helen Immordino-Yang explores the concept of engagement, why many people feel apathetic in educational and work settings, and how to foster a more engaged learning environment.

  • The Best Years of Your Life

    This episode of Hidden Brain revisits a conversation with psychologist Laura Carstensen about the science of aging. Carstensen explains how outlooks and emotions change with age, often leading to increased well-being, and discusses what we…

  • Radical Kindness

    On Hidden Brain, psychologist Abigail Marsh discusses the science of altruism, exploring the brains of remarkably selfless individuals and how others can foster greater kindness.

  • You 2.0: Change Your Story, Change Your Life

    This episode explores how the narratives we construct about ourselves impact our lives. Psychologist Jonathan Adler shares insights on framing personal stories to improve wellbeing, followed by Max Bazerman addressing listener questions ab…

  • You 2.0: The Wisdom of Stoicism

    This episode of Hidden Brain delves into Stoicism, challenging common perceptions. Philosopher Massimo Pigliucci discusses Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations' and its enduring wisdom for contemporary life.

  • You 2.0: The Path to Contentment + Your Questions Answered on Conversations

    This episode revisits psychologist Iris Mauss's insights on achieving contentment by not directly pursuing happiness. It also features behavioral scientist Alison Wood Brooks addressing listener questions about conversation skills, such as…

  • You 2.0: The Passion Pill

    This episode features behavioral scientist Jon Jachimowicz discussing how to maintain and redirect passions. It examines the idea that following one's passion leads to effortless work, and how to keep these passions alive.

  • You 2.0: What Is Your Life For?

    This Hidden Brain episode, the start of the You 2.0 series, features researcher Victor Strecher discussing the science of creating a meaningful life. The series focuses on purpose and passion.

  • Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and "Covering"

    This episode of Hidden Brain features sociologist Robb Willer discussing common persuasion mistakes and how to understand different perspectives. It also includes Kenji Yoshino answering questions about identity and

  • Doing it the Hard Way

    This episode explores the psychological reasons behind pursuing difficult activities like learning an instrument or caring for a child. Psychologist Michael Inzlicht explains the rewards derived from enduring hardship and challenges societ…

  • Ouch! That Feels Great

    This episode features psychologist Paul Bloom exploring the paradox of pain, discussing how humans are wired to both avoid and seek out suffering. It delves into the curious pleasure derived from specific types of pain.

  • The Price of Revenge

    Researcher James Kimmel, Jr. discusses his theory that the desire for vengeance functions as a brain addiction. The episode explores how this "revenge addiction" affects personal lives and global issues, while also featuring information ab…

  • Do I Know You? (A Hidden Brain-Revisionist History special on facial recognition)

    This Hidden Brain episode delves into facial recognition, contrasting host Malcolm Gladwell's difficulties with producer Lucie Sullivan's abilities. It also includes a perspective from Revisionist History on the same topic.