Shows
Hidden BrainWin Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and "Covering"There’s a saying that’s attributed to the Dalai Lama: in the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher. It’s a nice idea. But when people don’t share our values, it’s hard for us to tolerate theirs. This week, we bring you a favorite episode with sociologist Robb Willer. We discuss the common mistakes we make in trying to persuade others of our point of view — and how to break out of our echo chambers. Then, Kenji Yoshino answers your questions about how we hide our true selves.In this week’s show, y...2025-06-231h 25
Hidden BrainDoing it the Hard WayLearning to play a musical instrument is hard. So is trying to run a marathon, writing a term paper, and caring for a sick child. These things involve frustration, pain, and disappointment — yet we do them anyway. This week, in part two of our look at the allure of suffering, psychologist Michael Inzlicht explains what we get from doing things that are difficult, and why the things we think will make us happy often do not.Hidden Brain is hitting the road this summer! Join Shankar in a city near you as he shares key insights from th...2025-06-1650 min
Hidden BrainOuch! That Feels GreatWe generally think of pain as something to be avoided. But psychologist Paul Bloom says that as much as we're wired to avoid suffering, we also seek it out. This week, we begin a two-part mini series about the curious pleasure we take in certain forms of pain.Hidden Brain is about to go on tour! Join Shankar in a city near you as he shares key insights from the first decade of the show. For more info and tickets, go to https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/.
2025-06-0951 min
Hidden BrainThe Price of RevengeRevenge often feels sweet, but what price do we pay for seeking it out? Researcher James Kimmel, Jr. proposes a radical theory: our desire for vengeance operates like an addiction in the brain. This week, how “revenge addiction” plays out in our everyday lives — and on a global scale. Hidden Brain is about to go on tour! Join us as Shankar shares seven key insights he's learned from the show over the past decade. To see if we're coming to your city, and to purchase tickets, go to hiddenbrain.org/tour.
2025-06-021h 06
Hidden BrainDo I Know You? (A Hidden Brain-Revisionist History special on facial recognition)Have you ever encountered someone who clearly knows you, but you have no idea who they are? This week, we feature a classic Hidden Brain episode about people on opposite ends of the facial recognition spectrum. Then, in the second part of the show, we bring you another perspective on facial recognition from the Revisionist History podcast. Host Malcolm Gladwell struggles with identifying faces, while producer Lucie Sullivan is exceptional at it.Hidden Brain is about to kickoff a nationwide tour! Join Shankar as he shares seven key insights from the first decade of the show. To...2025-05-2656 min
Hidden BrainHow Much Do We Really Know?You probably know someone who thinks they know more about something than they really do. But you could never be described that way . . . could you? This week, cognitive scientist Phil Fernbach explains the "illusion of knowledge" — the fact that we think we understand the world in much greater detail than we actually do. He'll explore why this happens, and how to close the gap between what we know and what we think we know. Hidden Brain is about to go on tour! Join Shankar in a city near you as he shares key insights from the first dec...2025-05-1955 min
Hidden BrainForget About It!Forgetting something — whether it's a colleague's name or where we put our keys — can be deeply frustrating. This week, psychologist Ciara Greene helps us explore the science of forgetting. We look at why our minds hold on to some memories for a lifetime, but discard others within seconds. And we grapple with a question many people ask themselves: Is my forgetfulness a sign that something is wrong with me?In this episode, you'll learn about: *The neurological underpinnings of memory*Why forgetting is a core part of how our minds work *Why th...2025-05-1248 min
Hidden BrainHow to Harness Your FeelingsDo you feel like you control your emotions, or do your emotions control you? What scientists call "emotion regulation" turns out to be one of the most important life skills we can possess. It's essential in dealing with setbacks, in balancing risks and rewards, and in maintaining successful relationships. This week, psychologist Ethan Kross explores the growing and fascinating science of managing our emotions. He explains why our feelings so often go astray, and shares insights into how to reel them back in.In this episode, you'll learn:*How to coach yourself through emotionally intense...2025-05-051h 05
Hidden BrainRelationships 2.0: Keeping Love AliveThere's no magic potion that can make someone adore you. But there are things you can do to promote a deep and enduring connection — and even feelings of passion — between yourself and your partner. In the final chapter of our Relationships 2.0 series, psychologist Arthur Aron shares some techniques for falling and staying in love. In today's conversation, we explore:*The assumption that love fades over time.*The effects of daily routine on romantic relationships.*What our choice in a romantic partners says about us*How successful long-term couples keep love...2025-04-2850 min
Hidden BrainRelationships 2.0: Become a Better NegotiatorWhen we head into a negotiation — whether we're asking for a raise or trying to get our spouse to do the dishes — our focus is usually on getting the other person to agree to our preferred outcome. What we don't focus on are our own biases and blind spots. Behavioral scientist Max Bazerman studies the theory and practice of negotiation, and he says that paying attention to these biases can help us to craft better deals.Do you have a follow-up question after listening to this episode? If you'd be comfortable sharing your question with the Hidden Brain...2025-04-0753 min
Hidden BrainRelationships 2.0: The Price of DisconnectionAll of us want to "seen" by the people around us. We want to be recognized as unique individuals. Yet the experience of being seen in this way can be dispiritingly rare. This week, we kick off our "Relationships 2.0" series by talking with researcher Allison Pugh about the psychological benefits of what she calls "connective labor." She explains why this labor is often overlooked, and how to cultivate the superpower of making other people feel seen. In this episode, you'll learn: *The definition of connective labor, and why this skill is like "engine grease" for ou...2025-03-3149 min
Hidden BrainThe Moments that Change UsOften in life, we find ourselves wrestling with a decision. But in running these mental calculations, there's something we rarely consider about the future: we might not be the same person when we get there. This week, philosopher L.A. Paul explores how life-altering events reshape who we are.Want more of our work on understanding your future self? Give these Hidden Brain episodes a listen: https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-how-to-see-yourself-clearly/https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-decide-already/https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-your-future-is-now/https://hiddenbrain.o...2025-03-2451 min
Hidden BrainDropping the MaskHave you ever downplayed some aspect of your identity? Maybe you don’t hide it, but you don’t bring it up with certain people, either. It turns out that these subtle disguises can have powerful effects on how we view ourselves. This week, we talk with legal scholar Kenji Yoshino about what happens when we soften or edit our true selves.Do you have a follow-up question for Kenji Yoshino after listening to this episode? If you'd be comfortable sharing your question with the larger Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and e...2025-03-031h 08
Hidden BrainMarching To Your Own DrummerWhat would you have done? It's one of the most enduring questions in psychology. We all like to think that in a moment of crisis, we'd rise to the occasion and show courage. And yet many of us have had experiences where we followed orders and did what we were told to do. This week, we talk with psychologist Sunita Sah about the reasons why many of us silence ourselves and follow orders, and how we can align our words and actions with our values.In today's conversation, Shankar mentioned our episode with Timur Kuran, in which...2025-02-2448 min
Hidden BrainWellness 2.0: The Art of the Unknown"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." It's been 45 years since John Lennon sang that line, yet it's an idea that continues to speak to an uncomfortable truth. While we all like to think we have some measure of control over how our lives will unfold, our plans are often upended by unknown events and curveballs we couldn't have predicted. This week, we conclude our Wellness 2.0 series by talking with political scientist Brian Klaas. He studies how we respond to the random events that shape our lives, and how we can turn them to...2025-01-2749 min
Hidden BrainWellness 2.0: When It's All Too MuchIt’s no exaggeration to say that the world in 2025 can be ... a lot. Sometimes it may seem that tuning it all out is our only option. This week on Hidden Brain, we talk with researcher Sarah Jaquette Ray about how we can reclaim our sense of efficacy and purpose in the face of big, systemic problems like climate change. Then, we bring you an audio essay from writer Pico Iyer, who shares his thoughts on how we can regain our footing when life is overwhelming. If you're not yet a member of Hidden Brain+, this is a p...2025-01-201h 02
Hidden BrainWellness 2.0: Who Do You Want To Be?We all have to make certain choices in life, such as where to live and how to earn a living. Parents and peers influence our major life choices, but they can also steer us in directions that leave us deeply unsatisfied. This week: a favorite conversation with psychologist Ken Sheldon about the science of figuring out what you want. He says there are things we can do to make sure our choices align with our deepest values.If you're not yet a member of Hidden Brain+, this is a particularly good time to give our podcast subscription...2025-01-1347 min
Hidden BrainWellness 2.0: Rising to the OccasionFrom time to time, all of us are called upon to do hard or even seemingly impossible things. Do we rise to the occasion, or do we fall short? Today on the show, we examine the psychology of pushing through a crisis. We talk with psychologist Adam Galinsky about great leaders, and what they can teach us about being steadfast in the face of challenges.For more on leading during moments of crisis, please check out "Wellness 2.0: The Power of Perspective," our companion conversation with Adam Galinsky. It's available for listeners to our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+...2025-01-0650 min
Hidden BrainWellness 2.0: Be YourselfWe’re often drawn to people who appear to be true to themselves. Yet showing our authentic selves to the world can be terrifying. This week, we kick off 2025 with a new series, “Wellness 2.0.” We’ll go beyond New Year’s resolutions to take a deep look at how we can approach our lives with a sense of meaning and purpose. Today on the show, we begin our series with researcher Erica Bailey, who studies authenticity and what it means to truly be ourselves.Happy New Year from all of us at Hidden Brain! If you liked today's ep...2024-12-3050 min
Hidden BrainThe Secret to Gift-GivingWith the holidays fast approaching, many of us are hunting for that special something for the special someones in our lives. It’s how we show we care about them. So why is it so hard to find the right gift? This week, we revisit a favorite 2022 conversation with researcher Jeff Galak. We'll discuss why the presents we give for holidays and birthdays often miss their mark, and how to become a better gift-giver. Looking for a holiday gift for a fellow Hidden Brain fan? You can now give a gift subscription to Hidden Brain+! Or if mat...2024-12-0946 min
Hidden BrainWhat's Hidden in Your WordsI. Me. My. You. He. She. They. It. To. Of. For. These are all words we use without a second thought. But psychologist James Pennebaker says if we pay close attention to the patterns in speech and writing, we can understand profound things about others, and even ourselves.For more on the relationship between language and our minds, check out this classic Hidden Brain episode: https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/watch-your-mouth/
2024-10-0754 minHidden BrainRewrite Your Money StoryMoney worries are one of the biggest sources of anxiety in our lives. Psychologist Brad Klontz says these worries are shaped by more than the number in our bank accounts — they’re often driven by our unconscious beliefs. This week, we bring you a favorite 2022 conversation with Klontz, who says it’s possible to identify and change what he calls our “money scripts.”For more of our work, please consider joining our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+. It's our home for conversations and ideas you won't hear anywhere else. Plus, you'll be providing vital support for the work that we do...2024-09-2350 minHidden BrainYou're Not the Boss of Me!Whether in your personal life or at work, you've probably experienced what it’s like to have people reject your requests. To be told that what you want is unfair, or heavy-handed. And you've likely been in the opposite position as well — pushing back against requests that step on your freedom. This week, we talk to psychologist Benjamin Rosenberg about how we respond to infringements on our sense of autonomy, and how we can avoid sparking this resistance in our interactions with other people. If you know someone who would like today's episode, please share it with them...2024-08-1253 minHidden BrainThe Cure for Self-ImportanceWhen we meet new people, we’re often drawn to those with a commanding presence or a dazzling personality. But it turns out that a very different trait — humility — is important in the long term. This week, in the first of a two-part discussion, we talk with psychologist Daryl Van Tongeren about different kinds of humility, and how this overlooked quality can play a powerful role in workplace dynamics and romantic relationships. If you like today's episode, be sure to check out part two of our conversation, exclusively for Hidden Brain+ listeners. We talk with Daryl Van Tongere...2024-08-0551 minHidden BrainWhere Truth LiesWhen we think about misinformation, we often focus on blatant errors or deliberate attempts to deceive us. But in recent years, social scientists have found that misinformation comes in many flavors — many of which are far more subtle than obvious falsehoods. These forms of misinformation prey on our mental blindspots, and take advantage of our passions and loyalties. This week, economist Alex Edmans explores the many insidious forms of misinformation, and how we can all get better at separating fact from fiction.For more of our work, please consider joining our podcast subscription. Hidden Brain+ is where yo...2024-07-2951 minHidden BrainChanging Our Mental MapsAs we move through the world, it's easy to imagine we're processing everything that happens around us and then deciding how to respond. But psychologist and neuroscientist Norman Farb says our brains actually navigate the world by coming up with mental maps. These maps act like an autopilot system, allowing us to navigate our lives more efficiently. But sometimes, they can lead us astray, leaving us stuck on a path of negativity and unhappiness. This week, we talk with Norman Farb about how we can update our internal maps and see the world more clearly. If you l...2024-07-1553 minHidden BrainMaking the World Sparkle AgainAcross every domain of our lives, our minds have a tendency to get accustomed to things. In fact, the brain seems evolutionarily designed to focus on the new and unexpected, on novel threats and opportunities. In our daily lives, this means we take wonderful things for granted. We cease to appreciate amazing people, or the good fortune of being healthy. This week, neuroscientist Tali Sharot explains why we get used to things — and how to see with fresh eyes.Our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+, is now available across platforms and devices. You can sign up for a fr...2024-06-2450 minHidden BrainUS 2.0: What We Have In CommonThe United States, we’re told, is increasingly a house divided. Conservatives and progressives are so alienated from each other that conversation is virtually impossible. But are we really as divided as we’re led to believe? As we begin what promises to be a pivotal election season, we're kicking off a new series about how we form our political beliefs. We're calling it "US 2.0." We begin with psychologist Kurt Gray, who studies how we think about our political allies and opponents — and how these insights can help us to chart a new path forward. Have you tried to...2024-01-2950 minHidden BrainHow We Live With ContradictionsThink about the last time you did something you knew was wrong. How did you explain your actions to yourself? All of us tell stories about why we do the things we do. We justify our failures, and come up with plausible explanations for our actions. This week, Elliot Aronson explains the mental processes behind this type of self-justification, and shares how he helped develop one of the most widely-known concepts in psychology: cognitive dissonance.If you're interested in learning more about the origins of cognitive dissonance, listen to our episode When You Need It To Be...2023-09-1153 minHidden BrainYou 2.0: How to Break Out of a RutThere are times in life when the challenges we face feel insurmountable. Authors succumb to writer's block. Athletes and artists hit a plateau. People of a certain age fall into a midlife crisis. These are all different ways of saying: I'm stuck. This week, in the kickoff to our annual You 2.0 series, psychologist Adam Alter shares his research on why we all get stuck at various points in our lives, and how to break free. Do you like the ideas and insights we feature on Hidden Brain? Then please consider supporting our work by joining our new po...2023-08-0750 minHidden BrainLearning From Your MistakesNo matter who you are, it's guaranteed that at some point in life you'll make a mistake. Many of us find failures to be uncomfortable — so we try our best to ignore them and move on. But what if there was a way to turn that discomfort into an opportunity? This week, we begin a two part mini-series on the psychology of failure and feedback. Psychologist Lauren Eskreis-Winkler teaches us how to stop ignoring our mistakes, and instead, start to learn from them. Do you like the ideas and insights we feature on Hidden Brain? Then please con...2023-07-2449 minHidden BrainThe Path to EnoughThis week, we bring you the second part of our conversation on the perils of too much pleasure. Psychiatrist Anna Lembke explains the neuroscience behind compulsive consumption, and how it alters our brains. She also shares techniques she’s learned from her patients to overcome the lure of addictive substances and behaviors.Do you like the ideas and insights we feature on Hidden Brain? Then please consider supporting our work by joining our new podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+. You can find it in the Apple Podcasts app, or by going to apple.co/hiddenbrain. Thanks!
2023-07-1750 minHidden BrainThe Paradox of PleasureAll of us think we know what addiction looks like: it’s the compulsive consumption of drugs, alcohol, or nicotine. But psychiatrist Anna Lembke argues that this definition is far too narrow — and that a broader understanding of addiction might help us to understand why so many people are anxious and depressed. This week, we begin a two-part series that explains how and why humans are wired to pursue pleasure, and all the ways the modern world tempts us with addictive substances and behaviors.Do you like the ideas and insights we feature on Hidden Brain? Then plea...2023-07-1049 minHidden BrainHow Others See YouIt's not easy to know how we come across to others, especially when we're meeting people for the first time. Psychologist Erica Boothby says many of us underestimate how much other people actually like us. This week, we revisit one of our most popular episodes to look at how certain social illusions give us a distorted picture of ourselves.Do you like the ideas and insights we feature on Hidden Brain? Then please consider supporting our work by joining our new podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+. You can find it in the Apple Podcasts app, or by going...2023-07-0350 minHidden BrainThe Best Years of Your LifeAging isn’t just a biological process. Our outlook and emotions also change as we age, often in ways that boost our well-being. Psychologist Laura Carstensen unpacks the science behind this surprising finding, and shares what all of us can learn from older people.Have you ever been torn about whether to pursue a passion project? In the latest episode of Hidden Brain+, novelist and physician Abraham Verghese tells us about the person who helped him navigate this dilemma in his own life. Try Hidden Brain+ for free on the Apple Podcasts app or at apple.co/hi...2023-06-2650 minHidden BrainSuccess 2.0: Getting What You WantWe all rely on incentives to get people to do things they might otherwise avoid. Parents reward kids for doing their homework. Companies offer bonuses to their high-performing employees. Charities send gifts to their donors. In the second episode in our "Success 2.0" series, economist Uri Gneezy shares how incentives can help us to achieve our goals, if we know how to avoid their pitfalls. American culture celebrates those who persevere in the face of adversity. But how do we know when to walk away from something that's no longer working? Economist John List says in every domain of...2023-05-0850 minHidden BrainSuccess 2.0: Taking the LeapAmerican culture celebrates those who persevere in the face of adversity. So how do we know when to walk away from something that's not working? Today, we kick off our new "Success 2.0" series with economist John List. He says in every domain of our lives, it's important to know when to pivot to something new. Have you ever thought about helping a family member or friend in need, but then held back for some reason? You're hardly alone. If you want to understand why we sometimes hesitate to show we care, be sure to check out last wee...2023-05-0149 minHidden BrainA Secret Source of ConnectionWe all have moments in our lives when we see someone who could use a helping hand. It could be a friend who recently went through a breakup, an elderly person trying to load groceries into their car, or a stranger on the street who looks a little lost. We tell ourselves we should help, but then something stops us. This week, psychologist Amit Kumar helps us understand what keeps us from taking a moment to be kind, and how to overcome these barriers to create stronger, happier connections. Have you ever had a moment when you b...2023-04-2449 minHidden BrainHow Your Beliefs Shape RealityAs you move through the world, it's inevitable that your way of seeing things won't always align with the people around you. Maybe you disagree with the way your neighbor raises her kids, or find your brother's politics to be troubling. But you may not realize how much your core beliefs shape your perception of the world. This week, we talk with psychologist Jer Clifton about how our beliefs shape our reality — and how we can use this knowledge to live happier and more harmonious lives.If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how yo...2023-03-0649 minHidden BrainHappiness 2.0: The Reset ButtonMany of us rush through our lives, chasing goals and just trying to get everything done. But that can blind us to a very simple source of joy that's all around us. This week, in the final installment of our Happiness 2.0 series, psychologist Dacher Keltner describes what happens when we stop to savor the beauty in nature, art, or simply the moral courage of those around us. Check out our previous episodes on happiness, including our conversations about chasing contentment and finding your purpose.If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how y...2023-02-2755 minHidden BrainHappiness 2.0: Surprising Sources of JoySometimes, life can feel like being stuck on a treadmill. No matter how hard you try to feel happier, you end up back where you started. What’s going on here? Today in our Happiness 2.0 series, we revisit a favorite episode from 2020. Researcher Elizabeth Dunn helps us map out the unexpected ways we can find joy and happiness in our everyday lives. Check out our previous episodes on happiness, including our conversations about chasing contentment and finding your purpose.If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hid...2023-02-2345 min
My Unsung HeroThanksgiving Special: Jamil Zaki Meets His HeroJamil Zaki reunites with the doctor who offered him comfort during one of the most difficult times of his life, when his newborn daughter, Alma, suffered a stroke.To hear more from Jamil Zaki about how we can cultivate more empathy for others, be sure to check out our conversation with him on our sister podcast, Hidden Brain. That episode is called "The Empathy Gym." Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some...2022-11-2405 minMy Unsung HeroSandra Bailey's StorySandra is at her wits' end in her job search — until someone unexpectedly helps her out. If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.-- Sp...2022-07-1205 minMy Unsung HeroJuleus Ghunta's StoryJuleus is in elementary school, and he can't read. But then a new teacher convinces him to believe in himself. If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a quiet, non...2022-07-0504 minMy Unsung HeroPierce Forde's StoryWhen Pierce is hurt in a crash, a stranger stays by his side.If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.-- Speak conversationally, li...2022-06-2806 minMy Unsung HeroJeff Fister's StoryAfter a car crash, Jeff is flustered as he makes sure his children are okay. A stranger steps out of the crowd to help. If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you...2022-06-2303 minMy Unsung HeroAya McMillan's StoryAya is beginning to panic during a long and painful medical procedure, when a technician gives her a soothing back rub.If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a qu...2022-06-2105 minMy Unsung HeroJoe Arrigoni's StoryAn employee in a shoe store gently helps Joe's wife, Joani, who is struggling with Alzheimer's.If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room....2022-06-1606 minMy Unsung HeroCynthia Page's StoryWhen menacing strangers surround Cynthia in a phone booth, a savior appears out of nowhere.If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.-- Sp...2022-06-1404 minMy Unsung HeroBetsy Cox's StoryThis week, a favorite episode from the archives: Betsy is having one of those days where everything feels like a struggle. But then a kind stranger offers a few simple words that shift her perspective. If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE mo...2022-06-0904 minMy Unsung HeroHeather Harper's StoryHeather is overwhelmed with grief when a woman at her church says something that makes her feel less alone.If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey ro...2022-06-0704 minMy Unsung HeroAlie Ward's StoryThis week, a favorite episode from the archives: It’s 2013, and Alie’s year is going terribly. Then she gets a Facebook message from a generous stranger. If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make...2022-06-0205 minMy Unsung HeroBrenda Arnold's StoryWhen Brenda finds herself alone in a foreign country, a kind woman invites her to lunch.If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room....2022-05-3105 minMy Unsung HeroLinda Reddish's StoryLinda is a new mom, flying for the first time with her 3-month-old baby. As she begins to board the plane, a stranger comes over and says, 'You're sitting next to me.'If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that y...2022-05-2605 minMy Unsung HeroRoxanne Olson's StoryWhen Roxanne finds herself in the middle of a bomb scare at Chicago's O'Hare airport, a woman walks up to her and says, "I'm here to help people like you."If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never f...2022-05-2405 minMy Unsung HeroLauren Passell's StoryWhen Lauren slips on the ice and breaks her hip, a stranger steps in and gets her to the hospital. If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a quiet, non...2022-05-1904 minMy Unsung HeroSarah Marshall's StoryDuring her freshman year of college, Sarah is feeling adrift. But a simple comment from one of her professors helps her understand herself in a new way. If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And be sure to check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 2022-05-1704 minMy Unsung HeroTrieste Erickson's StoryIn 2014, at the lowest point of Trieste's life, a stranger's brief comment changes everything.If you like the show, you can support us on our Patreon page. And please check out our other podcast, Hidden Brain.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:-- Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. -- Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.-- Speak co...2022-05-1205 minHidden BrainChanging Behavior, Not BeliefsThe rift between police and Black Americans can feel impossible to bridge. But in his work with police departments across the U.S., Yale psychologist Phillip Atiba Goff has found novel ways to address the problem.If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.org.
2022-01-1048 minHidden BrainChoose CarefullyAll of us make choices all the time, and we may think we're making those choices freely. But psychologist Eric Johnson says there's an architecture behind the way choices are presented to us, and this invisible architecture can influence decisions both large and small. If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.org.
2022-01-0348 minHidden BrainCreatures of HabitAt the beginning of the year, many of us make resolutions for the months to come. We resolve to work out more, to procrastinate less, or to save more money. Though some people stick with these aspirations, many of us fall short. This week, we revisit our 2019 conversation with psychologist Wendy Wood, who shares what researchers have found about how to build good habits — and break bad ones.If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.or...2021-12-2748 minHidden BrainMy Unsung Hero: Justin Horner's StoryJustin is sitting on the side of the freeway, hoping someone will help him fix his busted wheel. Right around the time he’s about to give up, a van pulls over.Would you like to share the story of an unsung hero who helped you in a moment of need? If so, please record a voice memo and send it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
2021-12-2406 minHidden BrainBringing Up BabyBababa, dadada, ahgaga. Got that? Babies are speaking to us all the time, but most of us have no clue what they're saying. To us non-babies, it all sounds like charming, mysterious gobbledegook. To researchers, though, babbling conveys important information about a baby's readiness to learn. This week, we'll revisit a favorite episode exploring the language and behavior of the newest members of the human family.If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-12-2050 minHidden BrainThe Psychology of Self-DoubtWe all have times when we feel like a fraud. Psychologist Kevin Cokley studies the corrosive effects of self-doubt, and how we can turn that negative voice in our heads into an ally. If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-12-1349 minHidden BrainMy Unsung Hero: Leah Bartell's StoryIt's 1994, and two men corner Leah on a dark street as she's walking home. Then she sees a car, and a glimmer of hope.To hear more stories like this, subscribe to our new podcast, My Unsung Hero. And we'd love to hear your own story: send a voice memo to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
2021-12-1003 minHidden BrainBoth Things Can Be TrueIt’s psychologically simpler to see the world in black and white. But reality often comes in shades of gray. This week, how our minds grapple with contradictions, especially those we see in other people. If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-12-0647 minHidden BrainWork 2.0: The One-Room CommuteIf you’re working from home, you might be reveling in your daily commute to the dining room table. Or you might be saying, “Get me out of here.” In the final episode of our Work 2.0 series, economist Nicholas Bloom joins us from his spare bedroom to ponder whether working from home is actually working. If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-11-2948 minHidden BrainWork 2.0: Rebel with a CauseEditor's note, December 6, 2024: Since we first published this episode with Francesca Gino in 2018, other researchers have raised concerns about the integrity of her work. In 2023, a group of scientists publicly alleged that she had fabricated data in some of her studies. You can find more information about their analysis at Data Colada.org. Gino has denied these allegations.A number of Francesca Gino’s studies have been retracted by the journals that published them, including a study about karaoke that is referenced in this episode. Francesca Gino studies rebels - people who practice "posi...2021-11-2249 min
Hidden BrainWork 2.0: Life, InterruptedMany of us spend our workdays responding to a never-ending stream of emails and texts. We feel stressed out and perpetually behind on our to-do list. But what if there was a better way to work? This week, we revisit a favorite conversation about "deep work" with computer scientist Cal Newport. And we'll visit a lab that's studying whether brain stimulation can improve our ability to handle multitasking and interruptions.
If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your...2021-11-1550 min
Hidden BrainWork 2.0: Game On!The world of play and the world of work are often seen as opposites. But they may have more in common than we think. In the second installment of our new Work 2.0 series, Ethan Mollick makes the case that we can make our jobs more engaging by incorporating elements of games.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-11-0853 min
Hidden BrainWork 2.0: The Obstacles You Don't SeeIntroducing new ideas is hard. Most of us think the best way to win people over is to push harder. But organizational psychologist Loran Nordgren says a more effective approach is to focus on the invisible obstacles to new ideas.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-11-0150 min
Hidden BrainWe Broke the Planet. Now What?We’ve grown accustomed to viewing climate change as an enemy we must urgently defeat. But is that the right metaphor for the greatest existential problem of our time? This week, we consider how to reframe the way we think about life on a changing planet.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-10-2548 min
Hidden BrainThe Halo EffectIn 1978, Judy, Lyn and Donna Ulrich were driving to a volleyball game when their Ford Pinto was hit from behind by a van. The Pinto caught fire, and the three teenagers died. This week, we revisit a 2020 episode with a former Ford insider who played a key role in weighing the risks associated with the Pinto. And we consider what his story tells us about a question we all face: is it possible to fairly evaluate our past actions when we know how things turned out?
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how...2021-10-1853 min
Hidden BrainBeing Kind to YourselfSelf-criticism is often seen as a virtue. But psychologist Kristin Neff says there’s a better path to self-improvement — self-compassion. She says people who practice self-compassion are more conscientious and more likely to take responsibility for their mistakes.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-10-1151 min
Hidden BrainWhen You Need It To Be TrueWhen we want something very badly, it can be hard to see warning signs that might be obvious to other people. This week, we bring you two stories about how easy it can be to believe in a false reality — even when the facts don’t back us up.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-10-0454 min
Hidden BrainGroup ThinkHow do the groups you identify with shape your sense of self? Do they influence the beer you buy? The way you vote? Psychologist Jay Van Bavel says our group loyalties affect us more than we realize, and can even shape our basic senses of sight, taste and smell.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-09-2050 min
Hidden BrainWhere Happiness HidesWe all think we know what will make us happy: more money. A better job. Love. But psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky says happiness doesn't necessarily work like that. This week, we explore why happiness often slips through our fingers, and how to savor — and stretch out — our joys.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-09-0649 min
Hidden BrainYou 2.0: Regrets, I Have a Few...We all have regrets. By some estimates, regret is one of the most common emotions we experience in our daily lives. In the final episode of our You 2.0 series, we bring you a favorite interview with Amy Summerville, the former head of the Regret Lab at Miami University in Ohio. After years of studying this emotion, she says she's learned something that may seem counterintuitive: regret doesn't always have to be a negative force in our lives.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to...2021-08-3028 min
Hidden BrainYou 2.0: Did That Really Happen?Our memories are easily contaminated. We can be made to believe we rode in a hot air balloon or kissed a magnifying glass — even if those things never happened. So how do we know which of our memories are most accurate? This week, psychologist Ayanna Thomas explains how we remember, why we forget, and the simple tools we all can use to sharpen our memories.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, su...2021-08-2348 min
Hidden BrainYou 2.0: When Did Marriage Become So Hard?Marriage is hard — and there are signs it's becoming even harder. In the third episode of our You 2.0 summer series, we examine how long-term relationships have changed over time, and whether we might be able to improve marriage by asking less of it.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-08-1650 min
Hidden BrainYou 2.0: In the Heat of the MomentIn a fit of anger or in the grip of fear, many of us make decisions that we never would have anticipated. As part of our You 2.0 summer series, we look at situations that make us strangers to ourselves — and why it's so difficult to remember what these "hot states" feel like once the moment is over.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.2021-08-0951 min
Hidden BrainYou 2.0: Cultivating Your PurposeHaving a sense of purpose can be a buffer against the challenges we all face at various stages of life. Purpose can also boost our health and longevity. In the kick-off to our annual You 2.0 series, Cornell University psychologist Anthony Burrow explains why purpose isn't something to be found — it's something we can develop from within.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-08-0251 min
Hidden BrainLosing AlaskaAs floods, wildfires, and heatwaves hit many parts of the world, signs of climate change seem to be all around us. Scientists have been warning us for years about the looming threat of a warming planet. And yet it’s really hard for many of us to wrap our minds around this existential challenge. Why is that? This week, we bring you a favorite episode about why our brains struggle to grasp the dangers of global climate change.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to...2021-07-2624 min
Hidden BrainStage FrightThe pressure. The expectations. The anxiety. If there's one thing that connects the athletes gathering for the Olympic games with the rest of us, it's the stress that can come from performing in front of others. In this week’s episode, we talk with cognitive scientist Sian Beilock about why so many of us crumble under pressure –– and what we can do about it.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our...2021-07-1952 min
Hidden BrainPlaying the Gender CardWhat is it like to be the only woman at the (poker) table? Or a rare man in a supposedly "feminine" career? In this favorite episode from 2019, we tell the stories of two people who grappled with gender stereotypes on the job, and consider how such biases can shape our career choices.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-07-1249 min
Hidden BrainYou, But BetterThink about the resolutions you made this year: to quit smoking, eat better, or get more exercise. If you're like most people, you probably abandoned those resolutions within a few weeks. That's because change is hard. Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman explains how we can use our minds to do what's good for us.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-07-0550 min
Hidden BrainThe Influence You HaveThink about the last time you asked someone for something. Maybe you were nervous or worried about what the person would think of you. Chances are that you didn't stop to think about the pressure you were exerting on that person. This week, we revisit a favorite episode about a phenomenon known as "egocentric bias," and look at how this bias can lead us astray.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life...2021-06-2850 min
Hidden BrainWhat Twins Tell UsIn December 1988, two sets of identical twins became test subjects in a study for which they had never volunteered. It was an experiment that could never be performed in a lab, and had never before been documented. This week, we revisit this fascinating story, told by psychologist Nancy Segal, about the eternal tug between nature and nurture in shaping who we are.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our...2021-06-2428 min
Hidden BrainThe Power of ApologiesWhy is it so hard to say 'I'm sorry?' In part two of our series on forgiveness and apologies, we talk with psychologist Tyler Okimoto about the mental barriers that keep us from admitting when we've done something wrong, as well as the transformative power of apologies.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-06-2149 min
Hidden BrainThe Power of MercyGranting forgiveness for the wrongs done to us can be one of the hardest things we face in life. But forgiveness can also be transformative. In the first of a two-part series on apologies and mercy, we talk with psychologist Charlotte Witvliet about the benefits of forgiveness, for both the mind and the body.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-06-1448 min
Hidden BrainThis is Your Brain on AdsHave you ever opened your computer with the intention of sending one email — only to spend an hour scrolling through social media? Maybe two hours? In this favorite episode from our archives, we look at how media, tech, and entertainment companies hijack our attention. Plus, we consider how the commercials we saw as children continue to shape our behavior as adults.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at...2021-06-0748 min
Hidden BrainWhy We Hold on to ThingsWhat do the things you own say about who you are? Psychologist Bruce Hood studies our relationship with our possessions – from beloved childhood objects to the everyday items we leave behind.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-05-3145 min
Hidden BrainLoss and RenewalNo matter how hard we work, we won’t always achieve the goals we set for ourselves. When cognitive scientist Maya Shankar was a girl, she wanted to be a concert violinist. Then an injury forced her to imagine her life anew. This week, we revisit a favorite episode from 2015 with Maya. She’s now the host of a new podcast, A Slight Change of Plans.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life...2021-05-2426 min
Hidden BrainTribes and TraitorsIn the past weeks, headlines around the world have focused on the violent conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. In this favorite episode from our archive, we hear from a former Israeli soldier and a Palestinian man who asked a radical question: what happens when you empathize with your enemy? They found that showing such empathy can be powerful — but also carries risks.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our ne...2021-05-2131 min
Hidden BrainOur Noisy MindsPsychologist Daniel Kahneman says there are invisible factors that distort our judgment. He calls these factors “noise.” The consequences can be found in everything from marriage proposals to medical diagnoses and prison sentences. This week on Hidden Brain, we consider how to identify noise in the world, and in our own lives.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-05-1748 min
Hidden BrainThe Fake BrideHave you ever felt as if someone else was writing your personal narrative? Controlling what you do, shaping how you act? This week on Hidden Brain, we bring you a surreal tale about a woman who became a reluctant character in someone else’s love story.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org.
2021-05-1153 min
Hidden BrainJosh Gitelson: My Unsung HeroAt the end of every episode, we take a moment to thank an Unsung Hero: someone who’s not on the staff of the show, but who went above and beyond in helping us out. In recent weeks, we've been asking you to share your own examples of someone who's made an impact on your life. This time, Josh Gitelson of State College, Pa., recalls a small gesture of kindness from a stranger on a plane. Do you have a story of an unsung hero you want to share with our listeners? Tell us about it! Please em...2021-05-0703 min
Hidden BrainOne Head, Two BrainsYour brain is divided in two: a left hemisphere and a right hemisphere. In this 2019 episode of Hidden Brain, we dive into Iain McGilchrist's research on how the left and right hemispheres shape our perceptions. Iain argues that differences in the brain — and Western society's preference for what one hemisphere has to offer — have had enormous effects on our lives.
If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. To learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hidd...2021-05-0349 min
Hidden BrainWhy Conversations Go WrongDo you ever struggle to communicate with your mom? Or feel like you and your spouse sometimes speak different languages? We talk with linguist Deborah Tannen about how our conversational styles can cause unintended conflicts, and what we can do to communicate more effectively with the people in our lives.
If you like our work, please try to support us! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org. To learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at news.hiddenbrain.org
2021-04-2652 min
IN MY FEELSSHANKAR VEDANTAM - Hidden Brain, The Mind, Spirituality, Consciousness, Life After Death!Shankar Vedantam (@HiddenBrain) founded Hidden Brain Media in 2019, and is the host and executive editor of the Hidden Brain podcast and radio show. From 2011 to 2020, he was a social science correspondent with NPR. Before that, he was a national correspondent at The Washington Post. Between 2007 and 2009, he authored the weekly Department of Human Behavior column in The Washington Post. In 2010, he published The Hidden Brain: How our Unconscious Minds Elect Presidents, Control Markets, Wage Wars, Save Our Lives and Useful Delusions. Shankar is the winner of several journalism awards and was a 2009-2010 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. 2021-03-1753 min