Stories about unlikely heroes have captivated people for thousands of years. This week, social scientist Ben Rogers explores why the “hero’s journey” resonates so deeply, and how the stories we tell about our own lives can shape our sense of purpose. He explains why seeing ourselves as the protagonists of our own stories may help us face […]
You Are Not Ordinary Read More »
This week, we look at what’s really happening when we experience pain, and how a better understanding of this process can open up new possibilities for treatment and healing.
How to Combat Pain Read More »
Our brains navigate the world by coming up with mental maps. These maps act like an autopilot system. But sometimes, they can lead us astray.
Changing Our Mental Maps Read More »
Last week, we talked with psychologist Lisa Miller about the science of spirituality. Today, we explore what those ideas can look like in everyday life.
Waking Up Your Spiritual Brain: Part 2 Read More »
Food, safety, and strong relationships are essential to our survival. Psychologist Lisa Miller says our brains also crave something else: transcendence. She suggests that spirituality is a universal human capacity, and that feeling connected to something larger than ourselves may be essential to a fulfilling life. If you enjoy listening to Hidden Brain, we think you’ll enjoy
Waking Up Your Spiritual Brain: Part 1 Read More »
Why does one bad experience have the power to overshadow an otherwise good day? We explore the negativity bias, and ways to rebalance our attention.
Stepping Out of the Shadows Read More »
What keeps us from taking a moment to help someone in need? We explore the “prosociality paradox,” and how to overcome this barrier. Then, psychologist Gordon Flett responds to listener comments about the importance of feeling that we matter.
A Secret Source of Connection Read More »
You’re not the same person with your friends as you are with your co-workers or your kids. So who are you, really? This week, political scientist Eric Oliver explores why we often feel divided within ourselves, and how we can learn to live more peacefully with those contradictions. Then, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman answers your questions on the science
Who Are You, Really? Read More »
For centuries, people have described creativity as something mysterious: a flash of insight, a whisper from the muse, a sudden idea that seems to arrive out of nowhere. Psychologist Ap Dijksterhuis explores the hidden mental processes that lead to these moments of inspiration, and why breakthroughs often emerge when the mind is at rest. Should you worry
Unleashing Your Creativity Read More »
How does the culture in which you live shape the life that you lead? We all know that culture affects the languages we speak and the foods we eat. But anthropologist Joseph Henrich says the impact of culture goes even further, reaching into our bodies and our minds. He takes us on a journey through time to
The Past is Never Dead Read More »
