This week, we revisit a conversation with psychologist Iris Mauss, who explains why happiness can seem more elusive the harder we chase it. Then, we bring you the latest edition of our segment “Your Questions Answered.” Behavioral scientist Alison Wood Brooks answers listener questions on how to be a better conversationalist.
You 2.0: The Path to Contentment Read More »
Behavioral scientist Jon Jachimowicz looks at how to keep our passions alive, and how to channel old passions into new pursuits.
You 2.0: The Passion Pill Read More »
What should you do with your life? This week, researcher Victor Strecher explores the science of creating a life full of meaning.
You 2.0: What Is Your Life For? Read More »
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.
Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and “Covering” Read More »
Learning 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
Doing it the Hard Way Read More »
We 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.
Ouch! That Feels Great Read More »
Revenge 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.
The Price of Revenge Read More »
If you are a parent or a teacher, you’re constantly wondering: how do I balance play and safety for the kids in my care? You don’t want to put children in danger, but you also don’t want to rob them of the joy of exploration. This week, we talk with psychologist Peter Gray about how this balance has changed – for parents and children alike – and what we can do about it.
Parents: Keep Out! Read More »
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
Do I Know You? (A Hidden Brain-Revisionist History Special) Read More »
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
How Much Do We Really Know? Read More »
