When we look at the people we love, how clearly do we really see them? This week, how our fears, desires, and insecurities can shape our perceptions of our partners — sometimes creating the very reality we expect.
How to Be a Better Partner Read More »
Some people are remarkably good at reading the emotional temperature of a situation. They can pick up on what others are feeling, manage their own emotions, and respond skillfully. What’s their secret? This week, we explore the science of emotional intelligence with psychologist Peter Salovey. Emotional intelligence is one of the most popular ideas in psychology.
How Feelings Make Us Smarter Read More »
When we’re learning, or trying new things, mistakes are inevitable. Some of these mistakes provide us with valuable information, while others are just harmful. This week, we kick off the new year with researcher Amy Edmondson, who explains the difference between constructive failures and those we should try to avoid.
Making the Most of Your Mistakes Read More »
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 »
