457 episodes

Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.

Hidden Brain Hidden Brain

    • Science
    • 4.7 • 1K Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Seeking Serenity: Part 1

    Seeking Serenity: Part 1

    In graduate school, neuroscientist Richard Davidson learned to use scientific tools as a way to examine the brain. At the same time, he also started studying under master meditators — who deeply contemplated their internal and external lives. This week, two ways of understanding the mind.

    • 49 min
    Moving from Despair to Hope

    Moving from Despair to Hope

    Most of us assume hope is something that happens to us, an emotion that’s largely out of our control. But psychologist Jennifer Cheavens says hope is much more than a feeling — it’s a way of thinking about your future. And there are concrete steps you can take to make yourself more hopeful.

    If you're not yet a subscriber to Hidden Brain+, try it for free with a seven-day trial! And if you know someone who would enjoy this episode, please tell them about it. They can find Hidden Brain+ here in the Apple Podcasts app, or by going to apple.co/hiddenbrain.

    Success 2.0: Getting to the Top and Staying There

    Success 2.0: Getting to the Top and Staying There

    There are plenty of talented people in the world. So why do only a tiny percentage of us reach the highest peaks of achievement? This week, we conclude our "Success 2.0" series by talking with researcher Justin Berg about whether there's a secret recipe for finding — and sustaining — success.

    • 51 min
    The Case for Optimism

    The Case for Optimism

    The writer Morgan Housel once noticed that pessimists always seem like honest people. Optimists, on the other hand, feel as if they’re trying to sell us something. Why is this, and is there a way to resist the pull toward negativity? Today, we kick off our new podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+. We talk with Morgan about pushing back against our tendency to emphasize the negative and overlook the positive.

    Do you know someone who might like Hidden Brain+? Please let them know they can try it for free here in Apple Podcasts, or by going to apple.co/hiddenbrain. And thanks for subscribing — your support helps us to make even more Hidden Brain episodes for you.

    Your Questions Answered: Bob Cialdini on Persuasion

    Your Questions Answered: Bob Cialdini on Persuasion

    We recently talked with psychologist Bob Cialdini, who has identified seven techniques that we regularly use to persuade other people to do something. Today on Hidden Brain+, Bob comes back to the show to answer listeners’ follow-up questions. We ask Bob how to use persuasion techniques to get our kids to do what we want. And we ponder how to use these strategies to get ourselves to do something we’re avoiding.

    Hidden Brain+ is where you'll find even more of the ideas and insights that we feature on the show. If you know someone who might enjoy Hidden Brain+, let them know they can try it for free here in this podcast feed, or by going to apple.co/hiddenbrain.

    Success 2.0: The Psychology of Self-Doubt

    Success 2.0: The Psychology of Self-Doubt

    We all have times when we feel like a fraud. In the latest installment of our Success 2.0 series, we revisit a favorite 2021 conversation with psychologist Kevin Cokley. We'll explore the corrosive effects of self-doubt, and how we can turn that negative voice in our heads into an ally.

    • 49 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
1K Ratings

1K Ratings

ZoëJs ,

Recommended

Love this podcast so interesting!

Trishdunfermline ,

My first time of listening

I have not come across this podcast before but will definitely listen again. Very interesting topics.

jibarra.ish ,

It is never not good

I have listened to this podcast for years and lived in three different countries while doing it. No matter where in the world I am, this podcast provides insight that can be seen immediately I the world around you. Worth listening to the entire history of episodes and subscribing and listening even when they repeat one. Thank you!

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