440 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, Shankar Vedantam

    • Science
    • 4.6 • 36.2K Ratings

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

    Revealing Your Unconscious: Part 2

    Revealing Your Unconscious: Part 2

    In the second part of our series on implicit bias, we explore the relationship between beliefs and behaviors. We also talk with psychologist Mahzarin Banaji about whether research on implicit bias tells us more about groups than it does about individuals.

    • 52 min
    Revealing Your Unconscious: Part 1

    Revealing Your Unconscious: Part 1

    Would you consider yourself to be prejudiced against people who are different from you? Most of us would say no. But in the late 1990s, researchers created a test to measure biases that may be hidden from our conscious minds. Millions of people have taken it since, and not everyone likes what they've discovered. This week, we launch a two-part look at implicit bias with psychologist Mahzarin Banaji. We ask how is it that we can hold negative stereotypes — without being aware of them.

    • 54 min
    How Your Beliefs Shape Reality

    How Your Beliefs Shape Reality

    As 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.

    • 49 min
    Happiness 2.0: The Reset Button

    Happiness 2.0: The Reset Button

    Many 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.

    • 55 min
    Happiness 2.0: Surprising Sources of Joy

    Happiness 2.0: Surprising Sources of Joy

    Sometimes, 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.

    • 45 min
    Happiness 2.0: Cultivating Your Purpose

    Happiness 2.0: Cultivating Your Purpose

    Having 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 this favorite episode from 2021, Cornell University psychologist Anthony Burrow explains why purpose isn’t something to be found — it’s something we can develop from within.

    • 50 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
36.2K Ratings

36.2K Ratings

Conscious Music Lover ,

Great show. Horrible ads.

I love the content and production of the actual show. Always informative often inspiring. But the advertisements … c’mon! They can be especially jarring from the tone & feel of the show.

IRIE3lle ,

Hidden Brain my unsung hero

I listen to many different podcast but I can say with certainty this is the only one that has made noticeable positive impacts on my thinking. It sparks my joy of learning, challenges my perception and even moves me to tears sometimes. I love it👍🏾

weepybang ,

awe inspiring

A new friend sent this podcast to me to check out and what an incredible experience it was listening to the episode on "awe". I can't wait to listen to more episodes.

Top Podcasts In Science

Alie Ward
Sam Harris
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Sasquatch Chronicles - Bigfoot Encounters
Science Friday and WNYC Studios
NPR

You Might Also Like

WNYC Studios
This American Life
NPR
NPR
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
NPR