Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain
  • 4.6 (40K)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Hidden Brain

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Why do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? What can I do to improve my relationships? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. On Hidden Brain, we help you understand your own mind — and the minds of the people around you. (We're routinely rated the #1 science podcast in the United States.) Hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam.

  1. You 2.0: The Passion Pill

    1D AGO

    You 2.0: The Passion Pill

    You’ve probably heard the saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” The idea is that pursuing your passion will feel invigorating — almost magical. But passions can easily wane over time. This week, behavioral scientist Jon Jachimowicz looks at how to keep our passions alive, and how to channel old passions into new pursuits. Do you have follow-up questions for Jon Jachimowicz, or ideas that you'd like to share after listening to this episode? If you'd be willing to share them with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line "passion." And a reminder that our live tour is underway! Shankar is traveling across the U.S. and Canada to share some of the key ideas he's learned in the first decade of the show. To see if we're coming to a city near you, please visit hiddenbrain.org/tour.

    49 min

  2. 1D AGO • HIDDEN BRAIN+ ONLY

    You 2.0: How to Stop Feeling Burned Out

    Even our most rewarding pursuits can become boring or unfulfilling over time. In part one of our conversation with behavioral scientist Jon Jachimowicz, we explored why things we once cared about can eventually lose their luster. In this episode, exclusively for subscribers to Hidden Brain+, Jachimowicz shares what we get wrong about passion, and offers advice to those of us who are feeling stuck. Do you have follow-up questions for Jon Jachimowicz, or ideas that you'd like to share after listening to this episode? If you'd be willing to share them with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line "passion." And a reminder that our live tour is underway! Shankar is traveling across the U.S. and Canada to share some of the key ideas he's learned in the first decade of the show. To see if we're coming to a city near you, please visit hiddenbrain.org/tour.

    38 min
  3. You 2.0: What Is Your Life For?

    JUN 30

    You 2.0: What Is Your Life For?

    What should you do with your life? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. But there are scientifically-tested methods that can help you to feel more in harmony with yourself and the world. This week, and in a companion conversation for Hidden Brain+, researcher Victor Strecher explores the science of creating a life full of meaning. It's the kickoff to our annual You 2.0 series, which this year will focus on purpose and passion. If you’ve reached the midpoint of the year and you’re feeling adrift, alone, or burned out, this series is for you.   Do you have follow-up questions for Victor Strecher, or ideas that you'd like to share after listening to this episode? If you'd be willing to share them with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line "purpose." And a reminder that our live tour is underway! Shankar is traveling across the U.S. and Canada to share some of the key ideas he's learned in the first decade of the show. To see if we're coming to a city near you, please visit hiddenbrain.org/tour.

    1h 3m

  4. JUN 30 • HIDDEN BRAIN+ ONLY

    You 2.0: The Power of FInding Purpose

    Having a sense of purpose can grant us energy, agency, and willpower. It also can have a surprising impact on our physical health. In this episode, exclusively for members of Hidden Brain+, researcher Victor Strecher explores why people with a strong sense of purpose may have stronger immune systems, be less likely to relapse from addictions, and even lead longer lives. Do you have follow up questions or thoughts for Victor Strecher after listening to this episode? If you’d be comfortable sharing those questions with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line “purpose.”

    27 min
  5. Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and "Covering"

    JUN 23

    Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and "Covering"

    There’s a saying that’s attributed to the Dalai Lama: in the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher. It’s a nice idea. But when people don’t share our values, it’s hard for us to tolerate theirs. 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. In this week’s show, you’ll learn: *What’s happening in our minds when we’re trying to win an argument. *Techniques for how to take another person’s perspective — and how to become more effective in persuading them of your perspective. *The most successful protest tactics in winning allies. *Why we might shift from trying to change someone’s mind to trying to change their behavior. If you love Hidden Brain, come see Shankar live in a city near you this summer! For more info and tickets to our “Perceptions” tour, visit https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/

    1h 26m
  6. Doing it the Hard Way

    JUN 16

    Doing it the Hard Way

    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 get from doing things that are difficult, and why the things we think will make us happy often do not. Hidden Brain is hitting the road this summer! Join Shankar in a city near you as he shares key insights from the first decade of the show. For more info, and to purchase tickets, go to hiddenbrain.org/tour.

    51 min
  7. Ouch! That Feels Great

    JUN 9

    Ouch! That Feels Great

    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. Hidden Brain is about to go on tour! Join Shankar in a city near you as he shares key insights from the first decade of the show. For more info and tickets, go to https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/.

    51 min

  8. JUN 9 • HIDDEN BRAIN+ ONLY

    The Zen of Pain

    Why do we love terrifying roller coaster rides or eat foods so spicy they make us cry? In part one of our conversation with psychologist Paul Bloom, we explored the appeal of suffering. In this episode, exclusively for subscribers to Hidden Brain+, Bloom further explores the link between pain and pleasure. Pain, he says, can even be a form of meditation.

    18 min
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Why do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? What can I do to improve my relationships? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. On Hidden Brain, we help you understand your own mind — and the minds of the people around you. (We're routinely rated the #1 science podcast in the United States.) Hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam.

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