Hidden Brain

You Are Not Ordinary

<p>Stories about unlikely heroes have captivated people for thousands of years. This week, social scientist <a href="https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/carroll-school/faculty-research/faculty-directory/benjamin-rogers.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ben Rogers</a> 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 challenges with greater confidence. Then, on Your Questions Answered, psychologist <a href="https://as.nyu.edu/faculty/jay-van-bavel.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jay Van Bavel</a> returns to respond to listeners' comments and questions about group identities. </p> <p><i>Interested in learning how to discover the hero's journey in your own life story? Ben Rogers shares practical tips in a companion conversation for Hidden Brain+. That episode is titled "Discovering Your Inner Hero.” If you're not yet a Hidden Brain+ subscriber, you can get a free seven-day trial at </i><a href="https://support.hiddenbrain.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>support.hiddenbrain.org</i></a><i>. If you're using an Apple device, go to </i><a href="http://apple.co/hiddenbrain" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>http://apple.co/hiddenbrain</i></a><i>. Thanks for listening and supporting the show!</i></p> <p><i>What does economic inequality do to our minds? In </i><a href="https://youtu.be/mpEmjnAoM-M?si=j-Ija1598JckKlao" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>our latest YouTube video</i></a><i>, we explore the psychology of social comparison. Check it out, and be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any of our upcoming videos! </i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

How to Combat Pain

<p>Pain feels like a simple message from the body. If your elbow hurts, there must be something wrong with your elbow. If your back is painfully stiff, you need some work done on your back. But psychologist <a href="https://www.zoffness.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rachel Zoffness</a> says our minds play a much larger role in our experience of pain than many of us realize. This week, we look at what's really happening when we experience pain, and<strong> </strong>how a better understanding of this process can open up new possibilities for treatment and healing. </p> <p><i>In our companion conversation for Hidden Brain+ subscribers, Rachel Zoffness goes deeper into techniques that can help to reduce our brains' sensitivity to pain. You can hear that episode, which is called "Plastic Brain, Changeable Brain," with a free seven-day trial to Hidden Brain+. Go to </i><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/HiddenBrain" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>support.hiddenbrain.org</i></a><i> or </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?at=1010l3ab3&ct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itscg=30200S&ls=1" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>apple.co/hiddenbrain</i></a><i> to access your trial subscription.</i></p> <p><i>For more Hidden Brain ideas and insights, be sure to check out </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenBrain" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>our new YouTube channel</i></a><i>! And don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any of our upcoming videos.   </i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Changing Our Mental Maps

<p>As we move through the world, it's easy to imagine we're processing everything that happens around us and then deciding how to respond. But psychologist and neuroscientist <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/psychology/people/norman-farb" rel="noopener noreferrer">Norman Farb</a> says our brains actually navigate the world by coming up with mental maps. These maps act like an autopilot system, allowing us to navigate our lives more efficiently. But sometimes, they can lead us astray, leaving us stuck on a path of negativity and unhappiness. This week, in a favorite episode from 2024, we talk with Norman Farb about how we can update our internal maps and see the world more clearly. Then, <a href="https://lifedesignlab.stanford.edu/team" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave Evans</a> answers your questions about radical acceptance.</p> <p><i>If you love listening to Hidden Brain, you can now watch it as well! Check out our new </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenBrain" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>YouTube channel</i></a><i>, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any of our upcoming videos.</i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Waking Up Your Spiritual Brain: Part 2

<p>Last week, we talked with psychologist <a href="https://www.tc.columbia.edu/faculty/lfm14/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lisa Miller</a> about the science of spirituality. Today, we explore what those ideas can look like in everyday life. Miller explains why moments of connection, spiritual practices, and even periods of suffering can sometimes open the door to deeper meaning and growth. And on Your Questions Answered, behavioral scientist <a href="https://lifedesignlab.stanford.edu/team" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave Evans</a> returns to respond to your comments on designing a meaningful life.  </p> <p><i>Hidden Brain is </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenbrain" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>now on YouTube</i></a><i>! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any of our upcoming videos. </i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Waking Up Your Spiritual Brain: Part 1

<p>Food, safety, and strong relationships are essential to our survival. Psychologist <a href="https://www.tc.columbia.edu/faculty/lfm14/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lisa Miller</a> 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. </p> <p><i>If you enjoy listening to Hidden Brain, we think you'll enjoy watching it, too! Check out </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenBrain/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>our new YouTube channel</i></a><i>, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any of our videos. </i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Stepping Out of the Shadows

<p>Why does one bad experience have the power to overshadow an otherwise good day? Psychologist <a href="https://psychology.ucdavis.edu/people/alison-ledgerwood" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alison Ledgerwood</a> explores the negativity bias, the deeply human tendency to hold on to what went wrong and overlook what went right. She explains why our minds are drawn to losses and threats, and what it takes to rebalance our attention. Then, on Your Questions Answered, psychologist <a href="https://psychology.cornell.edu/david-pizarro" rel="noopener noreferrer">David Pizarro</a> returns to respond to your comments about the surprising role of disgust in shaping our lives. </p> <p><i>In our companion conversation for Hidden Brain+, we explore how politicians and the media exploit the negativity bias. If you're a subscriber, that episode is titled “Going Negative.” If you're not yet a subscriber, you can get a free seven-day trial of Hidden Brain+ by going to support.hiddenbrain.org or </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?at=1010l3ab3&ct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itscg=30200S&ls=1" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>apple.co/hidden brain</i></a><i>. </i></p> <p><i>If you love listening to Hidden Brain, you'll love watching it as well! Check out </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenBrain" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>our new YouTube channel</i></a><i> for Shankar's videos about how your memory works, tips for performing under pressure, and much more. </i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

A Secret Source of Connection

<p>We all have moments in our lives when we see someone who could use a helping hand. It could be a friend who recently went through a breakup, or an older person trying to load groceries into their car. We tell ourselves we should help, but then something stops us. This week, psychologist <a href="https://lerner.udel.edu/faculty-staff-directory/amit-kumar/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Amit Kumar</a> helps us understand what keeps us from taking a moment to be kind, and how to overcome these barriers to create stronger, happier connections. Then, on Your Questions Answered, psychologist <a href="https://www.yorku.ca/lamarsh/gord-flett/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gordon Flett</a> returns to respond to listener comments about the importance of feeling that we matter. </p> <p><i>Have you ever heard someone describe themselves as "left-brained" or "right-brained?" Don't miss </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exq_aynYzrM&t=24s" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Shankar's video</i></a><i> breaking down one of the most pervasive — and incorrect — ideas from pop psychology. </i></p> <p><i>Hidden Brain is back on the road this summer! Go to </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>hiddenbrain.org/tour</i></a><i> to find out where we're headed next. </i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Who Are You, Really?

<p>You’re not the same person with your friends as you are with your co-workers or your kids. So who are you, really? This week, political scientist <a href="https://political-science.uchicago.edu/directory/Eric-Oliver" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eric Oliver</a> explores why we often feel divided within ourselves, and how we can learn to live more peacefully with those contradictions. Then, psychologist <a href="https://psychology.barnard.edu/profiles/scott-barry-kaufman" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scott Barry Kaufman</a> answers your questions on the science of intelligence.</p> <p><i>Should you worry about your memory? For many of us, forgetting a name or losing your keys feels like a small failure. But what if forgetting is actually one of the most important things your brain does? Check out our new video on the surprising (and reassuring!) </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8uokmk_MvE" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>science of forgetting</i></a><i> to learn more.</i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Unleashing Your Creativity

<p>For centuries, people have described creativity as something mysterious: a flash of insight, a whisper from the muse, a sudden idea that seems to arrive out of nowhere. Psychologist <a href="https://www.apdijksterhuis.nl/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ap Dijksterhuis</a> explores the hidden mental processes that lead to these moments of inspiration, and why breakthroughs often emerge when the mind is at rest.</p> <p><i>Should you worry about your memory? For many of us, forgetting a name or losing your keys feels like a small failure. But what if forgetting is actually one of the most important things your brain does? Check out our new video on the surprising (and reassuring!) </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8uokmk_MvE" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>science of forgetting</i></a><i> to learn more.</i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Past is Never Dead

<p>How does the culture in which you live shape the life that you lead? We all know that culture affects the languages we speak and the foods we eat. But anthropologist <a href="https://henrich.fas.harvard.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joseph Henrich</a> says the impact of culture goes even further, reaching into our bodies and our minds. He takes us on a journey through time to show how human cultures create a "collective brain," and how that shared knowledge profoundly shapes who we are and how we live.  </p> <p><i>Hidden Brain is headed back on the road this summer, for the latest leg of our Perceptions tour! Join Shankar as he shares key psychological insights from the first decade of the show. More information on tour stops and tickets can be found at our tour page. </i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Empathy Gym

<p>Some people are good at putting themselves in another person's shoes. Others may struggle to relate. But psychologist <a href="https://psychology.stanford.edu/people/jamil-zaki" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jamil Zaki</a> argues that empathy isn't a fixed trait. This week, we revisit a favorite episode about how to exercise our empathy muscles. Then, <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=589473" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leslie John</a> answers listener questions about the benefits of opening up to others, in our latest installment of Your Questions Answered.</p> <p><i>Hidden Brain is now on YouTube! Check out our channel and subscribe so you don't miss any of our videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenBrain</i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Cowboy Philosopher

<p>In 2009, an old man died in a California nursing home. His obituary included not just his given name, but a long list of the pseudonyms he’d been known to use. In this classic 2019 episode, we trace the life of Riley Shepard, a hillbilly musician, writer, small-time con man and, perhaps, a genius. Then, on Your Questions Answered, psychologist <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=589473" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leslie John</a> returns to answer your questions about when to share a secret, and when to keep it to yourself.</p> <p><i>You can find an online version of Riley Shepard's Encyclopedia of Folk Music </i><a href="https://archive.org/details/masterbookofamericanfolksong00shep/01-The%20Master%20Book%20of%20American%20Folk%20Song/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>here</i></a><i>.  </i></p> <p><i>There's a powerful tool almost all of us overlook when we're trying to improve a work project or help our kids with their homework. Learn more in </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wiMC4zsq8o&t=16s" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>this video on our new YouTube channel!</i></a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Radical Acceptance

<p>Last week, we looked at the hidden beliefs that can leave us feeling stuck in life. This week, in the second part of our conversation with behavioral scientist <a href="https://lifedesignlab.stanford.edu/team" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave Evans</a>, we talk about radical acceptance. Dave shares why accepting reality as it is can be so difficult — and why it's an essential first step in building a meaningful life. Then, in the latest installment of Your Questions Answered, psychologist <a href="https://psychologyneuroscience.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/person/sarah-schnitker-phd" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sarah Schnitker</a> returns to answer listeners' questions about patience. </p> <p><i>When something terrible happens in your life, are you destined to fall apart? In </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZj73Fu939s" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>our latest YouTube video,</i></a><i> we explore decades of research about how humans respond to grief, loss, and tragedy. Check it out, and subscribe so you don't miss any of our videos!</i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Designing a Life that Matters

<p>We tell ourselves that meaning comes from impact, passion, or finding the “one right path.” But these beliefs can leave us feeling stuck — even when our lives look perfectly fine on paper. Behavioral scientist <a href="https://lifedesignlab.stanford.edu/team" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave Evans</a> describes a new approach, borrowed from design thinking, to help us build lives that feel more alive, flexible, and real. </p> <p><i>What makes brave people different from the rest of us? It isn't a lack of fear — instead, it's a trait that might surprise you. Learn more in </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJX2H54MPXY&t=2s" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>this video</i></a><i> on our new YouTube channel. </i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Do You Feel Loved?

<p>What’s the difference between <i>being </i>loved and <i>feeling </i>loved? Psychologist <a href="https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/sonja" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sonja Lyubomirsky</a> joins us to discuss the distinction, and how we can create a stronger feeling of closeness in our relationships. Then, in our latest installment of Your Questions Answered, psychologist <a href="https://psychology.stanford.edu/people/greg-walton" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Greg Walton</a> returns to answer listeners’ questions about negative thought spirals.<br><br><i>As individuals and as a society, we often overlook a strategy that can help us to improve our lives. </i><a href="https://youtu.be/3wiMC4zsq8o" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>We discuss this tool</i></a><i> in a new video </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenBrain" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>on Hidden Brain's YouTube channel</i></a><i>. Please check it out, and let us know what you think!</i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

How to Change the World

<p>Does power truly flow from the barrel of a gun? Pop culture and conventional history often teach us that violence is the most effective way to produce change. But is that common assumption actually true? Political scientist <a href="https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty/erica-chenoweth" rel="noopener noreferrer">Erica Chenoweth</a>, who has studied more than 100 years of revolutions and insurrections, says the answer is counterintuitive. Then, <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=77265" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ranjay Gulati</a> answers listener questions on how to cultivate courage.</p> <p><i>Hidden Brain is </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenbrain" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>now on YouTube</i></a><i>! Check out our first three videos, which explore </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJX2H54MPXY&t=37s" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>how to cope in high-pressure situations</i></a><i>, </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFY96JwLHTQ&t=306s" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>the secret behind artistic masterpieces</i></a><i>, and </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJX2H54MPXY&t=38s" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>an unexpected driver of bravery in our everyday lives</i></a><i>. </i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Debt Trap

<p>We like to think that good financial decisions come down to discipline and basic math. But the psychology of money turns out to be deeply complicated. Researcher <a href="https://people.wright.edu/john.dinsmore" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Dinsmore</a> explains the hidden mental biases that shape how we think about spending, borrowing, and the future. We explore how these forces can steer us toward costly mistakes — and how to guard against them. Then, on Your Questions Answered, researcher <a href="https://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty-research/directory/bidhan-l-parmar" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Parmar</a> returns to consider the upsides of embracing uncertainty.</p> <p><i>We're excited to share that Hidden Brain is </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenbrain" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>coming to YouTube</i></a><i>! Check out our trailer and subscribe so you don't miss our first three episodes, coming April 10. </i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

When It&apos;s Okay to Lie

<p>Should you tell a harsh truth if it will only cause pain? Or is it sometimes kinder to keep someone in the dark? Psychologist <a href="https://www.chicagobooth.edu/faculty/directory/l/emma-levine" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emma Levine</a> explores the unwritten rules that guide when people feel it’s acceptable to lie — and what those choices reveal about trust, harm, and our deepest moral values.</p> <p><i>In our companion Hidden Brain+ episode, we explore ways to bridge the gap between the many lies we condone in practice, and the lying we claim to hate. If you're a subscriber, that episode is called “Telling The Truth About Lies.” If you're not yet a Hidden Brain+ subscriber, please visit </i><a href="http://support.hiddenbrain.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>support.hiddenbrain.org</i></a><i> or </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?at=1010l3ab3&ct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itscg=30200S&ls=1" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>apple.co/hidden brain</i></a><i> for a free seven-day trial. </i></p> <p><i>We're excited to share that Hidden Brain is </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenbrain" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>coming to YouTube</i></a><i>! Check out our trailer and subscribe so you don't miss our first three episodes, coming April 10. </i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Group Think

<p>How do the groups you identify with shape your sense of self? Do they influence the beer you buy? The way you vote? In this favorite episode from 2021, psychologist <a href="https://as.nyu.edu/content/nyu-as/as/faculty/jay-van-bavel.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jay Van Bavel</a> explains how our group loyalties affect us more than we realize, and can even shape our basic senses of sight, taste and smell. Then, look out! There's a g-g-g-ghost! Psychologist <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=KW0qAtQAAAAJ&hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">Coltan Scrivner</a> answers listener questions about the surprising benefits of scary entertainment.</p> <p><i>We're excited to share that Hidden Brain is </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenbrain" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>coming to YouTube</i></a><i>! Check out our trailer and subscribe so you don't miss our first three episodes, coming April 10. </i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Rethinking Depression

<p>We tend to see depression as an illness to eliminate, evidence that something has gone wrong in the brain. But what if low mood serves a purpose? Psychologist Jonathan Rottenberg examines the evolutionary roots of depression and reflects on his own painful experience with suicidal despair. He explores how depression can narrow our focus, and sometimes open the door to change.</p> <p><i>A note that this story includes a discussion of suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there are people who can help. If you're inside the U.S., call or text 988, or visit the </i><a href="https://988helpline.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>988 Helpline online</i></a><i>. If you’re outside the U.S., you can search for resources in your country </i><a href="https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>on this site.</i></a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Yuck! The Science of Disgust

<p>Disgust is a strong emotion, one designed by evolution to protect us from danger and diseases. But disgust also spills into other areas of our lives, influencing our morals, our intuitions about right and wrong, even our politics. We talk with psychologist <a href="https://psychology.cornell.edu/david-pizarro" rel="noopener noreferrer">David Pizarro</a> about how disgust is used to persuade and divide us, and why it remains such a potent force in public life today. Then, in our latest installment of “Your Questions Answered,” Huggy Rao returns to respond to listeners’ thoughts and questions about why big ideas fail.</p> <p><i>There's still time to join Shankar at one of our upcoming stops on Hidden Brain's live tour! Join us in </i><a href="https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/tickets-and-events/ensemble-arts-philly-presents/hidden-brain-perceptions-tour" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Philadelphia on March 21</i></a><i> or </i><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0300635CCCC30F08" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>New York City on March 25.</i></a><i> And stay tuned for more tour dates to be announced soon! </i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

The Secret of Charisma

<p>Charismatic leaders can inspire devotion and give people a powerful sense of meaning. They can also make us vulnerable. This week, we explore how figures across history have gained followers by offering clarity in moments of uncertainty — and why that clarity can come at a cost. Historian <a href="https://history.unc.edu/person/molly-worthen/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Molly Worthen</a> explains how to recognize the spell of charisma, and why questioning it is essential to a healthy society. Then, on Your Questions Answered, <a href="https://www.uwindsor.ca/people/apl/314/bio-contact" rel="noopener noreferrer">Antonio Pascual-Leone</a> returns to respond to listeners' thoughts and questions about moving on after a breakup.</p> <p><i>Do you have personal stories about being drawn in by a charismatic leader? A question about how we can be swept up in the spell of a mesmerizing person? If you’d be willing to share your question or story with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone. Then, email the file to us at feedback@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line “charisma.” Thanks! </i></p> <p><i>Our next stops on Hidden Brain's live tour are coming up in just a few weeks! Join Shankar in Philadelphia on March 21 or in New York City on March 25. More info and tickets are at </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>hiddenbrain.org/tour.</i></a></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Do You Feel Invisible?

<p>What does it do to a person to feel overlooked? This week, psychologist <a href="https://www.yorku.ca/lamarsh/gord-flett/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gordon Flett</a> examines how the absence of “mattering” can fuel loneliness, depression, and even violence. He outlines how feeling valued serves as a psychological buffer, and how simple gestures can rebuild a sense of meaning in ourselves and others. Then, in the second half of the show, listeners share their thoughts on finding healing in nature. Psychologist <a href="https://psychology.uchicago.edu/directory/marc-g-berman" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marc Berman</a> returns for the latest installment of our series "Your Questions Answered." </p> <p><i>Today's episode touches on topics related to loneliness, depression, and suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling, there are people who can help. If you're in the U.S., call or text the </i><a href="https://988lifeline.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988</i></a><i>. If you're outside the U.S., </i><a href="https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>this site</i></a><i> can help you find mental health resources in your country.</i></p> <p><i>Our next stops on Hidden Brain’s live tour are just weeks away! Join Shankar for an evening of science and storytelling in </i><a href="https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/tickets-and-events/ensemble-arts-philly-presents/hidden-brain-perceptions-tour" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Philadelphia on March 21</i></a><i> or </i><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0300635CCCC30F08" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>New York City on March 25</i></a><i>. He’ll be sharing seven key psychological insights from his first decade hosting the show. And stayed tuned for more tour stops to be announced later this spring!</i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Why You&apos;re Smarter Than You Think

<p>From the time we're schoolchildren, we're ranked and sorted based on how smart we are. But what if our assumptions about intelligence limit our potential? This week, we revisit a favorite 2022 conversation with cognitive scientist <a href="https://scottbarrykaufman.com/bio/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scott Barry Kaufman</a>, who proposes a more expansive notion of what it means to be "smart." Then, in the latest installment of Your Questions Answered, psychologist <a href="https://www.clarku.edu/faculty/profiles/james-cordova/" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Cordova</a> answers listener questions on accepting our romantic partners as they are.</p> <p><i>Our next stops on Hidden Brain’s live tour are just weeks away! Join Shankar for an evening of science and storytelling in </i><a href="https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/tickets-and-events/ensemble-arts-philly-presents/hidden-brain-perceptions-tour" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Philadelphia on March 21</i></a><i> or </i><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0300635CCCC30F08" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>New York City on March 25</i></a><i>. He’ll be sharing seven key psychological insights from his first decade hosting the show. And stayed tuned for more tour stops to be announced later this spring!</i></p> <p><i>If you missed our original series with James Cordova, listen to </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/love-2-0-how-to-fix-your-marriage-part-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 1</i></a><i> and </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/love-2-0-how-to-fix-your-marriage-part-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 2</i></a><i>. </i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Coming Clean

<p>Last week, we talked with psychologist <a href="https://www.lesliekjohn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leslie John</a> about the costs of keeping secrets. Today, Leslie returns with a look at the psychological power of self-disclosure. She says the moments of oversharing that we often consider "TMI" can actually strengthen our relationships. Then, in the second half of the show, listeners share their thoughts and questions about the expectations we put on modern marriages. Psychologist <a href="https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/academics-research/faculty/finkel_eli/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eli Finkel</a> returns for the latest installment of our series "Your Questions Answered." </p> <p><i>Our next stops on Hidden Brain’s live tour are just weeks away! Join Shankar for an evening of science and storytelling in </i><a href="https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/tickets-and-events/ensemble-arts-philly-presents/hidden-brain-perceptions-tour" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Philadelphia on March 21</i></a><i> or </i><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0300635CCCC30F08" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>New York City on March 25</i></a><i>. He’ll be sharing seven key psychological insights from his first decade hosting the show. And stayed tuned for more tour stops to be announced later this spring!</i></p> <p><i>If you missed our original conversation with Eli Finkel, you can </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/reimaginingourrelationships/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>find it here</i></a><i>. And here's where you can check out his podcast, </i><a href="https://www.lovefactuallypod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>"Love Factually."</i></a></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Keeping Secrets

<p>We all carry secrets, from harmless omissions to life-changing truths. But secrecy isn’t neutral: hiding takes mental work and can harm our health and relationships. In this week’s show, and in our episode next week, psychologist <a href="https://www.lesliekjohn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leslie John </a>explores the costs of concealment — and how opening up can give us more mental space and deepen our connections.</p> <p><i>After you listen to today's episode, check out our Hidden Brain+ conversation called "When to Hide the Truth." In that episode, we talk with Leslie about when and where it may be best to withhold information. If you're not yet a Hidden Brain+ subscriber, you can hear that episode with a free seven-day trial -- just go to </i><a rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>support.hiddenbrain.org</i></a><i> or </i><a rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>apple.co/hiddenbrain</i></a><i>. Thanks for listening! </i></p> <p><i>Our next stops on Hidden Brain's live tour are coming soon! Join Shankar in Philadelphia on March 21 or New York City on March 25. More info and tickets are at </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>hiddenbrain.org/tour</i></a><i>. </i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

You 2.0: Trusting Your Doubt

<p>We conclude our month-long You 2.0 series with a look at the hidden power of doubt — not as weakness or indecision, but as a tool that helps us make better choices and navigate an uncertain world. Researcher <a href="https://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty-research/directory/bidhan-l-parmar" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Parmar</a> explores how doubt can sharpen judgment, and makes a case for why the ability to sit with uncertainty may be one of the most important skills of all. Then, in our latest installment of "Your Questions Answered," <a href="https://www.asc.upenn.edu/people/faculty/emily-falk-phd" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emily Falk</a> answers listeners' questions about defensiveness, and offers insights into how we can strengthen our ability to give and receive feedback. </p> <p>In this episode, you'll learn:</p> <p>*Why uncertainty and doubt feel so uncomfortable to our brains. </p> <p>*Why intuition can lead us astray, and how to know when doubt can help you make better decisions. </p> <p>*How the "pursue," "protect," and "pause and piece together" systems in our brains shape our decision making.</p> <p>*How stress can affect these brain systems and alter how we make decisions. </p> <p>*How our desire to avoid blame makes it more difficult to listen to our doubt. </p> <p>*Why we tend to prefer decisive leaders — and why this tendency doesn't always serve us well. </p> <p>*What researchers have learned about how experts and novices use doubt differently to navigate complex situations. </p> <p><i>Hidden Brain is coming to Philadelphia and New York City! Join us in March at the latest stops on our live tour. More info and tickets at </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>hiddenbrain.org/tour</i></a></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

You 2.0: The Practice of Patience

<p>Patience can sometimes feel like a lost art, particularly in a culture that prizes competition and the idea of "failing fast." But psychologist <a href="https://psychologyneuroscience.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/person/sarah-schnitker-phd" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sarah Schnitker</a> says patience is a vital skill for success in both our personal and professional lives. We talk with Sarah about the difference between patience and passivity, and how to train ourselves to be more patient. Then, in our latest installment of "Your Questions Answered," <a href="https://www.babson.edu/about/our-leaders-and-scholars/faculty-and-academic-divisions/faculty-profiles/jennifer-tosti-kharas.php" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jennifer Tosti-Kharas</a> responds to listeners' questions about how to find a calling, and how to set one aside if it's no longer serving you well. </p> <p>In this episode, you'll learn:</p> <p>*Why our brains dislike uncertainty so much, and how this can lead to impatience and hasty decisions.</p> <p>*The three different types of patience that researchers have identified — and how each one can affect your life.</p> <p>*How to strengthen your own ability to practice patience. </p> <p>*The relationship between purpose and patience.</p> <p>*How impatience affects our mental and physical health. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

You 2.0: How to Get Out of a Rut

<p>There are times in life when the challenges we face feel insurmountable. Authors succumb to writer’s block. Athletes and artists hit a plateau. People of a certain age fall into a midlife crisis. These are all different ways of saying: I’m stuck. This week, in a favorite conversation from 2023, psychologist <a href="https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/adam-alter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Adam Alter</strong></a> shares his research on why we all get stuck at various points in our lives, and how to break free. Then, psychologist <a href="https://www.tc.columbia.edu/faculty/gab38/" rel="noopener noreferrer">George Bonanno</a> answers your questions about trauma and resilience.</p> <p>In this episode, you'll learn:</p> <p>*Why the beginning and the end of a project is often more manageable than the midway point.</p> <p>*Techniques that can help you to get through the "plateau" phase of a project or goal. </p> <p>*How to break down daunting endeavors into smaller, more manageable pieces.</p> <p>*Why perfectionism is so destructive to creativity, and how we can avoid this mental trap.</p> <p>*Why it's difficult for us to see other people's "stuckness." </p> <p>*The relationship between being prolific and being successful. </p> <p><i>Hidden Brain is heading back out on the road in 2026! We're coming next to Philadelphia and New York City, with more tour dates across the country to be announced later this spring. More info and tickets at </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>hiddenbrain.org/tour</i></a><i>. </i></p> <p> </p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

You 2.0: Cultivating Courage

<p>Why do some people act bravely in a crisis, while others flee or freeze up? Today, we bring you the second part of our You 2.0 series on the mental obstacles that can block us when we're charting a new path. Behavioral scientist <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=77265" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ranjay Gulati</a> argues that courage is a choice, and that we can strengthen the reflexes that will help us to be brave when it matters most. </p> <p><i>Once you've listened to this episode, be sure to check out our companion conversation about how you can help the people around you to become more brave. You can hear that episode with a free seven-day trial to Hidden Brain+. To sign up, go to </i><a href="https://patreon.com/HiddenBrain?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>support.hiddenbrain.org</i></a><i> or </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>apple.co/hiddenbrain</i></a><i>. Your subscription helps to cover the research, writing, and audio production that go into every episode of Hidden Brain, and we appreciate your support!</i></p> <p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>