Hidden Brain

You 2.0: The Wisdom of Stoicism

<p>What does it mean to be stoic? Many of us assume it means you have a stiff upper lip, or that you suppress your emotions. That's what <a href="https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/profiles/massimo-pigliucci?srsltid=AfmBOorNJDs13K9OMCn-z242DqG_naaPrj7qgcXC9EiZn7ZwHJGa-1eg" rel="noopener noreferrer">Massimo Pigliucci</a> thought — until he started to peruse a book called<i> Meditations</i>. It was written nearly two thousand years ago by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. But Massimo, now a philosopher, says <i>Meditations</i>, and Stoic philosophy more broadly, offer wisdom that continues to speak to our lives. This week, we explore Stoic ideas and what they tell us about a life well lived. </p> <p><i>Do you have follow-up questions and ideas about stoicism after listening to this episode? If you’d be comfortable sharing your comments and questions with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at </i><a href="mailto:ideas@hiddenbrain.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>ideas@hiddenbrain.org</i></a><i>. Use the subject line “stoicism.”  </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>

You 2.0: The Path to Contentment

<p>Many of us believe that hard work and persistence are the key to achieving our goals. But is that true when it comes to the pursuit of happiness? This week, we revisit a conversation with psychologist <a href="https://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/iris-mauss">Iris Mauss</a>, who explains why happiness can seem more elusive the harder we chase it, and what we can do instead to build a lasting sense of contentment. Then, we bring you the latest edition of our segment "Your Questions Answered." Behavioral scientist <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=684820">Alison Wood Brooks</a> answers listener questions on how to be a better conversationalist — from what to do when the other person isn't contributing, to how to stop others from interrupting.</p><p><i>Miss our original episodes with Alison Wood Brooks? They're called "</i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/we-need-to-talk/"><i>We Need to Talk</i></a><i>" and "</i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-conversations-that-bring-us-closer/"><i>The Conversations that Bring Us Closer</i></a><i>." </i></p><p><i>Do you have follow-up questions, thoughts, or ideas about the pursuit of happiness after listening to our conversation with Iris Mauss? If you'd be comfortable sharing your thoughts 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 "happiness." Thanks! </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>

You 2.0: The Passion Pill

<p>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 <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=1175257">Jon Jachimowicz</a> looks at how to keep our passions alive, and how to channel old passions into new pursuits.</p><p><i>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."</i></p><p><i>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 </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/"><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: What Is Your Life For?

<p>What should you do with your life? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. But there <i>are</i> 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 <a href="https://sph.umich.edu/faculty-profiles/strecher-victor.html">Victor Strecher</a> 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.  </p><p><i>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."</i></p><p><i>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 </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/"><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>

Win Hearts, Then Minds

<p>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 <a href="https://sociology.stanford.edu/people/robb-willer" target="_blank">Robb Willer.</a> 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.</p><p>In this week’s show, you’ll learn:</p><p>*What’s happening in our minds when we’re trying to win an argument.</p><p>*Techniques for how to take another person’s perspective — and how to become more effective in persuading them of <i>your </i>perspective.</p><p>*The most successful protest tactics in winning allies.</p><p>*Why we might shift from trying to change someone’s mind to trying to change their <i>behavior.</i></p><p><i>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 </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/" target="_blank"><i>https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/</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>

Doing it the Hard Way

<p>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 <a href="https://michaelinzlicht.com/#lab-view" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michael Inzlicht</a> explains what we get from doing things that are difficult, and why the things we <i>think</i> will make us happy often do not.</p> <p><i>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 </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>hiddenbrain.org/tour</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>

Ouch! That Feels Great

<p>We generally think of pain as something to be avoided. But psychologist <a href="https://www.psych.utoronto.ca/people/directories/all-faculty/paul-bloom">Paul Bloom</a> 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.</p><p><i>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 </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/"><i>https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/.</i></a><br /> </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 Price of Revenge

<p>Revenge often feels sweet, but what price do we pay for seeking it out? Researcher <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/james-kimmel/">James Kimmel, Jr.</a> proposes a radical theory: our desire for vengeance operates like an addiction in the brain. This week, how “revenge addiction” plays out in our everyday lives — and on a global scale. </p><p><i>Hidden Brain is about to go on tour! Join us as Shankar shares seven key insights he's learned from the show over the past decade. To see if we're coming to your city, and to purchase tickets, go to </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/"><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>

Do I Know You? (A Hidden Brain-Revisionist History special on facial recognition)

<p>Have you ever encountered someone who clearly knows you, but you have no idea who they are? This week, we feature a classic Hidden Brain episode about people on opposite ends of the facial recognition spectrum. Then, in the second part of the show, we bring you another perspective on facial recognition from the <a href="https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history">Revisionist History</a> podcast. Host Malcolm Gladwell struggles with identifying faces, while producer Lucie Sullivan is exceptional at it.</p><p><i>Hidden Brain is about to kickoff a nationwide tour! Join Shankar as he shares seven key insights from the first decade of the show. To find out if we're coming to a city near you, and purchase tickets, go to </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/">https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/</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>

How Much Do We Really Know?

<p>You probably know someone who thinks they know more about something than they really do. But you could never be described that way . . . could you? This week, cognitive scientist <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/business/leeds-directory/faculty/philip-fernbach">Phil Fernbach</a> explains the "illusion of knowledge" — the fact that we <i>think</i> we understand the world in much greater detail than we actually do. He'll explore why this happens, and how to close the gap between what we know and what we <i>think</i> we know. </p><p><i>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 </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/"><i>https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/</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>

Forget About It!

<p>Forgetting something — whether it's a colleague's name or where we put our keys — can be deeply frustrating. This week, psychologist <a href="https://ucdattentionmemory.com/people/" target="_blank">Ciara Greene</a> helps us explore the science of forgetting. We look at why our minds hold on to some memories for a lifetime, but discard others within seconds. And we grapple with a question many people ask themselves: Is my forgetfulness a sign that something is wrong with me?</p><p><strong>In this episode</strong>,<strong> you'll learn about: </strong></p><p>*The neurological underpinnings of memory</p><p>*Why forgetting is a core part of how our minds work </p><p>*Why this process of forgetting can sometimes be a good thing</p><p>*How our psychological states shape what we remember, and how we frame our memories</p><p>*Why we should treat our memories with skepticism and our forgetfulness with compassion </p><p><i>Hidden Brain is going on tour! Join us as Shankar shares key insights from the first decade of the show — more info and tickets can be found here: https://hiddenbrain.org/tour</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 Harness Your Feelings

<p>Do you feel like you control your emotions, or do your emotions control you? What scientists call "emotion regulation" turns out to be one of the most important life skills we can possess. It's essential in dealing with setbacks, in balancing risks and rewards, and in maintaining successful relationships. This week, psychologist <a href="https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/people/faculty/ekross.html">Ethan Kross</a> explores the growing and fascinating science of managing our emotions. He explains why our feelings so often go astray, and shares insights into how to reel them back in.</p><p>In this episode, you'll learn:</p><p>*How to coach yourself through emotionally intense moments. </p><p>*Why certain types of personal writing can help with your thorniest problems or challenges. </p><p>*How to use music and your physical senses to regulate your mood. </p><p>*How to use the technique of "selective avoidance" to shortcut emotional spirals and "what if" thinking.</p><p><i>Hidden Brain is about to go on tour! Join Shankar in a city near you as we explore lessons we've learned in Hidden Brain's first decade. For more info and to purchase tickets, go to </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/">https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/</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>

Relationships 2.0: Keeping Love Alive

<p>There's no magic potion that can make someone adore you. But there are things you can do to promote a deep and enduring connection — and even feelings of passion — between yourself and your partner. In the final chapter of our Relationships 2.0 series, psychologist <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/psychology/faculty/faculty_profiles/aaron">Arthur Aron</a> shares some techniques for falling and staying in love. </p><p>In today's conversation, we explore:</p><p>*The assumption that love fades over time.</p><p>*The effects of daily routine on romantic relationships.</p><p>*What our choice in a romantic partners says about us</p><p>*How successful long-term couples keep love alive</p><p>If you love Hidden Brain, please join us for our upcoming live tour! Shankar will be visiting cities across the U.S., and our listeners have the first crack at purchasing tickets. You can get yours at <a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/">https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/</a>. Use the pre-sale code BRAIN. We hope to see you there! </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>

Relationships 2.0: Why Did You Do That?

<p>As we go through life, we’re constantly trying to figure out what other people are thinking and feeling. Psychologist <a href="https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/departments/psychology/people/faculty-directory/liane-young.html" target="_blank">Liane Young</a> says this ability to assess other people’s thoughts ​is an extraordinary feat of cognition. This week, in a favorite episode from our archives, we explore this mental superpower — and how it can lead us astray. </p><p>In our conversation with Liane Young, we explore:</p><p>*The uniquely human ability to think about the minds of other people, which scientists refer to as "theory of mind." </p><p>*How and when young children develop this ability to intuit what's happening in other people's minds. </p><p>*Why our understanding of other people's minds affects our moral judgments — and how those judgments can be disabled.</p><p>*How misreading another person's intentions can affect our lives in both small and significant ways.</p><p>Then, in the second part of this week's show, we welcome back researcher <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/fred_luskin">Fred Luskin</a>, who responds to listeners' questions about grudges. If you missed the original conversation with Fred Luskin, listen to our episode <a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/no-hard-feelings/">No Hard Feelings</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>

Relationships 2.0: The Power of Tiny Interactions

<p>As you go about your day, you likely interact with family, friends and coworkers. These relationships can help you feel cared for and connected. But what if there’s a whole category of people in your life whose impact is overlooked? Today, in a favorite episode from our archives, psychologist <a href="https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p555105-gillian-sandstrom">Gillian Sandstrom</a> reveals some simple ways to make your life a little more joyful and maybe even a little less lonely. Then, we talk with researcher <a href="https://haas.berkeley.edu/faculty/erica-r-bailey/">Erica Bailey</a>, who responds to listeners' questions about authenticity and how to reveal our true selves to the people around us.</p><p><strong>In this episode you'll learn: </strong></p><ul><li>The sociological concept of "weak" and "strong" ties, and the important roles they play in our lives.</li><li>How "weak ties" contribute to our happiness.</li><li>How to talk to strangers — including how to start, maintain, and end a conversation.</li><li>How to decrease feelings of loneliness and increase feelings of connectivity in your daily life.</li></ul><p>If you enjoyed today's conversation with Gillian Sandstrom, be sure to check out these other Hidden Brain episodes: </p><p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-the-gift-of-other-people/">You 2.0: The Gift of Other People</a></p><p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/mind-reading-how-others-see-you/">How Others See You</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>

Relationships 2.0: Become a Better Negotiator

<p>When we head into a negotiation — whether we're asking for a raise or trying to get our spouse to do the dishes — our focus is usually on getting the other person to agree to our preferred outcome.  What we don't focus on are our own biases and blind spots. Behavioral scientist <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6420" rel="noopener noreferrer">Max Bazerman</a> studies the theory and practice of negotiation, and he says that paying attention to these biases can help us to craft better deals.</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>

Relationships 2.0: The Price of Disconnection

<p>All of us want to "seen" by the people around us. We want to be recognized as unique individuals. Yet the experience of being seen in this way can be dispiritingly rare. This week, we kick off our "Relationships 2.0" series by talking with researcher <a href="https://www.allisonpugh.com/">Allison Pugh</a> about the psychological benefits of what she calls "connective labor." She explains why this labor is often overlooked, and how to cultivate the superpower of making other people feel seen.  </p><p><strong>In this episode, you'll learn: </strong></p><p>*The definition of connective labor, and why this skill is like "engine grease" for our personal and professional relationships.</p><p>*Why connective labor is vital to success in a surprisingly broad array of careers. </p><p>*The gender stereotypes around connective labor, and why these stereotypes overlook the role that men play as connectors. </p><p>*How connective labor affects our mental and physical health.</p><p>*How connective labor by teachers may affect students' ability to learn. </p><p>*How to slow down in interactions with other people and explore the emotional context behind their words. </p><p><strong>If you have a follow-up question for Allison Pugh after listening to this episode, and you’d be willing to share it with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone. Once you’ve done so, email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line “connection.” And thanks for listening! </strong></p><p> </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>

The Moments that Change Us

<p>Often in life, we find ourselves wrestling with a decision. But in running these mental calculations, there's something we rarely consider about the future: we might not be the same person when we get there. This week, philosopher <a href="https://psychology.yale.edu/people/la-paul">L.A. Paul</a> explores how life-altering events reshape who we are.</p><p>Want more of our work on understanding your future self? Give these Hidden Brain episodes a listen: </p><p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-how-to-see-yourself-clearly/">https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-how-to-see-yourself-clearly/</a></p><p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/decide-already/">https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-decide-already/</a></p><p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-your-future-is-now/">https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-your-future-is-now/</a></p><p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-ventilator/">https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-ventilator/</a></p><p>And for the latest insights about human behavior, delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the weekly Hidden Brain newsletter! Each issue brings you the latest research, along with a brain teaser and a moment of joy. You can read and subscribe here: <a href="https://news.hiddenbrain.org/">https://news.hiddenbrain.org/</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>

Did I Really Do That?

<p>Have you ever been falsely accused of something? Many of us think there’s only one way we’d act in such a situation: we’d defend ourselves. We’d do whatever it takes to clear our name — and above all else, we’d never, ever confess to something we didn’t do. But psychologist <a href="https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/faculty/saul-kassin" rel="noopener noreferrer">Saul Kassin</a> says that’s a myth. This week, we bring you a favorite 2022 episode about why we sometimes act against our own self-interest — even when the stakes are at their highest.</p> <p>In this week's episode, you'll learn about:</p> <ul> <li>Why we often freeze and fail to defend ourselves when someone accuses us of something</li> <li>The various types of false confessions</li> <li>What happens in our minds when we're pressured to confess to something that we didn't actually do</li> <li>How police interrogation tactics are being used in workplaces and other organizations</li> <li>Potential solutions to the problem of false confessions</li> </ul> <p>For more on the psychological dimensions of criminal justice, check out <a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/how-monsters-are-made/" rel="noopener noreferrer">our episode on the infamous Stanford prison experiment</a>.</p> <p>And if you'd like to check out the research of Saul Kassin and others on this topic, visit <a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/did-i-really-do-that/" rel="noopener noreferrer">our web page for this episode</a>. </p> <p> </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>

When To Pivot

<p>When should you stay the course in life, and when should you shift with changing tides? This week, we bring you case studies from the world of business to explore the science of inflection points — changes that dramatically transform the course of events. Researcher <a href="https://business.columbia.edu/staff/people/rita-mcgrath">Rita McGrath</a> of Columbia University explains why we fail to see impending moments of upheaval, and what we can do to be more adept at spotting them.</p><p><strong>What you'll learn from this week's episode:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>The definition of an inflection point, and how to identify it in your own professional or personal life.</strong></li><li><strong>The four stages of inflection points, and how to take advantage of them.</strong></li><li><strong>The warning signs that an inflection point might be passing you by.  </strong></li></ul><p>If you find today's episode to be interesting or insightful, please share it with one or two people in your life! Your recommendation is one of the best ways to help us connect new listeners to the ideas we explore on the show. And for more of our work, be sure to sign up for <a href="https://news.hiddenbrain.org/">our newsletter</a>. Every week, we'll bring you the latest research about human behavior, along with a brain teaser and a moment of joy. </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>

Dropping the Mask

<p>Have you ever downplayed some aspect of your identity? Maybe you don’t hide it, but you don’t bring it up with certain people, either.  It turns out that these subtle disguises can have powerful effects on how we view ourselves. This week, we talk with legal scholar <a href="https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.overview&personid=22547">Kenji Yoshino</a> about what happens when we soften or edit our true selves.</p><p><i>Do you have a follow-up question for Kenji Yoshino after listening to this episode? If you'd be comfortable sharing your question with the larger Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line "covering." Thanks! </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>

Marching To Your Own Drummer

<p><i>What would you have done?</i> It's one of the most enduring questions in psychology. We all like to think that in a moment of crisis, we'd rise to the occasion and show courage. And yet many of us have had experiences where we followed orders and did what we were told to do. This week, we talk with psychologist <a href="https://business.cornell.edu/faculty-research/faculty/ss3478/" target="_blank">Sunita Sah</a> about the reasons why many of us silence ourselves and follow orders, and how we can align our words and actions with our values.</p><p><i>In today's conversation, Shankar mentioned our episode with Timur Kuran, in which we talk about self-censorship and a concept called "preference falsification." You can </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/a-conspiracy-of-silence/"><i>find that episode here</i></a><i>. And if you'd like to try Hidden Brain+ and hear our bonus conversation with Sunita Sah, you can sign up for a free trial at apple.co/hiddenbrain or support.hiddenbrain.org. Thanks for listening! </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 Conversations that Bring Us Closer

<p>Last week on the show, we looked at the science of conversation, and how even ordinary chats can involve a delicate dance of coordination. This week, we explore the discussions we all dread: the tough ones. Telling someone they treated us poorly. Demanding a raise. Taking away an elderly relative's car keys. We talk with <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=684820">Alison Wood Brooks</a> about what makes difficult conversations difficult, and a series of psychological techniques to help you navigate them.</p><p><i>If you missed part one of our conversation with Alison, be sure to check it out! It's titled "</i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/we-need-to-talk/"><i>We Need to Talk</i></a><i>."  Shankar also mentioned our episode with Julia Minson, in which we discuss how to keep conflicts from spiraling. You can </i><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/relationships-2-0-how-to-keep-conflict-from-spiraling/"><i>find that conversation here</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>

We Need to Talk

<p>Just because we’ve been doing something for a long time doesn’t mean we’re doing it right. One part of our lives where this may be particularly true is when we're talking with others. This week, we bring you the first of a two-part look at what makes someone skilled at socializing. Behavioral scientist <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=684820">Alison Wood Brooks</a> explains why conversations are much more complex than most of us realize — and how to engage in a more meaningful back-and-forth with another person.</p><p><i>For more of our work on the art of conversation, check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes: </i></p><p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/why-conversations-go-wrong/"><i>Why Conversations Go Wrong</i></a></p><p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/relationships-2-0-how-to-keep-conflict-from-spiraling/"><i>Relationships 2.0: How to Keep Conflict from Spiraling</i></a></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>

No Hard Feelings

<p>Holding a grudge can feel like a form of justice, a way of punishing those who have wronged us. But psychologist <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/fred_luskin" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fred Luskin</a> says that more often than not, grudges don't hurt the targets of our anger. Instead, they only hurt us. This week, we explore the lingering effects of long-standing animosities, and how to let them go.</p> <p><i>If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes about apologies and forgiveness:</i></p> <p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-power-of-mercy/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Power of Mercy</i></a></p> <p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-power-of-apologies/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Healing 2.0: The Power of Apologies</i></a></p> <p><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/how-to-make-amends/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>How to Make Amends</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>

Wellness 2.0: The Art of the Unknown

<p>"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." It's been 45 years since John Lennon sang that line, yet it's an idea that continues to speak to an uncomfortable truth. While we all like to think we have some measure of control over how our lives will unfold, our plans are often upended by unknown events and curveballs we couldn't have predicted. This week, we conclude our Wellness 2.0 series by talking with political scientist <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/political-science/research/research-centres-groups/centre-us-politics-cusp/find-expert/dr-brian-klaas">Brian Klaas</a>. He studies how we respond to the random events that shape our lives, and how we can turn them to our advantage.</p><p><i>If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out "Wellness 2.0: Engineering Luck," our companion conversation with Brian Klass for Hidden Brain+ subscribers. We'll talk about the unexpected benefits of embracing the role of randomness and chance in our lives. If you're not yet a member of Hidden Brain+, this is a particularly good time to give our podcast subscription a try. We’re extending our standard seven-day trial period for listeners on Apple Podcasts. Sign up in January and you’ll get 30 free days to try it out. If you're listening in Apple Podcasts, just go to the Hidden Brain show page and click "try free." Or you can go to </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?at=1010l3ab3&ct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itscg=30200S&ls=1"><i>apple.co/hiddenbrain</i></a><i> and click "try free.” Thanks for listening and supporting the show — we really appreciate it. </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>

Wellness 2.0: When It&apos;s All Too Much

<p>It’s no exaggeration to say that the world in 2025 can be ... a lot. Sometimes it may seem that tuning it all out is our only option. This week on Hidden Brain, we talk with researcher <a href="https://enst.humboldt.edu/people/sarah-ray">Sarah Jaquette Ray</a> about how we can reclaim our sense of efficacy and purpose in the face of big, systemic problems like climate change. Then, we bring you an audio essay from writer <a href="https://picoiyerjourneys.com/">Pico Iyer</a>, who shares his thoughts on how we can regain our footing when life is overwhelming. </p><p><i>If you're not yet a member of Hidden Brain+, this is a particularly good time to give our podcast subscription a try. We’re extending our standard seven-day trial period for listeners on Apple Podcasts. Sign up in January and you’ll get 30 free days to try it out. If you're listening in Apple Podcasts, just go to the Hidden Brain show page and click "try free." Or you can go to </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?at=1010l3ab3&ct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itscg=30200S&ls=1"><i>apple.co/hiddenbrain</i></a><i> and click "try free.” Thanks for listening and supporting the show — we really appreciate it. </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>

Wellness 2.0: Who Do You Want To Be?

<p>We all have to make certain choices in life, such as where to live and how to earn a living. Parents and peers influence our major life choices, but they can also steer us in directions that leave us deeply unsatisfied. This week: a favorite conversation with psychologist <a href="https://psychology.missouri.edu/people/sheldon" target="_blank">Ken Sheldon</a> about the science of figuring out what you want. He says there are things we can do to make sure our choices align with our deepest values.</p><p><i>If you're not yet a member of Hidden Brain+, this is a particularly good time to give our podcast subscription a try. We’re extending our standard seven-day trial period for listeners on Apple Podcasts. Sign up in January and you’ll get 30 free days to try it out. If you're listening in Apple Podcasts, just go to the Hidden Brain show page and click "try free." Or you can go to </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?at=1010l3ab3&ct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itscg=30200S&ls=1"><i>apple.co/hiddenbrain</i></a><i> and click "try free.” Thanks for listening and supporting the show — we really appreciate it. </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>

Wellness 2.0: Rising to the Occasion

<p>From time to time, all of us are called upon to do hard or even seemingly impossible things. Do we rise to the occasion, or do we fall short? Today on the show, we examine the psychology of pushing through a crisis. We talk with psychologist <a href="https://business.columbia.edu/faculty/people/adam-galinsky" target="_blank">Adam Galinsky</a> about great leaders, and what they can teach us about being steadfast in the face of challenges.</p><p><i>For more on leading during moments of crisis, please check out "Wellness 2.0: The Power of Perspective," our companion conversation with Adam Galinsky. It's available for listeners to our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+. Right now is a great time to try Hidden Brain+, as we’re extending our standard seven-day trial period for subscribers on Apple Podcasts. Sign up in January and you’ll receive 30 free days to try it out. You can sample Hidden Brain+ by finding the show in Apple Podcasts and clicking "try free." Or go to </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750"><i>apple.co/hiddenbrain</i></a><i>. Thanks for listening! </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>

Wellness 2.0: Be Yourself

<p>We’re often drawn to people who appear to be true to themselves. Yet showing our authentic selves to the world can be terrifying. This week, we kick off 2025 with a new series, “Wellness 2.0.” We’ll go beyond New Year’s resolutions to take a deep look at how we can approach our lives with a sense of meaning and purpose. Today on the show, we begin our series with researcher <a href="https://haas.berkeley.edu/faculty/erica-r-bailey/">Erica Bailey</a>, who studies authenticity and what it means to truly be ourselves.</p><p><i>Happy New Year from all of us at Hidden Brain! If you liked today's episode, please check out our companion Hidden Brain+ conversation with Erica Bailey. We've extended our free trial period to 30 days for listeners who sign up via Apple Podcasts during the month of January. To try Hidden Brain+ on Apple Podcasts, click the "try free" button on our show page in the app, or go to </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?at=1010l3ab3&ct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itscg=30200S&ls=1"><i>apple.co/hiddenbrain</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>