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Hidden Brain

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Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

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

#441

Made of Honor

Stories help us make sense of the world, and can even help us heal from trauma. They also shape our cultural narratives, for better and for worse. This week, we revisit a favorite 2021 conversation with psychologist [Ryan Brown] (https://doerr.rice.edu/people/rice-staff/ryan-brown#:~:text=Ryan%20P.,New%20Leaders%20at%20Rice%20University.) , who explores the phenomenon of “honor culture” and how it dictates our beliefs and behaviors. Did you catch our two-part series on implicit bias? You can find part one part one [here] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/revealing-your-unconscious-part-1/) and part two [here] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/revealing-your-unconscious-part-2/) . And if you'd like to make a financial contribution to support our work, you can do so [here] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks! ... Read more

20 Mar 2023

47 MINS

47:30

20 Mar 2023

#440

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] (https://psychology.fas.harvard.edu/people/mahzarin-r-banaji) about whether research on implicit bias tells us more about groups than it does about individuals. To learn more: [Project Implicit] (https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/) [Outsmarting Implicit Bias] (https://outsmartingimplicitbias.org/) How do your beliefs about the world shape your reality, and your well-being? Be sure to listen to our [recent episode] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/how-your-beliefs-shape-reality/) about primal world beliefs for insights on that question. And if you enjoy our work, please consider [supporting] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) it. Thanks! ... Read more

14 Mar 2023

52 MINS

52:15

14 Mar 2023

#439

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] (https://psychology.fas.harvard.edu/people/mahzarin-r-banaji) . We ask how is it that we can hold negative stereotypes — without being aware of them. To learn more: [Project Implicit] (https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/) [Outsmarting Implicit Bias] (https://outsmartingimplicitbias.org/) Did you hear all the episodes in our Happiness 2.0 series? Be sure to check out our [conversation about awe] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/happiness-2-0-the-reset-button/) , and how we can cultivate more of it in our lives. And if you like our work, please consider [supporting] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) it. Thanks! ... Read more

13 Mar 2023

54 MINS

54:25

13 Mar 2023

#438

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] (https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/people/jeremy-dw-clifton) about how our beliefs shape our reality — and how we can use this knowledge to live happier and more harmonious lives. If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at [support.hiddenbrain.org] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at [news.hiddenbrain.org] (https://news.hiddenbrain.org/) . ... Read more

06 Mar 2023

49 MINS

49:20

06 Mar 2023

#437

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] (https://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/dacher-keltner) describes what happens when we stop to savor the beauty in nature, art, or simply the moral courage of those around us. Check out our previous episodes on happiness, including our conversations about [chasing contentment] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/happiness-2-0-the-path-to-contentment/) and [finding your purpose] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/cultivating-your-purpose/) . If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at [support.hiddenbrain.org] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at [news.hiddenbrain.org] (https://news.hiddenbrain.org/) . ... Read more

27 Feb 2023

55 MINS

55:27

27 Feb 2023

#436

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] (https://dunn.psych.ubc.ca/) helps us map out the unexpected ways we can find joy and happiness in our everyday lives. Check out our previous episodes on happiness, including our conversations about [chasing contentment] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/happiness-2-0-the-path-to-contentment/) and [finding your purpose] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/cultivating-your-purpose/) . If you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at [support.hiddenbrain.org] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . And to learn more about human behavior and ideas that can improve your life, subscribe to our newsletter at [news.hiddenbrain.org] (https://news.hiddenbrain.org/) . ... Read more

23 Feb 2023

45 MINS

45:31

23 Feb 2023

#435

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] (https://www.human.cornell.edu/people/alb325) explains why purpose isn’t something to be found — it’s something we can develop from within. Did you catch the [kick-off episode] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/happiness-2-0-the-path-to-contentment/) to our Happiness 2.0 series? We talk with psychologist Iris Mauss about how to stop chasing happiness and build a lasting sense of contentment. And if you're enjoying this series, please consider [supporting] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) our work. Thanks! ... Read more

20 Feb 2023

50 MINS

50:18

20 Feb 2023

#434

Happiness 2.0: The Only Way Out Is Through

It's natural to want to run away from difficult emotions such as grief, anger and fear. But what happens when these feelings catch up with us? This week, in the second installment of our Happiness 2.0 series, psychologist [Todd Kashdan] (https://psychology.gmu.edu/people/tkashdan) looks at the relationship between distress and happiness, and how to keep difficult emotions from sabotaging our wellbeing. Did you catch the first episode in our series on happiness? You can find last week's conversation on how to build a lasting sense of contentment [here.] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/happiness-2-0-the-path-to-contentment/) And if you enjoy the show and would like to help us make more episodes of Hidden Brain, please consider [supporting our work] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks! ... Read more

13 Feb 2023

48 MINS

48:14

13 Feb 2023

#433

Happiness 2.0: The Path to Contentment

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 kick off a month-long series we're calling Happiness 2.0. We talk with psychologist [Iris Mauss] (https://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/iris-mauss) , 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. Did you catch our two-part series on the science of influence? You can find [part 1] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/persuasion-part-1/) here. And if you enjoy the show and would like to help us make more episodes of Hidden Brain, please consider [supporting our work] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks! ... Read more

06 Feb 2023

54 MINS

54:31

06 Feb 2023

#432

When You Need It To Be True

When we want something very badly, it can be hard to see warning signs that might be obvious to other people. This week, we revisit a favorite episode from 2021, bringing you two stories about how easy it can be to believe in a false reality — even when the facts don’t back us up. If you missed it, make sure to listen to [last week's episode] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/persuasion-part-2/) on how to turn a "no" into a "yes." And if you enjoy the show and would like to help us make more episodes of Hidden Brain, please consider [supporting our work] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks! ... Read more

30 Jan 2023

49 MINS

49:07

30 Jan 2023

#431

Persuasion: Part 2

Think back to the last time someone convinced you to do something you didn't want to do, or to spend money you didn't want to spend. What techniques did that person use to persuade you? This week, we continue our look at the science of influence with [psychologist Robert Cialdini] (https://search.asu.edu/profile/10913) , and explore how these techniques can be used for both good and evil. Did you listen to the first part of our episodes on influence? Don't miss [last week's episode] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/persuasion-part-1/) on how to turn a "no" into a "yes." And if you enjoy the show and would like to help us make more episodes of Hidden Brain, please consider [supporting our work] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks! ... Read more

23 Jan 2023

50 MINS

50:21

23 Jan 2023

#430

Persuasion: Part 1

We all exert pressure on each other in ways small and profound. We recommend movies or books to a friend. We convince a colleague to take a different tactic at work. We lobby a neighbor to vote for our favored political candidate. This week, we launch the first of a two-part mini-series on the science of influence, and talk with psychologist [Robert Cialdini] (https://search.asu.edu/profile/10913) about how we can all improve our techniques for persuading others. Trying to make a big decision or fulfill a personal goal in the year to come? Don't miss [our recent episode] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/what-do-you-want-to-be/) about how to figure out what you want in life. And if you enjoy the show and would like to help us make more episodes of Hidden Brain, please consider [supporting our work] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks! ... Read more

16 Jan 2023

48 MINS

48:30

16 Jan 2023

#429

Who's In Your Inner Circle?

If you think about the people in your life, it's likely that they share a lot in common with you. Maybe they like the same kinds of food, or enjoy the same hobbies. But, if you dig a little deeper, you may find that they share much more: they might make the same amount of money as you, or share the same race. This week, we talk with economists [Luigi Pistaferri] (https://profiles.stanford.edu/luigi-pistaferri) and [Matthew Jackson] (https://web.stanford.edu/~jacksonm/bio.html) about why we often surround ourselves with people who are just like us — and how we can transform our lives by pushing back against this phenomenon. Did you catch last week's episode on the science of figuring out what you want? You can find it [here] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/what-do-you-want-to-be/) . And if you'd like to make a financial contribution to support our work, you can do so [here] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks! ... Read more

09 Jan 2023

53 MINS

53:29

09 Jan 2023

#428

Who Do You Want To Be?

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. Psychologist [ Ken Sheldon] (https://psychology.missouri.edu/people/sheldon) studies 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. Did you catch last week's episode about how to develop healthy habits? You can find it [here] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-but-better/) . And if you'd like to make a financial contribution to support our work, you can do so [here] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Happy New Year from all of us at Hidden Brain! ... Read more

02 Jan 2023

51 MINS

51:58

02 Jan 2023

#427

You, But Better

It's the time of year when many of us make resolutions for the year ahead. We pledge to quit smoking, eat better, or get more exercise. Then a few weeks go by, and we abandon our best-laid plans. That’s because change is hard. This week, we revisit a favorite 2021 conversation with behavioral scientist [Katy Milkman] (https://www.katymilkman.com/) , who shares how we can structure our lives to do what we know is good for us. Did you catch last week's episode about why we complain — and how we can complain more effectively? You can find it [here] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/how-to-complain-productively/) . And if you'd like to make a financial contribution to support our work, you can do so [here] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Happy New Year from all of us at Hidden Brain! ... Read more

26 Dec 2022

49 MINS

49:25

26 Dec 2022

#426

How to Complain Productively

We often look down on people who complain a lot. Yet when something goes wrong in our own lives, many of us go straight to griping, grumbling and kvetching. This week. we talk with psychologist [Robin Kowalski] (https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/about/profiles/index.html?userid=RKOWALS) about how we can complain more effectively. We'll also hear from psychologist [Mike Baer] (https://search.asu.edu/profile/2586671) , who offers ways we can give better feedback to a friend or colleague who comes to us with complaints. Did you catch our recent episode about the power of rituals? You can find it [here.] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/an-ancient-solution-to-modern-problems/) And if you like our work, please consider a [financial contribution] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) to help us make many more episodes like this one. ... Read more

19 Dec 2022

52 MINS

52:03

19 Dec 2022

#425

An Ancient Solution to Modern Problems

People in every country and culture mark important milestones, such as births, marriages and deaths, with intricately choreographed scripts. We even appeal to supernatural forces to give our favorite sports teams an extra advantage. This week on the show, anthropologist [Dimitris Xygalatas] (https://www.xygalatas.com/) explains the psychological power behind the sacred and secular rituals that structure our lives. Did you catch our recent episode about the secret to good gift giving? You can find it [here ] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-secret-to-gift-giving/) . And if you like our work, please consider a [financial contribution] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) to help us make many more episodes like this one. ... Read more

12 Dec 2022

51 MINS

51:34

12 Dec 2022

#424

The Secret to Gift Giving

With the holidays upon us, many of us are hunting for that special something for the special someones in our lives. It's how we show we care about them. So why is it so hard to find the right gift? This week, we talk with researcher [Jeff Galak] (https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/faculty-and-research/faculty-by-area/profiles/galak-jeffrey.html ) about why the presents we give for holidays and birthdays often miss their mark, and how to become a better gift giver. If you missed any of the episodes in our recent Relationships 2.0 series, you can find them all in this podcast feed, or on [our website] (https://hiddenbrain.org/) . And if you enjoyed this series, please consider [supporting] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) our work. ... Read more

05 Dec 2022

48 MINS

48:54

05 Dec 2022

#423

Relationships 2.0: What Makes Relationships Thrive

Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated. In the final episode of our Relationships 2.0 series, we revisit a conversation with psychologist [Harry Reis] (https://www.sas.rochester.edu/psy/people/faculty/reis_harry/) , who says there’s another ingredient to successful relationships that’s every bit as important as love. If you missed any of the episodes in our Relationships 2.0 series, you can find them all in this podcast feed, or on [our website] (https://hiddenbrain.org/) . And if you enjoyed this series, please consider [supporting] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) our work. ... Read more

28 Nov 2022

48 MINS

48:02

28 Nov 2022

#422

Relationships 2.0: When Did Marriage Become So Hard?

No one will deny that marriage is hard. In fact, there's evidence it's getting even harder. This week on the show, we revisit a favorite episode from 2018 about the history of marriage and how it has evolved over time. We'll talk with historian [Stephanie Coontz] (https://www.stephaniecoontz.com/) and psychologist [Eli Finkel] (https://psychology.northwestern.edu/people/faculty/core/profiles/eli-finkel.html) , and explore ways we can improve our love lives — including by asking less of our partners. For more of our Relationships 2.0 series, be sure to check out last week's episode, " [An Antidote to Loneliness] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/relationships-2-0-an-antidote-to-loneliness/) ." And if you've found this series to be useful, please consider supporting our work! You can do so at [support.hiddenbrain.org] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . ... Read more

21 Nov 2022

52 MINS

52:20

21 Nov 2022

#421

Relationships 2.0: An Antidote to Loneliness

When you go to a medical appointment, your doctor may ask you several questions. Do you smoke? Have you been getting exercise? Are you sleeping? But rarely do they ask: are you lonely? U.S. Surgeon General [Vivek Murthy] (https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/vivek-murthy.html) believes we are suffering from an epidemic of loneliness. This week, we revisit our 2020 conversation with Murthy about the importance of human connection to our physical and mental health, and how we can all strengthen our social ties. A note that this week's episode includes a discussion of suicide. If you're experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional distress and are based in the U.S., you can reach the [Suicide & Crisis Lifeline] (https://988lifeline.org/) by calling 988. Did you catch last week's episode in this series, about the power of tiny interactions? You can find it [here] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/relationships-2-0-the-power-of-tiny-interactions/) . And if you like our work, please consider a [financial contribution] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) to help us make many more episodes like this one. ... Read more

14 Nov 2022

49 MINS

49:54

14 Nov 2022

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#441

Made of Honor

#440

Revealing Your Unconscious: Part 2

#439

Revealing Your Unconscious: Part 1

#438

How Your Beliefs Shape Reality

#437

Happiness 2.0: The Reset Button

#436

Happiness 2.0: Surprising Sources of Joy

#435

Happiness 2.0: Cultivating Your Purpose

#434

Happiness 2.0: The Only Way Out Is Through

#433

Happiness 2.0: The Path to Contentment

#432

When You Need It To Be True

#431

Persuasion: Part 2

#430

Persuasion: Part 1

#429

Who's In Your Inner Circle?

#428

Who Do You Want To Be?

#427

You, But Better

#426

How to Complain Productively

#425

An Ancient Solution to Modern Problems

#424

The Secret to Gift Giving

#423

Relationships 2.0: What Makes Relationships Thrive

#422

Relationships 2.0: When Did Marriage Become So Hard?

#421

Relationships 2.0: An Antidote to Loneliness