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Hidden Brain podcast

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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.

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

 

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#521

You 2.0: Remember More, Forget Less

It happens to the best of us — we blank on someone's name, or forget an important meeting, or bomb a test we thought we'd ace.   In this week's installment of our You 2.0 series, we talk to cognitive scientist [Daniel Willingham] (https://psychology.as.virginia.edu/people/daniel-willingham) about the mysteries of memory: how it works, why it fails us, and how to build memories that stick.  For more of our You 2.0 series, listen to our episode on [how to say no] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-how-to-say-no/) . ... Read more

09 Sep 2024

53 MINS

53:32

09 Sep 2024

#520

You 2.0: How To Say No

Saying no to someone who asks for something is often easier said than done. Maybe it's a boss who wants you to take on a new assignment. Or your kid's teacher, seeking volunteers for a field trip. Or a friend who asks you to lend her money. How should we respond to these demands on our time, energy, and resources? This week, psychologist [Vanessa Patrick] (https://www.bauer.uh.edu/vpatrick/) explores why it's so hard to say no, and how we can set boundaries that will make it easier to do so.  If you haven't yet caught the first two episodes in this year's You 2.0 series, you can find them in this podcast feed, or on our website:  [You 2.0: The Gift of Other People] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-the-gift-of-other-people/) [You 2.0: Taking Control of Your Time ] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/taking-control-of-your-time/) Thanks for listening!  ... Read more

02 Sep 2024

50 MINS

50:08

02 Sep 2024

#519

You 2.0: Taking Control of Your Time

Many of us feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. We struggle to make time for all the competing demands at work and at home, and inevitably feel like we're letting someone down. But what if there were a way to reclaim our time and, as a result, get more joy out of our lives?  In the second episode of this year's You 2.0 series, psychologist [Cassie Mogilner Holmes] (https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/faculty-and-research/marketing/faculty/mogilner-holmes) explains how we've fallen victim to the illusion of time scarcity, and what we can do to spend our time more wisely.  If you enjoy today's episode, check out last week's kick-off to our series, "You 2.0: The Gift of Other People." ... Read more

26 Aug 2024

48 MINS

48:57

26 Aug 2024

#518

You 2.0: The Gift of Other People

Are you someone who strikes up a conversation with the person next to you on the train? Or do you keep your eyes fixed on your phone? Do you offer gratitude to friends and family? Or do you assume that they already know how you feel? This week, in the kickoff to our annual You 2.0 series, we talk with psychologist [Nicholas Epley] (https://www.chicagobooth.edu/faculty/directory/e/nicholas-epley) about our interactions with other people, and how we can make them more rewarding. If you enjoy today's episode, check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes:  [A Secret Source of Connection] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/a-secret-source-of-connection/) [How Others See You ] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/mind-reading-how-others-see-you/) [Relationships 2.0: An Antidote to Loneliness] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/relationships-2-0-an-antidote-to-loneliness/) ... Read more

19 Aug 2024

50 MINS

50:40

19 Aug 2024

#517

You're Not the Boss of Me!

Whether in your personal life or at work, you've probably experienced what it’s like to have people reject your requests. To be told that what you want is unfair, or heavy-handed. And you've likely been in the opposite position as well — pushing back against requests that step on your freedom. This week, we talk to psychologist [Benjamin Rosenberg] (https://www.dominican.edu/directory-people/benjamin-d-rosenberg) about how we respond to infringements on our sense of autonomy, and how we can avoid sparking this resistance in our interactions with other people.  If you know someone who would like today's episode, please share it with them! And if you enjoy our show, please consider trying a free seven-day trial of our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+. If you use an iPhone, you can sign up at [apple.co/hiddenbrain] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?ign-itscg=30200S&ign-itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts) . If you use an Android device, you can find Hidden Brain+ at [support.hiddenbrain.org] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks for listening!    ... Read more

12 Aug 2024

53 MINS

53:44

12 Aug 2024

#516

The Cure for Self-Importance

When we meet new people, we’re often drawn to those with a commanding presence or a dazzling personality. But it turns out that a very different trait — humility — is important in the long term. This week, in the first of a two-part discussion, we talk with psychologist [Daryl Van Tongeren] (https://hope.edu/directory/people/van-tongeren-daryl/index.html) about different kinds of humility, and how this overlooked quality can play a powerful role in workplace dynamics and romantic relationships.  If you like today's episode, be sure to check out part two of our conversation, exclusively for Hidden Brain+ listeners. We talk with Daryl Van Tongeren about existential humility — being open to the idea we might be wrong about life's biggest unknowns. It's the episode called "Asking the Big Questions." To listen to Hidden Brain+ with a free seven-day trial, go to [apple.co/hiddenbrain] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?ign-itscg=30200S&ign-itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts) or [support.hiddenbrain.org] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) .  ... Read more

05 Aug 2024

51 MINS

51:51

05 Aug 2024

#515

Where Truth Lies

When we think about misinformation, we often focus on blatant errors or deliberate attempts to deceive us. But in recent years, social scientists have found that misinformation comes in many flavors — many of which are far more subtle than obvious falsehoods. These forms of misinformation prey on our mental blindspots, and take advantage of our passions and loyalties. This week, economist [Alex Edmans] (https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/e/edmans-a) explores the many insidious forms of misinformation, and how we can all get better at separating fact from fiction. For more of our work, please consider joining our podcast subscription. Hidden Brain+ is where you’ll find exclusive interviews and deeper dives into the ideas we explore on the show. You can try Hidden Brain+ with a free seven-day trial at [apple.co/hiddenbrain] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?ign-itscg=30200S&ign-itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts) . Or if you’re an Android user, sign up at [support.hiddenbrain.org] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . ... Read more

29 Jul 2024

51 MINS

51:16

29 Jul 2024

#514

How To Be Alone

We're always told to reach for that next ring, work that third job, go to that boisterous party after a long day at work. You only live once ... right? But psychologist [Netta Weinstein] (https://www.reading.ac.uk/pcls/staff/netta-weinstein) says that when we constantly engage in achievement and distraction, we lose something essential about ourselves. This week, she makes a case for solitude, and examines what happens when we seek a quieter, more reflective interior life. If you like today's episode, check out our two-part series on mindfulness: [Seeking Serenity: Part 1] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/seeking-serenity-part-1/) [Seeking Serenity: Part 2] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/seeking-serenity-part-2/) ... Read more

22 Jul 2024

50 MINS

50:33

22 Jul 2024

#513

Changing Our Mental Maps

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 [Norman Farb] (https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/psychology/people/norman-farb) 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, we talk with Norman Farb about how we can update our internal maps and see the world more clearly.  If you like this episode, be sure to check out part two of our chat with Norman Farb for Hidden Brain+. That episode is called "Making Sense." You can try Hidden Brain+ for free with a seven-day trial by going to [support.hiddenbrain.org] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) or [apple.co/hiddenbrain] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?mt=2&ls=1&itscg=30200S&itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&ct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&at=1010l3ab3) .  ... Read more

15 Jul 2024

53 MINS

53:44

15 Jul 2024

#512

Out of the Rabbit Hole

Cognitive scientist [Nafees Hamid] (https://icsr.info/?team=dr-nafees-hamid) studies the minds of people drawn to radical or fringe ideas. This week, he takes us on a deep dive into the motivations of people on the brink of extremism — and those who have already been radicalized. We examine what prompts people to turn to violence, and how to pull them back from the seductive appeal of extremist ideas. Interested in learning more about the themes and ideas we discussed today? Check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes: [Romeo and Juliet in Kigali] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/romeo-juliet-in-rwanda/) [Moral Combat] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/moral-combat/) Our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+, is now available across devices and podcast platforms. You can join on either [Apple Podcasts ] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750) or via our [Patreon page] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks for your support of the show — we truly appreciate it!  ... Read more

08 Jul 2024

47 MINS

47:57

08 Jul 2024

#511

Befriending Your Inner Voice

You know that negative voice that goes round and round in your head, keeping you up at night? When that negative inner voice gets switched on, it’s hard to think about anything else. Psychologist [Ethan Kross] (https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/people/faculty/ekross.html) has a name for it: chatter. In this favorite conversation from 2022,  we talk with Ethan about how to keep our negative emotions from morphing into chatter.  Our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+, is now available across devices and podcast platforms. You can join on either [Apple Podcasts ] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750) or via our [Patreon page] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Thanks for your support of the show — we truly appreciate it!  ... Read more

01 Jul 2024

51 MINS

51:28

01 Jul 2024

#510

Making the World Sparkle Again

Across every domain of our lives, our minds have a tendency to get accustomed to things. In fact, the brain seems evolutionarily designed to focus on the new and unexpected, on novel threats and opportunities. In our daily lives, this means we take wonderful things for granted. We cease to appreciate amazing people, or the good fortune of being healthy. This week, neuroscientist [Tali Sharot] (https://affectivebrain.com/?page_id=161) explains why we get used to things — and how to see with fresh eyes. Our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+, is now available across platforms and devices. You can sign up for a free seven-day trial at [support.hiddenbrain.org] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) or [apple.co/hiddenbrain] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) . Your subscription provides key support to help us build you many more episodes of Hidden Brain. We’re truly grateful.  ... Read more

24 Jun 2024

50 MINS

50:31

24 Jun 2024

#509

Our God-Shaped Brains

Some think of religious faith as just that: a leap of faith. But psychologists are increasingly filling in the gaps in our understanding of how beliefs shape — and are shaped by — the human mind. This week, psychologist [Ara Norenzayan] (https://psych.ubc.ca/profile/ara-norenzayan/) explores features in the brain that are tied to our capacity for faith. And he shows how all of us, both religious and non-religious people, can use this knowledge to find more meaning in our lives. For more of our reporting on religion and the mind, be sure to check out our episode " [Creating God] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/creating-god/) ."  ... Read more

17 Jun 2024

50 MINS

50:18

17 Jun 2024

#508

Why You Feel Empty

Have you ever had an unexplainable feeling of emptiness? Life seems perfect - and yet - something is missing. This week, sociologist [Corey Keyes] (https://hip.emory.edu/faculty/bios/keyes_corey.html) helps us understand where feelings of emptiness come from, how to navigate them and why they're more common than we might assume. If you missed it, make sure to listen to last week's episode on [Why Trying Too Hard Can Backfire On You] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/why-trying-too-hard-can-backfire-on-you/) . Thanks for listening! ... Read more

10 Jun 2024

49 MINS

49:40

10 Jun 2024

#507

Why Trying Too Hard Can Backfire On You

Thinking is a human superpower. On a daily basis, thinking and planning and effort bring us innumerable benefits. But like all aspects of human behavior, you can sometimes get too much of a good thing. This week, we talk with philosopher [Ted Slingerland] (https://philosophy.ubc.ca/profile/edward-slingerland-iii/) about techniques to prevent overthinking, and how we can cultivate the under-appreciated skill of letting go.  To hear more of our conversation with Ted Slingerland, be sure to check out our Hidden Brain+ episode with him, available now. You can join Hidden Brain+ via [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/HiddenBrain) or [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?ign-itscg=30200S&ign-itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts) . Thanks for listening!  ... Read more

03 Jun 2024

52 MINS

52:17

03 Jun 2024

#506

Innovation 2.0: Do Less

The human drive to invent new things has led to pathbreaking achievements in medicine, science and society. But our desire to create can keep us from seeing one of the most powerful paths to progress: subtraction. In a favorite conversation from 2022, engineer [Leidy Klotz] (https://engineering.virginia.edu/faculty/leidy-klotz) shares how streamlining and simplifying is sometimes the best path to innovation.  Today's episode concludes our Innovation 2.0 series. If you've enjoyed these episodes, please tell a friend about them! They can find all of the stories in this series in this podcast feed, or at https://hiddenbrain.org/. Thanks for listening!  ... Read more

27 May 2024

46 MINS

46:11

27 May 2024

#505

Innovation 2.0: Shortcuts and Speed Bumps

Most of us love to brainstorm with colleagues. But so often, our idea-generating sessions don't lead to anything tangible. Teams fill up walls with sticky notes about creative possibilities and suggestions for improvement, but nothing actually gets implemented. Some researchers even have a name for it: "innovation theater." This week, we explore the science of execution. Psychologist [Bob Sutton] (https://casbs.stanford.edu/people/robert-i-sutton) tells us how to move from innovation theater . . . to actual innovation. You can find all the episodes in our Innovation 2.0 series in this podcast feed, or on our website, [hiddenbrain.org] (https://hiddenbrain.org/) .  ... Read more

20 May 2024

49 MINS

49:10

20 May 2024

#504

Innovation 2.0: The Influence You Have

Think about the last time you asked someone for something. Maybe you were nervous or worried about what the person would think of you. Chances are that you didn’t stop to think about the pressure you were exerting on that person. This week, we continue our Innovation 2.0 series with a 2020 episode about a phenomenon known as as “egocentric bias.” We talk with psychologist [Vanessa Bohns] (https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/people/vanessa-bohns) about how this bias leads us astray, and how we can use this knowledge to ask for the things we need.  Did you catch the first two episodes in our Innovation 2.0 series? You can find them in this podcast feed or on [our website] (https://hiddenbrain.org/) . And if you're enjoying this series, please share it with a friend or family member. Thanks!  ... Read more

13 May 2024

52 MINS

52:04

13 May 2024

#503

Innovation 2.0: Multiplying the Growth Mindset

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt that people wrote you off? Maybe a teacher suggested you weren't talented enough to take a certain class, or a boss implied that you didn't have the smarts needed to handle a big project. In the latest in our "Innovation 2.0 series," we talk with [Mary Murphy] (https://psych.indiana.edu/directory/faculty/murphy-mary.html) , who studies what she calls "cultures of genius." We'll look at how these cultures can keep people and organizations from thriving, and how we can create environments that better foster our growth. Do you know someone who'd find the ideas in today's episode to be useful? Please share it with them! And if you liked today's conversation, you might also like these classic Hidden Brain episodes:  [ The Edge Effect] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/edge-effect/) [The Secret to Great Teams] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-secret-to-great-teams/) [Dream Jobs] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-dream-jobs/) ... Read more

06 May 2024

52 MINS

52:10

06 May 2024

#502

Innovation 2.0: How Big Ideas Are Born

Why is it so hard to guess where we're meant to be? To predict where we'll end up? Nearly all of us have had the experience of traveling down one road, only to realize it's not the road for us. At the University of Virginia, [Saras Sarasvathy] (https://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty-research/directory/saras-d-sarasvathy) uses the lens of entrepreneurship to study how we plan and prepare for the future. We kick off our new "Innovation 2.0" series by talking with Saras about how we pursue goals and make decisions. Do you know someone who might benefit from our conversation with Saras about expert entrepreneurs? Please share it with them if so! And be sure to check out our other conversations about how to get out of ruts and figure out a path forward:  Who Do You Want to Be? [You 2.0 : How to Break Out of a Rut] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-how-to-break-out-of-a-rut/) ... Read more

29 Apr 2024

50 MINS

50:18

29 Apr 2024

#501

Parents: Keep Out!

If you're a parent or a teacher, you've probably wondered how to balance play and safety for the kids in your care. You don't want to put children in danger, but you also don't want to rob them of the joy of exploration. This week, we talk with psychologist [Peter Gray] (https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/psychology-neuroscience/people/affiliated-and-emeritus/peter-gray.html) about how this balance has changed — for parents and children alike — and what we can do about it. For more of our reporting on children and parents, check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes: [Kinder-Gardening] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/kinder-gardening/) [Bringing Up Baby ] (https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/bringing-up-baby/)   ... Read more

22 Apr 2024

53 MINS

53:40

22 Apr 2024