Why do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? What can I do to improve my relationships? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. On Hidden Brain, we help you understand your own mind — and the minds of the people around you. (We're routinely rated the #1 science podcast in the United States.) Hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam.
This podcast episode explores the concept of languishing, which is described as an unsettling feeling or void in one's soul. Languishing is characterized by a lack of emotional well-being and a sense of being stuck, even for individuals who have external factors associated with a good life. It emphasizes the challenges...
This podcast episode explores the counterintuitive benefits of letting go and not trying too hard in various situations. It discusses the power of serendipitous conversations, the concept of relaxation and not trying in learning tennis and playing Mindball, the detrimental effects of overthinking on performance, the te...
This podcast episode explores the power of subtraction in the invention process, engineering, design, decision-making, and various other domains. It highlights the value of removing, reducing, and simplifying to enhance creativity and innovation, showcasing examples such as bridge-building, architecture, strider bikes,...
This podcast episode explores the concept of friction and its impact on organizations. It discusses how VIP treatment and executive magnification can lead to execution failures, the negative effects of unpleasant feedback and hyper-focusing on irrelevant details, the role of jerks and friction in organizations, the imp...
This podcast episode explores Stanley Milgram's famous study on obedience to authority, where ordinary individuals were willing to inflict pain on others when commanded to do so. The episode raises thought-provoking questions about human behavior in extreme situations and the power of social influence. It also delves i...
This podcast episode explores the concepts of the Stanford Duck Syndrome, stack ranking, the culture of genius, and mindsets. It discusses the negative effects of stack ranking on competition and trust within organizations and highlights the prevalence of a culture of genius in workplaces and schools. The conversation ...
This podcast episode explores the journey of entrepreneur Saras and highlights the importance of personal interaction in business, the challenges and setbacks faced in entrepreneurship, and the principles of successful entrepreneurship. It discusses the significance of understanding customers' needs and the consequence...
This podcast episode explores the harmful effects of overregulation on children's play and imagination, discussing how the balance between exploration and safety has shifted. It shares examples of imaginative games that were discouraged or prohibited, highlighting the negative impact of adult interference on children's...
This podcast episode explores the nature of cravings and the challenges of managing and overcoming them. The speakers share personal anecdotes and discuss the limitations of traditional approaches to addiction treatment. They highlight the importance of understanding the underlying reasons behind cravings and the role ...
This podcast episode explores the history of anthropology and its early focus on racial classifications. It highlights the work of Margaret Mead, who challenged the notion of biological superiority and emphasized the role of culture. The episode also delves into the personal experiences of anthropologist Tom Pearson an...
This podcast episode explores the philosophical implications of transformation, the role of luck and talent in success, the illusion of understanding, the impact of hindsight, the challenges of addressing climate change, the significance of peak and end moments, the complexity of human experience and decision-making, t...
This podcast episode explores the importance of active listening in relationships and the challenges that come with it. It highlights how active listening can help resolve conflicts, build stronger relationships, and avoid misunderstandings. The episode also discusses the impact of social rejection on listening, the ch...
This podcast episode follows the life and end-of-life journey of Stephanie Rinca, who was diagnosed with ALS. It explores the complex decisions faced by Stephanie and her family, including the choice to go on a ventilator and the transition to hospice care. The episode delves into the emotional and practical challenges...
This podcast episode delves into the concept of moral frameworks, exploring their evolution and impact on our understanding of morality. Drawing from the theory of moral foundations, it highlights how societies construct unique moral systems based on fundamental intuitions such as care, fairness, and respect for author...
This podcast episode analyzes the nature and effects of fear, exploring its evolutionary origins, cognitive manifestations, and impact on behavior. Psychiatrist Arash Javanbakht discusses how fear can lead to both adaptive and maladaptive outcomes, highlighting its complex interplay with perception, movement, and gener...
This podcast episode explores how Abraham Lincoln's unique approach to conflict resolution, political strategy, and understanding of human nature contributed to his success as a leader during the Civil War era. It highlights his ability to forge alliances, set strategic terms, and adapt his stance to achieve his goals,...
This podcast episode explores the complexities of political polarization in the United States, challenging the notion that the primary divide lies between Republicans and Democrats. Instead, it highlights the significance of affective polarization and unpacks the role of political conversations, deep involvement, and t...
This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of conflict resolution, exploring examples from international peace negotiations to personal anecdotes. It emphasizes the emotional and ideological factors that contribute to intractability, examining cases such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and the political divide in th...
This podcast episode delves into the complexities of conflict resolution, the importance of perspective-taking, and the art of persuasion. Drawing from personal experiences and academic research, the speaker, Rob Willer, emphasizes the significance of understanding others' viewpoints, establishing emotional connections...
This podcast episode explores the psychological aspects of human behavior, from reactions to danger and driving incidents to political polarization. It delves into the psychological tendencies we display when faced with conflict, and how our minds process information in these situations. It also emphasizes the importan...
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