Episode 15: Loss and Renewal
Maya Shankar was well on her way to an extraordinary career as a violinist when an injury closed that door. This week, we look at how she wound up at the top of another field: the social sciences.
Dec 29, 2015•25 min
Hidden Brain
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.
Episodes
Episode 14: Christmas
This is the time of year for giving--whether that's a holiday gift for someone we love, or a charitable donation to a good cause. But why do we give? And how can we do it better? This week on Hidden Brain: how to be more generous, get your friends and family what they actually want, and why it's okay to regift.
Dec 22, 2015•21 min
Episode 13: Terrorism
Why do young people join ISIS? Is it nihilism, or, as social scientists suggest, a perverse idealism? This week on Hidden Brain, we explore the psychology of terrorist groups, and why so many young people leave behind promising futures to join them.
Dec 15, 2015•26 min
Episode 12: Humor
This week on Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam looks at what we find funny and what, well, crosses the line. Comedian Bill Burr joins us to talk about why race, gender and Caitlin Jenner can be so funny.
Dec 08, 2015•20 min
Episode 11: Forgery
This week on Hidden Brain, we explore real and fake, from fine art to fine wine. Shankar speaks with Noah Charney, author of The Art of Forgery, about why art forgers are compelled to spend their lives copying the great masters, and why so many of them want to get caught. Also this week: why we love studies that prove wine connoisseurs wrong.
Dec 01, 2015•23 min
Episode 10: Thanksgiving
This episode explores how social science can help navigate Thanksgiving challenges. It discusses research revealing why people attribute negative emotions to opponents in conflicts and delves into the psychology behind the refusal to apologize, showing how it can feel empowering. Finally, it offers practical tips from Stopwatch Science on resisting temptations like overeating or arguing using simple language tricks, understanding emotional states, and leveraging incentives.
Nov 24, 2015•19 min
Episode 9: Aziz Ansari on Modern Love
Host Shankar Vedantam talks with comedian and author Aziz Ansari about his book "Modern Romance." They explore how technology and social norms have changed dating, discussing common texting pitfalls, the "paradox of choice" in having too many options, and the surprising ways people actually find partners vs. their stated preferences. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on infidelity and its positive role for people in "thin markets" seeking connection.
Nov 17, 2015•26 min
Episode 8: Back Up Plans
This episode explores the surprising downsides of having backup plans. Researcher Katy Milkman shares studies showing that knowing you have a safety net can actually make you less motivated to pursue your primary goal. The concept of moral hazard, discussed with Dan Pink, further illustrates how feeling protected can lead to taking unnecessary risks, impacting behavior in various real-world scenarios.
Nov 10, 2015•24 min
Episode 7: Lonely Hearts
This episode tells the unusual story of a con that unfolded over two decades through thousands of letters sent by a man posing as different women to lonely men. When the scam was exposed, many victims, including Jesse, who formed a deep emotional connection with one of the 'angels,' surprisingly defended the con artists. The story explores the psychological power of the deception and the complex reasons why victims prioritized the positive feelings they received over the truth of the lie.
Nov 03, 2015•33 min
Episode 6: The Science of Fear
For Halloween, Hidden Brain explores the science of fear. Producer Maggie Penman visits a haunted house curated by sociologist Margie Kerr, who uses it to study fear responses. They discuss different scare tactics, how disorientation affects the brain, the psychological benefits some people derive from scary experiences, and how fear can even impact judgment, demonstrated by a magic trick on the host.
Oct 27, 2015•20 min
Episode 5: Compassion
This episode delves into the science of compassion, starting with a woman's personal story of applying psychology lessons to help a homeless man reconnect with his family. We then hear from her professor about an assignment that encourages active kindness. The episode explores how acts of compassion, big or small, can be transformative and challenges listeners to consider their own daily choices through a lens of empathy and connection.
Oct 20, 2015•18 min
Episode 4: Students and Teachers
This episode explores the vital role of student-teacher relationships, starting with a personal story of mentorship. It details a research study showing that making teachers and students aware of shared interests leads to stronger bonds and better academic outcomes, particularly for minority students. The episode also includes a "Stopwatch Science" segment, featuring quick dives into studies on teacher bias, the long-term impact of effective teachers, parent involvement, and the power of teacher expectations.
Oct 13, 2015•18 min
Episode 3: Stereotype Threat
Poker champion Annie Duke shares her experiences as one of the only women in professional poker, facing constant sexism and disrespect. She explains the concepts of "stereotype threat," where fear of confirming negative stereotypes hinders performance, and "stereotype task," where she strategically used opponent biases against them. The episode recounts her journey navigating this environment, including the high-pressure 2004 Tournament of Champions where she ultimately used these psychological insights to achieve a historic victory.
Oct 06, 2015•22 min
Brain Bonus: Magic Brain
In time for your Friday commute, we introduce you to a new segment called Magic Brain. Shankar explores the social science behind magic, and discovers that free choice is sometimes just an illusion.
Oct 02, 2015•5 min
Episode 2: Near Victories
Shankar Vedantam explores "almosts" and "not quites" on this episode of the Hidden Brain podcast, with the help of Monica Wadhwa, Dan Pink, and country music singer Kacey Musgraves.
Sep 29, 2015•22 min
Episode 1: Switchtracking
In this inaugural episode of Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam introduces 'switchtracking,' a pattern where feedback conversations derail as participants shift topics. The episode also features 'Stopwatch Science' with Daniel Pink, sharing rapid-fire insights on persuasion and receiving feedback, and a segment exploring the unexpected benefits of daily rituals, complete with an unexpected visitor.
Sep 22, 2015•28 min
Hidden Brain: A Sneak Peek
Check out a few minutes of the latest podcast from NPR: Hidden Brain. Shankar Vedantam explores what happens when two people think they are talking about the same thing, but in reality are speeding down separate tracks. It usually doesn't end well.
Sep 04, 2015•6 min
Welcome to the Hidden Brain Podcast
A conversation about life's unseen patterns. Discover what's inside your Hidden Brain... subscribe now.
Aug 09, 2015•1 min
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