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The Adam and Dr. Drew Show

#1926 A Bouillabaisse of Crazy with Dr. Andrew Newberg

Oct 10, 2024
Dr. Andrew Newberg, a leading neuroscientist and author of "Sex, God, and the Brain," joins for a fascinating discussion on the intertwining of rituals and human connection. They explore how societal shifts and biological evolutions shape cognitive functions in modern contexts. Delving into cognitive dissonance, they evaluate the impact of extreme beliefs and technology on mental health. The conversation also touches on the complex links between spirituality and sexuality, revealing how arousal can influence spiritual experiences, shedding light on human morality.
35:54

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast highlights how repetitive media consumption can entrench cognitive dissonance and hinder critical thinking in individuals.
  • Rituals significantly influence human behavior and social interactions by fostering a balance between physical involvement and mental engagement.

Deep dives

The Role of Media and Thinking Patterns

The discussion emphasizes how repetitive consumption of media shapes neural pathways in the brain, impacting how individuals perceive reality. With social media and targeted programming reinforcing specific ideas, people can become entrenched in rigid thinking patterns, leading to difficulties in adapting to new perspectives. The conversation delves into how this can lead to cognitive dissonance and even delusional thinking as opposing viewpoints attract extreme reactions. This concern is especially pertinent in the current climate, where many individuals seem unable to think critically due to the constant reinforcement of particular beliefs.

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