Shankar Vedantam discusses the concept of the hidden brain, which refers to the unconscious patterns that influence human behavior and the hidden influences on behavior that determine our actions and decisions.
Vedantam emphasizes the importance of engaging storytelling and presenting the challenges and struggles scientists face, rather than just presenting final insights or solutions, in order to make science accessible and relevant to people's lives.
Deep dives
Shankar Vedantam's Background and Interest in Behavioral Science
Shankar Vedantam, the host and executive editor of the popular science podcast Hidden Brain, discusses his journey from being an electronic engineer to becoming a journalist focused on behavioral science. Over the years, he developed a keen interest in the mind and human behavior and shifted his focus to mental health issues and social psychology. He reveals how his background and skills as a journalist, coupled with his fascination for understanding scientific papers, led him to specifically cover the dynamics of human behavior.
Hidden Brain as an Independent Production Company
After writing the Hidden Brain book and joining NPR, Vedantam launched the Hidden Brain podcast. While the show enjoyed success at NPR, Vedantam decided to form his own production company to explore hidden brain's potential outside the confines of a large media organization. This move allows him to experiment with different formats and media, such as exploring the possibilities of a Hidden Brain television show or hosting live events. Vedantam also reflects on his experience as an entrepreneur and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.
The Concept of the Hidden Brain
Vedantam explains that the hidden brain refers to the unconscious patterns that influence human behavior. It encompasses the parts of the mind that are inaccessible to introspection as well as the aspects that are simply ignored or unnoticed. The term originated from Vedantam's realization, while writing a newspaper column, that people often have limited understanding of their own behavior and motives. He found it captivating to explore the hidden influences on behavior that determine our actions and decisions.
The Importance of Storytelling and Relatability in Science Communication
Vedantam discusses his approach to science communication, emphasizing the significance of engaging storytelling and relatability. He highlights the importance of presenting the challenges and struggles scientists face in their work, rather than just presenting the final insights or solutions. By connecting the audience with the problems scientists encounter, it becomes easier to make the science accessible and relevant to people's lives. He also addresses the surprising popularity of Hidden Brain, attributing it to the team's enthusiasm, curiosity, and ability to bridge the gap between academia and the general public.
How much insight do people have into why they behave the way they do? Science journalist Shankar Vedantam, host of the Hidden Brain podcast and author of “Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain,” talks about why he is fascinated by the paradoxes of human behavior, what it takes to bring the popular podcast to life, and why it’s important to show the public the challenges as well as the triumphs of science.
