The Oprah Podcast

Your Brain on Revenge with Oprah and James Kimmel, Jr.

Jan 20, 2026
In this engaging discussion, revenge and violence researcher James Kimmel, Jr. dives into the neuroscience behind our thirst for revenge. He shares his personal journey from being bullied to almost becoming a mass shooter, illustrating how revenge drives violence. Kimmel introduces innovative tools like the Miracle Court App, a virtual courtroom for processing grievances, and explains how forgiveness can actually help rewire our brains. With compelling audience stories, they explore how vengeance is addictive and strategize ways to break this cycle for healing.
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ANECDOTE

Near-Miss With Deadly Revenge

  • James Kimmel Jr. recounts nearly becoming a mass shooter after bullies killed his dog and attacked his mailbox.
  • He stopped at the last second realizing murder would irreparably change his life and identity.
INSIGHT

Revenge Mirrors Drug Addiction In The Brain

  • Revenge activates the brain's pain network and then the same reward circuitry used in drug addiction.
  • Brain scans of revenge seekers light up the nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatum like drug users.
INSIGHT

Only A Minority Lose Control

  • Almost 100% of people feel revenge desires after being wronged but only about 20% act on them.
  • That 20% roughly matches the fraction of people who become addicts to substances.
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