

194: Unabridged Interview: Shankar Vedantam
12 snips Feb 7, 2025
Shankar Vedantam, host of Hidden Brain, dives deep into the complexities of human behavior, emphasizing that our conscious minds are just the tip of the iceberg. He discusses his journey from engineering to journalism, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life. The conversation explores the balance of faith and science in morality, the rise of anti-science sentiments, and the importance of self-awareness in personal growth. Vedantam urges listeners to embrace curiosity and shared humanity to navigate conflicts and foster connections.
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Engineering to Journalism
- Shankar Vedantam transitioned from electrical engineering to science journalism.
- He found interviewing gave him unique access to people's inner thoughts and feelings.
The Power of Interviewing
- Interviewing can reveal hidden aspects of people because it involves non-judgmental listening and genuine curiosity.
- This differs from many conversations where others have agendas or want us to change.
Human Flourishing
- Human flourishing involves social relationships, understanding oneself, and interacting with others with curiosity and awe.
- Shankar Vedantam's Hidden Brain explores these themes using psychology, neuroscience, and social sciences.