The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

The Fun of Eating a Pepper Hotter Than the Sun

Oct 10, 2022

Delve into the fiery world of the Carolina Reaper as a daring author challenges the limits of pleasure and pain. Ever wondered why we derive happiness from discomfort? Explore the science behind benign masochism and emotional growth through safe, imaginative outlets. Learn how to face fears without real harm and discover the thrill of pain responsibly. Plus, uncover how artificial soundscapes influenced athlete performances during the Tokyo Olympics, and how we can playfully engage with our discomforting emotions to find joy.

29:18

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Do You Want This?

01:20

The a-Leafs

01:20

Intro

2min

The Paradox of Pain and Pleasure

9min

The Heat of Experience

5min

The Role of Imagination in Facing Fear and Pain

4min

The Sound of a Recorded Crowd at the Tokyo Olympics

2min

Soundscapes and Emotional Responses

9min

Harnessing Fear for Happiness: A Playful Approach

2min

There is nothing hotter than Puckerbutt Farm’s Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce... and author Leigh Cowart gargles it for FUN!!! Why do we sometimes get a happiness high from painful and scary things? And what if we want to experience the fun of discomfort and danger... but without the risk of coming to real harm?

With the help of Leigh, psychology professor Paul Bloom and the Yale philosopher Tamar Gendler, Dr Laurie Santos finds out how we can fool ourselves into reaping all the benefits of danger without actually being in peril.

For further reading:

Leigh Cowart - Hurts So Good: The Science and Culture of Pain on Purpose.

Paul Bloom - The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning.

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