Radiolab
The Secret to a Long Life
Oct 6, 2023
Sindhu Gnanasambandan, an innovative producer, embarks on a quest to make a week feel like two, aiming for a richer life experience. She discusses how our perception of time can be stretched through memorable moments and new experiences. By recounting an adventurous week filled with surfing and moonrise escapades, Sindhu reveals how joy and nostalgia affect our sense of time. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in appreciating everyday moments, encouraging listeners to break free from routine and see beauty in the mundane.
33:59
Episode guests
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- To make our lives feel longer, we should actively seek novelty, try new things, explore new places, and avoid falling into monotonous routines.
- Breaking expectations and experiencing surprises intensify memory formation, expanding our perception of time and making each day feel more vivid and meaningful.
Deep dives
Living a Meaningful Life Through Novelty and Memory
To make our lives feel longer, we need to focus on creating memories. Time perception researchers explain that our brain measures time based on the memories we form. The more new and emotionally rich experiences we have, the longer our life feels when we look back. Routine and familiarity suppress memory formation, making time seem to fly by. Therefore, to extend time, we should actively seek novelty and avoid falling into monotonous routines. By trying new things, exploring new places, and engaging in unexpected activities, we can create more moments that stand out and are memorable, ultimately making our lives feel longer.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
