James Kimmel: The Science of Revenge — How Our Brains Get Addicted to Retaliation

May 30, 2025

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In this mind-blowing episode of the SuperLife podcast, Darin sits down with Yale-trained lawyer, mental health advocate, and neuroscience researcher James Kimmel Jr., whose groundbreaking work unveils a shocking truth: revenge isn’t just emotional — it’s biochemical.

From his own near-murderous moment as a bullied teenager to a high-powered career as a federal prosecutor, James takes us on a gripping journey that exposes how revenge operates like an addictive drug in the brain, and how most violence — from road rage to war — can be traced back to an unseen cycle of revenge cravings.

Together, Darin and James explore the dark underbelly of our justice system, why forgiveness is a neurological superpower, and how Kimmel's powerful Miracle Court process can help anyone break free from the vengeance loop. This episode doesn’t just change how you see violence — it offers a radical new path to freedom.

What You’ll Learn:

00:00 – James Kimmel's shocking origin story 05:30 – The night he nearly pulled the trigger 11:00 – Why revenge is neurologically addictive 15:00 – How the brain confuses revenge with healing 18:45 – The real neuroscience behind violence and addiction 22:00 – Why the legal system is society’s revenge dealer 27:30 – The dangers of rumination and social reinforcement 32:10 – Everyday revenge: the grudges we don’t even notice 35:40 – How most revenge is nonviolent, but still harmful 40:00 – The missing diagnosis: revenge addiction 45:00 – Why mental health experts have missed this 48:20 – How forgiveness works in the brain 53:00 – The hidden biological rewards of letting go 56:40 – The “Miracle Court” and self-led emotional trials 01:03:00 – How imagination alone can dissolve trauma 01:10:00 – Why this system could save millions of lives 01:19:00 – James’s final message on choosing freedom over pain

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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Find More from James Kimmel Jr:

Find More From Darin:

Website: darinolien.com
Instagram: @darinolien
Book: Fatal Conveniences
Podcast: Superlife

Key Takeaway:

“Revenge is an invisible addiction. But forgiveness? It’s instant self-healing—no prescription required.”