David DeSteno

Psychology professor and author David DeSteno discusses the benefits of faith in our secular world, blending spirituality with science to improve well-being. They explore spirituality's role in addressing societal challenges and fostering compassion, emphasizing the importance of individual exploration and respect for diverse beliefs.

Renowned psychologist, David DeSteno, hosts a podcast called "How God Works" where he discusses the overlap between scientific research and teachings of faith. In one episode, DeSteno interviews journalist Nicholas Kristof about maintaining hope amid violence and war. He also talks to Roshi Joan Halifax about wise hope and fierce compassion. The episode explores the transformative power of hope, recognizing progress in solving global issues, building empathy, and choosing resilient hope. They also touch upon the connection between hope and fear, emphasizing the importance of community and acceptance in uncertain times.

Liam Elkind, a college student and founder of Invisible Hands, shares his journey in bringing neighbors together amidst the pandemic's challenges. David DeSteno, a psychology professor and compassion expert, explains how helping others not only aids the community but also boosts our own happiness and prevents burnout. The discussion includes inspiring stories of kindness during crises and highlights the power of compassion, reinforced by a guided Loving Kindness meditation to cultivate empathy and support.

To achieve your goals, you probably think you need one key ingredient: willpower. Grit. Self-control. Discipline. To hear a lot of self-improvement gurus tell it, if you want to get your life together, then just get it together. Just do it. Yet while these motivational calls certainly feel good and make us pump our fists, how well does willpower-ing your way to your goals work in reality?If you're like a lot of people, who have a string of half-finished aims heaped in the dustbin of their lives, you know the answer is: "Not very well."My guest todayargues that there's a reason for that -- that while willpower does have a role in our lives, there's actually a better source of motivation at our disposal: our emotions. His name is David DeSteno and he's the author of the book Emotional Success: The Power of Gratitude, Compassion, and Pride. TodayDeSteno makes the case that cultivating certain feelings will actually enhance our self-control and help us become who we want to be more than simply relying on willpower to get the job done.Get the show notes at aom.is/emotionalsuccess.

David DeSteno, author of "How God Works," discusses the surprising health benefits of religious practices, emphasizing that rituals enhance emotional well-being and foster community support. He notes how spirituality is evolving, with many seeking fulfillment outside traditional religions. Joining him is astronaut Dave Williams, who shares insights from his time in space, describing the unique challenges of living in microgravity, including its effects on the body and mind. Their conversation highlights the interconnectedness of faith and the human experience in extraordinary conditions.