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Monica Whitham
Associate professor of sociology at Oklahoma State University specializing in social norms, reciprocity, and the social functions of generosity; appears as a guest expert in this episode.
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Dec 19, 2025
• 33min
Why giving can feel so good
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Join Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychologist studying empathy and prosocial behavior, alongside Monica Whitham, a sociology professor focusing on social norms and generosity. They dive into the science behind the 'warm glow' of giving, revealing how generosity activates reward centers in the brain. Zaki explains how larger acts yield stronger feelings of happiness, while Whitham discusses the importance of intrinsic motivation over obligation in generosity. They also explore how small acts can lead to a ripple effect of kindness in communities.
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