Who will you be in 10 years? In 20 years? Envisioning how you will evolve is very hard. This hour, TED speakers share ideas on how to better plan for the future, while allowing for the unexpected. Guests include psychologist Hal Hershfield, journalist Shankar Vedantam, journalist Bina Venkataraman and philosopher Roman Krznaric.TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/tedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Psychologist, journalist, and philosopher discuss how to better plan for the future while allowing for the unexpected. Topics include perceiving the future self, planning for the future when hope seems dim, finding harmony between the present and the future, planning for an unpredictable future, consequences of failure in future planning, becoming good ancestors, and a philosopher's prescription for long-term thinking.

Shankar Vedantam, science writer and creator/host of the podcast 'Hidden Brain', shares his fascination with the human experience and the concept of the Hidden Brain. He explores the unknowability of our future selves and discusses the importance of actively reflecting on personal growth and making choices that align with our values.

How much insight do people have into why they behave the way they do? Science journalist Shankar Vedantam, host of the Hidden Brain podcast and author of “Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain,” talks about why he is fascinated by the paradoxes of human behavior, what it takes to bring the popular podcast to life, and why it’s important to show the public the challenges as well as the triumphs of science. Links The Hidden Brain Speaking of Psychology Home Page Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transitions can feel intimidating and destabilizing. But these moments can also be opportunities for growth, reflection, and self-discovery — especially when you have the right tools. In the first episode of Apple News In Conversation’s monthlong ‘Think Again’ series, host Shumita Basu talks to Hidden Brain's Shankar Vedantam about why pivot points can feel so challenging and how to embrace them as opportunities, rather than obstacles.

Shankar Vedantam, host of Hidden Brain, discusses how our brains resist change and offers strategies to embrace change as opportunities. Topics include talking about grief and death, finding purpose in career decisions, navigating major life transitions, the power of self-compassion, and making promises to our future selves.

Shankar Vedantam, host of 'Hidden Brain', and Dr. Vivek Murthy discuss purpose and connection. They explore encouraging young people to dream, finding freshness in daily life, and differentiating goals from purpose. They share personal stories of coming to America and the power of having a sense of purpose. The conversation touches on bolstering America's purpose, the enormous possibilities the country offers, and the importance of remembering and reinforcing ideals in noisy moments.

Shankar Vedantam, creator of 'Hidden Brain,' discusses how our hidden brain affects connections. They explore social anxieties, kindness, and the impact of expressing gratitude. Dr. Murthy shares insights on warmth and kindness, bridging the gap between values and actions. The conversation emphasizes overcoming fears of connection and the power of acts of kindness.

Shankar Vedantam, host of 'Hidden Brain,' explores the power of self-deception in human flourishing and its role in fostering happiness and satisfaction within relationships. They discuss how delusional beliefs about our loved ones contribute to our contentment. Additionally, they delve into the usefulness of self-deception on personal, group, and institutional levels, including the concept of nations as delusions. The chapter concludes with the proposition of harnessing self-deception for important causes like fighting climate change.

Shankar Vedantam, host of Hidden Brain, discusses the challenges of transitions and how to embrace them. The conversation touches on personal growth, adaptability, and resilience during times of change.