Shankar Vedantam

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 Vendantam, a journalist and host of Hidden Brain, dives into the concept of the 'illusion of continuity.' He shares captivating stories that reveal how we often wrongly assume our future selves will mirror our current perspectives. Vendantam challenges listeners to embrace the fluid nature of identity, especially after life changes like the pandemic. He emphasizes the power of curiosity and courage in shaping who we will become, and explores the pitfalls of affective forecasting in predicting our emotional futures.

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, dives deep into the complexities of human behavior, emphasizing that our conscious minds are just the tip of the iceberg. He discusses his journey from engineering to journalism, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life. The conversation explores the balance of faith and science in morality, the rise of anti-science sentiments, and the importance of self-awareness in personal growth. Vedantam urges listeners to embrace curiosity and shared humanity to navigate conflicts and foster connections.

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,' 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, the insightful host of the 'Hidden Brain' podcast, examines the unconscious forces shaping our decisions and behaviors. He delves into how our minds work behind the scenes, often influencing our choices more than we realize. Discussing the journey from engineering to empathy, he highlights the ties between psychological research and ancient wisdom. Vedantam emphasizes the importance of self-forgiveness and curiosity, revealing how these elements can transform our understanding of ourselves and foster a deeper connection to our shared humanity.