Tiffany Watt Smith

Gabriel Gatehouse, a journalist and broadcaster investigating conspiracy theories, hosts a lively discussion with novelist Elif Shafak, known for her thought-provoking narratives, and academic poet Janine Bradbury. They explore how reading, both fiction and history, fosters empathy in a polarizing world. Philosopher Jonathan Egid delves into the complexities of empathy, while Tiffany Watt Smith examines emotional intricacies like schadenfreude. Historian Rana Mitter links these themes to broader historical narratives, emphasizing the power of literature in understanding diverse perspectives.

Tiffany Watt Smith, a cultural historian and author of *Bad Friend*, dives deep into the evolution of female friendships. She shares insights from her book, exploring how women's relationships have reshaped modern friendship dynamics. The discussion highlights the importance of trust and acknowledges the loneliness many face today. Tiffany also imagines innovative concepts like friendship contracts while reflecting on the significance of small gestures to cultivate resilient connections. Prepare to rethink what being a 'good friend' truly means!

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Tiffany Watt-Smith, a cultural historian specializing in emotions and social behavior, unravels the complexities of embarrassment. She explains its vital role in regulating social interactions and deterring norm violations. Tiffany also distinguishes between the fear of embarrassment and the acute experience itself, highlighting how it serves as a communicative form of apology. Interestingly, she compares embarrassment to pain and laughter, emphasizing its function as a social signal. Insightful and relatable, this conversation sheds light on our collective emotional experiences.

Dr. Tiffany Watt Smith, a cultural historian and expert on emotion and medicine, joins the hosts to discuss nostalgia's surprising complexities. She unpacks how nostalgia can be a bittersweet longing and its impact on our identities. The conversation dives into what makes certain foods comforting, particularly for migrants reconnecting with their roots. They explore how scent and taste trigger memories and share practical winter tips inspired by history. Tiffany also introduces the concept of solastalgia, highlighting our emotional responses to environmental loss.

Dr. Tiffany Watt-Smith, a cultural historian and expert on the history of emotions, joins the van Tulleken twins to explore comfort in winter. They delve into how comfort's meaning has changed over time, tracing its Latin roots and examining communal practices like Sami midwinter rituals that foster resilience. Tiffany shares insights on hygge and the importance of social warmth, highlighting research connecting physical warmth to trust. The trio discusses balancing comfort with healthy discomfort and modernizing winter traditions to enhance well-being.