In this engaging discussion, guests include Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychology professor known for her work on mindset, Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, and Paul Rozin, an expert on benign masochism. They explore the thrilling allure of horror movies and why some find joy in fear. The conversation dives into the psychology of negative emotions, the benefits of benign masochism, and the strange appeal of spicy foods. Personal anecdotes and studies illustrate how discomfort can offer control and even pleasure in our cultural experiences.

Jonathan Haidt, an ethical leadership professor, and Christina Maslach, a psychology expert, join the discussion alongside the legacies of Stanley Milgram and Edward R. Murrow. They delve into the complexities of evil, questioning whether malevolence is inherent or influenced by circumstances. The conversation probes the implications of the Stanford prison experiment and highlights the importance of moral responsibility, while examining societal perceptions and personal choices that shape our understanding of good and evil.

Join Jeffrey Arnett, a senior research scholar, and Trevor Noah, the witty comedian, as they dissect the puzzling transition to adulthood. They question why we're deemed mature at 18 and debate if 16-year-olds should vote. Grace Icenogle highlights the rising trend of young adults bringing parents to job interviews, while Julie Beck examines how societal milestones are shifting. With insights from neuroscience and cultural perspectives, they explore how modern pressures delay the journey into adulthood, leaving listeners pondering their own paths.

In this engaging discussion, Matthew Desmond, a Princeton sociology professor, and Daniel Kahneman, a psychology luminary, join Joshua Knobe and Simon McCarthy-Jones to explore our love for sad songs. They delve into how melancholy tunes can evoke nostalgia and foster connections during tough times. Personal stories reveal why those grappling with depression might be drawn to sad music as a coping mechanism. The conversation also touches on the emotional power of music, contrasting its ability to lift moods versus its comforting sadness.

In an engaging discussion, Jennifer Aaker, a Stanford marketing professor, and Judd Apatow, a prolific comedian and director, join forces with Fredrik Backman, a celebrated author, and Naomi Bagdonas, a management lecturer at Stanford. They delve into the evolutionary purpose of laughter and how humor can strengthen social bonds. The conversation touches on the cultural significance of humor, personal anecdotes about coping with serious topics, and the unique traits of American versus Swedish humor. Expect laughs and insights into crafting connections through comedy!

Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist known for her work on grit, teams up with Jack Gallant, a neuroscience professor, Steve Levitt, a seasoned economist, and George Loewenstein, an expert in behavioral economics. They delve into why stories stick with us more than statistics, revealing how emotional narratives shape our decisions. The group examines the balance between compelling storytelling and factual accuracy in journalism while exploring the power of human connection through unique experiences, even if they may be embellished.

Christian Crandall, a psychology professor at the University of Kansas, and Scott Eidelman, from the University of Arkansas, dive into the quirks of human decision-making. They discuss why Americans stubbornly cling to Fahrenheit over Celsius and explore the oddity of using the QWERTY keyboard. The conversation touches on local maxima in life choices, status quo bias, and even the intriguing impact of a coin flip on major decisions. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how tradition can hold us back from pursuing better options.

Join Robert Cialdini, psychology professor, Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn co-founder, Kazuo Ishiguro, acclaimed novelist, and Ethan Mollick, management professor, as they dive into the world of AI companions. They explore whether machines can replace human connection and discuss the emotional dynamics of AI friendships. The conversation reveals AI’s potential in alleviating loneliness while stressing the importance of genuine human relationships. Insights on ethical considerations and the psychological impact of digital companions create a thought-provoking dialogue.

Luis von Ahn, co-founder of Duolingo, Paul DePodesta, a chief strategy officer in football, and psychologist Daniel Kahneman engage in a fascinating dialogue. They explore the often surprising discrepancies between self-perception and how others see us. The trio shares insights on the reliability of self-assessment tools and the hilarious nuances of social interactions, including the quirks surrounding fishing. They delve into essential traits for success like grit and self-awareness, making the conversation both enlightening and entertaining.

Robert Cialdini, a leading psychologist in marketing, Yaniv Hanoch, a decision sciences expert, and Hugo Mercier, a research scientist, explore the fascinating dynamics of scams. They discuss why people fall for scams, debunking myths about gullibility across ages. The conversation highlights psychological biases, the emotional fallout from scams, and the seductive history of snake oil sales. They offer insights into building trust while remaining skeptical, intertwined with humorous anecdotes that reveal the absurdity of fraud.