How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

Join science writer Erik Vance, who dives into the power of suggestibility and belief in healing, alongside Stanford psychologist Alia Crum, who studies how mindsets influence our bodies. They discuss how personal upbringing shapes spirituality and the psychological aspects of faith healing. The conversation highlights the potent placebo effect, emphasizing the role of community and expectation in recovery. They explore fascinating examples of how our beliefs about food or medicine can significantly impact our physiological responses and overall well-being.

Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and happiness researcher, joins Swami Tyagananda, a Hindu chaplain, to explore midlife transformations. They discuss how aging doesn't equate to crisis but can lead to deeper satisfaction. Brooks highlights the psychological shifts around 50, advocating for embracing wisdom and change. Tyagananda draws on Hindu philosophy, emphasizing personal growth and spiritual evolution. Together, they encourage listeners to find joy and purpose in the second half of life, celebrating the beauty of change.

Michelle Tellez, a scholar specializing in cultural traditions, and Matthew Sandoval, known as Dr. Muerte for his expertise on Day of the Dead, explore how rituals like Dia de los Muertos help us process grief. They discuss the significance of the ofrenda, how the holiday has evolved over time, and its impact on familial ties and cultural identity. Personal anecdotes highlight the healing power of communal practices and the balance between tradition and modern influences, such as commercialization in today's society.

How God Works will be back with all new episodes this fall. In the meantime, we're taking the opportunity to share episodes from some of our favorite shows with you, our listeners. Today, we're excited to feature a conversation from the podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders, featuring Rainn Wilson, creator of the book and podcast Soul Boom. "Going Deep with Rainn Wilson on Spirituality"Rainn Wilson (who you might know as Dwight Schrute) is making a serious call for a spiritual revolution based on joy, acts of service and being honest about our mixed natures. This is a conversation to share with anyone who is thinking seriously about how to elevate matters of the soul over the clang and bang of the modern world. Or maybe just someone who needs a laugh. (Previously aired)  Special thanks to the Aspen Ideas Festival where this podcast was recorded.

As more Americans move away from organized religion, the moral and emotional needs once met by faith communities remain. What can secular society borrow from spiritual traditions — ritual, meaning, belonging and moral imagination — to nourish the human spirit and strengthen our shared civic life? In this conversation, recorded live at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, Dave explores how sacred wisdom can still guide character, compassion, and community in a post-religious age with Krista Tippett, Father Greg Boyle, and Rabbi Shira Stutman.Krista Tippet is the creator and host of the award winning podcast On Being and an awardee of the National Humanities medal. Father Greg Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries, a gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in Los Angeles and author of the New York Times bestseller, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. Rabbi Shira Stutman is the founder of Mixed Multitudes, an organization that exposes diverse groups of Jews and fellow travelers to Jewish life, tradition, and conversation, and author of the acclaimed book The Jewish Way to a Good Life.

Josh Brahinsky, a psychological anthropologist and author of the upcoming book *Tongues of Fire*, explores the intriguing practice of speaking in tongues, revealing its surprising prevalence and psychological benefits. Shavon Gartrell, a youth pastor at Glad Tidings Church, shares her personal experiences with this mystical communication. They discuss how neuroscience shows tangible changes in the brain during this practice and the profound emotional connection it fosters, challenging stereotypes and enhancing spiritual mindfulness.

Join neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, who studies the intersection of spirituality and the brain, and Rabbi Shira Stutman, a faith leader and author, as they explore the profound essence of prayer. They discuss how various prayer styles can transform minds and bodies, fostering mental wellness and community connections. Newberg shares insights on the neurological benefits of prayer, while Stutman emphasizes the importance of meaningful rituals. Together, they reveal how prayer can cultivate empathy and deepen our spiritual journeys.

Richard Reeves, a writer and researcher focused on male issues, joins theologian Russell Moore and pastor Rasool Berry to tackle the modern crisis of masculinity. They discuss how societal shifts impact male identity and the vital role of community and rituals in finding purpose. The trio highlights the dangers of unexamined religious paths while sharing insights from young men navigating these challenges. They explore educational disparities among races and classes, and emphasize redefining manhood through vulnerability and support.

Leah Somerville, a Harvard psychology professor, and Connor Wood, a research scholar specializing in rituals, dive into the complex world of adolescence. They discuss how adolescence is a critical transitional stage, highlighting the unique development of the adolescent brain. The conversation reveals the importance of rites of passage in helping young people navigate adulthood. They also touch on the cultural significance of these rituals and the challenges of defining adulthood in modern America, offering insights on personal growth and societal expectations.

Join philosopher Philip Goff, an expert on panpsychism, and theologian Joanna Leidenhag, who bridges faith and philosophy, as they explore the groundbreaking idea that consciousness might be a core property of reality itself. They discuss how this perspective could reshape our understanding of consciousness across cultures and religions. The conversation dives into the implications for humanity's connection to nature and the re-enchantment of the world, challenging us to rethink our role within the universe.