
Understanding Emotions
How do we become more emotionally intelligent? How do we set boundaries? Join me in this podcast as we explore every corner of our minds. Our mission? To live the most healthy and happy life possible.
Latest episodes

Jan 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
Magic and Psychology: A Conversation with Fergus Flanagan
In this episode, I am joined by magician Fergus Flanagan. We talk about the relationship between psychology and magic, ethics of using deception in magic, the power of storytelling, and more.
About Fergus: Based in London, Fergus is a BAFTA award-winning magician and mindreader who has performed over 2000 shows globally since he started doing magic more than 20 years ago. His experience ranges from private and corporate events to virtual shows and television presenting. Throughout the last 10 years, Fergus has featured on BBC, SKY, ITV and Channel 4.
A member of the world-renowned Magic Circle, Fergus was crowned ‘Virtual Magician of the Year’ in 2022 by the society in recognition of his success during the pandemic when he performed virtual shows for companies including Amazon, TikTok, Microsoft and HSBC. His vast experience makes him one of the most in-demand magicians in the world today.

Nov 23, 2024 • 17min
How to deal with uncertainty
In this super spontaneous episode, I talk about how to deal with uncertainty.
If you haven't already, take the emotional intelligence scorecard here: https://sankalp-ua94japp.scoreapp.com

Nov 4, 2024 • 31min
The Power of Long Term Thinking (and a heart-to-heart message for you)
In this episode, I talk about the power of long term thinking
Measure your emotional intelligence here.
Get your FREE score and personalised recommendations.Website: sankalpgarud.org

Sep 14, 2024 • 30min
Supplements I Take for Sleep, Performance, and Longevity
Get your free emotional intelligence score: https://sankalp-ua94japp.scoreapp.com
In this episode of 'Understanding Emotions', I dive into the supplements that I take daily. We discuss foundational supplements like multivitamins, omega-3s, and vitamin D, as well as sports and sleep supplements such as creatine and magnesium. Additionally, I touch on supplements for skin health and dealing with the common cold. Remember, consult your medical professional before making any changes to your routine. 🧘♂️💭
If we haven't met, 👋 I'm Sankalp, a DPhil student in psychology at the University of Oxford.
00:00 Introduction to Understanding Emotions
00:24 Why Discuss Health in an Emotions Podcast?
00:33 The Importance of Physical Health for Mental Well-being
01:37 Foundations of Health: Sleep, Exercise, Nutrition
02:18 Introduction to Supplements
02:58 Foundational Supplements: Multivitamins and More
07:06 Sports Supplements: Creatine
09:18 Energy and Longevity: NMN and More
11:39 Skincare Supplements: Retinoid
13:44 Optimizing Sleep: Magnesium, L-theanine, and more
15:51 Fighting the Common Cold: Zinc and NAC
19:41 Dental Health: N-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
23:06 Exploring Longevity: Brian Johnson's Mix
25:03 Recovery and Performance: Glutamine and Rhodiola
27:56 Conclusion: Health and Emotional Resilience

Sep 4, 2024 • 14min
Which is better? Psychology or Neuroscience?
Get your emotional intelligence score: https://sankalp-ua94japp.scoreapp.com
What is better: psychology or neuroscience? 🤔 In this episode of Understanding Emotions, I dive deep into both fields to answer this common question. As a PhD student in psychology and neuroscience at the University of Oxford, I explore the distinctions between studying the mind and studying the brain, the core problem of suffering, and how each discipline addresses mental health. We also touch upon related areas like psychiatry, social connection, and the unity of knowledge beyond compartmentalized fields. Whether you're curious about your emotions or a student deciding on your major, this conversation will provide valuable insights. 🌟🧠💡
00:00 Psychology vs. Neuroscience
00:35 Defining Psychology and Neuroscience
00:53 The Hard Problem of Consciousness
01:42 Addressing Suffering: Psychology's Role
06:02 Neuroscience's Contribution to Understanding Suffering
07:15 The Interconnectedness of Mind and Brain
11:00 Beyond Psychology and Neuroscience
12:15 Holistic Approach to Understanding Emotions
Website: https://sankalpgarud.org

Aug 25, 2024 • 1h 53min
Exploring Dunbar's Number and Gender Dynamics with Professor Robin Dunbar
Free guide on emotional intelligence: https://newsletter.sankalpgarud.org/52waysguide
In this episode, I sit down with the esteemed Professor Robin Dunbar, emeritus professor of evolutionary psychology at the University of Oxford. We dive into Dunbar's Number and the science behind the limits of human relationships. Our discussion spans various topics, including the formation of friendships, the importance of shared humor, gender differences in attraction, and the dynamics of dating. We also explore how cultural and environmental factors influence social networks, the impact of online dating, and the intriguing neuroscience of relationships. Join us for a deep dive into how our relationships shape our health, happiness, and wellbeing.
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:07 Meet Professor Robin Dunbar
02:07 The Importance of Friendships
05:14 The Science Behind Friendships
08:06 Understanding Dunbar's Number
10:23 Layers of Relationships
35:54 Gender Differences in Friendships
57:41 Understanding Social Styles and Their Origins
59:50 The Role of Mentalizing and Inhibition in Social Systems
01:01:00 Diplomacy and Gender Differences in Social Skills
01:02:27 Romantic Relationships: Polyamory, Monogamy, and Pair Bonding
01:17:02 Gender Differences in Attraction and Relationship Dynamics
01:37:28 The Impact of Online Dating and Social Media on Relationships
01:51:56 Concluding Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 44min
NHS Doctor Sanchit Turaga: The fundamentals of health
Free newsletter and more: https://newsletter.sankalpgarud.org/52waysguide
In this episode of the Understanding Emotions, we explore the crucial pillars of health—sleep, exercise, and nutrition—while diving into the ethical and scientific dimensions of biohacking and longevity.
Dr Sanchit Turuga is a medical doctor at the UK's National Health Service and a DPhil (PhD) student in medicine at the University of Oxford.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:25 Foundations of Good Health
03:34 Challenges in Maintaining Health
06:10 The Importance of Sleep
18:53 Exercise: The Second Pillar of Health
32:59 The Impact of Diet on Health
33:39 Debating the Benefits of Vegetarianism
35:05 The Need for More Research
35:57 Practical Challenges of Changing Diets
37:10 Concluding Thoughts on Nutrition
38:34 The Role of Supplements in Health
45:06 The Common Cold and Immunity
51:18 The Debate on Health Tracking and Measurement
01:00:33 The Concept of Longevity Clinics
01:08:05 The Parabiosis Experiment and Blood Transfusions
01:10:28 Biohacking and Longevity Optimization
01:12:21 Caloric Restriction and Exercise for Longevity
01:15:31 The Debate on Aging as a Disease
01:18:15 Personalized Medicine and Supplementation
01:29:28 Gut Microbiome: The New Frontier
01:38:11 Personalized Medicine and Alternative Therapies
01:43:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jun 30, 2024 • 1h 23min
The Learning Expert: How to Get Better at Anything (including emotional intelligence) | Scott Young
Free guide on emotional intelligence: https://newsletter.sankalpgarud.org/52waysguide
In this episode, I talk with Scott Young on how to master learning. We talk about his new book Get Better at Anything. We talk about important topics in learning such as the role of feedback, the problem of transfer, importance of meta learning, and more.
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Meet Scott Young: The Learning Expert
02:09 About Get Better at Anything (Scott's new book)
06:18 The Emotional Payoff of Learning
08:29 Classifying Skills
15:28 The Role of Identity in Learning
21:59 Directness vs. Building Blocks in Learning
29:20 The Effectiveness of Standardized Testing
32:49 The Transfer of Skills: Chess as a Case Study
41:02 Addressing Criticisms and Beliefs in Meta Learning
42:44 Defining Meta Learning
45:21 Debunking Learning Styles Theory
49:16 The Importance of Meta Learning in Skill Acquisition
50:25 Exploring Personal Learning Projects
59:13 The Role of Feedback
01:11:17 Future Directions in Learning Research
01:20:46 Practical Tips for Your Learning Journey

May 17, 2024 • 46min
How to Not Nice - Full Guide
https://newsletter.sankalpgarud.org/52waysguide
Ever feel like you're always putting others first, even if it means neglecting yourself? This episode dives deep into the surprising downsides of being "too nice." I explains how people-pleasing tendencies can lead to burnout , stifle your voice , and even damage your relationships.
If we haven't met 👋, my name is Sankalp, I am a PhD student in psychology at the University of Oxford.
We'll explore the root causes of this behavior (often linked to childhood experiences!), and learn powerful strategies to overcome it. I will show you how to set healthy boundaries, manage that pesky guilt monster, and finally develop the assertiveness you deserve .
This episode is your chance to understand why you might be "too nice," and take control of your happiness! Join me and let's build a more balanced and fulfilling life together! #selfcare #boundaries #assertiveness #personalgrowth #psychology
00:00 Introduction
03:16 Niceness is not the same as goodness
08:01 The selfishness spectrum
12:15 Resentment
13:03 Over-responsibility
13:46 Solution to niceness
14:42 Guilt
20:08 Covert contracts
21:50 Role of childhood
24:33 Exercise: find your rules
27:13 How to not blame others
28:41 Passive aggressiveness
31:48 Silent Treatment
32:37 Exercise: bill of rights
34:53 What are rights
36:30 Most social rules are malleable
37:28 Communication hacks
39:08 Putting it all into practice
39:55 Mindfulness meditation
42:11 Mind body pain
44:46 The cost of niceness

Apr 18, 2024 • 1h 28min
The Neuroscience of Friendships: Why We Connect & How to Do it Better
Free guide on emotional intelligence: https://newsletter.sankalpgarud.org/52waysguide
In this video, I talk about loneliness, social connection, friendship and the likes. I explore both the science and the practice of making friends.
Who am I?
If we haven't met before, I am Sankalp, a PhD student in Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford. My aim is to significantly increase happiness and well-being in this world. On this channel I talk about all things psychology, both from the inside (think emotions) and from the outside (think brain).
00:00 Trailer
02:35 Podcast begins
04:59 Exploring the Grant Study: The Importance of Social Bonds
08:39 Loneliness vs. Social Network Sizes: A Deep Dive into Studies
13:14 The Neuroscience of Social Connection: Brain Mechanisms and Hormones
15:48 How many friends can I have at once
20:09 Impact of decreasing family sizes on lonelinesss
22:17 Role of endorphins
27:37 Meditation and default mode network
30:33 Empathy and mirror neurons
34:46 Social context and social mistakes
36:32 Social connection as a fundamental human need
40:14 Gut health and social anxiety
43:03 Social Status and Its Impact: Understanding Our Social Hierarchy
45:20 Fear of rejection
46:50 Overcoming Fear and Rejection in Social Interactions
49:35 Tip: Talk to strangers
52:14 Do Looks Matter?
53:39 Key Factors in Forming Friendships: Similarity, Proximity, and Familiarity
56:40 How many hours to go from friend to stranger?
58:05 Tip: Acceptance
58:57 Tip: Choosing right environments, cities, and venues
01:00:46 Tip: Optimising nutrition
01:01:30 Tip: How to overcome fear of rejection
01:06:08 Tip Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity for Deeper Connections
01:07:32 Tip: Friendly greetings
01:08:37 Building self-esteem
01:10:49 The halo effect
01:12:20 Internal Family Systems Model
01:16:11 Conversation skills
01:23:26 My personal experience eliminating social anxiety