Hidden Brain

In this discussion, psychologist Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University expert on altruism, delves into why some individuals risk their lives to help strangers. She highlights fascinating stories of selfless acts, such as a stranger saving a driver in distress and kidney donors giving without expectation. Marsh explores the innate human drive for kindness, revealing how extraordinary altruism can emerge even in crises. Listeners are encouraged to foster their own altruistic tendencies, bridging fear and courage into meaningful actions.

Jonathan Adler, a psychologist focused on narrative psychology, shares insights on how the stories we tell ourselves can shape our mental health and well-being. He discusses the importance of reframing narratives to foster growth and resilience. Max Bazerman, a behavioral scientist at Harvard, dives into the science of negotiation, emphasizing how biases impact our decision-making. Their conversation reveals practical strategies for both personal storytelling and negotiation that can transform lives and enhance emotional wellbeing.

Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher and author from the City College of New York, dives into the wisdom of Stoicism. He shares how Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations' reveals that being stoic isn't about suppressing emotions but embracing acceptance and self-reflection. Their discussion covers harnessing Stoic principles to face life's challenges, navigating personal transitions, and dealing with health scares. Massimo emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we can control and living fully in the present, blending ancient philosophy with contemporary struggles.

Psychologist Iris Mauss, who studies happiness at UC Berkeley, reveals why chasing happiness can often make it more elusive, stressing the value of emotional acceptance and social connections. Behavioral scientist Alison Wood Brooks from Harvard shares expert advice on improving conversations—like handling chatty or quiet partners and minimizing interruptions. They emphasize setting clear conversational goals and how embracing distress can lead to deeper relational bonds and greater contentment.

Jon Jachimowicz, a behavioral scientist from Harvard Business School, dives into the complexities of passion. He reveals why passions often fade over time and how to keep them alive by channeling old interests into new pursuits. The discussion touches on personal narratives and the emotional struggles of turning passion into a profession. Jachimowicz also explores the challenges of burnout and offers self-reflective questions for regaining enthusiasm, encouraging listeners to rethink what passion means in their lives.

Victor Strecher, a public health researcher at the University of Michigan and author of "Life on Purpose," discusses the quest for a meaningful life. He shares insights on how to navigate personal grief and resilience, drawing from transformative experiences, including his own. The conversation highlights the power of purpose in enhancing mental well-being and influencing emotional regulation. Through compelling stories and scientific findings, Strecher encourages listeners to align their actions with core values to create lasting fulfillment.

Rob Willer, a sociologist at Stanford, and Kenji Yoshino, a legal scholar at NYU, delve into the art of persuasion and the intricacies of identity. They explore the psychology behind winning arguments and emphasize the importance of empathy in bridging political divides. With insights on 'covering,' Yoshino shares how societal pressures affect authenticity. The duo discusses effective protest tactics and the significance of understanding differing viewpoints, urging listeners to engage in open conversations to enrich their perspectives.

Michael Inzlicht, a psychologist at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Mary Pan, a family physician from Seattle, dive into the allure of embracing challenges. They explore how difficult tasks, from playing instruments to running marathons, ultimately lead to deeper satisfaction. Inzlicht discusses the effort paradox and the psychological rewards of overcoming struggles, while Pan shares her transformative experiences during tough trail runs. Together, they highlight how discomfort can cultivate growth and meaning in our lives.

Join psychologist Paul Bloom from the University of Toronto as he explores why we sometimes crave pain. He uncovers surprising behaviors like choosing mild electric shocks over silence. Delve into the psychology behind benign masochism and how shared suffering can strengthen social bonds. Bloom discusses the allure of fear in fiction and how it helps us prepare for real-life challenges. Discover the paradox of finding pleasure in contrasting experiences and the complexities of self-punishment.

In this engaging discussion, James Kimmel Jr., a Lecturer at Yale's Department of Psychiatry, explores the psychology of revenge. He reveals how our yearning for vengeance can resemble addiction, fueled by emotional turmoil and primal instincts. Kimmel examines intriguing historical figures like Hitler and Stalin to illustrate the global impact of revenge. He also touches on the importance of empathy in redefining justice and the potential healing power of forgiveness. This thought-provoking conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences with retribution.