
Hidden Brain
Why do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? What can I do to improve my relationships? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. On Hidden Brain, we help you understand your own mind — and the minds of the people around you. (We're routinely rated the #1 science podcast in the United States.) Hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam.
Latest episodes

Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 32min
You 2.0: The Path to Contentment + Your Questions Answered on Conversations
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.

Jul 7, 2025 • 49min
You 2.0: The Passion Pill
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.

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
You 2.0: What Is Your Life For?
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.

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 26min
Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and "Covering"
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.

Jun 16, 2025 • 51min
Doing it the Hard Way
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.

Jun 9, 2025 • 51min
Ouch! That Feels Great
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.

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Price of Revenge
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.

May 26, 2025 • 56min
Do I Know You? (A Hidden Brain-Revisionist History special on facial recognition)
Lucy Sullivan, a producer for Revisionist History, joins a discussion on the layered complexities of facial recognition. They delve into the struggles of face blindness, showcasing personal anecdotes that highlight its social implications. Lucy's exceptional skills contrast with those who grapple with recognition challenges, including host Malcolm Gladwell. The conversation also touches on the amusing and awkward moments in social settings, emphasizing the emotional weight of our relational connections. It’s a compelling exploration of how we perceive faces and the profound effects on our interactions.

May 19, 2025 • 55min
How Much Do We Really Know?
Phil Fernbach, a cognitive scientist at the Leeds School of Business, dives into the 'illusion of knowledge'. He discusses how we often overestimate our understanding of simple things, like toilet mechanisms, and explores the dangers of overconfidence in areas like science and finance. Fernbach emphasizes the need for self-reflection and understanding the complexities behind our assumptions. He also touches on the role of curiosity and compassion in navigating political perspectives and fostering open-mindedness.

May 12, 2025 • 48min
Forget About It!
Ciara Greene, a psychologist from University College Dublin, dives into the fascinating science of forgetting. She unpacks why we remember some moments vividly while others fade away, challenging the stigma around forgetfulness. Explore the neurological foundations of memory and the surprising benefits of letting go. Greene brings personal anecdotes and research to life, shedding light on the emotional complexities of memory, including the curious case of those with extraordinary recall. Forgetfulness, it turns out, may be a gift in disguise!