Hidden Brain

Coltan Scrivner, a psychologist and researcher from Arizona State University, explores the intriguing phenomenon of morbid curiosity. He discusses how our fascination with horror and true crime spikes after real-life tragedies. Coltan shares insights on the evolutionary roots of this curiosity and how scary stories serve as a tool for learning and resilience during tough times. He also reveals that horror fans often possess higher cognitive empathy, debunking stereotypes about their emotional depth. Get ready to dive into the psychology of fear!

Psychologist Peter Gray, an expert on child development and play, highlights the importance of independent play for children. He discusses how modern parenting often stifles children's initiative and problem-solving skills due to over-involvement. Peter shares insights on the benefits of mixed-age play and how societal fears have increased restrictions on children's freedom. He advocates for simple questions from parents to foster autonomy and describes successful models, like play clubs, that promote unstructured play. A thought-provoking conversation on nurturing independence in kids!

Psychologist Robyn Fivush, known for her research on family storytelling and its impact on memory and resilience, delves into how family narratives shape identity. She highlights the emotional benefits of sharing stories and their role in enhancing self-esteem and coping skills. Philosopher Massimo Pigliucci addresses Stoicism, emphasizing its focus on rational emotion regulation and the importance of actionable ethics. He also clarifies misconceptions, discusses grief, and shares techniques for maintaining presence of mind in challenging situations.

Huggy Rao, a Stanford professor specializing in entrepreneurship and organizational design, and Robb Willer, a sociologist focused on political engagement, dive into the complexities of pursuing dreams. Rao discusses the critical balance between creative vision and practical execution, using case studies like the failed Fyre Festival and the DMV's successful reforms. Willer answers listener questions about bridging political divides, emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue and understanding different perspectives to foster better engagement.

Psychologist Marc Berman from the University of Chicago dives into the transformative power of nature on our minds. He reveals how exposure to natural environments can enhance mood, bolster cognitive function, and aid recovery from mental health issues like PTSD and depression. Berman highlights studies showing faster recovery in hospital patients with nature views and discusses the benefits of short nature walks. He even advocates for doctors to prescribe nature as therapy, emphasizing its profound effects on wellbeing and decision-making.

Stuart Ablon, a Harvard psychologist and author of "Changeable," dives into the intricacies of behavior change and skill-building. He challenges the belief that misbehavior stems from willpower rather than skill deficits, emphasizing that children often lack cognitive tools rather than motivation. Ablon introduces the concept of Collaborative Problem Solving, highlighting empathy and joint solutions as key to fostering lasting change. He shares practical insights and success stories that reveal the power of reframing our approach to behavior management.

Join psychologist Antonio Pascual-Leone, who specializes in emotions and the intricacies of breakups, as he shares insights on the common mistakes made during relationship endings. He discusses practical tools for processing grief, including lists, unsent letters, and the empty-chair technique. Cognitive scientist Phil Fernbach returns to explore the illusion of knowledge, explaining how overconfidence can mislead us about our understanding. Together, they tackle how narratives inform recovery and the importance of intellectual humility in navigating discussions.

Eli Finkel, a social psychologist and author, explores the evolving expectations of marriage, emphasizing the need for realistic relationship strategies to combat modern challenges. He highlights the 'suffocation' phenomenon of high marital expectations and offers insights like the Michelangelo Effect, where partners encourage each other's growth. Jonathan Adler, a psychologist specializing in narrative identity, discusses how the stories we construct shape our well-being, illustrating the power of narrative reframing and the impact of redemption versus contamination stories on mental health.

When things go wrong in our relationships, we often try to change the way our partners behave. But usually, trying to fix a person only makes things worse. Last week, we talked to psychologist James Cordova about why this tendency can be so damaging, and what to do instead. This week, we explore another difficult but effective way to strengthen our relationships. Then, on Your Questions Answered, we bring back researcher Victor Strecher, who studies purpose. Vic spoke with us in June about the death of his daughter, and how it changed his own outlook on purpose. That conversation, which was called "You 2.0: What Is Your Life For?" had a powerful impact on many listeners. We'll hear Vic's responses to their thoughts and questions. What have you learned about changing your partner in the course of your relationship? Have you come up with ways to accept your partner's flaws? If you have questions or comments for James Cordova, and you'd be willing to share with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a short voice memo on your phone and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line "acceptance." Thanks! The Hidden Brain tour is continuing, with our next stops just a few days away! Join us in Baltimore on October 11 or Washington, D.C. on October 12 to see Shankar live on stage. We'll also be in Los Angeles on November 22, and more dates in 2026 are coming soon. For more info and tickets, head to hiddenbrain.org/tour. Episode illustration by Paris Bilal for Unsplash+.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this discussion, psychologist James Cordova explores the nuances of long-term relationships. He reveals how attempts to change a partner can backfire, highlighting the importance of acceptance over conflict. Cordova introduces concepts like the porcupine-turtle dynamic, emphasizing how understanding relationship patterns can foster collaboration. Additionally, behavioral scientist Jan Yachimovich shares insights on sustaining passion through routine and experimentation, illustrating that passion is a practice requiring ongoing attention and curiosity.