Hidden Brain

In this engaging discussion, George Bonanno, a psychologist and author, sheds light on his groundbreaking research on trauma and resilience. He explores how many people recover from tragedies faster than expected, challenging traditional views on grief. Bonanno critiques the linear model of grief stages, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of emotional responses. He emphasizes the importance of social connections in overcoming adversity and highlights that resilience isn't just about bouncing back but also about embracing growth through struggle.

Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, a psychologist and neuroscientist at USC, discusses the essence of engagement in learning. She dives into why traditional educational settings often lead to apathy and shares her own journey of discovering the power of experiential learning. Immordino-Yang highlights how emotional responses significantly affect our motivation to learn and the transformative impact of connecting personal narratives to broader societal issues. Her insights advocate for a shift in education that prioritizes curiosity, emotional engagement, and meaningful learning experiences.

Laura Carstensen, a psychologist at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, discusses groundbreaking insights into aging. She explains how our emotional well-being often improves with age, challenging common stereotypes about cognitive decline. Carstensen highlights the shift in perspectives on time, which enhances social relationships and encourages savoring positive experiences. She also addresses the complex interplay between happiness, financial security, and the impact of mortality awareness on life choices, revealing the wisdom that comes with growing older.

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.