Hidden Brain

Justin Berg, a researcher in organizational behavior at Stanford, dives into what defines lasting success. He discusses why many talented individuals never reach their peak potential, drawing parallels between historical figures and modern creators. The conversation explores the psychology of creativity using the evolution of the Star Wars franchise and contrasts different filmmakers' journeys. Berg also examines the tension between maintaining originality and achieving popularity, revealing insights relevant to creators across industries.

Clinical psychologist Kevin Cokley from the University of Michigan dives deep into the psychology of self-doubt and the imposter phenomenon. He shares personal experiences of navigating self-doubt in academia, particularly for underrepresented groups. The conversation highlights how even successful individuals like Viola Davis face feelings of fraudulence. Cokley offers practical strategies to combat self-doubt in competitive environments, showcasing the dual-edged nature of such feelings as not only obstacles but also catalysts for growth.

Lauren Nordgren, an organizational psychologist at Northwestern's Kellogg School, shares insights on overcoming invisible barriers to innovation. She reveals that pushing harder often backfires, while understanding underlying anxieties opens new pathways. The discussion dives into the concepts of 'fuel' and 'friction' in motivation, illustrating how small changes ease decision-making. Nordgren also examines societal resistance to change through the lens of reactance, showcasing the complexities of fostering progress in both personal and professional realms.

Do you love the ideas we explore on Hidden Brain and want more of them? Then please join Hidden Brain+, our new podcast subscription. You’ll find new episodes not available anywhere else, plus the chance to have your questions answered by the researchers we feature on the show. Find Hidden Brain+ exclusively on the Apple Podcasts app beginning May 25. Thanks, and see you there! -Shankar 

Uri Gneezy, an economist from UC San Diego, uncovers the fascinating world of incentives and their impact on behavior. He explains how well-intentioned rewards can sometimes backfire, like the unintended consequences seen in China’s Great Sparrow Campaign. Delving into education and work, Gneezy discusses the balance between intrinsic motivation and targeted incentives. He also highlights the dark side of performance incentives, exemplified by the Wells Fargo scandal, urging a reevaluation of how we frame and implement these motivation strategies.

Join economist John List, renowned for his insights into decision-making, as he examines the fine line between perseverance and stubbornness. He discusses the importance of knowing when to pivot instead of simply pushing through, addressing the emotional complexities of quitting and navigating career changes. List also shares personal stories that highlight how societal pressures influence our decisions and the significance of understanding when to let go for greater happiness. His fresh perspective challenges conventional wisdom about success.

We all have moments in our lives when we see someone who could use a helping hand. It could be a friend who recently went through a breakup, an elderly person trying to load groceries into their car, or a stranger on the street who looks a little lost. We tell ourselves we should help, but then something stops us. This week, psychologist Amit Kumar helps us understand what keeps us from taking a moment to be kind, and how to overcome these barriers to create stronger, happier connections. Have you ever had a moment when you blank out on your best friend's name, or forget the passcode to your phone? If you want to understand why, and how to improve your memory, be sure to check out last week's episode, Remember More, Forget Less. And for more Hidden Brain, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter! You can sign up at news.hiddenbrain.org. 

Daniel Willingham, a cognitive scientist, dives deep into the fascinating world of memory. He discusses how memory functions and the common reasons it fails us, including the illusion of knowledge. Willingham explores effective strategies for retaining information, emphasizing the power of storytelling and engagement. He highlights the difference between passive and active learning, and provides practical techniques to enhance memory recall. With relatable anecdotes, he reveals how understanding memory can improve our everyday lives.

It used to be that we tried our best to conceal disadvantages, hardships, and humiliations. But new research explores a curious shift: some people are flaunting limitations that don't exist. This week, we talk to psychologists Karl Aquino and Jillian Jordan about the strange phenomenon of wanting to seem worse off than we really are.Think back to the last time you tried to win an argument. What could you have done to bolster your case? Check out our recent episode "Less is More" for helpful strategies. And if you like our work, please consider supporting it! See how you can help at support.hiddenbrain.org.  

Damon Centola, a sociologist at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Change," delves into the fascinating world of social contagion. He discusses why some ideas and movements, like the Black Lives Matter movement, gain traction while others fail. The conversation reveals the significant role of social networks in amplifying messages and the impact of 'super spreaders' in shaping public perception. Centola shares insights into the dynamics of historical movements and the emotional barriers that affect how complex behaviors spread.