Hidden Brain

Ara Norenzayan, a psychologist focused on the brain's relationship with belief systems, discusses how faith shapes human cognition. He delves into the psychological roots of religious beliefs, exploring how our understanding of the divine enhances emotional connections. The conversation touches on the paradox of happiness in wealthier societies and the role of religion in promoting well-being. Norenzayan emphasizes that both religious and non-religious individuals can find meaningful connections that enrich their lives.

Corey Keyes, a sociologist specializing in emotions and social well-being, explores the often misunderstood feeling of emptiness that affects many. He shares insights into why people may feel unfulfilled despite apparent success and the struggles of new parents navigating societal expectations. Keyes highlights the state of 'languishing,' where individuals grapple with emotional discontent. He emphasizes the power of social connections and pursuing genuine fulfillment over superficial happiness as crucial in combating feelings of emptiness.

In this conversation with philosopher Ted Slingerland, he explores the dangers of overthinking and the benefits of letting go. He discusses how excessive striving can backfire, offering insights into the balance between intuition and analysis. Ted humorously shares dating blunders, tying them to the importance of authenticity in connections. The discussion highlights the concept of 'wu-wei' or effortless action in achieving a state of flow, revealing how relaxing into experiences often leads to better outcomes in life, creativity, and relationships.

Leidy Klotz, an engineer at the University of Virginia, dives into the often-ignored power of subtraction in innovation. He discusses how simplifying ideas can spark creativity and improve problem-solving. Klotz shares a personal anecdote about building a Lego bridge, illustrating how removing elements can lead to innovative solutions. The conversation highlights the benefits of a 'stop doing list' to boost productivity and explores how crises can force meaningful reductions, transforming our thinking towards embracing less for greater impact.

Bob Sutton, an organizational psychologist at Stanford University, discusses the often frustrating gap between brainstorming and actual innovation. He explains the concept of 'innovation theater,' where great ideas go nowhere. Sutton shares insights on navigating bureaucratic inefficiencies, drawing from personal experiences, and emphasizes the role of friction in driving change within teams. He also highlights the balance between creating smooth processes and allowing friction to enhance creativity. His practical advice helps bridge the gap between ideas and execution.

In this conversation with Vanessa Bohns, a Cornell University psychologist specializing in social influence, listeners explore the concept of egocentric bias. She reveals how people often overlook the power they hold when making requests. Bohns discusses the dynamics of social pressure, offering insights on how it skews our perception of influence. The episode sheds light on how understanding these biases can enhance personal connections and improve our ability to ask for what we need, reinforcing the importance of recognizing our own persuasive potential.

Mary Murphy, a researcher focused on cultures of genius, discusses how societal perceptions of talent can stifle individual and organizational growth. She highlights the Stark contrast between fixed and growth mindsets, addressing the impact on student engagement and workplace dynamics. Murphy critiques the pressure of competitive ranking systems and explores the benefits of fostering a growth-oriented culture. She shares insights on creating environments that encourage effort and collaboration, essential for unlocking potential and thriving.

Saras Sarasvathy, a Professor at the University of Virginia and an expert in entrepreneurship, shares her insights on navigating the unpredictable path of goal pursuit. She discusses how adaptability is crucial in entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of personal interactions and relationships in sustaining a business. Saras delves into decision-making pitfalls, using the downfall of Blockbuster as a cautionary tale, while contrasting novice and expert approaches. Her perspective encourages embracing uncertainty, revealing how unexpected challenges can foster innovation.

Psychologist Peter Gray from Boston College explores the delicate balance between children's freedom and parental oversight. He discusses how modern parenting has shifted towards excessive supervision, often stifling creativity and independence. Delving into lessons from hunter-gatherer societies, he emphasizes the value of unstructured play for learning. With anecdotes from nostalgic childhood experiences, Gray highlights the crucial role of exploration in developing problem-solving skills and social connections, advocating for a shift towards fostering autonomy in kids.

Judson Brewer, a psychiatrist at Brown University and expert on cravings and mindfulness, dives into the fascinating science behind our cravings. He shares relatable stories about battling desires and the emotional complexities of eating, illustrating the struggle with the 'craving monster' within us. Brewer emphasizes the importance of curiosity over willpower, exploring how understanding our urges can lead to healthier choices. He also discusses the roles of trauma and emotional triggers, highlighting innovative strategies for managing cravings effectively.