Hidden Brain

Tom Pearson, an anthropologist and father, shares his heart-wrenching journey after his daughter Michaela was diagnosed with Down syndrome. He delves into the evolving definitions of 'normal,' contrasting past societal views with contemporary insights. Pearson confronts the emotional and societal complexities surrounding disabilities, emphasizing the need for advocacy against outdated stigma. His personal narrative challenges historical perceptions and invites a broader discussion on inclusion, showcasing how individual stories reshape our understanding of disability.

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist known for reshaping our understanding of human behavior, explores the intricacies of decision-making. He delves into the balance of luck and talent that influenced his career and shares poignant memories from his life. The conversation highlights cognitive biases like hindsight and the peak-end rule, emphasizing lessons from memory and suffering. Kahneman also addresses the implications of noise in decision-making, its effects on various sectors, and strategies to improve judgment.

Guy Itzchakov, a psychologist from the University of Haifa, dives into the vital skill of listening in conversations. He discusses how poor listening leads to misunderstandings and arguments, often complicating friendships and relationships. Itzchakov emphasizes the transformative power of active listening, illustrating its impact even during disagreements on contentious topics. He shares research findings and practical strategies to enhance listening skills, ensuring deeper connections and improved communication in both personal and professional settings.

Jason Rinka, son of John and Stephanie Rinka, reflects on his mother's final days, offering poignant insights into the complexities of end-of-life decisions. He discusses the evolution of conversations about dying within families, showcasing the emotional challenges and fears that arise. The narrative moves beyond theoretical views of death to reveal the raw, heartfelt discussions about dignity, love, and the urgency of making critical medical choices. Jason's story underscores how initial beliefs can shift dramatically in the face of personal loss.

Psychologist Jonathan Haidt from New York University dives into the rising anxiety and depression among young Americans, linking it to the pervasive impact of social media. He discusses the importance of understanding our moral beliefs and how they shape our perceptions. Haidt also highlights alarming trends in academia regarding free speech and underlines the urgent need for protective measures in children's digital lives. His insights offer a roadmap to improving the mental health of younger generations in today's technology-driven landscape.

Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist specializing in the psychology of fear, dives into the complex and dual nature of fear in this enlightening discussion. He explores how fear can both protect us and hinder personal growth, illustrated through stories of stage fright and childhood anxieties. The conversation highlights the evolutionary roots of fear, its impact on decision-making, and innovative methods like mindfulness and exposure therapy to confront unwarranted fears. Ultimately, Javanbakht emphasizes that embracing fear can lead to resilience and empowerment.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Steve Inskeep delves into Abraham Lincoln's moral dilemmas as a leader during the Civil War. He explores how Lincoln navigated the conflicting values of his time, particularly on slavery, by examining key relationships and experiences that shaped his views. Inskeep highlights Lincoln's pragmatic approach, demonstrating that moral convictions often required compromise for greater progress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy and dialogue in addressing social issues, making it a captivating reflection on leadership and ethics.

We typically divide the country into two distinct groups: Democrats and Republicans. But what if the real political divide in our country isn’t between “left” and “right”? What if it’s between those who care intensely about politics, and those who don’t? This week, we bring you a favorite 2020 conversation with political scientist Yanna Krupnikov, who offers an alternative way to understand Americans’ political views.For more of our reporting on the intersection between politics and psychology, check out our episode about political hobbyism. You might also like this classic episode about how we come to our political values and beliefs. Thanks for listening! 

Psychologist Peter Coleman, a conflict resolution expert from Columbia University, delves into the complexities of disagreements both personal and global. He describes how minor disputes can escalate and offers strategies to defuse tensions. Coleman shares insights on navigating political divides in neighborhoods and the emotional challenges faced during intense campus conflicts. He emphasizes the healing power of compassion and the potential for dialogue to bridge gaps, illustrating these points with impactful stories from his work.

There's a saying that's attributed to the Dalai Lama: in the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher. It's a nice idea, but in reality, when people don't share our values, it's hard for us to tolerate theirs. This week, we talk with sociologist Robb Willer about the common mistakes we make in trying to persuade others of our point of view — and how we can break out of our echo chambers.Did you catch last week's kick-off to our US 2.0 series? You can find it in this podcast feed, and here.