Hidden Brain

The United States, we’re told, is increasingly a house divided. Conservatives and progressives are so alienated from each other that conversation is virtually impossible. But are we really as divided as we’re led to believe? As we begin what promises to be a pivotal election season, we're kicking off a new series about how we form our political beliefs. We're calling it "US 2.0." We begin with psychologist Kurt Gray, who studies how we think about our political allies and  opponents — and how these insights can help us to chart a new path forward. Have you tried to talk with someone who disagrees with you about politics? Have you found effective ways to get through? If you’d be willing to share your stories with the Hidden Brain audience,  along with any questions you have for Kurt Gray, please record a voice memo and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line “politics.”  And thanks!

Elizabeth Loftus, a renowned psychologist, dives into the fascinating world of memory and its surprising fragility. She discusses how memories can be distorted and even fabricated, revealing the psychological mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Through compelling examples, including the influence of question phrasing on eyewitness testimonies, Loftus highlights the complexities of recalling past events. The conversation underscores the implications for both personal recollections and legal settings, urging listeners to rethink the reliability of their memories.

In this discussion, psychologist Gloria Mark from UC Irvine shares her expertise on how our digital lives are reshaping our attention spans. She highlights the paradox of technology, which enhances communication yet diminishes focus. Mark provides practical strategies to navigate distractions, improve workplace concentration, and emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals. Through engaging anecdotes, she encourages listeners to reflect on their habits and adopt a balanced approach to work and personal life for better focus and well-being.

Lisa Feldman Barrett, a renowned psychologist and neuroscientist, shares her groundbreaking insights on emotions as predictions rather than mere reactions. She discusses how our upbringing shapes emotional responsibility and the complexities of family dynamics. Barrett emphasizes the brain’s predictive power, revealing that emotions are influenced by context and personal experiences. She offers innovative parenting strategies, encourages reframing anxiety, and highlights ways to use these insights for personal growth and improved emotional understanding.

This week, Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor, shares her insights on how we can learn from mistakes. She discusses the difference between constructive failures that foster growth and harmful errors we should avoid. The conversation highlights the importance of a supportive culture in organizations, especially in high-stakes environments like healthcare. By embracing intelligent failure, she argues, we can transform setbacks into valuable learning opportunities, driving innovation and enhancing safety.

Tamar Gendler, a Yale philosopher, dives into the timeless insights of ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates and Aristotle. She discusses how Socratic wisdom reveals the gap between intention and action, urging self-reflection to align one's values with behaviors. Gendler highlights the 'divided self' concept, exploring internal conflicts that shape identity. With humor, she illustrates how understanding these complexities can guide us through modern challenges, emphasizing that ancient philosophies still hold invaluable lessons for today's dilemmas.

In this discussion, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Hidden Potential," explores the science behind human potential. He delves into overcoming personal obstacles, revealing how feelings of inadequacy and perfectionism can hinder growth. Grant emphasizes the hidden benefits of procrastination and the importance of pursuing hobbies to enhance creativity. He shares inspiring stories of resilience, including a woman's journey to summit Everest, highlighting that true success lies in personal growth and perseverance.

Vivian Zayas, a psychologist from Cornell University, and Stephanie Johnson, from the University of Colorado Boulder, dive deep into the complexities of beauty bias. They explore how our judgments of competence and character are often skewed by appearance, with personal anecdotes revealing the pitfalls of first impressions. The conversation touches on how celebrity endorsements influence consumer culture and the paradox of beauty in the workplace, highlighting the delicate balance between attractiveness and professional success.

Think about the last time you were struck by a gorgeous painting in a museum, or heard a song that brought you to tears. All of us know what it’s like to be stopped in our tracks by a beautiful sight. But scientists are still puzzling over why this is the case. What’s the point of beauty? Why is it seemingly so important to us? This week on the show, neuroscientist Anjan Chatterjee explains the function of beauty in our daily lives. Then, Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek describes how beauty served a purpose in some of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of our time.In case you missed it, make sure to listen to the last installment of our Healing 2.0 series, The Power of Apologies. Plus, if you're looking for a holiday gift for the Hidden Brain fan in your life, be sure to check out our online shop for mugs, t-shirts, and more! 

Why is it so hard to say 'I'm sorry?' In the final episode of our Healing 2.0 series, we talk with psychologist Tyler Okimoto about the mental barriers that keep us from admitting when we've done something wrong, as well as the transformative power of apologies.If  you liked this episode, check out the rest of our Healing 2.0 series. And if you know someone who would benefit from the ideas we explored in this series, please share these episodes with them. Thanks!