Hidden Brain

Yanna Krupnikov, a political scientist at the University of Michigan, challenges the traditional Left vs. Right divide in American politics. She argues the real schism lies between those passionate about politics and those indifferent. The conversation explores how this polarization affects personal relationships, especially during family gatherings. Krupnikov draws parallels between fervent political engagement and fandom, revealing how media narratives amplify extremes while the quieter majority remains unheard. A fascinating look at political engagement in the digital age!

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.  

Kurt Gray, a psychologist and neuroscientist at UNC Chapel Hill, dives into the complexities of political beliefs and polarization. He discusses how cognitive biases lead us to misinterpret our opponents’ views, inflating the perceived division between political parties. Through personal stories, he illustrates the roots of antagonism and emphasizes moral humility as a key to bridge divides. Gray advocates for understanding the humanity in opposing beliefs, pointing towards constructive dialogue as a path forward in today's tense political landscape.

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.