Human Potential Lab
Scott Barry Kaufman
For eleven years and 478 episodes, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman hosted The Psychology Podcast, one of the most listened-to psychology shows in the world, with more than 30 million downloads. Human Potential Lab is what that show has become. The questions have moved. What is a mind? What makes something conscious? What happens to being human when the things we build start to look like minds themselves? Too much of the work is happening out of public view. In this new show, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman sits down with the scientists, philosophers and technologists working at the frontier — the people whose work is actively deciding what we could become as a species.Scott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive scientist and the founder of the Center for Human Potential. He holds a Ph.D. from Yale and an M.Phil. from Cambridge, has taught at Columbia, NYU and the University of Pennsylvania, and is the author or editor of twelve books, including Transcend, Ungifted, Wired to Create and Rise Above. New episodes every other week from October 28, 2026.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Oct 28, 2026 • 56min
The Person You Become | L.A. Paul
L.A. Paul, a philosopher of mind and cognitive scientist, explores transformative experiences and the limits of imagining who we may become. They discuss trauma and growth, gradual moral change, empathy, cognitive decline, and the choices that reshape identity. Paul also examines AI, shifting human values, machine selfhood, and why rapid technological change demands caution.
12 snips
Oct 28, 2026 • 1h 2min
Where Does Genius Come From? | Michael Levin
Michael Levin, a developmental and synthetic biologist known for xenobots, anthrobots, and regeneration research, explores intelligence beyond the human brain. He discusses cellular minds, bioelectricity, consciousness, nested intelligences, and the mystery of genius. The conversation ventures into unexpected abilities, inspiration, Platonic patterns, fate, and hidden forms of cognition in biology and AI.
23 snips
Oct 28, 2026 • 1h 28min
What Is It Like to Be an AI? | Cameron Berg
Cameron Berg is a cognitive scientist investigating AI consciousness, sentience, and welfare. He explores whether machines could experience pleasure or suffering, how reinforcement learning may produce emergent goals and reward hacking, and why behavior alone cannot prove a mind exists. Berg also recounts the strange AI interaction that inspired his documentary Am I? and considers the risks of building systems we do not understand.
12 snips
Oct 14, 2026 • 2min
Welcome to Human Potential Lab
A new chapter begins with conversations at the crossroads of psychology, philosophy, and technology. The discussion explores artificial intelligence, consciousness, human potential, safety, and the forces shaping humanity’s future.
110 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 47min
End of an Era — Reflections on 11 Years of The Psychology Podcast w/ Annie Murphy Paul
Annie Murphy Paul, a renowned science writer focusing on learning and cognitive science, steps in as a guest interviewer, reflecting on over a decade of insightful conversations. They discuss the transformative journey of the podcast, emphasizing the redefinition of intelligence beyond traditional metrics. Key themes include valuing creativity, self-actualization, and the importance of human connection. Scott shares personal insights on emotional intelligence and the necessity of vulnerability for growth, closing with heartfelt gratitude for the supportive community.
101 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h
How Mindsets Shape Reality w/ Dr. Alia Crum
Dr. Alia Crum, a leading researcher on mindsets, dives into how our beliefs can fundamentally alter our health and behaviors. She discusses her innovative studies, such as the hotel housekeepers whose mindsets changed their physical outcomes. Alia also explores how perceptions of stress can either enhance or debilitate us, emphasizing the power of mindset in managing challenges like cancer. By reshaping our interpretations, we can foster resilience and improve our quality of life. This riveting conversation highlights the transformative potential of mindsets in our everyday experiences.
121 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 49min
The Gentle Power of Sisu w/ Dr. Elisabet Lahti
Dr. Elisabet Lahti, an applied psychology researcher and founder of the Sisu Lab, dives deep into the Finnish concept of sisu—an embodiment of resilience and courage. She shares her personal journey, detailing how adversity shaped her research. Lahti highlights the everyday moments of choosing courage, contrasting sisu with grit, and discussing the concept of 'gentle power.' She provides a framework to develop one's sisu muscles and advocates for integrating strength with compassion, emphasizing how this can bolster mental health and societal well-being.
10 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 54min
From Coping to Capacity w/ RaQuel Hopkins
RaQuel Hopkins, a certified coach and clinical mental health counselor, shares her journey from coping to growth. They delve into how identity can limit development and the importance of expanding mental and emotional capacity. RaQuel discusses her evolution towards helping others thrive, the dangers of performative vulnerability, and the significance of community in shaping our identities. She emphasizes shifting from short-term coping strategies to long-term growth, urging listeners to embrace their potential and engage fully with life.
135 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
Why Brains Need Friends w/ Dr. Ben Rein
Dr. Ben Rein, a Stanford neuroscientist and author of *Why Brains Need Friends*, joins to explore the neurobiology of social interaction. He discusses the epidemic of loneliness and why our brains crave connection. Ben highlights the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin in making socializing rewarding. They dive into empathy training, explaining how we can increase cognitive empathy and the factors affecting our likability. Plus, he examines the downsides of virtual interactions and the impact of social media on mental health.
49 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 9min
Busting Viral Mental Health Myths w/Joe Nucci
Joe Nucci, a psychotherapist and author of *Psychobabble*, joins to challenge viral mental health myths. He argues that not everyone needs therapy and that emotional expression isn't always beneficial. Nucci explains why mindfulness can be harmful without proper skills and critiques the misconception that everyone has trauma. He also discusses the complexities of labels like 'narcissist' and the risks of over-diagnosing ADHD. This conversation sheds light on mental health misinformation and emphasizes a compassionate, nuanced understanding.
