Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

This week, David Eagleman is joined by Joshua Landy, a Stanford comparative literature scholar, who co-teaches 'Literature and the Brain.' They dive into the fascinating link between storytelling and brain function. Discover why narratives enchant us, the cognitive shortcuts they exploit, and how great authors resemble magicians. The discussion spans the psychological impacts of stories, from enhancing empathy to the nuances of cognitive biases and the importance of deep literary engagement in understanding ourselves and others.

In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey Zacks, a cognitive scientist from Washington University, unpacks the fascinating interplay between brain function and film. He explores how movies manipulate our perception of reality and elicit emotional responses through intricate storytelling techniques. Zacks highlights the brain's ability to blend reality and fiction, creating a unique experience, and addresses why animals like dogs struggle with narrative. He also looks at the future of interactive media, merging films and video games, challenging our understanding of shared storytelling.

Alison Gopnik, a Professor of Psychology at Berkeley, dives into the debate on whether AI should be seen as an intelligent agent or merely a cultural technology. She explores how historical narratives and tools shape our understanding of technology's role in society. The discussion highlights AI's limitations, emphasizing that it reflects human knowledge rather than possesses intelligence. Gopnik also critiques traditional views on intelligence, advocating for a nuanced approach to understanding AI's evolution and societal impact.

Russell Hurlburt, a psychology professor at the University of Nevada, offers insights into the hidden layers of our thoughts. He introduces his innovative technique, descriptive experience sampling, which uses random beeps to catch real-time thoughts, revealing how many don't rely on language. The conversation explores the diversity of internal experiences, highlighting unsymbolized thinking and the impact of attention on thought processes. Hurlburt also discusses how understanding these intricacies can enhance self-awareness and shed light on mental health, including conditions like depression and schizophrenia.

Dive into the fascinating complexities of consciousness and the potential of brain technology to foster empathy. Explore the challenges filmmakers face in capturing another's experience, using examples from popular culture. Imagine the wild concept of becoming a horse or feeling half your brain in slumber. Reflect on how we perceive the world through different sensory inputs and the limits of truly understanding another's consciousness. Could dream celebrities take over the viral world? It's a deep philosophical dive into what it means to connect beyond ourselves.

Can we ever truly know what it’s like to be someone else? This discussion dives into the nuances of empathy, revealing gaps in understanding between individuals. It explores diverse experiences, from bats to human emotions, highlighting the complexity of consciousness. The role of literature and virtual reality in enhancing empathy takes center stage, along with the biological mechanisms behind our emotional responses. Through fascinating examples, the talk provokes curiosity about connecting with others despite inherent limitations.

Dr. Jonathan Downar, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist specializing in magnetic stimulation, joins David Eagleman to delve into the fascinating world of resilience. They explore how the brain processes adversity and whether resilience is innate or developed. The conversation uncovers the importance of the salience network and discusses revolutionary techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in enhancing mental health. Listeners will learn about the interplay between personal experiences and mental strength, with insights on fostering resilience through social connections.

Unravel the mysteries of why our brains are drawn to slow-motion videos, exploring their impact on emotional engagement and time perception. Discover how this cinematic technique transforms storytelling and enhances memory during intense moments. Delve into the psychological allure of slow motion, revealing hidden details and micro-expressions that we often overlook. Insights from neuroscience and iconic films highlight the captivating power of altered time, making complex emotions resonate deeply with viewers.

Discover the intriguing reasons why our brains sometimes create convincing false memories. Dive into fascinating cases, like a blind woman who believes she can see, and explore the Mandela Effect, where groups remember events differently. Uncover the psychological tricks behind memory distortions and how they impact our identity. From brain injuries to the fluid nature of recollections, you'll see how storytelling intersects with truth and fiction. It's a mind-bending journey into the reliability of what we think we remember!

Bethanie Maples, a researcher at Stanford's Graduate School of Education, explores the evolving dynamics of human relationships with AI. She discusses how many are forming emotional bonds with AI companions, and whether these relationships serve as mirrors, traps, or safe spaces. The conversation probes the psychological implications of AI interactions, their impact on loneliness and mental health, and the line between romantic and therapeutic bots. With insights on guilt, jealousy, and coping with loss, Bethanie sheds light on the future of love in a digital age.