Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

Explore the origins and physicality of thoughts, akin to a peach tree bearing its fruit. Discover how internal dialogue shapes your daily experiences and the complexities behind those thoughts. Delve into the wonders of nonverbal thinking and the challenges of obsessive-compulsive disorder, including the need for specialized therapy. Uncover how the brain uses mental rehearsals to navigate outcomes and enhance learning. Finally, reflect on the multifaceted nature of thoughts and how they contribute to your identity.

In this enlightening discussion, Jordan Peterson, a renowned psychologist and author known for his insights on personal development, explores the complexities of human consciousness. He delves into the idea of competing neural drives and how these shape our identities. The talk highlights the role of literature and religion in personal growth, the dynamics of individuality, and the importance of navigating aggression for success. Peterson reflects on the power of storytelling in community building and the significance of role models in moral decision-making.

In this engaging conversation, Bruce Hood, an experimental psychologist and author of 'The Science of Happiness,' explores the multi-faceted nature of happiness. He delves into how genetics, social ties, and individual mindsets shape our well-being. The discussion covers the influence of technology on our happiness and the importance of personal connections. Hood emphasizes actionable strategies like optimism, journaling, and altruism to enhance happiness. Ultimately, he presents happiness as a personal journey influenced by choices and relationships.

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.