Podcast Episodes
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Doing it the Hard Way
Learning to play a musical instrument is hard. So is trying to run a marathon, writing a term paper, and caring for a sick child. These things involve frustration, pain, and disappointment — yet we d…
Published on 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Ouch! That Feels Great
We generally think of pain as something to be avoided. But psychologist Paul Bloom says that as much as we're wired to avoid suffering, we also seek it out. This week, we begin a two-part mini series…
Published on 4 months, 3 weeks ago
The Price of Revenge
Revenge often feels sweet, but what price do we pay for seeking it out? Researcher James Kimmel, Jr. proposes a radical theory: our desire for vengeance operates like an addiction in the brain. This …
Published on 5 months ago
Do I Know You? (A Hidden Brain-Revisionist History special on facial recognition)
Have you ever encountered someone who clearly knows you, but you have no idea who they are? This week, we feature a classic Hidden Brain episode about people on opposite ends of the facial recognitio…
Published on 5 months, 1 week ago
How Much Do We Really Know?
You probably know someone who thinks they know more about something than they really do. But you could never be described that way . . . could you? This week, cognitive scientist Phil Fernbach explai…
Published on 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Forget About It!
Forgetting something — whether it's a colleague's name or where we put our keys — can be deeply frustrating. This week, psychologist Ciara Greene helps us explore the science of forgetting. We look a…
Published on 5 months, 3 weeks ago
How to Harness Your Feelings
Do you feel like you control your emotions, or do your emotions control you? What scientists call "emotion regulation" turns out to be one of the most important life skills we can possess. It's essen…
Published on 5 months, 4 weeks ago
Relationships 2.0: Keeping Love Alive
There's no magic potion that can make someone adore you. But there are things you can do to promote a deep and enduring connection — and even feelings of passion — between yourself and your partner. …
Published on 6 months ago
Relationships 2.0: Why Did You Do That? + Your Questions Answered: Fred Luskin on Grudges
As we go through life, we’re constantly trying to figure out what other people are thinking and feeling. Psychologist Liane Young says this ability to assess other people’s thoughts is an extraordin…
Published on 6 months, 1 week ago
Relationships 2.0: The Power of Tiny Interactions + Your Questions Answered: Erica Bailey on Authenticity
As you go about your day, you likely interact with family, friends and coworkers. These relationships can help you feel cared for and connected. But what if there’s a whole category of people in your…
Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago