Hidden Brain Podcast By Hidden Brain Shankar Vedantam cover art

Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain

By: Hidden Brain Shankar Vedantam
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Why do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? What can I do to improve my relationships? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. On Hidden Brain, we help you understand your own mind — and the minds of the people around you. (We're routinely rated the #1 science podcast in the United States.) Hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam.All Rights Reserved Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and "Covering"
    Jun 23 2025

    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 when people don’t share our values, it’s hard for us to tolerate theirs. This week, we bring you a favorite episode with sociologist Robb Willer. We discuss the common mistakes we make in trying to persuade others of our point of view — and how to break out of our echo chambers. Then, Kenji Yoshino answers your questions about how we hide our true selves.

    In this week’s show, you’ll learn:

    *What’s happening in our minds when we’re trying to win an argument.

    *Techniques for how to take another person’s perspective — and how to become more effective in persuading them of your perspective.

    *The most successful protest tactics in winning allies.

    *Why we might shift from trying to change someone’s mind to trying to change their behavior.

    If you love Hidden Brain, come see Shankar live in a city near you this summer! For more info and tickets to our “Perceptions” tour, visit https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Doing it the Hard Way
    Jun 16 2025

    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 do them anyway. This week, in part two of our look at the allure of suffering, psychologist Michael Inzlicht explains what we get from doing things that are difficult, and why the things we think will make us happy often do not.

    Hidden Brain is hitting the road this summer! Join Shankar in a city near you as he shares key insights from the first decade of the show. For more info, and to purchase tickets, go to hiddenbrain.org/tour.

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    51 mins
  • Ouch! That Feels Great
    Jun 9 2025

    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 about the curious pleasure we take in certain forms of pain.

    Hidden Brain is about to go on tour! Join Shankar in a city near you as he shares key insights from the first decade of the show. For more info and tickets, go to https://hiddenbrain.org/tour/.

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    51 mins

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whether you're in a rough patch or not, this is a must- listen for your current and future self

so very poignant and applicable

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I enjoy Shankar Vedantam’s voice and his insights. He chooses interesting people to interview. This show is always worthwhile to listen to.

Relevant concepts to current events

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Every single podcast is full of fun and knowledge, I got hook from the first time that listens to it. Will recommend to anyone.

Love this podcast

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Absolutely the most informative, interesting, well made, well presented, thoughtful and intriguing podcast I've found. The topics are so relevant and presented in a non-biased, apolitical and clear manner to appeal to everyone. I'm hooked.

The Best Podcast

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This podcast is great, but this episode was fantastic! Really makes you stop & think about "bad people" vs. "good people".

Very thought provoking episode!

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The analysis, research and experiments at amazing. I would say that I believe in God in the abstract and any other attributes (punitive, kind, mercy,...) take away.

Totally makes sense

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Loved this episode! I learned so much that I can apply to everyday conversations with everyone from my life partner to people I just met.

Insightful and useful

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Closure for both parties was essential, however painful. very good story all around. thanks

Hidden Brain is awesome!

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This episode about Decoding Emotions will stick with me a long time!! Mind-blowing! I will be including this information in my lectures to professionals and students.

Fascinating!!!

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My why for a resilient marriage is I don't want anyone else raising my Children this podcast allows me to know the cost of raising great kids

My God this is Church you a prophet Brother

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