Hidden Brain By cover art

Hidden Brain

By: Hidden Brain Shankar Vedantam
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  • Summary

  • Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.
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Episodes
  • Parents: Keep Out!

    Parents: Keep Out!
    Apr 22 2024

    If you're a parent or a teacher, you've probably wondered how to balance play and safety for the kids in your care. You don't want to put children in danger, but you also don't want to rob them of the joy of exploration. This week, we talk with psychologist Peter Gray about how this balance has changed — for parents and children alike — and what we can do about it.

    For more of our reporting on children and parents, check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes:

    Kinder-Gardening

    Bringing Up Baby

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    54 mins
  • The Curious Science of Cravings

    The Curious Science of Cravings
    Apr 15 2024

    We've all had those days when all we want is a little treat. Maybe it's a bag of chips, an ice cream sundae or a glass of wine. But sometimes, these desires become all-consuming. This week on the show, psychiatrist Judson Brewer helps us understand the science of cravings, and how we should respond to them.

    If you liked today's conversation, be sure to check out other Hidden Brain episodes about ways to regain a feeling of control over your life: Creatures of Habit and Taking Control of Your Time.
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    49 mins
  • What Is Normal?

    What Is Normal?
    Apr 8 2024

    Anthropologist Tom Pearson was devastated after his daughter Michaela was diagnosed with Down syndrome. When he began to examine that emotional response, he found himself wrestling with questions that have roiled his field for decades. Early anthropologists would often compare people of different backgrounds and abilities, asking questions like: How is one group different from another? Which one is stronger or smarter? And how do we understand people who don’t fit our expectations? This week, we talk with Pearson about his family’s story, and the evolution of our thinking on disability and difference.

    If you liked today's show, be sure to check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes:

    "Emma, Carrie, Vivian"

    "Why You're Smarter than You Think"
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    51 mins
Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Social Sciences Science
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What listeners say about Hidden Brain

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Profile Image for Laura

so very poignant and applicable

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

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Profile Image for Luis Marquez

Love this podcast

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

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Profile Image for Jennifer Stockford

Relevant concepts to current events

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

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Profile Image for bibliomom

Totally makes sense

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.

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Profile Image for Laura Lee Queen Bee 👸🐝

Very thought provoking episode!

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

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Profile Image for Karen Hajjoubi

The Best Podcast

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.

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Profile Image for M. Timon

Less is more

I'm old. What do I want to leave behind? This podcast addresses all of that is and more... Grateful.

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1 person found this helpful

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Profile Image for Michelle Jansz-Noël

Thought provoking.

Always gives me something to think about. Informative and entertaining, often leading me to dive into a subject a little deeper.

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Profile Image for Aaron

My very favorite podcast!

Ever episode is informative, fascinating, and often times a must-share! There are so many episodes that I listen again and again so o can really internalize it all.

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Profile Image for VB Joshi

Science behind the brain

Amazing program. I hear it on NPR and podcast it. Just today (12/17/20) heard The Stoic Challenge. Very good questions by Mr. Shankar and excellent way to spend your drive, workout time. Thank you.

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6 people found this helpful