The Psychology of Secrets

My Adventures with Murderers, Cults and Influencers

By: Andrew Gold

Narrated by: Andrew Gold

This audio edition is read by the author, Andrew Gold, and includes an exclusive author Q&A.

"Andrew Gold is the new Jon Ronson. Smart, funny, brave and deeply thoughtful, The Psychology of Secrets is an absolute must read" - Will Storr, bestselling author of The Status Game and The Science of Storytelling

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Cult leaders, murderers, psychopaths – and you. Take a deep dive into the bizarre psychology of secrecy with Andrew Gold, award-winning investigative journalist and host of On the Edge With Andrew Gold.

We all keep secrets. 97 per cent of us are hiding a secret right now, and on average we each hold thirteen at any one time. There’s a one-in-two chance that those secrets involve a breach of trust, a lie or a financial impropriety. They are the stuff of gossip, of novels and of classic dramas; secrets form a major part of our hidden inner lives.

Andrew Gold knows this better than anyone. As a public figure, he has found himself the unwitting recipient of hundreds of strangers' most private revelations. This set him on a journey to understand this critical part of our societies and lives. Why do we keep secrets? Why are we fascinated by those of others? What happens to our mind when we confess?

Drawing from psychology, history, social science, philosophy and personal interviews, The Psychology of Secrets is a rollicking journey through the history of secrecy.

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"That Andrew Gold is a truly edgy journalist, broadcaster and now writer is - but should not be - one of our culture’s best kept secrets" - David Baddiel, bestselling author of The God Desire

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Andrew Gold (P)2024 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

Podcasters playing off of each other for "likes"

This was such an enlightening book. I won't watch reality shows because I know that they are just choreographed.
But, I've been watching quite a few podcasts, especially the Scientology protesters, and I didn't even think about them choreographing with each other.
Now, that's making me second guess myself.

Karen from Lisbon

Very much enjoying this. The anecdotes are interesting as is the analysis of secrets through time. Love it!

Both useful and interesting

Recommend this to those who are interested in learning new stuff and be entertained at the same time.

A fascinating look into the history of secrecy from ancient times to modern society.

There were some squeamish moments with the blood and gush of rupshering eyeballs. And my own queasyness at knowing and holding onto others' secrets. Wanting to know more even though it made me uncomfortable.

Didn't disappoint.

Very interesting idea for a book with lots of unique stories. Performance was good, and I'm glad Andrew's Australian accent is better then his American one.

Yes we all have secrets

I did find parts of this book fascinating while he pushed on some buttons in other parts . I do catch him on YouTube from time to time so I’m familiar with him and how he covers stories. It is an intriguing read.

Interesting Science on Secrets!

Mr. Gold presents research and insights into a variety of cultures, crimes and situations with his warm and thoughtful manner.

Insight Times

I love the way Andrew Gold's deep investigation of secrets gives us an insightful panorama of human nature, history, and cultures. It goes down easily, like a cross between a popular philosophy class and a great conversation with a friend.

Some secrets are not worth having

Gold explains how secrets are used against people. Normally, I listen at 1.5x, but I slowed down to 1x speed until I got to “the worst secret in the world.” That secret is so disturbing that I had to speed up to 1.5x to get through it.

Remarkably captivating and yet scientifically sound manuscript. Barva, mr. Gold!

I heard about the book on one of Andrew Gold’s programs on YouTube as I regularly watch them.
I was stunned how engaging and informative the book was! The author pulled out historic events, referenced scientific facts/studies, event mentioned great masterpieces of the Shakespeare and Dostoyevsky while vividly intertwining them with his own lived experience to craft remarkably captivating storyline 🌸
Outstanding!