Hidden Brain

By: Hidden Brain Shankar Vedantam
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Episodes
  • Relationships 2.0: The Power of Tiny Interactions + Your Questions Answered: Erica Bailey on Authenticity

    Relationships 2.0: The Power of Tiny Interactions + Your Questions Answered: Erica Bailey on Authenticity
    Apr 14 2025

    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 life whose impact is overlooked? Today, in a favorite episode from our archives, psychologist Gillian Sandstrom reveals some simple ways to make your life a little more joyful and maybe even a little less lonely. Then, we talk with researcher Erica Bailey, who responds to listeners' questions about authenticity and how to reveal our true selves to the people around us.

    In this episode you'll learn:

    • The sociological concept of "weak" and "strong" ties, and the important roles they play in our lives.
    • How "weak ties" contribute to our happiness.
    • How to talk to strangers — including how to start, maintain, and end a conversation.
    • How to decrease feelings of loneliness and increase feelings of connectivity in your daily life.

    If you enjoyed today's conversation with Gillian Sandstrom, be sure to check out these other Hidden Brain episodes:

    You 2.0: The Gift of Other People

    How Others See You
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Relationships 2.0: Become a Better Negotiator

    Relationships 2.0: Become a Better Negotiator
    Apr 7 2025

    When we head into a negotiation — whether we're asking for a raise or trying to get our spouse to do the dishes — our focus is usually on getting the other person to agree to our preferred outcome. What we don't focus on are our own biases and blind spots. Behavioral scientist Max Bazerman studies the theory and practice of negotiation, and he says that paying attention to these biases can help us to craft better deals.

    Do you have a follow-up question after listening to this episode? If you'd be comfortable sharing your question with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone. Email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line “negotiation.” Thanks!

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    53 mins
  • Relationships 2.0: The Price of Disconnection

    Relationships 2.0: The Price of Disconnection
    Mar 31 2025

    All of us want to "seen" by the people around us. We want to be recognized as unique individuals. Yet the experience of being seen in this way can be dispiritingly rare. This week, we kick off our "Relationships 2.0" series by talking with researcher Allison Pugh about the psychological benefits of what she calls "connective labor." She explains why this labor is often overlooked, and how to cultivate the superpower of making other people feel seen.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    *The definition of connective labor, and why this skill is like "engine grease" for our personal and professional relationships.

    *Why connective labor is vital to success in a surprisingly broad array of careers.

    *The gender stereotypes around connective labor, and why these stereotypes overlook the role that men play as connectors.

    *How connective labor affects our mental and physical health.

    *How connective labor by teachers may affect students' ability to learn.

    *How to slow down in interactions with other people and explore the emotional context behind their words.

    If you have a follow-up question for Allison Pugh after listening to this episode, and you’d be willing to share it with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone. Once you’ve done so, email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line “connection.” And thanks for listening!

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    50 mins
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Featured Article Care for Your Body and Mind with the Best Health Podcasts Out There

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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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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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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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Insightful and useful

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.

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Hidden Brain is awesome!

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

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Profile Image for Monica R.

Fascinating!!!

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.

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My God this is Church you a prophet Brother

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

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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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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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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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