Hidden Brain

“It's really refreshing to see them just be normal.”

We continue our conversation with psychologist Leslie John about the power of vulnerability — how honesty deepens intimacy, and why the conversations we dread the most can become the ones that bring us closest www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/comi...

Kristi Reeves' Story - Hidden Brain Media On the day her divorce was finalized, Kristi set out alone on a mountain hike. When she broke down on the trail, a stranger asked if she needed a hug — and helped her find the strength to keep going.

This week on My Unsung Hero: On the day her divorce was finalized, Kristi Reeves went hiking alone. When she broke down on the trail, a stranger offered a hug that helped her move forward. www.hiddenbrain.org/unsunghero/k...

Keeping a secret can cause your stress hormones to go up – and may even impair how your brain works. This week, the first of a two-part series on the costs of hiding the truth. open.spotify.com/episode/0cZ3...

Hidden Brain on Tour! - Hidden Brain Media Are there parts of our minds that are hidden from us? This question launched the Hidden Brain podcast ten years ago. Since then, the program has helped millions of listeners accomplish their goals, im...

The Hidden Brain tour continues! Join Shankar at one of our upcoming shows in Philadelphia or New York – more info and tickets at hiddenbrain.org/tour/

Larry Maxfield's Story - Hidden Brain Media In 2007, Larry helped his brother Marty move to Utah. Marty had terminal cancer, and he and his wife wanted to be near family in the final days of his life. When they arrived, neighbors and church mem...

In 2007, Larry Maxfield helped his brother Marty move to Utah. Marty had terminal cancer, and he and his wife wanted to be near family in the final days of his life. When they arrived, neighbors and church members had transformed Marty’s house into a warm home. www.hiddenbrain.org/unsunghero/l...

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We tend to think of courage as a personality trait – either you have it, or you don’t. But what if courage is more like a muscle that you can strengthen?

This week, we talk to behavioral scientist Ranjay Gulati about how to live a more courageous life.

apple.co/3Yq2XxFa

You 2.0: Cultivating Courage - Hidden Brain Media Why do some people act bravely in a crisis, while others flee or freeze up? Today, we bring you the second part of our You 2.0 series on the mental obstacles that can block us when we’re charting a ne...

“Courage is a choice. And it's a choice you make in the face of fear.”

Today, behavioral scientist Ranjay Gulati argues that courage is a choice, and that we can strengthen the reflexes that will help us to be brave when it matters most.

www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-...

You 2.0: Stop Spiraling! Podcast Episode · Hidden Brain · 12/29/2025 · 1h 33m

Ever have a tiny voice in your head that asks, “do I belong here?” And when you try to quiet that voice, does it just get louder?

This week, we talk to psychologist Greg Walton about the psychology of spiraling. And how to keep our fears from turning into beliefs.

apple.co/4ji1DGx

“Awe is encountering vast mysteries that we don't understand.” —psychologist Dacher Keltner

This week, we revisit an episode on a simple source of joy — one that’s all around us. open.spotify.com/episode/7MaY...

Stephanie Cole's Story - Hidden Brain Media On her first Christmas rush shift, teenage Stephanie froze at the register — until a customer helped her breathe again. The woman’s insistence that she “take your time” has stayed with her for decades...

This week on My Unsung Hero: On her first Christmas rush shift, teenage Stephanie Cole froze at the register — until a customer helped her breathe again. The woman’s insistence that she “take your time” has stayed with her for decades. www.hiddenbrain.org/unsunghero/s...

The Paradox of Pleasure

Everywhere we look, the modern world offers opportunities to give ourselves little jolts of pleasure. But these moments of delight come at a cost. This week, we revisit a conversation with Anna Lembke about the profound story of addiction in all our lives. open.spotify.com/episode/21D5...

Gillian Kline's Story - Hidden Brain Media After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Gillian realized she has one day left to choose a new health insurance plan. Her HR representative helped her navigate the decision — and modeled extraordinar...

This week on My Unsung Hero: After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Gillian Kline realized she has one day left to choose a new health insurance plan. Her HR representative helped her navigate the decision — and modeled extraordinary kindness. www.hiddenbrain.org/unsunghero/g...

Pods Fight Poverty: 1.5x your impact for 700+ families in Rwanda | GiveDirectly & Giving Multiplier Join us in sending life-changing cash to 700+ Rwandan families, with your favorite podcasters helping deliver ~$1,100 per family to spend on what they need most. While match funds last, your donation ...

This December, Hidden Brain is proud to join #PodsFightPoverty. We’re teaming up with other podcasts to raise funds to lift 3 villages in Rwanda out of extreme poverty. Your donation goes directly to the families. Visit GiveDirectly.org/HiddenBrain to make a difference for someone who needs it.

Parents: Keep Out! Podcast Episode · Hidden Brain · 11/24/2025 · 1h 19m

Fred Rogers said, “Play is the work of the child.”
This week on the show, we revisit an episode about the power of play.

apple.co/44A0gwH

Jolena Rothweil's Story - Hidden Brain Media During a painful divorce, Jolena was out of money and overwhelmed. Then a coworker slipped her an envelope with $200 and a simple message: pay it forward.

This week on My Unsung Hero: During a painful divorce, Jolena Rothweil was out of money and overwhelmed. Then a coworker slipped her an envelope with $200 and a simple message: pay it forward. www.hiddenbrain.org/unsunghero/j...

The Power of Family Stories - Hidden Brain Media There's a tradition around many Thanksgiving dinner tables that's as consistent as pumpkin pie: the family stories that get told year after year. This week, we talk to psychologist Robyn Fivush about ...

"[Stories] become ways of understanding both how the world works and how we fit into that world.”

This week, we revisit a conversation with psychologist Robyn Fivush about the profound impact that family stories can have on our lives. www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-...

Hidden Brain on Tour! - Hidden Brain Media Are there parts of our minds that are hidden from us? This question launched the Hidden Brain podcast ten years ago. Since then, the program has helped millions of listeners accomplish their goals, im...

Just a few days left until our next Hidden Brain live show! Join Shankar at the Orpheum in Los Angeles on November 22. He’ll be sharing seven key insights from Hidden Brain’s first decade. More info and tickets at hiddenbrain.org/tour/

Hidden Brain on Tour! - Hidden Brain Media Are there parts of our minds that are hidden from us? This question launched the Hidden Brain podcast ten years ago. Since then, the program has helped millions of listeners accomplish their goals, im...

New York and Philly, we’re heading your way in 2026! Join Shankar for the next stops on Hidden Brain’s live tour – more info and tickets at hiddenbrain.org/tour/

Stacia's Story - Hidden Brain Media Almost 50 years ago, a stranger’s simple question gave her safety — and an example she’s tried to follow ever since.

This week on My Unsung Hero: Almost 50 years ago, a stranger’s simple question gave Stacia safety — and an example she’s tried to follow ever since. www.hiddenbrain.org/unsunghero/s...

How Nature Heals Us - Hidden Brain Media What is it about the outdoors that has such a powerful effect on our mood and our minds? We explore how spending time in nature can undo some of the harmful effects of our modern lives.

A walk in the woods can be an excellent mood booster. But having access to nature may do even more than lift our spirits. This week, the hidden power of the natural world. www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/how-...

Silvana Clark's Story - Hidden Brain Media When Silvana realized she didn't have enough money to finish the school year in college, her teacher told her she had been accepted to a scholarship. Later she learned the truth: the “scholarship” was...

This week on My Unsung Hero: When Silvana Clark realized she didn’t have enough money to finish the school year in college, her teacher told her she had been accepted to a scholarship. Later she learned the truth: the “scholarship” was from him. www.hiddenbrain.org/unsunghero/s...

Hidden Brain: "Perceptions" Tour with Shankar Vedantam This event has a 72 hour delivery delay prior to the show Hidden Brain: "The Brainstormer" Experience Includes: ● One (1) Premium Reserved Ticket ● One (1) Pre-Event "Behind the Mic" Q&A Experience with Shankar ● One (1) Individual Meet & Greet + Photo Opportunity with Shankar ● One (1) VIP Laminate & Lanyard ** ● Priority Entry Into The Venue *location provided at time of purchase **laminate and lanyard provided at VIP check-in the night of the event SHOW DESC...

Hidden Brain is heading to Baltimore! Join Shankar Vedantam THIS Saturday, October 11th for an evening of compelling stories, thoughtful conversation, and key insights from Hidden Brain’s first decade. You won’t want to miss it: www.etix.com/ticket/p/839...

Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 2 - Hidden Brain Media When things go wrong in our relationships, we often try to change the way our partners behave. But usually, trying to fix a person only makes things worse. Last week, we talked to psychologist James C...

This week, we continue our Love 2.0 series and our conversation with psychologist James Cordova on the art and science of mending the rifts in our relationships. www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/love...

Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 1 Podcast Episode · Hidden Brain · 09/29/2025 · 1h 41m

We’ve all heard the phrase, “marriage is hard work.” But what, exactly, does that mean?

This week, we kick off our Love 2.0 series with an episode on the art and science of mending troubled relationships. apple.co/4nwys41

Passion vs. Paycheck Podcast Episode · Hidden Brain · 09/22/2025 · 53m

Very few of us wake up genuinely excited to go to the office. And maybe that’s okay. Researcher Jennifer Tosti-Kharas says there are many ways of making meaning – and even finding a calling – in the work we do. apple.co/4pNjsQM

Tanya Eby's Story - Hidden Brain Media When she was in the sixth grade, Tanya's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Tanya in a hug.

This week on My Unsung Hero: In the sixth grade, Tanya Eby's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Tanya in a hug. www.hiddenbrain.org/unsunghero/t...

Passion vs. Paycheck

What do you want to be when you grow up?

From a young age, many of us absorb the idea that we all have one true calling. A purpose that revolves around what we do for a living. Researcher Jennifer Tosti-Kharas offers another way to think about it.

open.spotify.com/episode/5m0Q...

The Hidden Brain tour continues! Our next stop will be in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, October 11th! Join us for captivating stories, deep conversations, and key insights from Hidden Brain’s first decade — all hosted by Shankar Vedantam.

www.etix.com/ticket/p/839...

Ever noticed how people instinctively defend themselves when receiving feedback? Maybe you’ve caught yourself doing it, too. This week, we continue our conversation with neuroscientist Emily Falk to explore why we tend to push back against suggestions.
www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/its-...

The Hidden Brain tour continues! Our next stop will be in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, October 11th. Join us for captivating stories, deep conversations, and key insights from Hidden Brain’s first decade — all hosted by Shankar Vedantam.

www.etix.com/ticket/p/839...