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What’s the difference between being loved and feeling loved? Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky joins us to discuss the distinction, and how we can create a stronger feeling of closeness in our relationships. Then, in our latest installment of Your Questions Answered, psychologist Greg Walton returns to answer listeners’ questions about negative thought spirals.As individuals and as a society, we often overlook a strategy that can help us to improve our lives. We discuss this tool in a new video on Hidden Brain's YouTube channel. Please check it out, and let us know what you think! Episode illustration by Getty Images for Unsplash+ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why do so many of us remember things that never actually happened? Psychologist Wilma Bainbridge explores the “Mandela Effect” — the phenomenon when large groups of people share the same false memory. Her research reveals surprising patterns in what our minds remember, forget, and even invent. Want to try out Resmem, the tool that Wilma and her colleagues built? You can find it here: https://brainbridgelab.uchicago.edu/resmem/ Image credit: Naila Conita via Unsplash.com

Does power truly flow from the barrel of a gun? Pop culture and conventional history often teach us that violence is the most effective way to produce change. But is that common assumption actually true? Political scientist Erica Chenoweth, who has studied more than 100 years of revolutions and insurrections, says the answer is counterintuitive. Then, Ranjay Gulati answers listener questions on how to cultivate courage. Hidden Brain is now on YouTube! Check out our first three videos, which explore how to cope in high-pressure situations, the secret behind artistic masterpieces, and an unexpected driver of bravery in our everyday lives.  Illustration by Kuliation for Unsplash+. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We like to think that good financial decisions come down to discipline and basic math. But the psychology of money turns out to be deeply complicated. Researcher John Dinsmore explains the hidden mental biases that shape how we think about spending, borrowing, and the future. We explore how these forces can steer us toward costly mistakes — and how to guard against them. Then, on Your Questions Answered, researcher Bobby Parmar returns to consider the upsides of embracing uncertainty. We're excited to share that Hidden Brain is coming to YouTube! Check out our trailer and subscribe so you don't miss our first three episodes, coming April 10.  Episode art by Andania Humaira for Unsplash+ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should you tell a harsh truth if it will only cause pain? Or is it sometimes kinder to keep someone in the dark? Psychologist Emma Levine explores the unwritten rules that guide when people feel it’s acceptable to lie — and what those choices reveal about trust, harm, and our deepest moral values. In our companion Hidden Brain+ episode, we explore ways to bridge the gap between the many lies we condone in practice, and the lying we claim to hate. If you're a subscriber, that episode is called “Telling The Truth About Lies.” If you're not yet a Hidden Brain+ subscriber, please visit support.hiddenbrain.org or apple.co/hidden brain for a free seven-day trial.  We're excited to share that Hidden Brain is coming to YouTube! Check out our trailer and subscribe so you don't miss our first three episodes, coming April 10.  Illustration by Masantocreative for Unsplash+ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this companion episode to "When It's Okay to Lie," we turn the lens on ourselves. If we quietly accept that some lies are justified, why do we reward leaders who insist they never lie? Psychologist Emma Levine explores our hypocrisy about honesty — and whether we’d be better off telling the truth about our lying ways. Image credit: Nik via Unsplash

How do the groups you identify with shape your sense of self? Do they influence the beer you buy? The way you vote? In this favorite episode from 2021, psychologist Jay Van Bavel explains how our group loyalties affect us more than we realize, and can even shape our basic senses of sight, taste and smell. Then, look out! There's a g-g-g-ghost! Psychologist Coltan Scrivner answers listener questions about the surprising benefits of scary entertainment. We're excited to share that Hidden Brain is coming to YouTube! Check out our trailer and subscribe so you don't miss our first three episodes, coming April 10.  Episode illustration by Eva Wahyuni for Unsplash+.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We tend to see depression as an illness to eliminate, evidence that something has gone wrong in the brain. But what if low mood serves a purpose? Psychologist Jonathan Rottenberg examines the evolutionary roots of depression and reflects on his own painful experience with suicidal despair. He explores how depression can narrow our focus, and sometimes open the door to change. A note that this story includes a discussion of suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there are people who can help. If you're inside the U.S., call or text 988, or visit the 988 Helpline online. If you’re outside the U.S., you can search for resources in your country on this site. Episode illustration by Runend Art for Unsplash Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens in the long term to a person who experiences depression? In this conversation for Hidden Brain+ subscribers, we talk with psychologist Jonathan Rottenberg about research showing that many people don’t just recover from depression — they go on to flourish. He explains what might distinguish those who thrive, and why depression can sometimes become a bridge to a better place. This conversation is a companion to our episode "Rethinking Depression." If you haven't yet listened to that episode, we recommend you start there. And a note that this episode includes discussion of an attempted suicide. If you or someone you love is in crisis, there are people who can help. If you're inside the U.S., call or text 988, or visit the 988 Helpline online. If you’re outside the U.S., you can search for resources in your country on this site. Episode illustration by Kyunghee Yim for Unsplash+

Disgust is a strong emotion, one designed by evolution to protect us from danger and diseases. But disgust also spills into other areas of our lives, influencing our morals, our intuitions about right and wrong, even our politics. We talk with psychologist David Pizarro about how disgust is used to persuade and divide us, and why it remains such a potent force in public life today. Then, in our latest installment of “Your Questions Answered,” Huggy Rao returns to respond to listeners’ thoughts and questions about why big ideas fail. There's still time to join Shankar at one of our upcoming stops on Hidden Brain's live tour! Join us in Philadelphia on March 21 or New York City on March 25. And stay tuned for more tour dates to be announced soon!  Illustration by Alvaro Montoro for Unsplash Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charismatic leaders can inspire devotion and give people a powerful sense of meaning. They can also make us vulnerable. This week, we explore how figures across history have gained followers by offering clarity in moments of uncertainty — and why that clarity can come at a cost. Historian Molly Worthen explains how to recognize the spell of charisma, and why questioning it is essential to a healthy society. Then, on Your Questions Answered, Antonio Pascual-Leone returns to respond to listeners' thoughts and questions about moving on after a breakup. Do you have personal stories about being drawn in by a charismatic leader? A question about how we can be swept up in the spell of a mesmerizing person? If you’d be willing to share your question or story with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone. Then, email the file to us at [email protected]. Use the subject line “charisma.” Thanks!  Our next stops on Hidden Brain's live tour are coming up in just a few weeks! Join Shankar in Philadelphia on March 21 or in New York City on March 25. More info and tickets are at hiddenbrain.org/tour. Episode illustration by Imhaf Maulana for Unsplash+ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it do to a person to feel overlooked? This week, psychologist Gordon Flett examines how the absence of “mattering” can fuel loneliness, depression, and even violence. He outlines how feeling valued serves as a psychological buffer, and how simple gestures can rebuild a sense of meaning in ourselves and others. Then, in the second half of the show, listeners share their thoughts on finding healing in nature. Psychologist Marc Berman returns for the latest installment of our series "Your Questions Answered."  Today's episode touches on topics related to loneliness, depression, and suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling, there are people who can help. If you're in the U.S., call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If you're outside the U.S., this site can help you find mental health resources in your country. Our next stops on Hidden Brain’s live tour are just weeks away! Join Shankar for an evening of science and storytelling in Philadelphia on March 21 or New York City on March 25. He’ll be sharing seven key psychological insights from his first decade hosting the show. And stayed tuned for more tour stops to be announced later this spring! Episode illustration by Martino Pietropoli for Unsplash+. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our companion episode, psychologist Gordon Flett explored our need to feel seen, or what he calls "mattering." In this episode, exclusively for subscribers to Hidden Brain+, he looks at the loss of mattering. What happens when you once felt significant — and then that sense is taken away? Our next stops on Hidden Brain’s live tour are just weeks away! Join Shankar for an evening of science and storytelling in Philadelphia on March 21 or New York City on March 25. He’ll be sharing seven key psychological insights from his first decade hosting the show. And stayed tuned for more tour stops to be announced later this spring! Episode illustration by Ian Mikraz for Unsplash+

From the time we're schoolchildren, we're ranked and sorted based on how smart we are. But what if our assumptions about intelligence limit our potential? This week, we revisit a favorite 2022 conversation with cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman, who proposes a more expansive notion of what it means to be "smart." Then, in the latest installment of Your Questions Answered, psychologist James Cordova answers listener questions on accepting our romantic partners as they are. Our next stops on Hidden Brain’s live tour are just weeks away! Join Shankar for an evening of science and storytelling in Philadelphia on March 21 or New York City on March 25. He’ll be sharing seven key psychological insights from his first decade hosting the show. And stayed tuned for more tour stops to be announced later this spring! If you missed our original series with James Cordova, listen to How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 1 and How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 2.  Episode illustration by ghariza mahavira for Unsplash+ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week, we talked with psychologist Leslie John about the costs of keeping secrets. Today, Leslie returns with a look at the psychological power of self-disclosure. She says the moments of oversharing that we often consider "TMI" can actually strengthen our relationships. Then, in the second half of the show, listeners share their thoughts and questions about the expectations we put on modern marriages. Psychologist Eli Finkel returns for the latest installment of our series "Your Questions Answered."  Our next stops on Hidden Brain’s live tour are just weeks away! Join Shankar for an evening of science and storytelling in Philadelphia on March 21 or New York City on March 25. He’ll be sharing seven key psychological insights from his first decade hosting the show. And stayed tuned for more tour stops to be announced later this spring! If you missed our original conversation with Eli Finkel, you can find it here. And here's where you can check out his podcast, "Love Factually." Episode illustration by Bekeen Co. for Unsplash+ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.