Revenge often feels sweet, but what price do we pay for seeking it out? Researcher James Kimmel, Jr. proposes a radical theory: our desire for vengeance operates like an addiction in the brain. This week, how “revenge addiction” plays out in our everyday lives — and on a global scale.
The Price of Revenge Read More »
If you are a parent or a teacher, you’re constantly wondering: how do I balance play and safety for the kids in my 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.
Parents: Keep Out! Read More »
When Amy Connor went into pre-term labor with twins, one of her sons needed an emergency blood transfusion. The hospital didn’t have any blood that matched the baby’s blood type — until an unsung hero stepped up to help.
Amy Connor’s Story Read More »
Have you ever encountered someone who clearly knows you, but you have no idea who they are? This week, we feature a classic Hidden Brain episode about people on opposite ends of the facial recognition spectrum. Then, in the second part of the show, we bring you another perspective on facial recognition from the Revisionist
Do I Know You? (A Hidden Brain-Revisionist History Special) Read More »
In 2016, Tulika was at the grocery store with her seven-year-old son, Vedant, who is non-verbal and autistic. When Vedant began to cry and pull her hair, a stranger helped Tulika in just the right way.
Tulika Prasad’s Story Read More »
You probably know someone who thinks they know more about something than they really do. But you could never be described that way . . . could you? This week, cognitive scientist Phil Fernbach explains the “illusion of knowledge” — the fact that we think we understand the world in much greater detail than we actually do. He’ll explore
How Much Do We Really Know? Read More »
Jon told his high school principal, Mr. Barnett, that he planned to drop out of school. But Mr. Barnett implored him to earn his diploma — which set Jon on a path to success.
Jon Hegwood’s Story Read More »
Forgetting something — whether it’s a colleague’s name or where we put our keys — can be deeply frustrating. This week, psychologist Ciara Greene helps us explore the science of forgetting. We look at why our minds hold on to some memories for a lifetime, but discard others within seconds. And we grapple with a question many people ask themselves: Is my forgetfulness a sign that something is wrong with me?
One morning, A woke up and began believing he was an undercover government agent. He quit his job, and soon after was arrested for reckless driving. But he wasn’t in jail for long, because his boss got A the psychiatric help he needed. That act of kindness was life-changing.
Do you feel like you control your emotions, or do your emotions control you? What scientists call “emotion regulation” turns out to be one of the most important life skills we can possess. It’s essential in dealing with setbacks, in balancing risks and rewards, and in maintaining successful relationships. This week, psychologist Ethan Kross explores
How to Harness Your Feelings Read More »
