Why do some people risk their own lives to help another person, or give away their fortunes for the benefit of strangers? This week, we talk with psychologist and neuroscientist Abigail Marsh, who studies the science of altruism. We’ll explore what’s known about the brains of people who perform acts of remarkable selflessness, and how the […]
Fear is a normal and healthy response to things that may harm us. But fear can also hold us back from doing the things we want to do.
We all tell stories about ourselves, often without realizing we’re doing so. How we frame those stories can profoundly shape our lives. In the kickoff episode to our monthlong series on healing, psychologist Jonathan Adler shares how to tell our stories in ways that enhance our wellbeing.
You 2.0: Change Your Story, Change Your Life Read More »
What does it mean to be stoic? Many of us assume it means you have a stiff upper lip, or that you suppress your emotions. That’s what Massimo Pigliucci thought — until he started to peruse a book called Meditations. It was written nearly two thousand years ago by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. But Massimo, now a
You 2.0: The Wisdom of Stoicism Read More »
This week, we revisit a conversation with psychologist Iris Mauss, who explains why happiness can seem more elusive the harder we chase it. Then, we bring you the latest edition of our segment “Your Questions Answered.” Behavioral scientist Alison Wood Brooks answers listener questions on how to be a better conversationalist.
You 2.0: The Path to Contentment Read More »
Behavioral scientist Jon Jachimowicz looks at how to keep our passions alive, and how to channel old passions into new pursuits.
You 2.0: The Passion Pill Read More »
What should you do with your life? This week, researcher Victor Strecher explores the science of creating a life full of meaning.
You 2.0: What Is Your Life For? Read More »
This week, we bring you a favorite episode with sociologist Robb Willer. We discuss the common mistakes we make in trying to persuade others of our point of view — and how to break out of our echo chambers. Then, Kenji Yoshino answers your questions about how we hide our true selves.
Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and “Covering” Read More »
Learning to play a musical instrument is hard. So is trying to run a marathon, writing a term paper, and caring for a sick child. These things involve frustration, pain, and disappointment — yet we do them anyway. This week, in part two of our look at the allure of suffering, psychologist Michael Inzlicht explains what we
Doing it the Hard Way Read More »
We generally think of pain as something to be avoided. But psychologist Paul Bloom says that as much as we’re wired to avoid suffering, we also seek it out. This week, we begin a two-part mini series about the curious pleasure we take in certain forms of pain.
Ouch! That Feels Great Read More »
