You 2.0: Stop Spiraling!
Today, we talk with psychologist Greg Walton, who studies how our minds get trapped in negative thought spirals — and how we can begin to break free.
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Hidden Brain
The Reset Button
Many of us rush through our days, weeks, and lives, chasing goals, and just trying to get everything done. But that can blind us to a very simple source of joy that’s all around us. This week, in the fourth and final installment of our Happiness 2.0 series, psychologist Dacher Keltner describes what happens when we stop to savor nature, art, or simply the moral courage of those around us.
The Path to Enough
This week, we bring you the second part of our conversation on the perils of too much pleasure. Psychiatrist Anna Lembke explains the neuroscience behind compulsive consumption, and how it alters our brains. She also shares techniques she’s learned from her patients to overcome the lure of addictive substances and behaviors.
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The Paradox of Pleasure
Psychiatrist Anna Lembke argues that our conception of addiction is far too narrow — and that a broader understanding of it might help us to understand why so many people are anxious and depressed.
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Murder Mystery
Why are so many of us drawn to horror, gore, and true crime? Why do we crane our necks to see the scene of a crash on the highway? Psychologist Coltan Scrivner says that our natural morbid curiosity serves a purpose. We talk with Coltan about our fascination with tales of murder and mayhem, and what this
Parents: Keep Out!
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.
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The Power of Family Stories
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 the profound impact that family stories can have on our lives.
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Why Following Your Dreams Isn’t Enough
Entrepreneurs typically have no shortage of passion. But there are other elements that may matter more when it comes to whether their projects succeed.
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How Nature Heals Us
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.
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Reframing the Battle of Wills
It can be frustrating when people do things we don’t want them to do. A friend cancels plans at the last minute. A child refuses to get dressed for school. Before long, our resentment builds, and we’re tempted to issue more rules, reminders, and consequences. But the techniques we use to get people to alter their behavior are often strikingly ineffective. This week, psychologist Stuart Ablon explains why these methods fail, and offers better ways to help the people we care about make lasting change.
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