Hidden Brain explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior and questions that lie at the heart of our complex and changing world.
Latest Episodes:
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.
Behavioral scientist Jon Jachimowicz looks at how to keep our passions alive, and how to channel old passions into new pursuits.
What should you do with your life? This week, researcher Victor Strecher explores the science of creating a life full of meaning.
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.
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 ...
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.
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Featured Episodes:
Here are some of our favorite episodes to help you get started:

Hidden Brain Classics
Stories that will expand your mind and help you see the world with fresh eyes.
When Did Marriage Become So Hard?

You 2.0
Our annual series about finding wisdom amidst the chaos of everyday life.

A Life Well Lived
Stories about happiness, purpose, and what it means to live life to the fullest.
Minimizing Pain, Maximizing Joy

Relationships
Explorations of how we engage with other people, and why we sometimes struggle to see eye to eye.