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Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain

By: Hidden Brain Shankar Vedantam
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Why do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? What can I do to improve my relationships? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. On Hidden Brain, we help you understand your own mind — and the minds of the people around you. (We're routinely rated the #1 science podcast in the United States.) Hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam.All Rights Reserved Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Why Conversations Go Wrong
    Sep 14 2026

    Do you ever struggle to communicate with your mom? Or feel like you and your spouse sometimes speak different languages? This week, we revisit a favorite conversation with linguist Deborah Tannen. She shows how our conversational styles can cause unintended conflicts, and what we can do to communicate more effectively with the people in our lives. Then, in an all-new installment of "Your Questions Answered," Emma Levine responds to your questions and stories about the psychology of lying.

    What should you do when you achieve a big goal, but it doesn't bring the satisfaction or happiness you thought it would? Check out our latest YouTube video for ideas about getting out of this sort of rut. And make sure to subscribe so you don't miss any of Shankar's upcoming videos.


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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Blowing Up Your Life
    Sep 7 2026

    Have you ever had a flash of insight that hit you when you least expected it? How did it change your life? Psychologist Anthony Klotz studies the "jolts" that shake us out of our routines, and how these moments can help us make more intentional decisions about the people we want to become. Then, psychologist Ap Dijksterhuis returns to the show to answer your questions about a very specific kind of jolt: creative breakthroughs.

    What are the signs that it might be time to leave your job? In a bonus conversation for Hidden Brain+ subscribers, Anthony Klotz talks with us about when it makes sense to quit, and why so many people who do quit regret not doing so sooner. If you're not yet a Hidden Brain+ subscriber, you can access a free seven-day trial at support.hiddenbrain.org or apple.co/hidden brain.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • The Things We Don't Say
    Aug 31 2026

    From childhood, we're taught that honesty is the best policy. Yet in everyday life, we hedge, soften our words, and leave things unsaid. This week, we talk with psychologist Steven Pinker about why indirect speech is such a fundamental part of human relationships.

    How long can you stay focused on a task before your attention is drawn elsewhere? In our latest YouTube video, we explore what the science says about our shrinking attention spans, and how you can begin to reclaim your focus.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    50 mins
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whether you're in a rough patch or not, this is a must- listen for your current and future self

so very poignant and applicable

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Loved this episode! I learned so much that I can apply to everyday conversations with everyone from my life partner to people I just met.

Insightful and useful

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Closure for both parties was essential, however painful. very good story all around. thanks

Hidden Brain is awesome!

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My why for a resilient marriage is I don't want anyone else raising my Children this podcast allows me to know the cost of raising great kids

My God this is Church you a prophet Brother

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This episode about Decoding Emotions will stick with me a long time!! Mind-blowing! I will be including this information in my lectures to professionals and students.

Fascinating!!!

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