Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.

We've all had those days when all we want is a little treat. Maybe it's a bag of chips, an ice cream sundae or a glass of wine. But sometimes, these desires become all-consuming. This week on the show, psychiatrist<a href="https://www.brown.edu/public-health/mindfulness/people/judson-brewer-md-phd" target="_blank"> Judson Brewer</a> helps us understand the science of cravings, and how we should respond to them. If you liked today's conversation, be sure to check out other Hidden Brain episodes about ways to regain a feeling of control over your life: <a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/creatures-of-habit/" target="_blank">Creatures of Habit</a> and <a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/taking-control-of-your-time/" target="_blank">Taking Control of Your Time</a>.

Hidden Brain

The Curious Science of Cravings

Anthropologist <a href="https://www.uwstout.edu/directory/pearsont">Tom Pearson</a> was devastated after his daughter Michaela was diagnosed with Down syndrome. When he began to examine that emotional response, he found himself wrestling with questions that have roiled his field for decades. Early anthropologists would often compare people of different backgrounds and abilities, asking questions like: How is one group different from another? Which one is stronger or smarter? And how do we understand people who don’t fit our expectations? This week, we talk with Pearson about his family’s story, and the evolution of our thinking on disability and difference.If you liked today's show, be sure to check out these classic Hidden Brain episodes:<a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/emma-carrie-vivian/">"Emma, Carrie, Vivian"</a><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/why-youre-smarter-than-you-think/">"Why You're Smarter than You Think"</a>

What Is Normal?

If you've ever taken an economics class, you were probably taught that people are rational. But about 50 years ago, the psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky began to chip away at this basic assumption. In doing so, they transformed our understanding of human behavior. This week, we remember Kahneman, who recently died at the age of 90, by revisiting our 2018 and 2021 conversations with him. If you enjoyed this look at the work of Daniel Kahneman, you might also enjoy our conversations about behavioral economics with Kahneman's friend and collaborator Richard Thaler: <a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/misbehaving-with-richard-thaler/">Misbehaving with Richard Thaler </a><a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/follow-the-anomalies/">Follow the Anomalies </a>

The Transformative Ideas of Daniel Kahneman

Have you ever sat across from your spouse, colleague or friend and realized that while they may be hearing what you're saying, they aren't actually listening? Poor listening can lead to arguments, hurt feelings, and fractured relationships. But the good news is that active, thoughtful listening can profoundly benefit both people in the conversation. This week on the show, psychologist <a href="https://guyitzchakov.haifa.ac.il/">Guy Itzchakov</a> helps us understand where interactions go awry, and how to become a more attentive listener. For more of our work on how to better connect with the people in your life, check out these episodes:<a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/why-conversations-go-wrong/" target="_blank"> Why Conversations Go Wrong</a> with Deborah Tannen<a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/a-secret-source-of-connection/" target="_blank">A Secret Source of Connection</a> with Amit Kumar<a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/what-makes-relationships-thrive/">Relationships 2.0: What Makes Relationships Thrive</a> with Harry Reis<a href="https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/relationships-2-0-how-to-keep-conflict-from-spiraling/">Relationships 2.0: How to Keep Conflict from Spiraling</a> with Julia Minson

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Episodes