Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.
507 episodes transcribedMany of us rush through our lives, chasing goals and just trying to get everything done. But that can blind us to a very simple source of joy that's a...
Sometimes, life can feel like being stuck on a treadmill. No matter how hard you try to feel happier, you end up back where you started. What’s going...
Having a sense of purpose can be a buffer against the challenges we all face at various stages of life. Purpose can also boost our health and longevit...
It's natural to want to run away from difficult emotions such as grief, anger and fear. But what happens when these feelings catch up with us? This we...
Many of us believe that hard work and persistence are the key to achieving our goals. But is that true when it comes to the pursuit of happiness? This...
When we want something very badly, it can be hard to see warning signs that might be obvious to other people. This week, we revisit a favorite episode...
Think back to the last time someone convinced you to do something you didn't want to do, or to spend money you didn't want to spend. What techniques d...
We all exert pressure on each other in ways small and profound. We recommend movies or books to a friend. We convince a colleague to take a different...
If you think about the people in your life, it's likely that they share a lot in common with you. Maybe they like the same kinds of food, or enjoy the...
We all have to make certain choices in life, such as where to live and how to earn a living. Parents and peers influence our major life choices. But...
It's the time of year when many of us make resolutions for the year ahead. We pledge to quit smoking, eat better, or get more exercise. Then a few wee...
We often look down on people who complain a lot. Yet when something goes wrong in our own lives, many of us go straight to griping, grumbling and kvet...
People in every country and culture mark important milestones, such as births, marriages and deaths, with intricately choreographed scripts. We even a...
With the holidays upon us, many of us are hunting for that special something for the special someones in our lives. It's how we show we care about th...
Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated. In the final episode of our Relationships 2.0 series, we revisit a conversation with psychologist Harry Re...
No one will deny that marriage is hard. In fact, there's evidence it's getting even harder. This week on the show, we revisit a favorite episode from...
When you go to a medical appointment, your doctor may ask you several questions. Do you smoke? Have you been getting exercise? Are you sleeping? But r...
As you're going about your day, you likely interact with family, friends and coworkers. These relationships can help you feel cared for and connected....
When it comes to conflict, most of us just want to shut it down. But psychological research is increasingly taking a different approach to discord, wi...
Anxiety is an uncomfortable emotion, which is why most of us try to avoid it. But psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary says our anxiety is also trying to...
