Hidden Brain

09/26/2025

Very few of us wake up genuinely excited to go to the office. And maybe that’s okay. Researcher Jennifer Tosti-Kharas says there are many ways of making meaning – and even finding a calling – in the work we do.

Podcast Episode · Hidden Brain · 09/22/2025 · 53m

09/25/2025

This week on My Unsung Hero: In the sixth grade, Tanya Eby's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Tanya in a hug.

When she was in the sixth grade, Tanya's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Tanya in a hug.

09/24/2025

What do you want to be when you grow up?

From a young age, many of us absorb the idea that we all have one true calling. A purpose that revolves around what we do for a living. Researcher Jennifer Tosti-Kharas offers another way to think about it.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5m0QJvcRnkdOxntBMsJahC

Hidden Brain · Episode

09/23/2025

The idea of being driven by a calling goes back centuries. It was the language used to describe religious people who were called to the priesthood — called, in effect, by God. Today, millions of people in secular professions yearn to be similarly galvanized by their work. Researcher Jennifer Tosti-Kharas explores the immense power — and the downsides — of finding a job that gives you purpose.

https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/passion-vs-paycheck/

09/22/2025

Ten years ago today, the first episode of Hidden Brain made its way out into the world. As we celebrate a decade of the show, we want to say thank you to our listeners. Your curiosity, loyalty, and thoughtful engagement have fueled every step of our journey, and we couldn’t make this show without your support.

09/18/2025

The Hidden Brain tour continues! Our next stop will be in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, October 11th! Join us for captivating stories, deep conversations, and key insights from Hidden Brain’s first decade — all hosted by Shankar Vedantam.

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/83930397/hidden-brainperceptionstour-with-shankar-vedantam-baltimore-the-lyric-baltimore

09/17/2025

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0eS89OFukKnIZh5pjQOzuQ?si=1tcpipLCQQSzOAQtddSzDwAccepting feedback is hard. That’s because our minds associate who we are with what is good. This week, neuroscientist Emily Falk explains why we tend to push back against suggestions—and how we can become better listeners. Plus, how to offer feedback in a way that truly resonates.

09/17/2025

Why do we push back against feedback...even when it’s helpful?

Neuroscientist Emily Falk helps us unpack the science behind our reactions and how to make feedback work better for everyone.

Podcast Episode · Hidden Brain · 09/15/2025 · 1h 18m

09/16/2025

Ever noticed how people instinctively defend themselves when receiving feedback? Maybe you’ve caught yourself doing it, too. This week, we continue our conversation with neuroscientist Emily Falk to explore why we tend to push back against suggestions—and how we can become better listeners. Plus, how to offer feedback in a way that truly resonates.

It's not easy for most of us to receive negative feedback. We'll explore what causes so many of us to resist constructive criticism, and how we can get better at giving and receiving such feedback.

09/12/2025

The Hidden Brain tour continues! Our next stop will be in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, October 11th! Join us for captivating stories, deep conversations, and key insights from Hidden Brain’s first decade — all hosted by Shankar Vedantam.

09/11/2025

This week on My Unsung Hero: When Juli Cobb’s car ran out of gas in the middle of the road, three men from a nearby homeless encampment rushed over to push her car to safety.

09/10/2025

We think of willpower as discipline. In this week’s episode, psychologist Emily Falk explains why that approach might make things harder than they need to be. Instead of grinding through our goals and resolutions, what if self-control could be....joyful?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MH7Z3nRdK3qom7fv5ve4A?si=ep8bGbDmSou9FZ_Ii05wFg