Why do people like to watch scary movies or listen to sad songs? We do we run marathons and raise children, even though both of those pursuits come with struggle and pain? Dr. Paul Bloom discusses why suffering is linked to meaning in life, the connection between pleasure and pain, and the difference between chosen and unchosen suffering. Links Paul Bloom, ... Show More
Mar 4
Incentivizing recovery: Why contingency management works to treat addiction, with Lara Coughlin, PhD, and Michael McDonell, PhD
More than half of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involve stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. There are no medications to treat stimulant addiction, but there is a behavioral treatment that works: contingency management, which involves offering tangible, immediate rewar ... Show More
45m 29s
Feb 25
Catching fire: What goes viral and why? With Jonah Berger, PhD
Why do some ideas, products, news stories and trends spread like wildfire, while others disappear? Jonah Berger, PhD, discusses the science of what catches on; the psychological forces that drive word of mouth, including social currency and high-arousal emotions like awe and ange ... Show More
41m 33s
Feb 18
How to build kids’ resilience, with Mary Alvord, PhD
From school pressures to friendship ruptures, all kids will face challenges as they grow. Mary Alvord, PhD, talks why building resilience is key to helping kids handle both everyday stresses and significant life setbacks; how to help children and teens develop foundational resili ... Show More
34m 44s
Mar 2022
HURT SO GOOD: The Pleasures of Suffering (Paul Bloom & Susan Cain)
Some people think humans are natural pleasure seekers. But not psychologist Paul Bloom. In his new book, “The Sweet Spot,” Paul says we’re pain seekers, too. Just think about all the uncomfortable things we do for fun — eating spicy food, climbing treacherous mountains, watching ... Show More
59m 30s
Mar 2024
Why Bad Boys Feel Good, with Dr. Stephen Porges!
Vagus Nerve Secrets REVEALED: Discover how to feel safe with the groundbreaking creator of the Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Stephen Porges!
Dr. Porges helps us answer all of the important questions, like:
- Why are we attracted to "BAD" people?
- How can trauma prevent us from accessi ... Show More
1h 51m
Nov 2021
#402 - Paul Bloom - Why Pain & Suffering Are Necessary For A Good Life
Paul Bloom is Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University and an author.
People do strange things to feel pleasure. Eating spicy food, having rough sex, watching scary movies. On top of that, they make huge sacrifices ... Show More
1h 17m