logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2022
40m 22s

237 - Reactance - Michele Belot

YOU ARE NOT SO SMART
About this episode
New research suggests people on opposite sides of wedge issues want to listen to each other. We are each eager to hear differing opinions and understand opposing views, and when we do it can change our minds (at least a little), but only when we aren't triggered by the psychological phenomenon of reactance - one of several ideas we explore in this episode. ... Show More
Up next
Jul 6
343 - Misguided - Matthew Facciani
What is misinformation? How does it differ from disinformation or just plain ‘ole propaganda? How do we protect ourselves from people with nefarious intentions using all of these things to affect our thoughts, feelings, and behavior? That’s what we discuss in this episode with Ma ... Show More
1h 8m
Jun 22
342 - The Conspiracy Theorist Who Changed His Mind
Tim Harford of the podcast Cautionary Tales sits down with David McRaney to hear a story from David's book, How Minds Change, about how (and why) a prominent conspiracy theorist realized he was wrong. Charlie Veitch was certain that 9/11 was an inside job. The attack on the World ... Show More
47m 15s
Jun 8
341 - Positive Rants - Heather Barnes
Communications professor Heather Barnes teaches us how to use what she learned teaching at Second City, managing the Museum of Science and Industry, and taking classes at the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science to truly engage with difficult people through the power of pos ... Show More
45m 20s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2022
Separating Yourself from the Pack
<p>Have you ever gotten into a heated argument about politics? Maybe you’ve said something you're not proud of during game night with friends, or booed the opposing team at a sporting event. Psychologist <a href="https://psychology.fas.harvard.edu/people/mina-cikara">Mina Cikara< ... Show More
54m 56s
Aug 2022
You 2.0: How to Open Your Mind
<p>In the United States, we often praise people with strong convictions, and look down on those who express doubt or hesitation.  In this favorite 2021 episode, psychologist <a href="https://mgmt.wharton.upenn.edu/profile/grantad/">Adam Grant</a> pushes back against the benefits ... Show More
52m 21s
Jul 2019
Facts Aren't Enough
<p>Sometimes when we believe something, we resist data that can change our minds. This week, we look at how we rely on the people we trust to shape what we believe, and why emotions can be more powerful than facts. This episode features new reporting and favorite conversations wi ... Show More
48m 58s
Dec 2020
The Exploration of Conversation
How do we go into difficult conversations where we hold preconceived ideas? In today’s podcast, we learn how to be open to having our minds changed, rather than looking to convince the other person to share our views. Want more Andy? Try Headspace today! Learn more about your ad ... Show More
5m 51s
Dec 2021
Changing Our Minds
Admitting we're wrong is painful--even seen as a sign of weakness. But what if we take a more flexible approach? This hour: how rethinking ideas can be good for our brains and our relationships. Guests include former GOP congressman Bob Inglis, organizational psychologist Adam Gr ... Show More
50m 52s
Feb 2022
Mind Reading 2.0: The Double Standard
<p>It’s easy to spot bias in other people, especially those with whom we disagree.  But it’s not so easy to recognize our own biases.  In the latest in our "Mind Reading 2.0" series, we revisit a favorite conversation with psychologist <a href="https://psych.princeton.edu/person/ ... Show More
48m 22s
Oct 2022
Relationships 2.0: How To Keep Conflict From Spiraling
<p>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, with profound implications for disputes big and small. This week, we kick off our Relationships 2.0 series by asking: what if we ... Show More
53m 58s
Sep 2022
Changing Our Minds (2021)
Original broadcast date: Friday, December 3, 2021. Admitting we're wrong is painful--even seen as a sign of weakness. But what if we take a more flexible approach? This hour: how rethinking ideas can be good for our brains and our relationships. Guests include former GOP congress ... Show More
49m 45s
Apr 2025
How to Handle Different Opinions Mindfully
Differing opinions are inevitable, but how we respond matters. Learn mindfulness-based strategies to pause, listen actively, and set boundaries when needed—fostering connection instead of division, even in challenging conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho ... Show More
6m 45s