126. Why Do People Love Horror Movies?

Is evolution stacked against healthy eating? What policies could increase demand for nutritious food? And does Popeyes count as a cultural icon? This episode originally aired on March 27th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ... Show More

In this episode of Stephen Dubner’s new TV talk show, Gary and Stephen talk about creativity, recovery, getting fired, and holding grudges. They also get outside and play basketball, which is a big part of how Gary stays well. If you'd like to see the video version of Better in P ... Show More

What’s the difference between people who preserve special things and people who devour them right away? Why do we love to binge-watch? And did Adam really eat an apple? This episode originally aired on March 20th, 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.co ... Show More

Spicy food, scary movies, BDSM … why do humans sometimes chase painful experiences and how are they linked to pleasure? 

Disgust is an odd thing. It makes sense that we would feel a sense of revulsion at the thought of putting rotten meat in our mouths – that’s pure evolution. But why would we feel the same emotion at the thought of weird sex or from hearing a racist rant? Find out more in this cla ... Show More

<p>When it comes to exercising outrage, people tend to be very selective. Could it be that humans are our least favorite animal?</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection an ... Show More

<p>What happens when the most disturbing ideas are also the best?</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p> 

<p>How much should we share about crises going on around the world on social media? What's the deal with ASMR? In today's episode, Lana shares her thoughts on her recent appreciation for comedy, as well as one of her favorite topics - what it is that makes us attracted to another ... Show More

We go to movies that make us cry, scream or gag we poke at sores, eat spicy foods and run marathons. Some of us even seek out discomfort and humiliation for sexual gratification. Most of these activities are painful yet many of us find pleasure within them and Professor Paul Bloo ... Show More

We discuss if there is an evolutionary reason why we're attracted to bad news.