logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2023
49m 21s

Healing 2.0: What We Gain from Pain

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode

We’ve all heard the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But is there any truth to this idea? This week, we explore the concept of post-traumatic growth with psychologist Eranda Jayawickreme. He finds that pain can have benefits — but not necessarily the ones we expect.

Enjoy this episode? Make sure to check out last week's kick-off to our Healing 2.0 series, where we explore how the stories we tell about ourselves shape our lives in profound ways.  

Up next
Jul 7
You 2.0: The Passion Pill
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” The idea is that pursuing your passion will feel invigorating — almost magical. But passions can easily wane over time. This week, behavioral scientist Jon Jachimowicz looks at how to ... Show More
49m 25s
Jun 30
You 2.0: What Is Your Life For?
What should you do with your life? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. But there are scientifically-tested methods that can help you to feel more in harmony with yourself and the world. This week, and in a companion conversation for Hidden Brain+, researcher Vic ... Show More
1h 3m
Jun 23
Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and "Covering"
There’s a saying that’s attributed to the Dalai Lama: in the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher. It’s a nice idea. But when people don’t share our values, it’s hard for us to tolerate theirs. This week, we bring you a favorite episode with sociologist Robb Wil ... Show More
1h 25m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2019
[Rerun] Kristin Neff on The Healing Power of Self-Compassion
A pioneering researcher in the psychology of self-compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff provides deep insight into the incredible healing power of being your own ally. In this episode, we cover some immediately useful ways to practice self-compassion and gain its many benefits. Self-compa ... Show More
34m 23s
Mar 2023
How We Feel Pain
How do we feel pain? What parts of the brain control our reaction to painful sensations? And how is stem cell technology revolutionising the search for better treatments for chronic pain? In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she u ... Show More
39m 44s
Feb 2022
293 - Tony Robbins: New Science Breakthroughs to Bulletproof Your Health
Could an episode of The Marie Forleo Podcast save your life? This one might. Tony shares about his new book “Life Force,” including his life-changing health journey from devastating diagnosis to peak performance, and the mind-blowing health breakthroughs he’s learned from 100+ of ... Show More
1h 2m
Mar 2024
Understanding The Impact Of Breakthroughs In Health Anxiety
To Begin Your Health Anxiety Healing With A Loving And Supportive Community Click Here. In this episode, we delve into the nuanced terrain of health anxiety, exploring how moments of breakthrough can wield as much pain as setbacks. We dissect the emotional rollercoaster that acco ... Show More
12m 31s
Feb 2024
TMHS 762 - How To Turn Your Pain Into Power - With Dr. Neeta Bhushan
Trauma and hardships are a natural part of the human experience. None of us are immune from life’s difficulties, but what truly matters is how we navigate those experiences. When we are able to build resilience, we sharpen our skills, reframe our challenges, and become better and ... Show More
1h 19m
Oct 2022
#72: The Spooky Costs Of Delaying Your Trauma Healing By Even 1 Year
Happy halloween, besties! So I kept thinking about having a spooky theme to go with today's episode... But I eventually realized that maybe there's nothing spookier or scarier than knowing that we might be playing a role in our own suffering. Yes, this is more of a toug ... Show More
19m 12s
Jun 2024
471. ¿Todo tiene una explicación? | Jueves de Lety & Ash
Durante años hemos idealizado “la sanación” como un estado en el que alcanzamos un nivel superior de consciencia y ya nada nos duele. Para lograrlo, recurrimos a la terapia, cursos, talleres, meditaciones y más. Pero, ¿realmente todas estas herramientas nos ayudan a sanar por com ... Show More
12m 42s
Mar 2024
BITESIZE | How Your Brain Creates Your Conscious Reality | Professor Anil Seth #439
Today’s guest asserts that the way we encounter reality is a construction. Our thoughts and perceptions are merely interpretations of external and biological cues. We’re all hallucinating, all the time. It’s just that when we agree on those hallucinations, we call it reality. Fee ... Show More
21m 37s
Jul 2024
472. ¿Nos estamos obsesionando con sanar? | Luga Ballesteros
Durante años hemos idealizado “la sanación” como un estado en el que alcanzamos un nivel superior de consciencia y ya nada nos duele. Para lograrlo, recurrimos a la terapia, cursos, talleres, meditaciones y más. Pero, ¿realmente todas estas herramientas nos ayudan a sanar por com ... Show More
1h 6m
Jan 2024
TMHS 757 - The Truth About The Placebo Effect
Each year, trillions of dollars are poured into the American healthcare system, yet the rates of chronic illnesses and diseases continue to climb. If we want better health outcomes, we’ve got to stop handing over our power to prescription pads and diagnoses, and instead harness a ... Show More
1h 16m