logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2023
38m 11s

The Forgiving Brain

CNN
About this episode

During the holiday season, we’re often encouraged to make amends and forgive people, but what does it take to really forgive someone? And what happens to your brain and body when you do... or don’t? In this episode, Sanjay talks with forgiveness science pioneer, Robert Enright. He’s been studying and writing about forgiveness for decades at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and he says forgiveness is a choice, and that your ability to do it can be strengthened like a muscle. Enright walks us through a range of scenarios, from forgiving small things like being late for a meeting to larger ones, like forgiving someone who’s engaged in violence. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Oct 7
Can Tiger Balm Help With Aches and Pains?
Does tiger balm, that intense-smelling ointment that we rub into our muscles to relieve aches and pains, actually do anything? We get to the bottom of that on this week’s Paging Doctor Gupta. Plus, can already being on an antibiotic protect you from someone else’s pneumonia? This ... Show More
15m 26s
Oct 3
Beyond the Headlines of MAHA With the FDA
Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Marty Makary, U.S. FDA Commissioner to dig beyond the headlines of this Administration’s latest efforts to “Make America Healthy Again.” This conversation took place on Friday, September 26th, 2025. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai, with a ... Show More
29m 49s
Sep 30
What the Science Says About Tylenol and Autism
President Trump has linked the use of acetaminophen — brand name: Tylenol — during pregnancy to autism in children. In this episode of Paging Dr Gupta, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers questions about how strong that association is. Plus, what are the consequences of not treating a fever ... Show More
14m 20s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2023
The power of forgiving those who’ve hurt you, with Robert Enright, PhD
When someone hurts you, it can feel justifiable or even satisfying to nurse a grudge. But psychologists have found that forgiveness, when done right, can lead to better mental, emotional and even physical health for the forgiver. Robert Enright, PhD, of the International Forgiven ... Show More
29m 14s
Jul 2021
How to Forgive Ourselves and Others with Dr Frederic Luskin
Dr Frederic Luskin, author and the world-leading expert of the art and science of forgiveness, joins us today to discuss how to forgive others, but more importantly, ourselves.Stemming from a personal experience of being hurt by someone, Luskin decided to study forgiveness in ord ... Show More
16 m
Jan 2020
Nick Vujicic Explores the Power of Forgiveness: Overcoming Hurt and Embracing Healing
On today’s podcast, Nick Vujicic and Brian Boyd talk about forgiveness. -How do you forgive? – What does the Bible say about forgiveness? – Do I really need to forgive someone that hurt me? Forgiveness can feel like a Herculean task when the wounds run deep. But as we peel back t ... Show More
21m 38s
Dec 2022
A Self-Interested Case for Forgiveness | Jack Kornfield
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. The allure of resentment, of holding a grudge or nursing your rage can be super powerful.  In today’s episode, Jack Kornfield, one of the great western meditatio ... Show More
1h 4m
Mar 2021
Forgiveness Meditation ~ How to Forgive Yourself and Others
This 20 minute guided forgiveness meditation has been designed with active visualization in mind to walk you through how to forgive someone. Experience the inner peace forgiving yourself and forgiving others brings.  Self forgiveness is often times more difficult than forgiving o ... Show More
20m 40s
Apr 2024
A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness: Why Being Able To Forgive Improves Your Physical & Mental Wellbeing with Dr Fred Luskin #448
What does the word forgiveness mean to you? If the very idea of letting go of a past hurt makes you feel indignant or upset, then listening to this podcast could be one of the best gifts you give yourself. Today’s guest wants us all to understand why forgiveness matters for our m ... Show More
1h 46m
Dec 2019
011 | Najwa | Why Forgiveness Will Set You Free
We have a special show today as good friend and business partner, Corey interviews Najwa who shares her how her take on forgiveness has evolved over the years. This show is a deeply personal one as Najwa shares some heart-wrenching details about how her near and dear ones caused ... Show More
38m 47s
Sep 2022
Nine Steps to Forgiveness
How do you forgive someone while still holding them accountable? What if that person is yourself? This week, our guest tries a practice in forgiving herself and someone else. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3mbkrn9u Episode summary: Anoosha Syed appreciates her na ... Show More
18m 35s
May 2021
187. Greatest Hits Vol 6. Forgiveness & Blame
Have you ever struggled to forgive someone? You’re not alone, but thought work can help. Tune into this week’s Greatest Hits podcast episode to learn how your resistance to forgiveness is harming YOU, and then learn a simple process that will allow you to forgive anyone (includin ... Show More
26m 41s
Feb 2023
Unforgiveness
"I didn't choose to forgive. It wasn't that I tried and tried to forgive. There was a moment when I thought, what on earth does this word 'forgiveness' even mean?"Julie Nicholson's daughter, Jenny, was killed in the 7/7 London Bombings. Julie has not forgiven Jenny's killer which ... Show More
27m 40s