logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
50m 31s

Making the World Sparkle Again

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode
Across every domain of our lives, our minds have a tendency to get accustomed to things. In fact, the brain seems evolutionarily designed to focus on the new and unexpected, on novel threats and opportunities. In our daily lives, this means we take wonderful things for granted. We cease to appreciate amazing people, or the good fortune of being healthy. This ... Show More
Up next
Mar 2
The Secret of Charisma
Charismatic leaders can inspire devotion and give people a powerful sense of meaning. They can also make us vulnerable. This week, we explore how figures across history have gained followers by offering clarity in moments of uncertainty — and why that clarity can come at a cost. ... Show More
1h 34m
Feb 23
Do You Feel Invisible?
What does it do to a person to feel overlooked? This week, psychologist Gordon Flett examines how the absence of “mattering” can fuel loneliness, depression, and even violence. He outlines how feeling valued serves as a psychological buffer, and how simple gestures can rebuild a ... Show More
1h 27m
Feb 16
Why You're Smarter Than You Think
From the time we're schoolchildren, we're ranked and sorted based on how smart we are. But what if our assumptions about intelligence limit our potential? This week, we revisit a favorite 2022 conversation with cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman, who proposes a more expansiv ... Show More
1h 34m
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2020
Sleep deep with Neuroscience | BrainTools #0
Restless nights? Walking around like a sleepless zombie? Welcome to the BrainTools podcast, practical Brain science for everyday people. In this episode of the BrainTools Podcast you're going to learn the neuroscience of sleep: why we sleep, the sleep-deprived brain and how sleep ... Show More
1 h
Sep 2020
The Livewired Brain with David Eagleman
What does our growing understanding of neuroplasticity reveal about our brains and the future of technology? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert chats with neuroscientist David Eagleman about his new book “Livewired: The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain.” Le ... Show More
40m 45s
Nov 2023
Optimising Brain Health
Unlock the limitless potential of your brain in our latest episode with Dr Tara Swart, a distinguished neuroscientist, trusted advisor, and accomplished author. Join us as we navigate the fascinating world of neurology, discussing practical strategies and scientific insights to e ... Show More
54m 12s
May 2015
Brain Hacking: The Truth About How to Change Your Brain
<p>You can lose almost any part of your body, except one, and still be you.</p><p>What is that one exception? Your brain.</p><p>Because...</p><p>The brain is the seat of your memory and your identity.</p><p>Which is why brain injuries can be so devastating. And taking care of you ... Show More
1h 3m
Jun 2017
Extended Cognition: Brain, Fingers, Web and Krang
<p>It’s easy to think yourself a mere brain within a human body -- a cognitive machine making sense out of all the incoming sense data from outside world. But what if other parts of the body and even objects beyond the body serve a vital role in our cognition? In this episode of ... Show More
1h 10m
Oct 2023
Life Stages of the Brain
Original broadcast date: March 5, 2021. In each stage of life, our brains morph and change. This hour, TED speakers explore pivotal chapters where the brain can either flourish or decline – and what control we might have over brain health. Guests include neuroscientists Kimberly ... Show More
50m 47s
Jun 2024
How do you build up your brain power?
Our brain, much like our muscles, benefits from its own form of exercise. Through dedicated training and stimulation, we can enhance our cognitive abilities, a testament to the remarkable phenomenon known as ‘neural plasticity’. Neural plasticity is the brain’s remarkable ability ... Show More
4m 5s
Nov 2023
54 — 10 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power, Improve Brain Plasticity, and Enhance Your Memory with Brain Coach Jim Kwik
Your brain health is affected by everything from how much sleep you get to how much time you spend on your digital devices. However, most people don't spend much time thinking about improving their memory or accelerating learning. Instead, we attribute trouble learning to not bei ... Show More
47m 52s
Apr 2021
10 Ways To Boost Your Brain Performance In 10 Minutes - Dr. Kristen Willeumier
Specialists say that we only use 10% of our brain, but even with that small percentage, the things we can do are extraordinary! Now imagine if we could biohack our brains. How much more could we unlock? Our guest today, Kristen Willeumier, Ph.D., is a renowned neuroscientist with ... Show More
46m 14s
Feb 2024
Your Brain On... Dry January
tail spinning
36 m