logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
49m 29s

Wellness 2.0: The Art of the Unknown

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." It's been 45 years since John Lennon sang that line, yet it's an idea that continues to speak to an uncomfortable truth. While we all like to think we have some measure of control over how our lives will unfold, our plans are often upended by unknown events and curveballs we couldn't have predicted. This week, we conclude our Wellness 2.0 series by talking with political scientist Brian Klaas. He studies how we respond to the random events that shape our lives, and how we can turn them to our advantage.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out "Wellness 2.0: Engineering Luck," our companion conversation with Brian Klass for Hidden Brain+ subscribers. We'll talk about the unexpected benefits of embracing the role of randomness and chance in our lives. If you're not yet a member of Hidden Brain+, this is a particularly good time to give our podcast subscription a try. We’re extending our standard seven-day trial period for listeners on Apple Podcasts. Sign up in January and you’ll get 30 free days to try it out. If you're listening in Apple Podcasts, just go to the Hidden Brain show page and click "try free." Or you can go to apple.co/hiddenbrain and click "try free.” Thanks for listening and supporting the show — we really appreciate it. 

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 2022
GIRL TALK: How Are We REALLY Doing? - w/ Tiffany Hope
HI YOU! Let us just start by saying today's podcast looked a little different than our normal episodes but we are so excited for you to join and listen in on our Host Allie Schnacky, (Founder of Chosen & Free Co.), and her soul sister Tiffany Hope as they get real about all thing ... Show More
1h 7m
Sep 2023
How to Survive an Apocalypse, Teeth with Secrets, Birds Who BBQ
Annalee Newitz discusses how to survive an apocalypse while eating good, Rachel talks about birds using spikes as barbecue skewers (and more), and Chelsey gets into sexing skeletons. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is a podcast by Popular Science. Share your weirdest facts ... Show More
51m 4s
Jan 2025
733: FRIDAY FAVE: How to Grow Your Confidence
We’re kicking off something new and exciting on The Rachel Hollis Podcast—welcome to Friday Favorites! Over the last eight years, we’ve had some incredible conversations with world-class experts, inspiring guests, and, of course, YOU. This series is all about revisiting the episo ... Show More
54m 36s
Sep 2021
S13E6: The Science of Attraction w/ Paul Eastwick
What makes you attracted to one person and not another? We're talking with Dr. Paul Eastwick about his work at the UC Davis Attraction Lab about how people form and maintain relationships. We discuss how ideal partner preferences play into partner selection. why we often thin ... Show More
1h 15m
Jun 14
The Power of Good Conversation, with Jefferson Fisher (Part One)
‘Embracing the knowledge in The Next Conversation will vastly improve your life.’ – Andrew Huberman, creator of the Huberman Lab Podcast ‘ The Next Conversation gives you the tools to change your life, one conversation at a time.’ – Mel Robbins, bestselling author and host of the ... Show More
38m 19s
Feb 2025
Why Thinking Is Not All In Your Head & Secrets From the Longest Study of Happiness - SYSK Choice
We humans love novelty. We seek it out. While that can be good, it can also get us in trouble. This episode begins by exploring why we seek out new things, places and experiences and what happens after we do. Source: Winifred Gallagher author of the book New (https://amzn.to/3XsA ... Show More
51m 29s
Jun 2023
122. Kevin Howard | Author of Onward At Last Pt. 2
The World’s #1 Personal Development Book Podcast! "The American Nightmare" In  today’s episode we have the pleasure to interview for the second time one of our favorites the author  Kevin Howard . You will Learn about reasons why you can’t find fulfillment living in US, the histo ... Show More
1h 2m
Apr 3
ASRM Today: Genetics: Episode One
Join us as this season we dive into the topic of Genetics. In this first episode, we'll explore how a 19th-century monk, working quietly in his garden, set the stage for a scientific revolution. Our guest this episode is Janine Gessner Mash, Director at Arbor Genetic Counseling. ... Show More
8m 36s
Jun 2024
8. The science behind love + the big fat So Cultured quiz
It’s our last episode of season 2!! We cannot believe it.Today we are going to be talking about LOVE… No, it is not valentines day but Yaz has some interesting stories about her love life and she delves into what’s going on in the science behind this crazy emotion.Dating and love ... Show More
1h 2m
May 2023
117. Martin O'toole | Part 2
The World’s #1 Personal Development Book Podcast! In today’s episode we have the pleasure to interview for the second time, Martin O’Toole, author of “How to Die Happy” We talk about how to start doing the hard work of self-growth, why letting go of attachment to things, places, ... Show More
1h 28m