logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
48m 1s

Marching To Your Own Drummer

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode
What would you have done? It's one of the most enduring questions in psychology. We all like to think that in a moment of crisis, we'd rise to the occasion and show courage. And yet many of us have had experiences where we followed orders and did what we were told to do. This week, we talk with psychologist Sunita Sah about the reasons why many of us silence ... Show More
Up next
Sep 7
Blowing Up Your Life
Have you ever had a flash of insight that hit you when you least expected it? How did it change your life? Psychologist Anthony Klotz studies the "jolts" that shake us out of our routines, and how these moments can help us make more intentional decisions about the people we want ... Show More
1h 26m
Aug 31
The Things We Don't Say
From childhood, we're taught that honesty is the best policy. Yet in everyday life, we hedge, soften our words, and leave things unsaid. This week, we talk with psychologist Steven Pinker about why indirect speech is such a fundamental part of human relationships. How long can yo ... Show More
50m 2s
Aug 24
What Art Does For Your Brain
Think about the last time a piece of music stopped you in your tracks, or a novel kept you up late at night. Why do these experiences feel so powerful? Psychobiologist Daisy Fancourt says engagement with the arts can help to regulate our emotions, build resilience, and support lo ... Show More
49m 18s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2025
Why Defiance Can Be a Virtue
Many of us are taught from a young age that being “good” means being obedient—but that conditioning can make it hard to speak up when it counts. In this episode, Cornell University professor Sunita Sah explains how defiance can be a powerful tool for challenging injustice, assert ... Show More
16m 41s
Nov 2025
Why Defiance Can Be a Virtue
Many of us are taught from a young age that being “good” means being obedient—but that conditioning can make it hard to speak up when it counts. In this episode, Cornell University professor Sunita Sah explains how defiance can be a powerful tool for challenging injustice, assert ... Show More
16m 41s
May 2021
People Pleasing, Paralyzed By Doubt & Processing Your Feelings
What are the different ways we people please? Is it because we’re scared of confrontation? And why do some of us miss out on experiences because we’re scared we’ll regret trying it? We talk about this and also taking criticism, confidence, and knowing yourself. Socials: @teenager ... Show More
57m 45s
Feb 2025
Psychology Researcher: Why Always Being Good Can Be Incredibly Bad for You | Dr. Sunita Sah
tail spinning
54m 40s
Feb 2025
How to say ‘no’: The power of defiance, with Sunita Sah, PhD
How often do you “go along to get along,” or say yes when you really want to say no? Organizational psychologist Sunita Sah, PhD, author of “Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes,” talks about why it can be so hard to speak up and and how can you strengthen your resol ... Show More
38m 12s
Aug 2022
Are You Doing Whats Best For You Or Best Everyone Else?
We've all been guilty of this from time to time. The question is; how is it effecting your confidence and self esteem? In true Confidence and Self Esteem style; if you are looking to take more action in your life, have more motivation and self love, have increased levels of self ... Show More
10m 55s
Apr 2020
Freedom because of Expression. - Episode 12
In this episode of Podverse A child asks a very thought-provoking question. We take a stroll down memory lane and talk about past regret then examine the lesson it has taught. Then looking at selfishness and the impact it has on our conscience. Lastly,... 
8m 56s
Oct 2020
We all have to ask right questions to ourselves?
Listen to this episode to know about why are you doing great or not good. This is our most important responsibility to know our strength. 
6m 29s
Dec 2021
From the Vault: The Toaster Not Taken
It’s obvious that our preferences guide our choices, but do our choices also determine our preferences? In this classic episode, join Robert and Joe as they explore this question with the help of a half-century of psychological research and reminiscences concerning Sonic the Hedg ... Show More
1h 3m