In You Have More Influence Than You Think (Norton, 2023) social psychologist Vanessa Bohns draws from her original research to illustrate why we fail to recognize the influence we have, and how that lack of awareness can lead us to miss opportunities or accidentally misuse our power. Weaving together compelling stories with cutting edge science, Dr. Bohns an ... Show More
Aug 14
Eric Hoffer's "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements" (1951): A Discussion with Jay Garfinkel
A stevedore on the San Francisco docks in the 1940s, who eventually taught at the University of California at Berkeley, Eric Hoffer wrote philosophical treatises in his spare time while living in the railroad yards. The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements—the ... Show More
32m 13s
Jul 17
Susanne Paola Antonetta, "The Devil's Castle: Nazi Eugenics, Euthanasia, and How Psychiatry's Troubled History Reverberates Today" (Catapult, 2025)
The Devil’s Castle: Nazi Eugenics, Euthanasia, and How Psychiatry's Troubled History Reverberates Today (Catapult, 2025) delves into the forgotten history of eugenics and links it to present-day psychiatry to explain how we as a culture continue to get mind care so wrong. In The ... Show More
1h 4m
Jul 15
Mike F. Alvarez, Warren J. Bareiss, and Jolane Flanigan eds., "Suicide in Popular Media and Culture: Studies in Framing a Social Catastrophe" (Bristol University Press, 2026)
NB: This episode contains a discussion of suicide and may not be appropriate for all listeners. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, help is always available at 988 in the United States. Suicide in Popular Media and Culture: Studies in Framing a Social Catastrophe (Bristol ... Show More
1h 17m
Aug 2023
Research From Princeton: 13 Proven Hacks That Boost Your Influence & Make You More Confident
<p>In this episode, you’re getting a crash course in 13 essential hacks that will help you be more successful, and they’re backed by surprising research out of Princeton.</p><p> </p><p>Vanessa Van Edwards is the founder of the behavior lab The Science of People, a behavioral inve ... Show More
53m 7s
Aug 2025
Body Language Expert: The #1 Cue That Makes People Dislike You
Ever wonder why some people just click with everyone? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Vanessa Van Edwards—behavioral investigator, author, and founder of Science of People—to break down the science behind first impressions, charisma, and connection. We dig into what pe ... Show More
55m 56s
<p><em>New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.</em></p> <p>---</p> <p>It can be difficult to grasp how much power of persuasion we actually have, or how to wield it wisely. </p> <p><br /></p> <p>In tod ... Show More
