We generally think of pain as something to be avoided. But psychologist Paul Bloom says that as much as we're wired to avoid suffering, we also seek it out. This week, we begin a two-part mini series about the curious pleasure we take in certain forms of pain.
Nov 10
Why Following Your Dreams Isn't Enough
<p>Entrepreneurs typically have no shortage of passion, heart, and vision. But at Stanford University, <a href="https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/hayagreeva-rao" target="_blank">Huggy Rao</a> says there are other elements that may matter more when it comes to ... Show More
1h 30m
Jul 2024
Happiness Break: Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher (Encore)
<p>Just a few moments of tuning into nature can make you feel more inspired, connected, and less lonely. Let us guide you through a five-minute noticing nature practice — you don't even have to leave your neighborhood.</p><p><strong>Link to episode transcript:</strong> https://ti ... Show More
7m 3s
Nov 2020
Among Us: how video games play with your emotions
Video games, such as Among Us, have become popular in a pandemic, but why do we as humans love them? Studies find it is about guilt, the reward pathways of the brain and making things taboo feel normal. Also we start of the top by talking about the MEANING OF LIFE!!!<hr><p style= ... Show More
53m 48s
Jan 2025
Board Game Science
It’s that time of the year when many of us are at home with friends and family, losing track of time, eating leftovers, and, of course, playing games. This festive season, we look at the science of games and, of course, play some ourselves. It’s presenter Marnie Chesterton versus ... Show More
28m 10s
Jun 2021
Hobbies: do they change your brain?
<p>Whether it’s reading, birdwatching, painting, or stargazing, we all have a hobby. In this week’s episode, we discuss what happens in the brain when you’re doing a hobby, their impact on your mental health, and the difference between scientific and artistic creativity.&nbs ... Show More
52m 33s
Oct 9
Why Brains Need Friends w/ Dr. Ben Rein
This week, Scott sits down with Dr. Ben Rein, a Stanford neuroscientist and one of today’s most engaging science communicators. Dr. Rein has spent over a decade studying the neuroscience of social interaction, and his new book, Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social ... Show More
1h 3m