From deciding whether to buy a house to weighing the risks and benefits of taking a new medication, many important life decisions hinge on understanding numbers, statistics and probability. Ellen Peters, PhD, author of “Innumeracy in the Wild: Misunderstanding and Misusing Numbers” discusses what it means to be numerate; how numeracy
affects people’s health, ... Show More
Aug 13
Encore - How science can help you change your behavior for the better, with Katy Milkman, PhD
What can you learn from the science of behavior change that can help you make the changes you want to see in your life? Katy Milkman, PhD, a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of the book How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where Y ... Show More
43m 42s
Aug 6
Encore -- Why we choose to suffer, with Paul Bloom, PhD
Why do people like to watch scary movies or listen to sad songs? Why do we run marathons and raise children, even though both of those pursuits come with struggle and pain? Paul Bloom, PhD, discusses why suffering is linked to meaning in life, the connection between pleasure and ... Show More
23m 18s
Jul 30
Encore -- Why is it so hard for adults to make friends? With Marisa Franco, PhD
As an adult, making new friends—and maintaining old friendships—can be tough. Life is busy and friends end up taking a backseat to other relationships and responsibilities. Marisa Franco, PhD, psychologist and friendship expert, talks about how to make new friends and strengthen ... Show More
32m 14s
Sep 2024
The Harvard Scientist Who Says You Can Use Your Thoughts To Improve Your Health | Ellen Langer
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. --- The connection between your psychology and your health, and how to work with it. Ellen J. Langer is the author of eleven books, including the international b ... Show More
1h 7m
Jan 2025
The Latest Science of Gut Health: What To Eat, When To Eat & Why You Don’t Need 30 Plant Foods Per Week with Dr Emily Leeming #508
Twenty years ago, very few scientists even knew about something called the gut microbiome. Now, with over 70,000 research papers published on the subject, this complex ecosystem, home to trillions of microorganisms, is recognised as a key factor in our physical and mental wellbei ... Show More
1h 44m
Jul 16
Your Thoughts Shape Your Body! These 2 Things Cause All Your Stress! Dr. Ellen Langer
Can your mind reverse aging, reduce stress, and even heal your body? Harvard psychology professor, Dr. Ellen Langer has spent over 40 years researching mindfulness, mind-body unity and how your thoughts can transform your health. In this episode, she shares her groundbreaking wor ... Show More
1h 5m
Jan 2025
Buddhist Neuroscientist On: How To Quit Bad Habits And Why You’re Not Keeping Your Resolutions | Dr. Judson Brewer
How to use your innate mindfulness to turn the volume down, or even uproot, your everyday addictions. Dr. Judson Brewer is the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center and professor in Behavioral and Social Sciences and Psychiatry at the Schools of Public H ... Show More
1h 15m
Jun 30
Why Modern Life Doesn't Make Us Happy, and How to Fix It with Dr. William von Hippel
Life today is safer and more comfortable than ever before, so why do so many people feel unhappy, lonely, and anxious? Forrest talks with evolutionary psychologist Dr. William von Hippel about this paradox in light of our two core needs: autonomy and connection. He argues that mo ... Show More
1h 29m