Episode 43: The Perils of Power

We often imagine that feelings of unhappiness come from outside us — in our circumstances or the difficult people in our lives. But what if the forces that erode our happiness come from within? Psychologist George Loewenstein joins us to explore why our minds nudge us toward the ... Show More

When historian Kate Bowler was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, she became fascinated by the ways people try to impose order on events they can't control. She joins us to explore what it means to live fully when life offers no satisfying explanation for the tragedies we may face. ... Show More

Think about the last time you had a discouraging thought. Maybe you told yourself, "This won't work. I'm not cut out for this." Did you take that thought as fact? Last week, we talked with psychologist Martin Seligman about why some people come to believe that their actions don’t ... Show More

What is power? Why do people seek it and how do they get it? Is it human nature to abuse power? And how might power – or powerlessness – affect our health and wellbeing? Dacher Keltner, PhD, psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of the book “T ... Show More

Does power corrupt, or are corrupt people drawn to power? It’s a question that runs through the heart of the work of Brian Klaas, professor of global politics at University College London and Washington Post columnist. His latest book is 'Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Ch ... Show More

<p>Power exists in every relationship — whether we like that idea or not — and to be effective in any role, power needs to be understood. </p><p>In this episode<em>, </em>Matt Abrahams sits down with Professor of Organizational Behavior <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guest ... Show More

Why do corrupt people end up in power?By way of an answer, you probably think of that famous quote from Lord Acton, "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely." But my guest today, Brian Klaas, would say that's only one part of what leads to corrupt individuals a ... Show More

This is the FIFTH episode in a six-part series on "The Science of Success" titled WEAPONS of INFLUENCE and based on the best selling book “Influence” by Robert Cialdini. Each of these weapons of influence are deeply rooted and verified by experimental psychology research (which y ... Show More

Alex is a comic who feels perfectly comfortable commanding a packed, rowdy audience, but consistently submits to what other people want in everyday life. This week, a look at how uncomfortable feelings about power can backfire on ourselves and the people we love. We get the help ... Show More

What is overconfidence? We tend to know it when we see it, but the concept is increasingly hard to nail down the more you think about it. In this Stuff to Blow Your Mind two-parter, Robert and Joe explore the mythic roots of hubris, the psychology of overconfidence and its role i ... Show More

Send a textThis episode explore The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. Topics IncludeWhy is power important?Trusting friends vs using enemiesMake your accomplishments seem effortlessInfection - avoid the unhappy and unluckyMaster the art of timing Take bold action Reinventing you ... Show More

The world is an unfair place, but anyone can even the playing field using the 48 Laws of Power. If you've ever had a terrible boss, a scheming co-worker looking to throw you under a bus, a manipulative friend or a terrible relationship in which your heart was broken, this is a po ... Show More

The 48 Laws of Power Explained – Master Influence & StrategyWant to understand power, influence, and human nature like never before? In this video, we break down all 48 Laws of Power, revealing how to use them wisely and avoid being manipulated by others.You'll learn:✅ The key id ... Show More