logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2016
20m 18s

Episode 25: Dream Jobs

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode

Why do you work? Are you just in it for the money, or do you do it for a greater purpose? Popular wisdom says your answer depends on what your job is. But psychologist Amy Wrzesniewski at Yale University finds it may have more to do with how we think about our work. Across secretaries and custodians and computer programmers, she finds we're about equally split in whether we say we have a job, a career, or a calling. This week on Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam talks with Amy about how we find meaning and purpose at work.

Up next
Jul 7
You 2.0: The Passion Pill
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” The idea is that pursuing your passion will feel invigorating — almost magical. But passions can easily wane over time. This week, behavioral scientist Jon Jachimowicz looks at how to ... Show More
49m 25s
Jun 30
You 2.0: What Is Your Life For?
What should you do with your life? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. But there are scientifically-tested methods that can help you to feel more in harmony with yourself and the world. This week, and in a companion conversation for Hidden Brain+, researcher Vic ... Show More
1h 3m
Jun 23
Win Hearts, Then Minds + Your Questions Answered on Identity and "Covering"
There’s a saying that’s attributed to the Dalai Lama: in the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher. It’s a nice idea. But when people don’t share our values, it’s hard for us to tolerate theirs. This week, we bring you a favorite episode with sociologist Robb Wil ... Show More
1h 25m
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2019
Dr. Art Markman - Bring Your Brain To Work
Why I wanted to learn from Dr. Art Markman  One of the big questions that fascinate me at the moment is: Why is behavior change so hard and what can we do about it?  Dr. Art Markman knows a thing or two about this problem, he is a Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the Univ ... Show More
53m 37s
Aug 2021
Rethinking Our Relationship with Work (Back to Work, Better)
Emily Esfahani Smith, author of “The Power of Meaning,” has long studied how people find fulfillment. As the ongoing pandemic causes many of us to rethink how and why we do our jobs, she offers advice on how to find more enjoyment and engagement, avoid burnout, reset ambitions, a ... Show More
26m 13s
Apr 2019
There’s An Elephant In Your Brain with Robin Hanson
Why did you choose to listen to this episode? Why are you listening to it in one app versus another? Why are we asking you all these questions? Robin Hanson, our guest today, is here to shed some light on these questions and more. As the author of The Elephant in the Brain: Hidde ... Show More
50m 36s
Sep 2023
Comment être en concentration profonde au travail ?
Vous aussi vous aimeriez être entièrement absorbé.e par votre travail pendant une, deux, trois heures sans que plus rien autour de vous ne compte ? Sans qu’une notification, un mail ou le rire d’un.e collègue ne vous sorte de cet état de travail profond ?  Dans cet épisode, Léna ... Show More
33m 50s
Oct 2022
259. What is Thought Work?
On this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m going to share what thought work really is, teach you how thought work is more than just working on your thoughts and show you how it encompasses your emotions, values, social conditioning, and more.Tune in to find out why your body is a ... Show More
25m 36s
Mar 2020
#251: Samantha Clarke: Life As A Happiness Consultant
*Please note this episode was recorded in early March.* My guest today is Samatha Clarke, an author and Happiness Consultant. She is a teacher of Guardian Masterclasses and lecturer at The School of Life and expert on work happiness, culture and relationships.Whenever I speak to ... Show More
29m 15s
Mar 2018
Inner Work 028: What is inner work and how does it benefit you?
Inner work can be defined in many different ways, but it generally refers to a category of personal work that takes into account our inner landscape, emotions, thoughts, psychology, and beliefs. Inner work requires a certain level of self-awareness and must be practiced persisten ... Show More
37m 41s
Apr 2024
How To Make Work More Satisfying
Finding ways to bend tasks toward your strengths and passions can make you happier, more productive and find more meaning in your life — no matter your job. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4ky325rs Episode summary: When the poet and former professor Susan Glass fi ... Show More
15m 59s