In recent months, many of us have looked back with longing at our lives before COVID-19. For many of us, that world was one of bustle and activity — marked by scenes of packed restaurants, crowded subway cars, and chaotic playgrounds. In this audio essay, Shankar discusses our wistfulness for the world before the pandemic, and why such nostalgia can actually ... Show More
Aug 24
What Art Does For Your Brain
Think about the last time a piece of music stopped you in your tracks, or a novel kept you up late at night. Why do these experiences feel so powerful? Psychobiologist Daisy Fancourt says engagement with the arts can help to regulate our emotions, build resilience, and support lo ... Show More
49m 18s
Aug 17
How to Be A Better Partner
When we look at the people we love, how clearly do we really see them? This week, we talk with psychologist Edward Lemay about how our fears, desires, and insecurities can shape our perceptions of our partners — sometimes creating the very reality we expect. He explains how we ca ... Show More
1h 26m
Aug 10
How Feelings Make Us Smarter
Some people are remarkably good at reading the emotional temperature of a situation. They can pick up on what others are feeling, manage their own emotions, and respond skillfully. What's their secret? This week, we explore the science of emotional intelligence with psychologist ... Show More
48m 7s
Feb 2023
Essays From Yesterday, Vol. 4
Seems like only yesterday we were traveling back in time. Wait a minute... maybe it was yesterday. Maybe it is yesterday! In any case, we're back in our time machines again, so rev up the Delorean, close the phone booth, and adjust your sonic screwdriver — we're looking back on s ... Show More
42m 57s
Nov 2022
Dreams, Creatures, and Visions
We are in the season of chaos. It can feel like everything is happening at once: You might be sprinting across an airport; or around your kitchen, with a few too many dishes cooking at once. Your phone keeps pinging — texts, weather alerts, and more and more breaking news. Here a ... Show More
48m 10s
Nov 2021
Presenting 'Throughline': The Nostalgia Bone
The global pandemic has spawned a different type of epidemic, one of an entirely different nature: a nostalgia outbreak. Longing for 'simpler times' and 'better days', many of us have been turning to 90s dance playlists, TV sitcoms, and sports highlights. We're looking for comfor ... Show More
56m 40s
Mar 2024
nostalgia, regrets, romanticizing memories + getting stuck in the past
This week on Time Alone, we discuss the balance between "healthy" nostalgia vs. becoming stuck in the past.Resources mentioned in the show, as well as how to connect with Siobhan can be found below.CONNECT WITH SIOBHAN:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@siobhan.laurenInstagram: http ... Show More
40m 47s