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
Jul 6
Waking Up Your Spiritual Brain: Part 2
Last week, we talked with psychologist Lisa Miller about the science of spirituality. Today, we explore what those ideas can look like in everyday life. Miller explains why moments of connection, spiritual practices, and even periods of suffering can sometimes open the door to de ... Show More
1h 33m
Jun 29
Waking Up Your Spiritual Brain: Part 1
Food, safety, and strong relationships are essential to our survival. Psychologist Lisa Miller says our brains also crave something else: transcendence. She suggests that spirituality is a universal human capacity, and that feeling connected to something larger than ourselves may ... Show More
50m 5s
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