logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2019
36m 22s

The Fox And The Hedgehog

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode
The Greek poet Archilochus wrote that "the fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing." This week, we'll use the metaphor of the fox and the hedgehog as a way to understand the differences between tacticians and big-picture thinkers. We'll explore the story of a pioneering surgeon whose hedgehog tendencies led him to great triumphs, and a he ... Show More
Up next
Sep 7
Blowing Up Your Life
Have you ever had a flash of insight that hit you when you least expected it? How did it change your life? Psychologist Anthony Klotz studies the "jolts" that shake us out of our routines, and how these moments can help us make more intentional decisions about the people we want ... Show More
1h 26m
Aug 31
The Things We Don't Say
From childhood, we're taught that honesty is the best policy. Yet in everyday life, we hedge, soften our words, and leave things unsaid. This week, we talk with psychologist Steven Pinker about why indirect speech is such a fundamental part of human relationships. How long can yo ... Show More
50m 2s
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
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2023
The Wise Owl and the Fox
<p>Listen to the story of the wise old owl and the impulsive fox as they compete in a contest of wits. Learn the valuable lesson that intelligence and wisdom are more powerful than force and quick thinking. Tune in to Milk &amp; Think, the child-friendly podcast that promotes the ... Show More
2 m
Feb 2022
The Cat and the Fox
Today's episode is Adapted from an Aesop’s fable. Follow along as a cat named George makes friends with a very braggy fox. Draw us a picture of what you think any of the characters in this story look like, and then tag us in it on instagram @storiespodcast! We'd love to see your ... Show More
16m 55s
Mar 2018
105A-Reynard: Fox on the Run
Despite cute talking animals, the world in the stories of Reynard the fox is a rough place. The fox might not be the biggest or toughest animal in the kingdom, but he is the smartest. Once he gets talking, run, because there's no way you're going to come out the other end in one ... Show More
35m 49s
Apr 2023
The Golden Apple
In this heartwarming tale, follow the journey of Felix, a clever little fox who discovers a magical apple that gives him incredible powers of intelligence and cunning. But when his newfound intelligence leads him down a path of pride and arrogance, he learns a valuable lesson abo ... Show More
7m 9s
Nov 2024
Hedgehogs
Brian Cox and Robin Ince emerge from the hedge row waking up their guests from hibernation to discuss the fascinating lives of Britain’s favourite mammal, the hedgehog. They are joined by hedgehog experts Hugh Warwick and Sophie Lund Rasmussen (also know as Dr Hedgehog), and by b ... Show More
42m 34s
Aug 2025
The Fox and the Grapes
All aboard the Story Train! Birdie takes us to the lush meadows of Southern England, where a clever fox named Felix discovers a tempting bunch of grapes just out of reach. Through Felix’s struggle, learn an important lesson about honesty, disappointment, and why it’s better to ad ... Show More
8m 19s
Feb 2017
The Fox and Crow
A short take on the classic fable about the cunning fox and the vain crow. The moral of the story? Don't be fooled by flattery. Support the show at patreon.com/stories 
8m 40s
Mar 2020
Could Sonic the Hedgehog Survive His Own Speeds?
Most hedgehog bodies are not meant for supersonic speeds, but most hedgehogs are not Sonic. Learn how Sonic's speed compares with other animals and how he might survive in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omny ... Show More
3m 42s