Many of us struggle with self-control. And we assume willpower is the key to achieving our goals. But there's a simple and often overlooked mental habit that can improve our health and well-being. This week on Hidden Brain, we talk with psychologist David DeSteno about that habit — the practice of gratitude.
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
Oct 2025
Episode 41 How to Cultivate Gratitude Daily
<p>Today, we are exploring a practice so simple it is often overlooked, yet so powerful it can fundamentally reshape your experience of life: the daily cultivation of gratitude.</p><p>In our constant drive for self-improvement, we focus intensely on what’s next. We set ambitious ... Show More
12m 59s
Feb 2021
332 - This Is Your Brain On Gratitude
The neuroscience and psychology of gratitude show that cultivating gratitude, even in small doses, can do wonders for your mental health. Here's how gratitude works, and some simple tips for sprinkling more nourishing gratitude into your daily life.Read the transcript.Check out a ... Show More
15m 4s