334. 5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably ...

Economists don’t usually talk about “culture.” But Joel Mokyr argues that it’s the engine of innovation — and the Nobel Prize committee agreed. Stephen Dubner sits down for a thousand-year conversation (including advice!) with the new Nobel laureate. SOURCES: Joel Mokyr, economic ... Show More

Just beneath the surface of the global economy, there is a hidden layer of dealmakers for whom war, chaos, and sanctions can be a great business opportunity. In this updated episode from 2025, journalists Javier Blas and Jack Farchy help us shine a light on the shadowy realm of c ... Show More

... of bad reviews, meager financing, or artificial intelligence. But he is worried that the world is full of sloppy thinkers who mistake facts for the truth. SOURCES: Werner Herzog, writer, filmmaker, and actor. RESOURCES: The Future of Truth, by Werner Herzog (2025). Every Man ... Show More

Is there a part of ourselves that we don't acknowledge, that we don't even have access to and that might make us ashamed if we encountered it? We begin with a woman whose left hand takes instructions from a different part of her brain. It hits her, and knocks cigarettes out of he ... Show More

In this intriguing episode, we dive into the world of human behavior to explore the absurd actions that people and ourselves engage in. Join us as we dissect 15 behaviors that leave us scratching our heads. Prepare for a rollercoaster of laughter, disbelief, and a touch of critic ... Show More

<p>While seeking growth and improvement are healthy things for humans, to do so in a rigid and inflexible manner can be harmful for one’s well being. We can set expectations for ourselves that are unrealistic and counterproductive. These expectations often take the form of “shoul ... Show More

It happens so often that you ignore how you react or respond to your surroundings. Sometimes, you act out thinking it's just a response from an 'audience' perspective. You think, "This isn't even about me!" Without realizing it, it is defining you too. 

You guys sent in your judgements and we reacted to them! We talked last episode about how the first thought we have about something or someone isn't our fault. What we consume in the media coupled with the societal normals that are drilled into our heads since the moment we open ... Show More

What if your attachment to being a "good" person is holding you back from actually becoming a better person? In this accessible talk, social psychologist Dolly Chugh explains the puzzling psychology of ethical behavior -- like why it's hard to spot your biases and acknowledge mis ... Show More

<p>Stereotypes are all around us, shaping how we see the world – and how the world sees us. On the surface, the stereotypes that other people hold shouldn’t affect the way we think or act. But our concerns about other people’s perceptions have a way of burrowing deep into our min ... Show More

<p>Empathy can often be confused with sympathy and regular old compassion. But it's not exactly either one of those. Some say a lack of empathy can indicate sociopathic tendencies, but that's not always true either. So what is empathy and what makes someone prone to empathize? Li ... Show More

Most of the communication that takes place between people is non-verbal in nature. What people say is often a poor indicator of what they want to convey, which makes people-reading a valuable life skill with almost endless benefits. Although we’re all blessed with different aptit ... Show More

<p>“Psychopath” and “sociopath” are words that often get used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same. Regardless of semantics, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen reveals how to spot the heartless, charming evil of a psychopath or sociopath. Read the transcript: ht ... Show More