Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar VedantamWhy do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? What can I do to improve my relationships? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. On Hidden Brain, we help you understand your own mind — and the minds of the people around you. (We're routinely rated the #1 science podcast in the United States.) Hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 662 | Founded | 10 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Social SciencesArtsSciencePerforming Arts | |||
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Latest Episodes
We conclude our month-long You 2.0 series with a look at the hidden power of doubt — not as weakness or indecision, but as a tool that helps us make better choices and navigate an uncertain world. Researcher Bobby Parmar explores how doubt can sharpe... more
Patience can sometimes feel like a lost art, particularly in a culture that prizes competition and the idea of "failing fast." But psychologist Sarah Schnitker says patience is a vital skill for success in both our personal and professional lives. We... more
There are times in life when the challenges we face feel insurmountable. Authors succumb to writer’s block. Athletes and artists hit a plateau. People of a certain age fall into a midlife crisis. These are all different ways of saying: I’m stuck. Thi... more
Why do some people act bravely in a crisis, while others flee or freeze up? Today, we bring you the second part of our You 2.0 series on the mental obstacles that can block us when we're charting a new path. Behavioral scientist Ranjay Gulati argues ... more
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Reviews
- Interesting matetial, but…
Interesting material, but this guy’s voice is horrendous and hard to listen to.
Apple Podcasts3Disappointed WSJ user
United States21 days ago - Lifts me up!
I love this podcast! I listen to it when I’m walking. Nearly every episode gives me something to think about. I support the show with a small monthly payment and it’s worth every penny. Thanks, Shankar and team!
Apple Podcasts5PejiTUnited States24 days ago - It got ruined over time
im sorry but i’ve been listening to this since it began , I love it. Because it actually talked about science and with actual evidence and examples
now they just say “ the science of “ and literally start chatting , it really hurts , i honestly hate it now.
Apple Podcasts1مـــنــو 🤟🏽🌱✨United Statesa month ago - A must!
I’ve been listening for years! Highly recommend it
Apple Podcasts5andjfjfj fUnited Statesa month ago - Superb
Not many podcasts come across as fully researched and honest as this one. Shankar is an outstanding host who poses questions that drum up additional curiosity in a topic not for attention or to dupe his guests but because he is a truly interested in getting closer to the truth. Keep it up in 2026 please!
Apple Podcasts5ShesahottieUnited Statesa month ago
Listeners Say
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #195 | United States/Top Podcasts |
Spotify | #4 | United States/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #118 | United States/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #2 | United States/Science/Social Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | United States/Science |
Spotify | #26 |  United Kingdom/Science |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Brain
What is Hidden Brain about and what kind of topics does it cover?
The focus of the content centers around understanding human behavior, psychology, and the dynamics of personal and interpersonal relationships. Topics often include the exploration of complex emotions such as grief, resilience, and the impact of societal factors on mental health. The conversations also delve into pressing issues of the modern world, like the effects of environmental psychology, the implications of perfectionism, and the evolution of intimate relationships in contemporary culture. Unique features include deep dives into personal anecdotes from guests, combined with expert insights that aim to equip listeners with practical strategies for navigating life's challenges.
Where can I find podcast stats for Hidden Brain?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Hidden Brain. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Hidden Brain and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does Hidden Brain get?
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What are the audience demographics for Hidden Brain?
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How many subscribers and views does Hidden Brain have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Hidden Brain?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Hidden Brain:
1. TED Radio Hour
2. This American Life
3. Radiolab
4. Freakonomics Radio
5. Fresh Air
How many episodes of Hidden Brain are there?
Hidden Brain launched 10 years ago and published 662 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Hidden Brain?
Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.
Where can I see ratings and reviews for Hidden Brain?
Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Hidden Brain from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.
View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.
How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Hidden Brain?
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What guests have appeared on Hidden Brain?
Recent guests on Hidden Brain include:
1. Sarah Schnitker
2. Adam Alter
3. Ranjay Gulati
4. Anna Lembke
5. Coltan Scrivner
6. Huggy Rao
7. Marc Berman
8. James Cordova
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.