
Why 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 | 688 | Founded | 11 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsSciencePerforming ArtsSocial Sciences | |||

For centuries, people have described creativity as something mysterious: a flash of insight, a whisper from the muse, a sudden idea that seems to arrive out of nowhere. Psychologist Ap Dijksterhuis explores the hidden mental processes that lead to th... more
How does the culture in which you live shape the life that you lead? We all know that culture affects the languages we speak and the foods we eat. But anthropologist Joseph Henrich says the impact of culture goes even further, reaching into our bodie... more
Some people are good at putting themselves in another person's shoes. Others may struggle to relate. But psychologist Jamil Zaki argues that empathy isn't a fixed trait. This week, we revisit a favorite episode about how to exercise our empathy muscl... more
In 2009, an old man died in a California nursing home. His obituary included not just his given name, but a long list of the pseudonyms he’d been known to use. In this classic 2019 episode, we trace the life of Riley Shepard, a hillbilly musician, wr... more
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Dependably interesting. Shankar has the best podcast voice! Topics are awesome. Just love this show
One year later and this continues to be true.
This is a terrific show ! You could learnt a lot from this great show!
I'm always impressed by the comprehensive knowledge presented in these podcast episodes. I very much appreciate the background work to bring us these succinct presentations. Thank you.
Hi Shankar, no doubt great topics and guests and interview style. Just one thing grinds me that throughout each pod you repeat your name ad nauseum.
Please accept this feedback is constructive and comes from a good place.
Keep on keeping on!!
Designing a life that Matters, so many people need to listen to this
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #181 | |
Spotify | #3 | |
Spotify | #111 | |
Apple Podcasts | #119 | |
Apple Podcasts | #2 | |
Apple Podcasts | #3 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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Thoughtful conversations grounded in behavioral science explore why people think, feel, and act the way they do. Episodes frequently feature psychologists, economists, historians, and policy researchers who unpack topics like self-disclosure, happiness, leadership, group dynamics, and decision making. Across formats, expect data-driven insights, real-world experiments, and practical guidance for personal growth, healthier relationships, and more effective organizations. A standout aspect is the rigorous use of research and expert perspectives to illuminate everyday psychology, often framed with compelling stories and accessible explanations. If you're curious about the science behind human behavior and how to apply it to work, life, and rel... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Hidden Brain:
1. This American Life
2. Radiolab
3. TED Radio Hour
4. Freakonomics Radio
5. Fresh Air
Hidden Brain launched 11 years ago and published 688 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Hidden Brain include:
1. Joseph Henrich
2. Steve Winnick
3. Stasha Shepard Silverman
4. Kevin Coffey
5. Leslie John
6. Dave Evans
7. Sonja Lyubomirsky
8. Gregory Walton
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