How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality
PRXWhile religion and science often seem at odds, there’s one thing they can agree on: people who take part in spiritual practices tend to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. The big question is: Why? In How God Works, professor Dave DeSteno takes us on a journey to find out how spirituality impacts our minds and bodies, as well as the world in which we live.
He speaks to leading scientists an... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 112 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PhilosophySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
We’ve always assumed that if there IS a God, that God made us. But what if it ends up being the other way around… and we’re already further along than we think? Artificial intelligence is now offering moral advice, generating new forms of scripture, ... more
Uncertainty about faith can be anxiety provoking and even cause people to leave religion altogether. But that's not the way it works in all traditions. In fact, some are exactly the opposite.
In the second of a special two-part series exploring the ... more
Religion can help provide answers to many questions in life - big and small. And in doing so, give a sense of security and understanding of the world and our place in it. But what happens when doubt starts to creep in? As more and more people leav... more
In conversations about women’s rights, religion and feminism are often cast as incompatible. But religious women tend to see it differently.
In this episode, we’ll explore how religious women around the world are defining what liberation looks like... more
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This has grown on me with each listen. I continue to find it challenging and enlightening. Episodes are usually a calm and thoughtful exploration.
Podcast Addict52 months agoAurorespera- Listening for over a year
So I think the podcast is ok, seems to have a lot of filler material while missing some key takeaways. Sometimes it seems the focus is on someone who is an extremophile from a religious standpoint, which misses the larger audience which is closer to the middle.
I would seriously change the name of this podcast. Really? Are you saying you know how God works?
works??
Apple Podcasts3Cornell Big Red
United States4 months ago - Glad I found you!
I don’t remember how I found How God Works, but I’m so glad I did.
Apple Podcasts5llamalovin'chilUnited States5 months ago - A lens I didn’t know I needed
I grew up Pentecostal but I distanced myself from practicing religion over the years. I find many of the episodes spark my curiosity about faith and spirituality.
Apple Podcasts5Passenger 2025United Statesa year ago - Enlightening
Finally - Voices of reason discussing fascinating topics of faith through a scientific lens. No judgement & no preaching.
Apple Podcasts5NeneNonisUnited Statesa year ago
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Apple Podcasts | #67 | United States/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #220 |  Canada/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #229 |  United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #219 |  Australia/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #32 |  South Africa/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #55 |  Philippines/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A science-meets-spirituality show that explores how belief, ritual, and contemplative practices impact well-being, decision-making, and social connection. Across episodes, the conversations span lucid dreaming, dream yoga, shamanism, apocalyptic thinking, grief rituals, nutrition and religion, and the role of friendship and community in health. The host tends to pair neuroscientific, psychological, and anthropological perspectives with personal narratives and cross-tradition insights, often linking ancient practices with modern research to illuminate how spirituality can help people lead more meaningful, compassionate lives. A standout quality is its willingness to traverse diverse belief systems and present science-backed either/or questio... more
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1. On Being with Krista Tippett
2. Hidden Brain
3. The Science of Happiness
4. No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp
5. 10% Happier with Dan Harris
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this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 112 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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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Angela Buchdahl
2. Christian Wiman
3. Julie Exline
4. Dania Suleiman
5. Liz Bucar
6. Jennifer Wallace
7. Patty Van Cappellen
8. Dina Nayeri
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