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 | 97 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PhilosophySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
If you want to grow spiritually, should you go to a monastery and withdraw from the world, or look for greater meaning, connection, and purpose in the loud messiness of life? In other words, do you heal the world by working in it or praying for it? ... more
We say friends are what make life worth living. But if that’s true, why are so many of us struggling to find and keep them these days? And what can we do to cultivate better friendships?
Join us as we talk to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger about the... more
We will be back with a whole new season of How God Works on October 5th. In the meantime, we wanted to share some of our favorite episodes from the archives.
A majority of people in the US believe that faith can heal. And while there isn’t any stro... more
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- 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 2025
United States4 months ago - Enlightening
Finally - Voices of reason discussing fascinating topics of faith through a scientific lens. No judgement & no preaching.
Apple Podcasts5NeneNonisUnited States9 months ago - Fluff
So many words, so little said
Apple Podcasts1mhaliettUnited States9 months ago - Yule log
Yes, I remember channel 11’s burning Yule log!
Apple Podcasts5Ginagina SmithUnited States10 months ago - How God works…for animals
Excellent episode, as a Cherokee myself, I love that the anthropologist brought Cherokee stories to illustrate points.
Apple Podcasts5TrackerdocUnited Statesa year ago
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Apple Podcasts | #28 | United States/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #32 |  Canada/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #210 |  United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #79 |  Australia/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #215 |  Italy/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #39 |  New Zealand/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?
The content focuses on the intersection of spirituality and science, particularly exploring how spiritual practices can improve mental and physical well-being. Central topics include the placebo effect, the role of belief in healing, and the psychological benefits of community rituals like prayer and grief processing. By featuring a diverse range of guests from various fields, such as psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality, the discussions aim to bridge science and religion to address significant life challenges. Listeners are likely to appreciate the nuanced exploration of these themes that emphasizes the constructive aspects of spirituality, regardless of one's religious background.
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. Hidden Brain
2. 10% Happier with Dan Harris
3. On Being with Krista Tippett
4. Choiceology with Katy Milkman
5. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 97 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. Dr. Robert Waldinger
2. Samuel Kimbriel
3. Erik Vance
4. Alia Crum
5. Arthur Brooks
6. Swami Tyagananda
7. Michelle Teyez
8. Matthew Sandoval
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