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Artwork for How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

PRX
Spirituality
Religion
Community
Mental Health
Christianity
Psychology
Artificial Intelligence
Hope
Neuroscience
Hell
Ufos
Morality
Islam
Nicholas Kristof
Meditation
Social Connection
Grief
Loneliness
Regret
Health

While 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

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes115Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhilosophySociety & Culture

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Artwork for How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

Latest Episodes

Throughout history, humans have searched for signs and symbols to help them navigate uncertainty. From ancient Chinese divination texts and Greek oracles to astrology, tarot cards, and modern occult practices, divination has appeared in nearly every ... more

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According to a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, more American Jews cite having a sense of humor as important to their Jewish identity than things like keeping kosher and studying Torah.

Humor has long been associated with Jewish identity—from Jerry ... more

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We’ve all done things we’re not proud of. But why do some people seem to struggle so much more than others when it comes to avoiding harmful behavior? And what does it mean for how we think about blame and accountability if the answer has something t... more

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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

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Recent Guests

Michelle Pfeffer
Historian of religion and science, with focus on divination and its history
Oxford Bodleian Libraries (curator)
Episode: Searching for Signs
Melissa Lavin
Sociologist and tarot reader
Tarot practitioner and author
Episode: Searching for Signs
Robby Hoffman
Comedian, writer, and actor
Freelance performer known for stand-up and TV appearances
Episode: Humor and Judaism: A Conversation with Robby Hoffman
Kathryn Paige Harden
Professor of Psychology and Director of the Developmental Behavior Genetics Lab, University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
Episode: Rethinking Sin… Again
Paul Bloom
Psychologist
Psychology professor
Episode: Deus Ex Machina
Angela Buchdahl
Senior rabbi at New York City's Central Synagogue; New York Times bestselling author
Central Synagogue, New York City
Episode: Doubt (Part II)
Christian Wiman
Author, poet, Yale Divinity School lecturer
Yale Divinity School
Episode: Doubt (Part I)
Julie Exline
University of Virginia psychologist researching religious struggles
University of Virginia
Episode: Doubt (Part I)
Dania Suleiman
Lawyer and writer known for A Different Cloth, Reimagining Faith and Feminism
Author, A Different Cloth
Episode: What Women Want

Host

Dave DeSteno
Host of the show, leading discussions at the science-religion boundary; focuses on how spirituality affects minds and bodies.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 315 ratings
  • 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 Addict
    5
    Aurorespera
    3 months ago
  • 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 Podcasts
    3
    Cornell Big Red
    United States5 months ago
  • Glad I found you!

    I don’t remember how I found How God Works, but I’m so glad I did.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    llamalovin'chil
    United States7 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 Podcasts
    5
    Passenger 2025
    United Statesa year ago
  • Enlightening

    Finally - Voices of reason discussing fascinating topics of faith through a scientific lens. No judgement & no preaching.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NeneNonis
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Offers practical, non-dogmatic take on spirituality
High-quality guests and rigorous conversations, though pacing can vary
Thoughtful, interdisciplinary exploration of faith and science

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

What Women Want
Q: How have hijab-wearing decisions shaped your sense of autonomy in public life?
Dania Suleiman explains that wearing the hijab was a deeply personal feminist choice, empowering her to define her own identity and agency despite external scrutiny.
The Spiritual (and Political) Crisis in the US (From the Archive)
Q: I'm wondering, when you're looking for helping people find meaning, find true joy, are you suggesting that maybe the free market isn't enough, and that maybe we should look to kind of older, more ancient philosophical and spiritual traditions for how to actually do that job to make life better for people?
Senator Murphy discusses how the focus on individualism has overshadowed the importance of collective good, raising questions about how to rebuild community in America.
The Spiritual (and Political) Crisis in the US (From the Archive)
Q: I want to focus on your use of the term spiritual crisis or spiritual decline. And I know you kind of mean that in a non-specifically denominational or religious sense. But I'm wondering, why did you choose that term?
Senator Chris Murphy explains that a swift shift in American society has disconnected people from their identities and meaning, leading to a widespread sense of powerlessness and disconnection.
The Spiritual (and Political) Crisis in the US (From the Archive)
Q: I'm wondering, how did you go from there, from that political arena to kind of thinking about these deeper questions in life, the spiritual, the philosophical, and the theological?
Krista Tippett reflects on how her experiences as a foreign correspondent influenced her interest in deeper human questions, leading her to explore spirituality and meaning.
Mattering
Q: What does it mean to matter?
Mattering is the need to feel valued and to contribute to the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Thoughtful conversations at the intersection of science and spirituality, with a consistent focus on how spiritual practices influence well-being, meaning, and behavior. Episodes typically combine neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and religious perspectives to examine questions about doubt, morality, agency, and the role of faith in modern life. Unique strengths include a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach, diverse expert guests, and practical takeaways for applying spiritual practices in everyday life without favoring any single tradition.

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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. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
5. No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 115 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. Michelle Pfeffer
2. Melissa Lavin
3. Robby Hoffman
4. Kathryn Paige Harden
5. Paul Bloom
6. Angela Buchdahl
7. Christian Wiman
8. Julie Exline

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