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Artwork for How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

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Spirituality
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Consequences Of AI Development
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Philosophy Of Mind
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Extraterrestrial Beings
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Virtue Ethics

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 monthlyEpisodes100Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhilosophySociety & Culture

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Artwork for How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

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Recent Guests

Catherine Newell
Historian and religious scholar
Episode: Give Us This Day Our Daily Kale
Jessica Grose
Writer for New York Times, focusing on women's issues
New York Times
Episode: Give Us This Day Our Daily Kale
Sigal Samuel
Journalist and co-host of Vox's Future Perfect podcast
Vox
Episode: Seeking the Spiritual Life
Greg Boyle
Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries
Episode: Seeking the Spiritual Life
Dr. Robert Waldinger
Director of the Harvard Study on Adult Development
Harvard University
Episode: The Friendship Cure
Samuel Kimbriel
Philosopher and founding director of the Aspen Institute's Philosophy & Society program
Aspen Institute
Episode: The Friendship Cure
Erik Vance
Science writer and editor for the New York Times
Episode: Healing Rituals: There's Power in Belief (From the Archive)
Alia Crum
Stanford psychologist specializing in the placebo effect
Stanford University
Episode: Healing Rituals: There's Power in Belief (From the Archive)
Arthur Brooks
Harvard professor, columnist for The Atlantic, and social scientist focused on happiness and midlife transitions.
The Atlantic
Episode: Midlife: Leaning Into the Change (From the Archive)

Host

Dave DeSteno
Professor focusing on the intersection of spirituality and science.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 273 ratings
  • 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 States5 months ago
  • Enlightening

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NeneNonis
    United States10 months ago
  • Fluff

    So many words, so little said

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    mhaliett
    United Statesa year ago
  • Yule log

    Yes, I remember channel 11’s burning Yule log!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ginagina Smith
    United Statesa year ago
  • How God works…for animals

    Excellent episode, as a Cherokee myself, I love that the anthropologist brought Cherokee stories to illustrate points.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Trackerdoc
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Certain critiques suggest some episodes may lack depth, but overall, the quality of content is well-regarded.
Many express gratitude for the lack of judgment in exploring complex themes, making it relatable for diverse audiences.
Listeners appreciate the balanced discussions on spirituality and science, highlighting the depth and insightfulness of the topics covered.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Seeking the Spiritual Life
Q: Can you experience God's love without wanting to bring it to the world, I guess, is what I'm asking?
Father Greg believes true spirituality cannot exist in isolation from people and relationships.
Seeking the Spiritual Life
Q: Can you pinpoint a moment or was there a specific moment when you decided that you had to really get involved with the city gang community?
Father Greg Boyle felt a calling to jump in and help after experiencing the deep suffering and loss in his community.
The Friendship Cure
Q: If it's so important to us, and we know it's important for our health and our well-being, why is it so hard to get right?
The challenges lie in our societal structure and personal choices, which often create barriers to forming genuine connections.
Midlife: Leaning Into the Change (From the Archive)
Q: Do you feel happy or do you feel more fulfilled? How has it changed what you do in life?
My life is richer because I'm thinking about the things that actually matter more.
Midlife: Leaning Into the Change (From the Archive)
Q: What evidence is there that if I do this, that 10 years from now, I'm going to be happier and not feel like a washed up has been?
If you really get on your crystallized intelligence curve and exploit what you're truly good at, you won't be a washed up has been.

Audience Metrics

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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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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. 10% Happier with Dan Harris
2. Hidden Brain
3. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
4. On Being with Krista Tippett
5. A Slight Change of Plans

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 100 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. Catherine Newell
2. Jessica Grose
3. Sigal Samuel
4. Greg Boyle
5. Dr. Robert Waldinger
6. Samuel Kimbriel
7. Erik Vance
8. Alia Crum

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