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 | 109 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CulturePhilosophy | |||
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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
About 70% of all Americans consider themselves spiritual in some way, whether it be a belief in the soul, spirits or just the idea that something's going on beyond the natural world and what science can prove. But that doesn't mean they're ordering o... more
Join us for Season 10 of How God Works, starting next week!
We’ll be back on March 15 with an all-new season of How God Works! In the meantime, we’re excited to share one of our favorite episodes — our very first live event.
If you ask people what they think about religion, you often get one of two answers: ... more
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- 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 States3 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 States4 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 States9 months ago - Enlightening
Finally - Voices of reason discussing fascinating topics of faith through a scientific lens. No judgement & no preaching.
Apple Podcasts5NeneNonisUnited Statesa year ago - Fluff
So many words, so little said
Apple Podcasts1mhaliettUnited Statesa year ago
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Apple Podcasts | #85 | United States/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #125 |  Canada/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #117 |  Australia/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #169 |  Germany/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #33 |  Singapore/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #52 |  Mexico/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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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. On Being with Krista Tippett
2. Hidden Brain
3. Kelly Corrigan Wonders
4. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
5. 10% Happier with Dan Harris
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this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 109 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. Dania Suleiman
2. Liz Bucar
3. Krista Tippett
4. Chris Murphy
5. Jennifer Wallace
6. Patty Van Cappellen
7. Dina Nayeri
8. Kim Haines-Eitzen
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