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How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

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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 monthlyEpisodes103Founded4 years ago
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PhilosophySociety & Culture

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Artwork for How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

Latest Episodes

For many people, the word “sin” is associated with harsh judgment and shame. Or, it’s used to talk about guilty pleasures like consuming decadent desserts... But is this concept as harmful or outdated as it seems?

Join Dave as he talks with Elizabet... more

These days, it feels like the end of the world is always just around the corner. From RaptureTok to climate doom and geopolitical upheaval, someone always seems to be predicting an impending apocalypse. But how does believing in The End affect how we... more

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We spend about a third of our lives sleeping and yet the question of why we sleep and dream has remained a mystery for much of human existence. But recently scientists have developed the tools to begin to reveal some astonishing insights into lucid d... more

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When life feels uncertain, who do you turn to? Across cultures and throughout history, many of us have looked to people who seemed to have a special set of abilities and knowledge… shamans.

On this episode, we’ll talk to anthropologist Manvir Singh ... more

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Recent Guests

Elizabeth Oldfield
Host of The Sacred podcast and the author of Fully Alive, Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times.
The Sacred podcast
Episode: Rethinking Sin (From the Archive)
Dina Nayeri
Award-winning novelist, essayist, and memoirist
Episode: The End of the World As We Know It
Kim Haines-Eitzen
Professor of ancient Mediterranean religions at Cornell
Episode: The End of the World As We Know It
Geshe Thabke
A Tibetan Buddhist monk who specializes in dream yoga.
Episode: Dream Yoga
Ken Paller
Neuroscientist specializing in lucid dreaming research and its applications.
Northwestern University
Episode: Dream Yoga
Robin Nusslock
Neuroscientist involved in Tibetan dream yoga research.
Northwestern University
Episode: Dream Yoga
Manvir Singh
Anthropologist who has studied Shamanism among the Mentawai people.
Episode: Shamanism
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

Host

Dave DeSteno
Host and professor of psychology exploring the impact of spirituality on well-being and human behavior.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 280 ratings
  • 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 Statesa month 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 States6 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 Statesa year 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

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the insightful integration of science and spirituality, appreciating the depth of discussions without judgment or preaching.
Feedback highlights the enriching content that resonates with personal experiences and fosters curiosity about faith and spirituality.
Some mention a desire for more specific guidance rather than abstract discussions, reflecting a critical view of content density.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Rethinking Sin (From the Archive)
Q: So when you think about sin, how do you think about forgiveness?
The concept of sin without forgiveness can lead to despair; they must be held together for understanding and personal growth.
Shamanism
Q: What do shamans do to establish themselves as authorities people can trust?
Shamans rely on sources of authority like charismatic otherness, fundamental transformation, and performing otherness during rituals.
Shamanism
Q: But are they just healers or do people go to shamans for other types of services too?
Shamans heal and also divine in various ways, addressing uncertain outcomes and providing services to help manage those uncertainties.
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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

A fascinating exploration of the intersection between spirituality and science takes listeners on an insightful journey through personal stories and expert interviews. The content spans various traditions and practices, examining how spiritual beliefs and rituals can contribute to enhanced health, well-being, and happiness. Highlighting the benefits of spirituality on mental and physical health, the discussions involve leading figures from diverse fields including neuroscientists, philosophers, and religious leaders. Each episode invites listeners to consider the implications of spiritual practices, encouraging a broader understanding that bridges gaps between different faiths and scientific perspectives.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Science of Happiness
2. 10% Happier with Dan Harris
3. Kelly Corrigan Wonders
4. Sounds True: Insights at the Edge
5. The Happiness Lab: Getting Unstuck

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 103 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. Elizabeth Oldfield
2. Dina Nayeri
3. Kim Haines-Eitzen
4. Geshe Thabke
5. Ken Paller
6. Robin Nusslock
7. Manvir Singh
8. Catherine Newell

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