Designing a Life that Matters

Designing a Life that Matters

We tell ourselves that meaning comes from impact, passion, or finding the “one right path.” But these beliefs can leave us feeling stuck — even when our lives look perfectly fine on paper. Behavioral scientist Dave Evans [https://lifedesignlab.stanford.edu/team] describes a new approach, borrowed from design thinking, to help us build lives that feel more alive, flexible, and real.  What makes brave people different from the rest of us? It isn't a lack of fear — instead, it's a trait that might surprise you. Learn more in this video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJX2H54MPXY&t=2s] on our new YouTube channel.  Episode illustration by Getty Images for Unsplash+ [https://unsplash.com/illustrations/woman-in-front-of-open-doors-and-signs-of-the-way-flat-vector-illustration-business-woman-choosing-the-best-route-choices-and-decision-alternative-ways-of-career-KcLC_NEcP1o]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do You Feel Loved?

What’s the difference between being loved and feeling loved? Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky [https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/sonja] joins us to discuss the distinction, and how we can create a stronger feeling of closeness in our relationships. Then, in our latest installment of Your Questions Answered, psychologist Greg Walton [https://psychology.stanford.edu/people/greg-walton] returns to answer listeners’ questions about negative thought spirals. As individuals and as a society, we often overlook a strategy that can help us to improve our lives. We discuss this tool [https://youtu.be/3wiMC4zsq8o] in a new video on Hidden Brain's YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenBrain]. Please check it out, and let us know what you think! Episode illustration by Getty Images for Unsplash+ [https://unsplash.com/illustrations/couple-of-indian-woman-and-black-man-in-side-view-in-front-of-heart-design-relationship-love-and-romance-theme-vector-illustration-SU1KahlGal8] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Change the World

Does power truly flow from the barrel of a gun? Pop culture and conventional history often teach us that violence is the most effective way to produce change. But is that common assumption actually true? Political scientist Erica Chenoweth [https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty/erica-chenoweth], who has studied more than 100 years of revolutions and insurrections, says the answer is counterintuitive. Then, Ranjay Gulati [https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=77265] answers listener questions on how to cultivate courage. Hidden Brain is now on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenbrain]! Check out our first three videos, which explore how to cope in high-pressure situations [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJX2H54MPXY&t=37s], the secret behind artistic masterpieces [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFY96JwLHTQ&t=306s], and an unexpected driver of bravery in our everyday lives [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJX2H54MPXY&t=38s].  Illustration by Kuliation for Unsplash+ [https://unsplash.com/illustrations/a-group-of-people-holding-up-their-fists-TVUHW7WGDK0]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Debt Trap

We like to think that good financial decisions come down to discipline and basic math. But the psychology of money turns out to be deeply complicated. Researcher John Dinsmore [https://people.wright.edu/john.dinsmore] explains the hidden mental biases that shape how we think about spending, borrowing, and the future. We explore how these forces can steer us toward costly mistakes — and how to guard against them. Then, on Your Questions Answered, researcher Bobby Parmar [https://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty-research/directory/bidhan-l-parmar] returns to consider the upsides of embracing uncertainty. We're excited to share that Hidden Brain is coming to YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenbrain]! Check out our trailer and subscribe so you don't miss our first three episodes, coming April 10.  Episode art by Andania Humaira for Unsplash+ [https://unsplash.com/illustrations/a-man-carrying-a-large-piece-of-paper-over-his-head-8U7iK4m93yw] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When It's Okay to Lie

Should you tell a harsh truth if it will only cause pain? Or is it sometimes kinder to keep someone in the dark? Psychologist Emma Levine [https://www.chicagobooth.edu/faculty/directory/l/emma-levine] explores the unwritten rules that guide when people feel it’s acceptable to lie — and what those choices reveal about trust, harm, and our deepest moral values. In our companion Hidden Brain+ episode, we explore ways to bridge the gap between the many lies we condone in practice, and the lying we claim to hate. If you're a subscriber, that episode is called “Telling The Truth About Lies.” If you're not yet a Hidden Brain+ subscriber, please visit support.hiddenbrain.org [http://support.hiddenbrain.org/] or apple.co/hidden brain [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?at=1010l3ab3&ct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts&itscg=30200S&ls=1] for a free seven-day trial.  We're excited to share that Hidden Brain is coming to YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenbrain]! Check out our trailer and subscribe so you don't miss our first three episodes, coming April 10.  Illustration by Masantocreative for Unsplash+ [https://unsplash.com/illustrations/a-hand-holds-a-scale-balancing-lies-and-truth-Zht6Qyjqhus] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.