Hidden Brain

4.9 (53K) · SCIENCE · UPDATED WEEKLY

Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices, and influence our relationships.

3D AGO

The Comparison Trap: Why We Can't Stop Measuring Ourselves Against Others

We are constantly comparing ourselves to others — our neighbors, our colleagues, even strangers on social media. Psychologist Thomas Mussweiler explains the science of social comparison and why it's so hard to escape, even when we know it's making us miserable.

10D AGO

The Authenticity Paradox: When Being Yourself Backfires

We're told to "be authentic" — but new research suggests that the pursuit of authenticity can sometimes make us less genuine, more rigid, and harder to be around. Shankar explores when authenticity serves us and when it becomes a trap.

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Deep Work: The Full Conversation with Cal Newport

The extended 90-minute version of our conversation with bestselling author Cal Newport about focus, distraction, and why the ability to think deeply may be the most valuable skill of the 21st century. Includes exercises and a Q&A session.

24D AGO

The Kindness of Strangers: Why We Help People We'll Never Meet Again

A new study finds that people consistently underestimate how much strangers want to help them. Psychologist Nicholas Epley explains the science behind prosocial behavior — and why asking for help is harder than it should be.

31D AGO

Emotional Currency: How Feelings Affect Our Financial Decisions

When we're sad, we spend more. When we're anxious, we save less wisely. Behavioral economist Jennifer Lerner on the surprising ways emotions hijack our relationship with money — and what to do about it.

38D AGO

The Science of Awe: Why We Need It and How to Find It

Awe is one of our most powerful and least understood emotions. It reduces inflammation, increases creativity, and makes us feel more connected to others. Psychologist Dacher Keltner on how to engineer more awe in an awe-deficient world.

45D AGO

First Impressions: The Science of Snap Judgments

We form opinions about people in milliseconds — and research shows those first impressions are remarkably hard to change. Psychologist Alex Todorov on the neuroscience of snap judgments, why they're often wrong, and why we make them anyway.

52D AGO

The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Can Move You Forward

Regret is often seen as a negative emotion to be avoided. But author Daniel Pink argues that regret, properly understood, is one of the most instructive feelings we have. Shankar explores how to use regret as a tool for a better life.

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Hosts & Guests

Shankar VedantamHost & Executive Producer

4.9

out of 5

53K Ratings

The most mind-expanding podcast I know

Every single episode teaches me something I immediately want to share with someone. Shankar has a gift for making complex behavioral science feel personal and practical. I've changed how I think about dozens of things because of this show.

CuriousMarco · Mar 8, 2026

Rigorous, warm, and endlessly fascinating

What sets Hidden Brain apart from other science podcasts is the warmth. Shankar genuinely cares about the people he's interviewing and the listeners he's talking to. The science is solid but it never feels cold or clinical.

PsychologyNerd · Feb 25, 2026

A near-perfect podcast

I have recommended Hidden Brain to more people than any other podcast. The research is credible, the stories are moving, and the insights are genuinely useful. Shankar Vedantam is a national treasure.

ScienceNerd2026 · Feb 10, 2026

About

Hidden Brain helps curious people understand the world — and themselves. Using science and storytelling, host Shankar Vedantam reveals the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior and questions that lie at the heart of the human experience: Why do we make the decisions we do? What really motivates us? How do our past experiences shape our present actions? Each week, Shankar interviews psychologists, economists, neuroscientists, and other experts to explore surprising insights about the hidden forces that shape our lives. The show has won numerous awards and regularly tops the charts for science and society podcasts.