Best Cognitivescience Podcasts (2025)

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402. The Power of Being Wrong, Why Your Goals May Be Closer Than You Think, and Other Takeaways From Clutch College Live (Greatest Hits) 17:40

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2h ago17:40

17:40

Do you ever feel stuck on your journey, unsure of how far you’ve really come? In this episode, I’m sharing three key takeaways from a previous live event, starting with why it’s so hard to accurately assess where you are—and how that holds you back from making real progress. We’ll also dive into why something “feeling true” doesn’t mean it is actua…

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401. Listener QA: Body Image, Parental Criticism, & Initiating Sex 12:19

14h ago12:19

12:19

In this week’s Listener Q&A, I’m answering two questions that reveal how we give away our emotional power to others' opinions and societal expectations. One listener struggles with body image after years of parental criticism—believing their worth is tied to their size. Another feels frustrated by always initiating sex in their marriage—turning int…

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Science, AI, and illusions of understanding 59:47

5d ago59:47

59:47

AI will fundamentally transform science. It will supercharge the research process, making it faster and more efficient and broader in scope. It will make scientists themselves vastly more productive, more objective, maybe more creative. It will make many human participants—and probably some human scientists—obsolete… Or at least these are some of t…

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400. Most Surprising Parts of My Dream Life (& How to Create Yours Too) 39:24

7d ago39:24

39:24

Socialization tells us that happiness comes from hitting the right milestones— the prestigious career, the perfect body, the ideal partner. We’re taught that once we check off all the boxes and achieve enough, fulfillment will follow. But is that really true? After 400 episodes of Unfuck Your Brain, I’ve completely transformed my life—but not by fo…

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399. What Everyone Gets Wrong About Confidence 14:50

13d ago14:50

14:50

Confidence is often talked about in the online empowerment space, but most people misunderstand it. We think of confidence as a feeling—a temporary emotion we either have or don’t have. But here’s the truth: confidence is much more than a feeling. In fact, the feeling of confidence is the last part—and the least important part. In this episode, I’m…

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The primeval soil of play 56:37

19d ago56:37

56:37

Puppies wrestling and mock-biting each other. Toddlers playing hide and seek. Kittens pouncing—repeatedly—on a toy mouse. You've no doubt looked on at scenes like this with amusement. And you've no doubt seen some of those viral videos—of ravens sledding down hills, of bumble bees playing with balls. All these moments make us smile, maybe even gigg…

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398. How to Solve Insecurity 16:46

20d ago16:46

16:46

Does it constantly feel like you’re measuring yourself against some impossible standard? Whether it's your career, your relationships, or your body, that feeling of inadequacy can keep you stuck, unable to move forward. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why insecurity isn’t the real issue—it’s the lack of emotional security within yourself. Whe…

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Take Back Your Brain! 2:10

26d ago2:10

2:10

IT'S HERE! My new book "Take Back Your Brain: How a Sexist Society Gets in Your Head... and How to Get it Out" is officially available as an audiobook and hardcover wherever books and audiobooks are sold!By Kara Loewentheil

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397. How to Stop Giving a F*ck What Other People Think (Greatest Hits) 13:12

27d ago13:12

13:12

Are you exhausted from constantly worrying about what other people think of you? Whether it’s your boss, your family, or even strangers, this fixation zaps your energy and keeps you from being your authentic self. But here's the truth: the more you focus on their opinions, the less you connect with your own. In this episode, I’m diving into why “ju…

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The big five and beyond 1:46:39

1M ago1:46:39

1:46:39

If you've heard anything about the study of human personality, you've probably heard about the “big five.” This is a framework that attempts to characterize human personality in terms of five broad factors or dimensions—neuroticism, extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. The big five framework has been enormously influential,…

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396. Why You Obsess Over Some People's Opinions (But Not Others) 20:57

1M ago20:57

20:57

Why do some opinions bounce right off us, while others stick like taffy, lingering in our minds and draining our energy? This isn’t random—it’s actually a clue to how our brains process feedback and, more importantly, what we really believe about ourselves. In this episode, I’m diving into why we get fixated on some people’s opinions, even when the…

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395. Why Women Care Too Much About What Other People Think 16:54

1M ago16:54

16:54

Have you ever had a man ask why you care so much about what others think? And then found yourself at a loss for how to explain why it matters so deeply? There’s a reason women tend to fixate on others’ opinions, and it’s not simply a lack of confidence or insecurity. This week, I’m diving into why this preoccupation with others’ opinions is so powe…

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394. Hopelessness Is a Lie 15:52

2M ago15:52

15:52

Have you ever felt that sinking feeling in your stomach—the one that says, “There’s no point in trying because nothing will ever change”? That’s hopelessness, and it’s one of the most dangerous emotional states because it paralyzes us and keeps us stuck. It’s also one of the most deceptive thought patterns your brain can offer you. This week, I’m b…

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Philosophers on psychedelics 1:40:49

2M ago1:40:49

1:40:49

Some call it the "psychedelic renaissance." In the last decade or so, interest in psychedelic drugs has surged—and not just among Silicon Valley types and psychiatrists and neuroscientists. It's also surged among a stereotypically soberer crowd: academic philosophers. The reasons are clear. With their varied and sometimes transformative effects, ps…

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393. How to Calm Down Right Now: A Conversation with Emily Decker 33:59

2M ago33:59

33:59

Have you ever noticed how your body reacts when you're doom-scrolling? The tightness in your chest, shallow breathing, and racing thoughts aren’t just in your head—they’re physical responses from your nervous system reacting to perceived threats. In today’s episode, I’m joined by somatic-based personal trainer Emily Decker to discuss how our bodies…

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392. You Are Not the Reference Point (Greatest Hits) 25:02

2M ago25:02

25:02

Do you find yourself getting frustrated when others don’t see things exactly as you do? When this happens and we’re activated, afraid, or overwhelmed, we often assume our perspective is the only “correct” one. This rigidity creates tension in relationships, leaving us feeling isolated and misunderstood. Sound familiar? In this episode, I’m revisiti…

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The cuttlefish and its coat of many colors 1:33:38

2M ago1:33:38

1:33:38

We humans have a hard time becoming invisible. For better or worse, we're basically stuck with the skin and body we have; we’re pretty fixed in our color, our shape, our overall appearance. And so we're fascinated by creatures that aren't—creatures that morph to meet the moment, that can functionally disappear, that can shape-shift on a dime. And n…

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391. My Top 3 Lessons From Being 43 17:49

2M ago17:49

17:49

After coaching thousands of women (and learning a lot from my own journey), I’ve realized that our brains are really good at focusing on what we haven’t yet accomplished, while completely glossing over what we have. That’s why it’s crucial to actively look for evidence of growth and progress. In this episode, I’m sharing the three biggest insights …

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390. Pretend You Have Amnesia - Instant Brain Reboot 15:03

3M ago15:03

15:03

Is your brain stuck replaying the same unhelpful thoughts on a loop? You’re not broken—your brain is just doing what it’s been trained to do: cling to old stories, even when they’re holding you back. In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite coaching tools that can break that loop instantly. It’s simple, powerful, and might just change how yo…

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Life, free energy, and the pursuit of goals 1:06:49

3M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

You've probably come across the "free energy principle." It's become one of the most influential ideas in the broader cognitive sciences. Since the neuroscientist Karl Friston first introduced it in 2005, the theory has been fleshed out, extended, generalized, criticized, and cited thousands and thousands of times. But what is this idea, exactly? W…

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389. Why & How to Be Extraordinary (Yes I’m Talking to You) (Greatest Hits) 16:16

3M ago16:16

16:16

What does it really mean to be extraordinary—and why does it feel so uncomfortable to even ask that question? In this week’s episode, I’m unpacking the way society trains women and marginalized people to fear their own greatness. We’re taught that wanting more—more impact, more growth, more self-expression—is selfish or arrogant. And in times like …

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388. How to Plan When the Future Feels Uncertain 16:24

3M ago16:24

16:24

Does the future feel totally impossible to plan for right now? As someone who loves planning and going after my goals, I’ve found it really hard to wrap my brain around long-term thinking when everything—politics, the economy, even basic social norms—feels like it’s shifting under our feet. So in this episode, I’m sharing how I’m navigating this mo…

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Universal emotions in fact and fiction 1:20:22

3M ago1:20:22

1:20:22

Are human emotions universal? Or do they vary from one place to the next and from one time period to the next? It's a big question, an old question. And every discipline that's grappled with it brings its own take, its own framings and forms of evidence. Some researchers appeal to cross-cultural experiments; others turn to neuroimaging studies or c…

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387. The Thought Ladder and Thinking v. Believing (Greatest Hits) 20:17

3M ago20:17

20:17

Today, I'm revisiting one of the most essential tools in thought work: the thought ladder. If you’ve ever tried to change your results by slapping on a shiny new thought that doesn’t quite feel believable, you already know it doesn’t work that way. In this episode, I’m breaking down why belief—not just thought—is what really drives change, and how …

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386. Defying Ageist Stereotypes: A Conversation with Susan Hyatt 31:28

3M ago31:28

31:28

Ever felt the urge to shake things up with a bold, unexpected move? Women are taught that midlife is when we’re supposed to fade into the background, but what if it’s actually the perfect time to dream bigger, take more risks, and redefine what’s possible for ourselves? This week, Master Certified Life Coach Susan Hyatt is back to talk about making…

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From the archive: Fermentation, fire, and our big brains 1:05:36

4M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Hi friends, We're taking care of some spring cleaning this week. We'll be back in two weeks with a new episode. In the meantime, enjoy this favorite from our archives! - The Many Minds team ––––––––– [originally aired February 22, 2024] Brains are not cheap. It takes a lot of calories to run a brain, and the bigger your brain, the more calories it …

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385. How to Cope When You Don’t Feel Ok 16:26

4M ago16:26

16:26

Are you struggling to focus with everything happening in the world right now? You’re not alone. When life feels chaotic and uncertain, it’s natural for your brain to spiral. But staying stuck in that disoriented, doom-scrolling state isn’t actually helping you feel safer—it’s just keeping you trapped in stress and anxiety. In this episode, I break …

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384. The Logical Case for Positive Thinking with Oliver Burkeman 35:46

4M ago35:46

35:46

Do you constantly feel like you need to control everything in your life? Like if you could just be more organized, more productive, more perfect, then you’d finally feel at peace? What if the real secret to feeling more fulfilled was actually letting go of that control? This week, I’m joined by Oliver Burkeman, author of 4,000 Weeks, to talk about …

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Howl, grunt, sing 1:13:38

4M ago1:13:38

1:13:38

The tree of life is a noisy place. From one branch come hoots and howls, from another come clicks and buzzes and whines. And coming from all over you hear the swell of song. But what is all this ruckus about? Why do so many animals communicate with sound? What kinds of meaning do these sounds convey? And—beyond the case of human speech—do any of th…

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383. Self-Help When the World is Burning (Greatest Hits) 27:52

4M ago27:52

27:52

Lately it has felt like the world is on fire—war, climate crises, political chaos… it’s a lot for our brains to handle. And yet, instead of stepping back, we find ourselves doom-scrolling, consuming bad news like it’s our job, and wondering why we feel so anxious and exhausted. Is obsessively staying informed actually helping you—or just keeping yo…

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The development of evolution 1:36:43

4M ago1:36:43

1:36:43

Evolution is not what it used to be. A lot has changed since Darwin's day. In the first half of the 20th century, evolutionary theory was integrated with an emerging understanding of genetics. Late in the 20th century, biologists started taking seriously the idea that organisms don't just adapt to their environments, they change them. Recently, res…

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382. How to Be Capable in Times of Crisis 19:50

4M ago19:50

19:50

Are you feeling overwhelmed or even paralyzed by everything happening in the world right now? Do you catch yourself looking to others for answers—waiting for someone to tell you what to do or how to respond? Women are taught from birth that we’re too emotional, too irrational, too incapable of figuring things out on our own—especially when things g…

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381. Be Your Own Partner: A Conversation About Singleness and Mindset with Meghan Keane 40:46

5M ago40:46

40:46

Do you ever feel like your relationship status defines your worth? Like your life is on hold until you find a partner? What if you could stop waiting and start being your own best partner—whether you're single, coupled up, or somewhere in between? This week, I’m joined by Meghan Keane, founder of NPR’s Life Kit and author of Party of One: Be Your O…

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String theories 1:21:28

5M ago1:21:28

1:21:28

Where would our species be without string? It's one of our most basic technologies—so basic that it's easy to overlook. But humans have used string—and its cousins rope, yarn, cordage, thread, etc.—for all kinds of purposes, stretching back tens of thousands of years. We've used it for knots and textiles and fishing nets and carrier bags and bow-st…

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380. You Don't Need to Be The Best - How to Deal with Envy, Jealousy, and Competitiveness 17:18

5M ago17:18

17:18

Do you ever feel a stab of envy or anxiety when someone else gets something you want? Maybe you want to be happy for them, but deep down, their success makes you feel like you’re falling behind. If so, you’re not alone—this is what happens when we’ve been trained to believe there’s only room for one of us at the top. In this episode, I’m digging in…

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379. Radical Self-Love & Self-Care (Greatest Hits) 24:09

5M ago24:09

24:09

As women, we’ve been conditioned to put ourselves last, and if you hold any marginalized identities, the world piles on even more ways to tell you you’re not enough. But the tools I'm re-sharing this week, radical self-love and exquisite self-care, are your antidote—your way to reject the oppressive systems that want to keep you small and doubting …

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378. The Biggest Time Management Problem & How to Solve It 24:43

5M ago24:43

24:43

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your time management? As women, we’re trained to take on responsibility for everything—other people’s feelings, outcomes we can’t control, and tasks that were never ours to begin with. The result? Exhaustion, overwhelm, and decisions that don’t serve us. In this episode, I’m sharing how over-responsibility snuck into …

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The other half of the brain 59:39

5M ago59:39

59:39

Neurons have long enjoyed a kind of rock star status. We think of them as the most fundamental units of the brain—the active cells at the heart of brain function and, ultimately, at the heart of behavior, learning, and more. But neurons are only part of the story—about half the story, it turns out. The other half of the brain is made up of cells ca…