Of all creatures inhabiting Earth, humans possess the singular gift of complex language. Yet, what price did we pay for this remarkable ability? In this discussion, Michael Stevens seeks out Tetsuro Matsuzawa to explore his compelling cogni…

To what extent are our ethical choices shaped by unconscious forces? The concept of Moral Licensing suggests that acts of kindness can subtly pave the way for subsequent wrongdoing, as we unknowingly grant ourselves permission for less virt…

The human brain contains a staggering one hundred billion neurons, each contributing to our perception and navigation of the world. While scientists have achieved computational models of the brain, replicating a functional one from biologic…

The premise is familiar: ordinary individuals are capable of monstrous acts when placed in the appropriate circumstances. This is the widely accepted interpretation of the Stanford Prison Experiment, a landmark study in psychology. Yet, wha…

The prospect of endless life raises a profound question: would we truly desire it? How does the constant awareness of our own impermanence shape our minds? In this conversation, I speak with Caitlin Doughty, a mortician and advocate for emb…

The question lingers, a persistent hum in the quiet of existence: are we alone? Should contact with extraterrestrial life even be sought? And if such contact were possible, what greeting would we offer, how would we frame our introduction? …

The subtle alchemy by which falsehood transforms into perceived truth is a compelling question. In this exploration, Dr. Aaron Blaisdell and I construct a game show – a carefully orchestrated experiment, in effect – designed to illuminate t…

This installment features an interview with a researcher employing machine learning and neuroimaging techniques to identify and forecast individuals' brain states in the study of memory. The episode also includes a journey to Japan, where I…