The award-winning NPR podcast “Hidden Brain,” which explores the science behind human behavior, will be performing live at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on June 22 at 2 p.m. as part of the show’s nationwide “Perceptions” tour. The show is hosted by its creator, Shankar Vedantam.
Launched a decade ago with a seemingly simple question — “Are there parts of our minds that are hidden from us?" — “Hidden Brain” has since become a go-to source for listeners seeking to better understand their emotions, strengthen their relationships and achieve personal growth through the lens of science and storytelling. The podcast receives more than 3 million downloads per week.
As part of the live tour, Vedantam will share seven key insights uncovered during the show’s first 10 years. “Whether you’re new to the show or a longtime listener, this evening of science and storytelling will change how you think about yourself,” states the venue’s website.
Recent “Hidden Brain’s” episodes include “The Price of Revenge,” featuring researcher James Kimmel, Jr., who explores how revenge can operate like an addiction in the brain; “Forget About It!” with psychologist Ciara Greene, which delves into the science of forgetting; and “Ouch! That Feels Great” where psychologist Paul Bloom examines why humans sometimes seek out pain.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Hidden Brain,” Vedantam explains: “There are two kinds of explorers. One travels to exotic lands, ventures where no one has gone before. The other kind of explorer revels in discovering the surprising and the extraordinary in the mundane and every day. For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by this second kind of exploration. Nothing delights me more than to hear an insight that transforms what I think I know already, that reshapes how I see the world, that shows me the extraordinary in the ordinary.”
He adds, “The central mission of ‘Hidden Brain’ is to help people see the world with fresh eyes, to become tourists in their own lives.”
For tickets, visit browardcenter.org, and for more information on “Hidden Brain,” visit hiddenbrain.org.
Photo by Jamey Stillings
Portrait of Shankar Vedantam taken in Vancouver, BC, Canada on April 13, 2022.