Psyched Up: The Brain Science Behind the Human Story

Original Air Date Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

A sense of belonging is essential to human existence. Our ancestors needed to be part of a social group to be safe and provided for. Our need for acceptance still drives us. As an example, being ostracized in today’s ‘cancel’ culture has been referred to as a type of death.

To better understand how the human mind has evolved to deal with the pressures of 24-hour access to social media and more, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, Paul Bloom.

Paul shares the key concepts from his latest book, PSYCH: The Story of the Human Mind, and provides answers about how social interactions, or the lack of them, might stave off human happiness. 

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Paul Bloom PhD is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, and Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University. Paul Bloom studies how children and adults make sense of the world, with a special focus on pleasure, morality, religion, fiction, and art. He has won numerous awards for his research and teaching.

He is past-president of the Society for Philosophy and Psychology, and co-editor of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. He has written for scientific journals such as Nature and Science, and for popular outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic Monthly. He is the author of seven books, including PSYCH: The Story of the Human Mind, to be released on February 28, 2023.

Book: PSYCH: The Story of the Human Mind

Paul Bloom PhD — Brain Science:

Follow Paul Bloom PhD:

Shareables:

Our Proud Sponsor:

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.

Continue Your Journey:

Related Episodes:

• Suffering and Searching for the Sweet Spot of Meaning
• Pop Culture Psych 101: Using the Silver Screen as a Vehicle for Self-Discovery with Travis Langley PhD & Lisa Bahar MFT
• Social Sharing & Entrepreneurship
• The Power of Productivity
• Story-Crafting: Using Brain Science to Share Our Narratives