Best Cognitivescience Podcasts (2025)

1
Take Back Your Brain! 2:10

5h 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

1
391. My Top 3 Lessons From Being 43 17:49

5d 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 …

1
390. Pretend You Have Amnesia - Instant Brain Reboot 15:03

12d 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…

1
389. Why & How to Be Extraordinary (Yes I’m Talking to You) (Greatest Hits) 16:16

19d 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 …

1
388. How to Plan When the Future Feels Uncertain 16:24

26d 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…

1
387. The Thought Ladder and Thinking v. Believing (Greatest Hits) 20:17

1M 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 …

1
386. Defying Ageist Stereotypes: A Conversation with Susan Hyatt 31:28

1M 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…

1
385. How to Cope When You Don’t Feel Ok 16:26

2M 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 …

1
384. The Logical Case for Positive Thinking with Oliver Burkeman 35:46

2M 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 …

1
383. Self-Help When the World is Burning (Greatest Hits) 27:52

2M 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…

1
382. How to Be Capable in Times of Crisis 19:50

2M 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…

1
381. Be Your Own Partner: A Conversation About Singleness and Mindset with Meghan Keane 40:46

2M 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…

1
380. You Don't Need to Be The Best - How to Deal with Envy, Jealousy, and Competitiveness 17:18

3M 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…

1
379. Radical Self-Love & Self-Care (Greatest Hits) 23:18

3M ago23:18

23:18

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 …

1
378. The Biggest Time Management Problem & How to Solve It 24:43

3M 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 …

1
377. Over-Responsibility: The Spin (Greatest Hits) 18:47

3M ago18:47

18:47

Do you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Like you’re responsible for everyone and everything around you? Society has trained women to believe our worth depends on managing everyone else’s thoughts, feelings, and happiness. But this over-responsibility? It’s a dream stealer, an energy drainer, and a massive life su…

1
376. Exactly How to Negotiate As A Woman, with Negotiation Expert Kathryn Valentine 31:50

4M ago31:50

31:50

Ever felt anxious about negotiating a raise, bonus, or promotion? Worried about being labeled “difficult” or facing backlash for advocating for yourself? You’re not alone—research shows that women face unique challenges in workplace negotiations, thanks to deeply ingrained gender dynamics. This week, I’m joined by Kathryn Valentine, a negotiation e…

1
The Invisible Influencers: How Subconscious Cues Shape Your Decisions 23:32

4M ago23:32

23:32

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the unseen forces that shape how we think, act, and interact with the world. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of subconscious cues and social influences—those invisible forces that guide your decisions without you even realizing it. Inspired by Wharton professor Jonah Berger’s …

1
The Sound of Silence: What Happens to Your Brain When You Do Absolutely Nothing 14:30

4M ago14:30

14:30

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the fascinating intersections of neuroscience, perception, and the human experience. In this episode, we dive into the science and mystery of silence, uncovering what happens in your brain when you’re surrounded by stillness—or doing absolutely nothing. Inspired by Katrina Paulson’s thought-provo…

1
The Memory You Never Made: How Your Brain Creates False Memories 18:38

4M ago18:38

18:38

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we unravel the mysteries of the mind and uncover the surprising truths about how our brains work. In this episode, we delve into false memories—how your mind can create vivid, detailed memories of events that never happened and the fascinating science behind this phenomenon. Inspired by Kendra Cherry’s Very…

1
Decision Detox: How to Clear Mental Clutter and Focus on What Matters 10:51

4M ago10:51

10:51

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore strategies to help you think clearer, live better, and unlock your potential. In this episode, we tackle the overwhelming mental clutter that slows you down and reveal actionable techniques to help you focus on what truly matters in your personal and professional life. Inspired by Foteini Ntelopo…

1
375. How to Improve Instead of Give Up 13:22

4M ago13:22

13:22

The two biggest obstacles to creating lasting change? Getting started and not quitting when things go off the rails. We all know we should just try again if we fail, but let’s be honest—that’s a lot easier said than done when you don’t understand what’s really going on in your brain. Tune in this week to learn what happens in your brain when you fa…

1
The Illusion of Motion: Why Stationary Objects Sometimes Appear to Move 14:37

4M ago14:37

14:37

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we unravel the mysteries of the human mind and the science behind how we perceive the world. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating phenomenon of motion illusions—why your brain sometimes interprets stationary objects as moving and what it reveals about the complexity of visual perception. Drawing fr…

1
Why Your Brain Fills in the Blanks: The Science of Perception Gaps 14:15

4M ago14:15

14:15

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the fascinating ways your brain shapes your reality. In this episode, we explore how your brain "fills in the blanks" to construct seamless sensory experiences—and why this process often leads to surprising illusions and misperceptions. Inspired by Peter Gärdenfors’ article in Psychology Today, w…

1
374. Budgeting, Diet Culture & Spending Well - A Conversation with the Frugal Friends Podcast 32:42

4M ago32:42

32:42

Do you ever try to shop your way out of a bad feeling, only to regret it later? What’s really driving those impulse purchases, and how is the way society talks about women’s spending warping your relationship with money? (Hint: it’s eerily similar to how diet culture messes with your relationship with food.) This week, I’m joined by Jen Smith and J…

1
The Mystery of Silent Letters: Why English Spelling Doesn't Match Its Sound 14:31

4M ago14:31

14:31

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the quirks and mysteries of the human mind—and the languages we use to communicate. In this episode, we dive into the baffling world of English spelling and uncover the origins of silent letters. Why do we write words one way but pronounce them another? Let’s break it down. Drawing inspiration fr…

1
Bigger Is Better? The Myth About Brain Size and Intelligence 11:08

4M ago11:08

11:08

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the fascinating truths and misconceptions about the human brain. In this episode, we debunk the long-standing myth that brain size directly determines intelligence. How much does size actually matter? Science has the answers. Drawing on findings from the largest brain study ever conducted using d…

1
The 10% Myth: Do We Really Use Only a Fraction of Our Brain? 9:08

4M ago9:08

9:08

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind the mind and debunk the myths that hold us back. In this episode, we tackle one of the most enduring misconceptions about the brain: Do we really use only 10% of it? Drawing from research by the Association for Psychological Science, we’ll dive into: The origins of the 10% myth…

1
The Psychology of Gossip: Why We Talk About Others and How It Shapes Society 10:26

4M ago10:26

10:26

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the complex science behind human behavior and social dynamics. In this episode, we dive deep into The Psychology of Gossip, uncovering why we talk about others, how gossip spreads, and the profound ways it influences cooperation, relationships, and society at large. Drawing from cutting-edge rese…

1
The Smell of Memory: How Scents Trigger Emotions and the Past 12:31

4M ago12:31

12:31

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the fascinating connections between your brain, body, and experiences. In this episode, we uncover the incredible power of scent and its ability to evoke vivid memories and intense emotions. Drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology, we’ll discuss: How scents bypass the brain’s thalamu…

1
373. Most Habit Change Advice is Wrong - Inconsistency Is the Key to Success 19:08

4M ago19:08

19:08

Do you feel like new habits just don’t stick? Like no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to get it “right” from the start? Here’s the thing: you’ve probably been taught that perfect consistency is the only way to make habits work—but that’s total BS. What if the real key is actually embracing inconsistency? In this episode, I’m flipping the sc…

1
The Left-Handed Paradox: Myths, Science, and the Uniqueness of Lefties 16:27

4M ago16:27

16:27

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the fascinating science behind human behavior, perception, and identity. In this episode, we explore The Left-Handed Paradox—a deep dive into the myths, stereotypes, and surprising science surrounding left-handed individuals. Based on insights from recent research and historical context, we’ll di…

1
The Halo Effect: Why First Impressions Shape How We See People 37:28

4M ago37:28

37:28

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind the thoughts, behaviors, and biases that shape our lives. In this episode, we take a closer look at The Halo Effect—a powerful cognitive bias that causes us to let one positive trait influence our entire perception of a person, brand, or experience. Drawing insights from behavi…

1
The Color of Influence: How Visual Cues Impact Our Emotions and Decisions 15:03

5M ago15:03

15:03

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind how we think, feel, and act. In this episode, we uncover the fascinating psychology of color and how visual cues influence our emotions, perceptions, and decision-making—often without us even realizing it. Based on insights from the psychology of color and its practical applica…

1
Optical Illusions: What They Reveal About How Your Brain Interprets Reality 10:37

5M ago10:37

10:37

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the fascinating science behind how your mind shapes your perception of reality. In this episode, we explore the captivating world of optical illusions and what they reveal about the way your brain processes visual information. Inspired by an article from HowStuffWorks, we’ll delve into: How optic…

1
The Power of Visual Thinking: How Images Shape the Way We Solve Problems 13:28

5M ago13:28

13:28

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the fascinating ways our minds process, create, and connect. In this episode, we dive into the power of visual thinking—a method that taps into our brain’s preference for processing images over text to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and communication. Inspired by an insightful article from …

1
372. Patriarchy-Proof Your Resolutions (Greatest Hits) 24:48

5M ago24:48

24:48

Tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out by February? The problem isn’t you—it’s the patriarchy. In this episode, I teach you how to “patriarchy-proof” your resolutions so they reflect your values, not the ones you’ve been trained to prioritize. We’ll dig into how social conditioning shapes your goals without you even realizing it—an…

1
The Empathy Gap: Why We Struggle to Understand Others’ Emotions 17:40

5M ago17:40

17:40

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating cognitive biases that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. In this episode, we explore the empathy gap—a cognitive bias that limits our ability to understand the emotions and mental states of others, especially when they differ from our own. Drawing from scientific…

1
The Silent Critic: How Internalized Biases Shape the Way We See Others 14:10

5M ago14:10

14:10

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the hidden forces that shape how we think, perceive, and interact with the world. In this episode, we dive into the science of implicit bias—the unconscious stereotypes we associate with social groups—and explore how these hidden biases influence our decisions, relationships, and societal structu…

1
Snap Judgments: Why We Judge People in Seconds and What It Says About Us 14:36

5M ago14:36

14:36

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we dive deep into the science of human behavior, thought, and perception. In this episode, we examine why we’re wired to make snap judgments about others based on appearance—and how these instant assessments shape our interactions and relationships. Drawing insights from a Forbes article by a psychology PhD…

1
Seeing Isn’t Believing: How Your Brain Distorts Reality 18:07

5M ago18:07

18:07

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we dive into the fascinating science of how we think, perceive, and connect with the world. In this episode, we explore how our brains, shaped by biases and past experiences, can distort reality—sometimes with profound consequences for our decisions, relationships, and personal growth. Inspired by Dr. Hashi…

1
The Fear Factor: Why We’re Wired to Fear the Wrong Things 11:13

5M ago11:13

11:13

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the science behind the thoughts and behaviors that shape our lives. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the psychology of fear, exploring why our brains often exaggerate certain risks while downplaying others—and how this impacts our decisions and well-being. Drawing from a compelling blog …

1
Why Luck Isn’t Random: The Science of Making Your Own Fortune 34:59

5M ago34:59

34:59

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind how our thoughts, actions, and environments shape our lives. In this episode, we challenge the idea that luck is purely random and dive into the fascinating psychology and strategies that can help you create your own good fortune. Drawing inspiration from Vignesh's thought-prov…

1
371. Stop Fetishizing Systemic Change or Your Brain in Denmark 13:46

5M ago13:46

13:46

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about how much better your life would be if you lived in a country with more progressive policies? Universal healthcare, affordable childcare, endless vacation days—it sounds like paradise, right? I know I’ve been there. But is the grass really greener, or is this just another sneaky way our brains trick us…

1
Cracking the Sleep Code: Debunking Myths About Sleep That Keep You Awake 17:31

5M ago17:31

17:31

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we explore the science behind the everyday habits that shape your mental and physical well-being. In this episode, we tackle the myths about sleep that might be keeping you up at night and reveal the truth about what it takes to get a good night’s rest. Based on insights from Healthline and featuring expert…

1
Your Gut’s Hidden Voice: How Your Microbiome Shapes Mood and Decision-Making 18:38

5M ago18:38

18:38

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we uncover the science behind how your body and mind work together to shape your experience of the world. In this episode, we explore the fascinating gut-brain axis and how the trillions of microbes in your gut wield surprising influence over your mood, decision-making, and overall mental health. Drawing in…

1
The Curse of Multitasking: Why Doing More Means Accomplishing Less 16:47

5M ago16:47

16:47

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we unravel the science behind how we think, act, and thrive. In this episode, we dive into the curse of multitasking—a habit we often think makes us more productive but is secretly sabotaging our efficiency and mental health. Based on insights from Verywell Mind and cutting-edge research, we’ll uncover: Why…

1
The Thinking Paradox: How Our Minds Trick Us 15:02

5M ago15:02

15:02

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we delve into the science behind human thought and behavior. In this episode, we uncover The Thinking Paradox—how cognitive biases like confirmation bias shape our beliefs, perceptions, and actions in ways we don’t even realize. Inspired by a compelling article, we’ll explore: What confirmation bias is and …

1
370. How to Handle Disagreement Better 20:06

5M ago20:06

20:06

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a disagreement that feels like it’s going nowhere, just looping around the same points? Maybe it’s because deep down, you believe the only way to "resolve" it is if the other person totally agrees with you—or you have to surrender and agree with them. Sound familiar? Tune in as I break down a game-changing refr…

1
The Memory Illusion: Why Your Recollections Are Less Reliable Than You Think 17:32

5M ago17:32

17:32

Welcome to the Mind Theory Podcast, where we unravel the fascinating mysteries of the human mind. In this episode, we take a closer look at memory—how it works, why it fails us, and what this means for our daily lives. Inspired by Julia Shaw’s groundbreaking book, The Memory Illusion, we’ll explore: Why human memories are inherently malleable and p…

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