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Why Normal People Do Horrific Things: The Neuroscience of Revenge with James Kimmel Jr.

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Content provided by Smart People Industries. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Smart People Industries or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

What if the desire for revenge wasn’t just emotional—but biological? In this gripping conversation, Yale-trained lawyer and researcher James Kimmel Jr. explains how the brain processes revenge, why it feels so satisfying in the moment, and why it rarely brings the peace we expect. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and his own powerful personal story, James unpacks how revenge fuels everything from schoolyard fights to mass shootings—and how it’s often disguised as “justice.” We explore the real reasons people commit violent acts, how our justice system may be reinforcing cycles of harm, and what it actually takes to break free.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the human drive to get even—and how to shift that impulse toward healing. If you've ever held a grudge, fantasized about payback, or wondered why letting go is so hard, this episode will change the way you see yourself—and others.

Dr. Kimmel's book, The Science of Revenge, is available wherever books are sold.

Learn more about Dr. Kimmel at jameskimmeljr.com.

Support the Show - Become a Patron!

Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  continue reading

500 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 493404199 series 1000045
Content provided by Smart People Industries. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Smart People Industries or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

What if the desire for revenge wasn’t just emotional—but biological? In this gripping conversation, Yale-trained lawyer and researcher James Kimmel Jr. explains how the brain processes revenge, why it feels so satisfying in the moment, and why it rarely brings the peace we expect. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and his own powerful personal story, James unpacks how revenge fuels everything from schoolyard fights to mass shootings—and how it’s often disguised as “justice.” We explore the real reasons people commit violent acts, how our justice system may be reinforcing cycles of harm, and what it actually takes to break free.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the human drive to get even—and how to shift that impulse toward healing. If you've ever held a grudge, fantasized about payback, or wondered why letting go is so hard, this episode will change the way you see yourself—and others.

Dr. Kimmel's book, The Science of Revenge, is available wherever books are sold.

Learn more about Dr. Kimmel at jameskimmeljr.com.

Support the Show - Become a Patron!

Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  continue reading

500 episodes

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