The Paradox of Pleasure
Hidden Brain8 Des 2025

The Paradox of Pleasure

All of us think we know what addiction looks like. It’s the compulsive consumption of drugs, alcohol, or nicotine. But psychiatrist Anna Lembke argues that our conception of addiction is far too narrow — and that a broader view might help us to understand why so many people are anxious and depressed. This week, we revisit a 2023 episode that remains of the most popular in the history of our show. We'll explore how and why humans are wired to pursue pleasure, and all the ways the modern world tempts us with addictive substances and behaviors.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the Hidden Brain fan in your life? How about a membership to our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+? You can learn more about gift subscriptions at patreon.com/hiddenbrain/gift. If t-shirts, tote bags and mugs are more your thing, you can find all kinds of Hidden Brain swag at our online store -- just go to shop.hiddenbrain.org. And if you prefer to give the gift of an experience, consider tickets to our live tour! To see where we’re headed in 2026, go to hiddenbrain.org/tour. Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Episode image by adriandra karuniawan for Unsplash+


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episoder(605)

How Nature Heals Us

How Nature Heals Us

We've known intuitively for centuries that spending time in nature can give us a boost. But it’s only recently that scientists have begun to identify exactly what it is about the outdoors that has suc...

3 Nov 20251h 4min

Reframing the Battle of Wills

Reframing the Battle of Wills

It can be frustrating when people do things we don't want them to do. A friend cancels plans at the last minute. A child refuses to get dressed for school. Before long, our resentment builds, and we'r...

27 Okt 20251h 11min

Love 2.0: How to Move On

Love 2.0: How to Move On

For many of us, navigating the conclusion of a relationship is one of the hardest things we'll ever do. This week, we conclude our Love 2.0 series with psychologist Antonio Pascual-Leone, who shares t...

20 Okt 20251h 20min

Love 2.0: Reimagining Our Relationships

Love 2.0: Reimagining Our Relationships

No one will deny that marriage is hard. In fact, there’s evidence it’s getting even harder. This week on the show, we revisit a favorite episode about the history of marriage and how it has evolved ov...

13 Okt 20251h 35min

Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 2

Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 2

When things go wrong in our relationships, we often try to change the way our partners behave. But usually, trying to fix a person only makes things worse. Last week, we talked to psychologist James C...

6 Okt 20251h 44min

Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 1

Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 1

Many love stories end when the characters are still in the heady, euphoric early stages of a relationship. But what comes after that intoxicating first phase of love is over? Today, we kick off a new ...

29 Sep 20251h 41min

Passion vs. Paycheck

Passion vs. Paycheck

The idea of being driven by a calling goes back centuries. It was the language used to describe religious people who were called to the priesthood. Today, millions of people in secular professions yea...

22 Sep 202553min

It's Not My Fault!

It's Not My Fault!

It's not easy for most of us to receive negative feedback. Even when the person delivering that feedback is constructive and reasonable, we often feel the urge to defend ourselves. This week, we look ...

15 Sep 20251h 18min

Populært innen Vitenskap

fastlegen
jss
tingenes-tilstand
rekommandert
sinnsyn
forskningno
liberal-halvtime
tomprat-med-gunnar-tjomlid
rss-paradigmepodden
rss-nysgjerrige-norge
villmarksliv
kvinnehelsepodden
fjellsportpodden
nevropodden
nordnorsk-historie
rss-overskuddsliv
rss-rekommandert
diagnose
rss-bondevennen
psykopoden