Love is not a real thing. Devoting an entire episode to it shows how unserious this show has become.

Loyal listener since episode one. Still going strong.

This is the show I go to when I want to peer inside of my own brain and understand those around me. Shankar Vedantam has an interview style which is inviting and sympathetic, bringing out the best of the experts in both their personal connection to the topic, as well, as an area of study. It is a beautiful balance.

I normally enjoy this podcast, but promoting a cult-like topic like the prosperity gospel is ridiculous. How about you stick to science-based topics.

I used to listen to this podcast regularly. Lately the quality of the recordings have gotten so bad that I can barely understand the guests being interviewed over the remote connection.

The Unsung Hero is a respite in the midst of so much negativity we listen to daily. Thank you so much for producing this show. I listen in the morning as a reminder of the hope and kindness that continues to exist. I hope the series will continue to be available for listeners. Blessings to you Mr. Vedantan and your team.

Thank you, Shankar Vedantam. You, making this podcast, really helps me to disconnect from day-to-day life...

out of the rabbit hole, listening to it today, sept 12, 2026. If a research study like this has not yet been done on trump cult members aka the maga maggots should be done because as I started listening to this epi I kept thinking this needs to be done with these people.

Makes me a better person every time I listen

Great show that is well worth listening to, but be aware that subscribing does not remove the advertisements - it just gets you access to the bonus episodes. Otherwise great content.

This format is so opposite of how information is gathered. The constant music breaking the flow is just horrible. Instead of allowing the conversation to flow and deepen the music breaks it up into tiny little segments that really are not informative. I can't listen for more than 10 minutes. The little music breaks destroy any sense of intimacy. What a horrible format!

Very relevant topic to things happening around me in my life right now. I had already worked through much on my own. Appreciate the timeliness of it! Regular listener. Keep on keeping on♥️

I really enjoy this podcast, but I’m so annoyed about realizing 10 minutes in that it’s a rerun and not labeled as such in the notes! Always shows a current published date. I’ve removed it from my feed with regret. Just be honest please so I can come back!

I have listened to and learned from Shankar for many years and have respected and appreciated this show. Until today. TikTok is a scourge and everyone knows it and I refuse to sell our children down the river for $0.25 but it seems this show is willing to.

The pod cost on emotional intelligence was disappointing bc what you are labeling is more of a personality issue and truly has very little to do with intelligence. The world has witnessed the socially skilled get into positions of power and authority with very low IQ’s whom were definitely not qualified for the position, but yet, due to their charisma and charm, they are able to win people over and get into very powerful positions. So perhaps we re-name the test and call it what it is… ‘the how outgoing and friendly are you’ test!

This is a life changing podcast and I am so very grateful! I have had pain for years and this is my first hopeful information about it and understanding it. I hope to get to listen to second part when I can Subscribe to your program. Thanks to you Dr Zoffness you for giving us the chance to learn. Why do all the doctors I have seen do not know this?

Hidden Brain is so informative, helpful, and healing. I have yet to listen to an uninteresting episode since I subscribed some 5+ years ago. And the host is amazing.

In the July 27 2026 episode, Harry Potter is used as an example by the guest—you mean the series written by noted transphobic ghoul JKR? Couldnt pick another example in an era where trans people are being demonized and stripped of their rights? Hard pass, and Ive unfollowed.

Back at the beginning I almost deleted the pod because that guy, Daniel Pink, had a manner that made the show too gimmicky. But suddenly he left and it changed - got deeper, more thoughtful. Now I can't wait to hear the next episode. This has become a really important podcast - educationally and culturally - that I recommend to all my friends. I think it might save lives and marriages and other relationships. It’s so educational and goodhearted. And that “My Unsung Hero” is just the best.

As someone who donates to NPR and NPR+ to help pay for the Hidden Brain, I am saddened to see the bonus episode on practical tips to help people in physical pain is behind a paywall. I generally support shows making extra money but couldn’t this episode be available to those who need it at some point in the future? For a show that preaches about ethics this is disappointing.

I have learnt so much through Shankar’s words and the guests he speaks with. Thank for bringing amazing stories that really help shape us into better, more mindful humans. Hidden Brain truly brings some peace in this chaotic landscape of 2026

Persistence is a form of patience that many don’t recognize, appreciate or relish as it’s an inner strength to be proper with integrity and loving snark. My acceptance. Lol. After years of therapy for ptsd, bipolar depression, anxiety and being on the spectrum. This episode brought so many things together. Thank you so much. This has been transformative!

This is yet another great episode! I am almost through a DBT course and one of the many skills learned in the course emphasizes the spiritual aspect of mental health.

I have loved HB for a long time but I agree with many other reviewers. You need to stop using AI art. It is incongruous with the ethos of the show and makes me question it entirely.

Hidden Brain is an intellectual collective whose work stands out as one of the most thoughtful, public-facing conversations of our time. It creates the type of discourse that can lead to positive changes on an existential level. I think it has the potential to catalyze the type of change that alters the current trajectory of the greater human experience.

Shankar and team, thank you for making this podcast possible! For many years I've been listening to the show's guests and Shankar's thoughtful questions through his conversations with experts in many fields of study. I have learned more than I can tell and look forward to every new episode that gets released. I recommend the Hidden Brain podcast to everyone I meet and I look forward to learning more about myself and others through each episode. I can't thank you enough!!

Love the podcast, Shankar’s guests are so personable in addition to being expert. His questions are measured, logical and sometimes humorous. Shankar’s tone is perfect and sincere. Big fan! Suggest the subject of aging as a figure topic.

I like the show but I’ve unfollowed it because of the ads it runs. Especially the ads for TikTok.

Thank you Editing Team, Shankar, Writers, Researchers, etc! I really enjoy how the shows were edited. The music, breaks, to the point, the buildup - so clean and easy. Of course it helps that Shankar has a soothing voice. BTW, this is my first ever review for a podcast.

I'm always impressed by the comprehensive knowledge presented in these podcast episodes. I very much appreciate the background work to bring us these succinct presentations. Thank you.

I love listening to Shankar voice and the way he asks the questions. It makes me feel that he’s a very open understanding person. Listening to the podcast has helped me be more understanding of other’s. I would hope in the future that I could be as understanding.

Each episode has such an incredible, diverse way of helping you understand yourself - and I’ve learned about so many interesting guests along the way! 10/10 recommend.

Interesting material, but this guy’s voice is horrendous and hard to listen to. He has the worst accent I have ever heard! Find a new narrator please!!

I’ve been a Hidden Brain subscriber for years. Best decision I ever made. Most enlightening and informative podcast on the planet! Each one is well researched. And the experts that Shankar finds makes it even better.

The material ranges from brilliant to meh, but serious issues with audio splicing. Can the audio engineer give the episodes a listen before airing?

Shankar covers a diverse range of topics, always brings in insightful experts in their field, and the conversations are enlightening. Shankar and his team consistently deliver excellent content!

You’re really going to make an episode about depression that tells you you’re probably depressed because you’re life is going downhill, but don’t worry you’re better off for it and if you want to hear how to get better give us some money to get behind the paywall? Thanks so much for the help guys, really appreciated that.

HB always gives me something new to think about. I love Shankar’s voice and storytelling style.

Hidden Brain used to be one of my very favorite podcasts, with Shankar Vedantam’s excellent questions guiding guests through intricate story-telling paths to reveal great truths. Unfortunately recently each episode seems to now be two, unrelated episodes smashed into one, making each one ridiculously long, and disjointed. Yes, it’s clear that the second half is a returning guest from a previous episode, but the fact that it’s attached to another, completely different episode is just confusing and frustrating. Each still a great show, but the current format of the episodes is long and frustrating, knocking my rating down from 5 stars to 4!

I am hoping this podcast goes on for at least another 80 years!

At first, I didn’t feel like I got that much but the more I listen to episodes the more I learned and am mind blown

Love the stories and guests, but what’s up with the volume of the ads?

Used to listen many years ago and loved it. Tried returning recently and.. they still have good topic selections but the discussions feel like linkdin posts and it’s insufferable.

It will be yours too.

I’ve given this podcast countless chances over months. Is it well researched? Yes. Interesting subject matter? Yes. Engaging host? Yes. Yet, it never quite feels robust and satiating. It always leaves me feeling like something is missing or that somehow it’s forced. I tried but with all due respect, something is lacking and I can’t quite put my finger on it. I’m afraid I can’t suffer through another episode.

I regret paying for a subscription that I thought was ad-free for all episodes. It only applies to a handful of them. No happy with this and wish I could get my money back. Don’t get the subscription.

Love Shankar!

Best series of podcasts whether you’re looking for ways to improve yourself, your community, or your organization; whether you’re a leader looking to build a more positive and effective team, or a member looking to use your interactions with others to create a more supportive environment in spite of less effective seniors; Hidden Brain will generate ideas through Shankar’s effective storytelling and discussion with some of the most respected innovators and experts in their fields. I can’t stress enough how much this podcast has helped in my personal relationships, my work as a military officer, and my hope for our future in turbulent times.

Interesting content, but who has the time to listen to a single 1.5+ hr podcast??

I love this podcast! I listen to it when I’m walking. Nearly every episode gives me something to think about. I support the show with a small monthly payment and it’s worth every penny. Thanks, Shankar and team!