The Paradox of Pleasure

2025-12-08 · 51 min · 12 entities

episode page audio

Asserted relationships

→ hosted by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam person

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evidence rules-v4
Feed author/publisher: Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
→ discusses Science concept

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Feed category: Science
→ discusses Arts concept

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Feed category: Arts
→ discusses Social Sciences concept

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Feed category: Social Sciences
→ hosted by Hidden Brain Media company

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evidence rules-v4
Feed author/publisher: Hidden Brain Media
→ discusses Performing Arts concept

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Feed category: Performing Arts

Entities found in this episode

concepts 8

mentioned Science concept

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evidence rules-v4
Feed category: Science
mentioned Arts concept

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evidence rules-v4
Feed category: Arts
mentioned Social Sciences concept

0.50

evidence rules-v4
Feed category: Social Sciences
mentioned Performing Arts concept

0.50

evidence rules-v4
Feed category: Performing Arts
discusses Science concept

0.40

evidence rules-v4
Feed category: Science
discusses Arts concept

0.40

evidence rules-v4
Feed category: Arts
discusses Social Sciences concept

0.40

evidence rules-v4
Feed category: Social Sciences
discusses Performing Arts concept

0.40

evidence rules-v4
Feed category: Performing Arts

persons 2

mentioned Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam person

0.70

evidence rules-v4
Feed author/publisher: Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
hosted by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam person

0.55

evidence rules-v4
Feed author/publisher: Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

companys 2

mentioned Hidden Brain Media company

0.70

evidence rules-v4
Feed author/publisher: Hidden Brain Media
hosted by Hidden Brain Media company

0.40

evidence rules-v4
Feed author/publisher: Hidden Brain Media

Episode description as stored

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