What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam · Podcast · 2026
If you loved Hidden Brain, start with The Mind, Explained (Ezra Klein, 2019) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 3 series, each matched to Hidden Brain across media.
If Hidden Brain hooked you, it is because you crave deep, scientific explorations into the complex mechanics of human behavior.
Books on the same thread
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman · Book · 2011
Explores: decision-making biases, dual process theory, heuristics.
Much like Hidden Brain, this book unpacks the cognitive biases that influence our daily choices, offering a rigorous psychological framework for understanding why we think the way we do.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. · Book · 2015
Explores: Trauma recovery, PTSD, Mind-body connection.
This work mirrors the mission of Hidden Brain by bridging scientific research and human experience, specifically focusing on how our biology encodes trauma and shapes our mental wellbeing.
Think Again
Adam Grant · Book · 2021
Shares a thread with Hidden Brain: self-improvement.
Adam Grant echoes the analytical spirit of Hidden Brain, challenging you to examine your own intellectual blind spots and cultivate the same mental flexibility explored by Shankar Vedantam.
Talking to Strangers
Malcolm Gladwell · Book · 2019
Shares 2 threads with Hidden Brain: Cognitive Bias, Sociology.
Gladwell applies the same sociological curiosity found in Hidden Brain to the fragile nature of social perception, investigating why our efforts to understand others so frequently result in miscommunication.
Films on the same thread
Hidden Figures
Film · 2016
Explores: Racial segregation, Women in STEM, Gender equality.
This story highlights the interpersonal dynamics and cognitive brilliance required to overcome societal barriers, reflecting the same interest in human potential that drives every episode of Hidden Brain.
Inside Out
Pete Docter · Film · 2015
Explores: Emotional Growth, Mental Health, Importance of Sadness.
This film provides a visual narrative of the emotional development and internal cognitive processes that Hidden Brain regularly dissects, making the abstract nature of our minds deeply relatable.
Limitless
Neil Burger · Film · 2011
Shares a thread with Hidden Brain: Self-Improvement.
This narrative explores the moral implications of cognitive enhancement, echoing the way Hidden Brain investigates how our biological constraints and potential shape our personal and social lives.
Bo Burnham: Inside
Film · 2021
Explores: Mental Health, Isolation, Internet Culture.
This special captures the existential strain on the human mind during isolation, mirroring the psychological inquiries into human behavior and mental health that characterize the Hidden Brain experience.
Series on the same thread
The Mind, Explained
Ezra Klein · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Hidden Brain: Human Behavior.
This documentary series serves as a perfect companion to Hidden Brain, providing a visual and educational deep dive into the fascinating neuroscience behind our most complex human behaviors.
Brain Games
Series · 2011
Shares 2 threads with Hidden Brain: Cognitive Bias, Human Behavior.
If you enjoy how Hidden Brain reveals the illusions of the mind, this series offers an interactive look at the cognitive biases and perception tricks that define reality.
How to Change Your Mind
Michael Pollan · Series · 2022
Explores: Psychedelics, Mental Health, Self-Discovery.
This investigative series mirrors the scientific rigor of Hidden Brain, examining how specific substances impact the mind and contribute to our ongoing pursuit of self-discovery and mental healing.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary focus of Hidden Brain?
Hidden Brain is a science podcast hosted by Shankar Vedantam that explores the inner workings of the human mind. The show addresses common personal challenges by examining why individuals feel stuck, how to improve creativity, and what steps can be taken to enhance relationships with others.
Who is the host of Hidden Brain?
Hidden Brain is hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam. He uses his background in journalism to guide listeners through complex psychological concepts and scientific research to help them better understand their own minds and the behavior of the people around them.
Is Hidden Brain a well-regarded science podcast?
Yes, Hidden Brain is consistently recognized for its quality in the field. It is routinely rated as the number one science podcast in the United States, providing listeners with expert insights into human behavior and cognitive processes through its regular episodes.
Can Hidden Brain help me understand my relationships?
Yes, Hidden Brain is designed to help listeners understand the minds of the people around them. By exploring the science behind human behavior, the podcast provides insights that can be applied to improve your relationships and navigate various social dynamics more effectively.