BRAIN WAVES
Why can’t we be friends? The Strength of Weak Ties theory argues that casual acquaintances can be valuable because they expose us to new perspectives and help us stay informed about the world around us. But new research from Michigan State University suggests that the key factor might not be the strength or weakness of a connection, but whether it exposes you to additional social circles. The study analyzed more than 50 real and 2,500 simulated social networks, and found that people who connect across social circles stay the most informed. That was true whether those circles were made up of close friends or distant acquaintances. Put simply, the study challenges the idea that weak ties themselves are uniquely valuable —it may be that a diversity of connections matters more. “Having ties that bridge across gaps in the social world can also be one way to break down polarization and misunderstandings,” explained study author Zachary Neal. Neal added that these social ties also expose us to new ways of thinking about the world. If you want to stay in the loop, don’t just make more friends — make different ones.
Outrageous. If you feel overwhelmed by the endless cycle of bad news, you're not alone. Every day, we're exposed to a stream of political turmoil, war, climate disaster, and social injustice — it’s no wonder we all feel exhausted and powerless. Psychologists call this "outrage fatigue." And while outrage can help motivate us to take action, too much of it can have the opposite effect: It can make us disengage entirely. In this interview with Scientific American, researcher William Brady explores how outrage spreads, why it fuels misinformation, and most importantly, how we can combat fatigue and still stay engaged in meaningful ways.
Aha! It’s happened to all of us: We’re in the shower, or on a walk, and boom — a big idea or a brilliant solution appears out of nowhere. These sorts of insights often seem to arise without explanation. But researchers increasingly find there is a science to cultivating creativity. Listen to learn more.
ON THE HIDDEN BRAIN PODCAST
Wellness 2.0: Rising to the Occasion: From time to time, all of us are called upon to do hard or even seemingly impossible things. Do we rise to the occasion, or do we fall short? Today on the show, we examine the psychology of pushing through a crisis. We talk with psychologist Adam Galinsky about great leaders, and what they can teach us about being steadfast in the face of challenges.
ON THE MY UNSUNG HERO PODCAST
Kimberly Godsey’s Story: When Kimberly was training to become a nurse practitioner, one of her mentors changed how she viewed her role in patients' lives. Years later, that lesson showed up in her own life.
Don’t forget to send us the story of your unsung hero! Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
MIND GAMES
What do the numbers 11, 69 and 88 all have in common?
LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
The answer: Footsteps
A MOMENT OF JOY
Start your new year on a strong foot! Check out the New Beginnings collection on Apple Podcasts for lots of ideas from us and other shows about how to live well, achieve your goals and broaden your horizons in 2025.
Have an idea for Hidden Brain? A story you want to share with us? Send an email to ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Listen to us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast platform.