Hidden Brain released a new episode on May 18, 2026, titled The Empathy Gym, featuring psychologist Jamil Zaki discussing the malleability of empathy. This follows a busy stretch for host Shankar Vedantam, who recently appeared on Here & Now to promote a two-part series on the theory of radical acceptance.
Across recent broadcasts, Shankar Vedantam has leaned into the technicalities of human behavior. In a recent segment, he noted, "Leslie John is a psychologist at Harvard University. She's the author of Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing. Leslie, thank you so much for joining me today on Hidden Brain." The focus remains squarely on the intersection of academic research and relatable social dynamics.
The show's commitment to delivering shocking behavioral statistics remains its hallmark. During a discussion on secrets, Shankar Vedantam remarked, "Recently, I heard a shocking statistic. 80% of people lie to their doctors. 80%." While some listeners might find the clinical tone detached, the production consistently frames these insights as essential tools for self-improvement rather than mere trivia.
Looking ahead, the show appears to be doubling down on the "Empathy Gym" concept, positioning it as a corrective to modern cynicism. As Shankar Vedantam teased in a recent closer, "When we come back, could keeping a secret ever be a good thing? You're listening to Hidden Brain." Whether the audience will embrace the shift toward radical acceptance or prefer the older, secret-focused clinical deep dives remains the primary tension for the upcoming summer slate.
