5 Great Podcasts for Social and Behavioral Sciences Majors to Listen to
- Arming the Donkeys
- Waking Up
- SBS Major Steps
- All in the Mind
- Hidden Brain
A person who is planning to study psychology or sociology may want to listen to one of these ive great podcasts for social and behavioral sciences majors. Each of these podcasts offers a different perspective on these areas of study. Students might gain insight on which concentration would be a good fit for them or how their degree could help them land their dram job.
Arming the Donkeys
Arming the Donkeys is hosted by Duke University professor Dan Ariely. In it, he interviews researchers, doctors, authors and other experts about why the human brain makes people do things that are likely to be harmful in some way. Arming the Donkeys also explores whether or not people are aware of how their actions go against their self-interest. From how people vote to how people eat, the podcasts take a look at a wide variety of human behaviors. It also takes a look at how people misunderstand the world.
Waking Up
Waking Up is hosted by neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris. In the podcast, Harris discusses cognitive science and current events. He interviews experts in different areas of behavioral sciences, such as experts on compassion, meditation and the human tendency to stereotype. He aims to get people to think of the brain as a computer that is powered by chemicals. The podcasts also include experiences and case studies.
SBS Major Steps
According to the University of Arizona’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the SBS Major Steps podcast is designed to examine all of the areas of study that a student might consider in the social and behavioral sciences. The podcasts are conducted by faculty, alumni and current students in the program. The alumni share about how their college experience shaped their career. Current students discuss their projects, the classes they have enjoyed the most and activities on campus that relate to their majors. Faculty share their research and areas of expertise.
All in the Mind
All in the Mind is an Australian cognitive science and behavior podcast. It focuses on human psychology and the huge impact that a 3-pound lump of squishy tissue has on a person, society and even the planet. Some of the topics discussed on All in the Mind include why humans come up with and share conspiracy theories, why it is important to be social with others and how a person’s brain changes when they fall in love. Each episode also goes into the research that proves the argument of the guest. This podcast is hosted by Lynne Malcolm of the Australian Broadcast Company.
Hidden Brain
The Hidden Brain podcast is hosted by Shankar Vedantam. He helps people understand what goes on in the brain and how it affects their behaviors, moods and actions. Some of the topics explored in the Hidden Brain podcast include the biases that people form and why some people develop a sort of blind spot around certain people who exhibit specific types of destructive behaviors. The topics also include what influences behavior and moods, why people have a fear of losing money and what is unknown about the brain.
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Each of these podcast episodes is short, and fresh content about the social and behavioral sciences is uploaded on a regular basis. Students could listen to one of the episodes while walking or biking to class, visiting the gym or eating in the cafeteria. Listening to one or more of these five great podcasts for social and behavioral sciences majors is a good way for students to keep up with research, best practices and subjects they might not have considered studying for their practicum or other experiences.