The story of John Elder Robison is one of Maya’s favorite episodes and it’s also a top choice in our listener favorites series. John is a gifted sound engineer whose rare ability to understand machines propelled him to work with the likes of Kiss and Diana Ross. But the one thing he always felt was lacking was his ability to understand people emotionally. In an effort to see if he could change that, he volunteered to participate in an experimental brain study. 

If you enjoyed this episode, Maya suggests you check out this one next: “Life After Escaping Captivity”

We’ll be back with new episodes in the fall. In the meantime, you can connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShanker. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our listener favorites series, many of you mentioned Amanda Knox’s story. She was just 20 years old when she was found guilty of a crime she did not commit — the murder of her roommate. Amanda spent four years in an Italian prison before she was finally exonerated and allowed to return to her life back home in the U.S. But she soon discovered that that life didn’t exist anymore.

If you enjoyed this episode, Maya suggests you check out this one next: “The Woman Who Changed Warlord Joseph Kony’s Mind” 

We’ll be back with new episodes in the fall. In the meantime, you can connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShanker. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next in our listeners’ favorite series: Author Daniel Pink teaches us how to transform our relationship with regret so that we can live happier, more fulfilling lives.

If you enjoyed this episode, Maya suggests you check out this one next: “Grieving the Man I Thought My Husband Was” 

We’ll be back with new episodes in the fall. In the meantime, you can connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShanker. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re revisiting some of our listeners’ favorite episodes this summer. We kick off the series with our first ever episode: A conversation with the Black jazz musician Daryl Davis. During a performance, a member of the KKK approached him at a bar and his life took an unexpected turn. He ended up inspiring hundreds of people to leave white supremacist groups.

If you enjoyed this episode, Maya suggests you check out this one next: “Leaving a Religious Cult” 

We’ll be back with new episodes in the fall. In the meantime, you can connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShanker. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maya was invited to speak at TED's annual conference in Vancouver this year - and her talk is available to watch today! It's called "Why Change is So Scary---and How You Can Unlock its Potential" and you can check it out at go.ted.com/mayashankar.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At age 59, neuroscientist David Linden received a startling diagnosis of heart cancer. Even in the face of a terminal illness, David is continuing to think like a scientist. He shares what he's learned from watching his mind grapple with his own mortality, and how the diagnosis has changed his experience of time. Maya and David also discuss the power of curiosity and how it can aid us in moments of profound suffering.

If you enjoyed this conversation, check out this episode from the archive: “The Life-Changing Diagnosis.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long before Scott Wiener was the founder of a popular pizza tour company, he was just a guy who really loved to eat pizza. He talks with Maya about how he turned his unabashed enthusiasm into a mini empire. P.S. Stick around for a fun trivia game at the end, featuring the one and only Jimmy Li.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Maya's conversation with chef Christine Ha, who goes by the nickname "The Blind Cook."

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self-compassion isn't selfish, says psychologist Kristin Neff, a pioneer in research on the topic. Kristin busts cultural myths about self-compassion, such as the idea that it makes us lazy or self-indulgent, and explains why it’s actually a more effective motivational tool than self-criticism. She also breaks down why fostering more self-compassion is a better strategy than trying to boost self-esteem and offers some simple practices for being kinder to ourselves.

If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: “The Science of Our Inner Voice.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a life-changing experience in India, Dr. Richie Davidson tried to convince his Harvard professors to let him study the science of meditation. No one took him seriously. Half a century later, Richie has measured the undeniable impact of meditation on our brains. And here’s the good news for people who know the benefits of meditation but struggle to actually do it: you don't need to carve out separate time for a practice. Richie walks Maya through how to integrate meditation into daily activities.

For more on Richie’s work, check out his book “Altered Traits" and learn more at the Center for Healthy Minds and Healthy Minds Innovations.

And if you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: “Maya’s Slight Change in Perspective.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucy Kalanithi is a doctor, a mom, and the widow of Dr. Paul Kalanithi, author of the bestselling memoir, “When Breath Becomes Air.” Lucy was at Paul's side through his final days, both at home and at the hospital. In this conversation, she reflects on how his death transformed her relationship to time, and how we make meaning in the world.  

If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: "Losing Dixie”

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.