Do most of us, no matter our circumstances, generally land at about an 8 (out of 10) on the proverbial happiness scale? Does the human tendency to ruminate and reflect lead us toward or away from that happiness? What sort of person should we aim to be, particularly if something overwhelming and life-changing is going to happen?

In this final, retrospective episode of “The Upside of Down,” Dan and fellow social psychologist Paul Bloom examine the critical features that lead some people to give up when faced with extreme challenges, and others to persist. They also discuss why Dan chose to take on this project altogether, and how it could be an essential step toward deeply understanding the mechanisms of resilience.

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©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

What does it take to get used to a new life situation – what can accelerate acceptance, and what can slow it down? Would we rather bluntness or optimism from our doctors? How might it help to be stoic, as well as to have a purpose or wish to accomplish something in life? Can a challenging circumstance or diagnosis lead to actual improvement of life quality, and how?

Dan talks in this episode with the stoic and exemplary construction-worker-turned-college-history-professor Jack Every about much more than Jack’s Diabetes-caused blindness.

Credits:

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

What are the personalities, social supports, environmental factors, etc., which have some people able to see the dark side only, losing the joy of life, versus what allows others to be able to feel hope and joy still sometimes, even through immense pain and loss? How to decide whether to go back to doing what we used to love, or to pick something new that won’t remind us of how things used to be? When to choose the comfort of having others help us, and when to try to do whatever it is ourselves – how important is it to keep some degree of control?

Dan talks in this episode with the athletically and sports-activist-minded Ryan DeRoche about much more than Ryan’s quadriplegia.

Find out more about Ryan DeRoche:

ryanderoche.com

Credits:

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

What happens when we try to keep something under wraps for a long time, and what does it feel like to let go of that? How does disability affect romance…When someone falls in love with a person with a disability, what role might it play in considerations? Is there a universality to the disabled experience, where it serves as a magnifying glass both for what is actually experienced and also what should be done?

Dan talks in this episode with the thoughtful and wise poet Ona Gritz about much more than her right hemiplegia.

Find out more about Ona Gritz:

https://www.onagritz.com/

Credits:

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

Does helping others naturally bring out the best parts of us, and what does it feel like to have to ask for help? How do we decide what to fight for versus what to give up on? Can we really know if art is meant to be something that tries to change the world, or if it’s meant to exist for its own sake?

Dan talks in this episode with the lyrical and warm-hearted poet and musician, Dan Simpson, about much more than Dan having been blind since birth.

Find out more about Dan Simpson:

https://insidetheinvisible.wordpress.com/

Credits:

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

Does having a clearly defined social role, where we can play to our strengths, help with comfort around one’s disability, as opposed to when we are in unfamiliar environments with uncomfortable roles? How does creating a narrative through writing or another art form help us contend with our challenges and differences? Is misery in fact a common driver among creative people, and/or can we access the imaginative state of childhood to fuel our creativity?

Dan talks in this episode with the creative and open-hearted choreographer/dancer Yo-El Cassell about much more than Yo-EL’s hearing impairment.

Find out more about Yo-EL Cassell:

https://yo-el.squarespace.com/about

Credits:

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

Can people who don’t have a physical, visible disability truly relate to those who do, or is there an empathetic barrier? Is there a fundamental difference between being born with a disability versus acquiring one? Is disability a determining factor in who we are and how we feel, or just one part of our identity?

Dan talks in this episode with the compelling and charming NYC actor and artistic director Gregg Mozgala about much more than Gregg’s cerebral palsy.

Find out more about Gregg Mozgala:

greggmozgala.com

Credits:

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

How should we react to people who are disabled – should we ask them about it, ignore it, or what? When and how do we use humor, and what about dark humor, which can really only be used by those inside the experience? Why do we often try to keep our differences or disabilities hidden from view, and what does it feel like to get rid of the burden of pretending?

Dan talks in this episode with the funny and effervescent writer and mother of three Nicole Kear about much more than her retinitis pigmentosa.

Find out more about Nicole Kear:

nicolekear.com

Credits:

©2023 Dan Ariely

danariely.com

In eight candid conversations, behavioral economist and best-selling author Dan Ariely explores with his guests what it's like to live with a serious disability or physical trauma, as well as what can still feel meaningful, worthwhile, even enjoyable… at least sometimes. Combining social science findings with personal insights, these 30-minute episodes cast light on how we might face even extreme challenges, whether our own or of those around us.

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