Explain It Like I’m Smart

Explain It Like I’m Smart

Even the smartest people benefit from more context. These experts are here to provide just that.
Latest episode
The illusion of self and the illusion of free will, explained
“Many people get stuck in feeling responsible for their psychological state, and there's a way in which simply being with whatever uncomfortable emotions rather than believing that you are controlling them can be extremely beneficial for psychological wellbeing.”

Annaka Harris

Silhouette of a person against a vibrant background with radiating light beams in blue, white, and orange hues.
Finding happiness in life
3mins
He’s written 7 books on happiness. He’s studied it for 30 years. He even taught it at Harvard. What can Tal Ben-Shahar tell you about really being happy?
digital amnesia
3mins
Is social media changing your memory? Here’s what the science actually says.
encoding memory
Humanity's most advanced tech still hasn’t unraveled the mysteries of the human mind. Can brain scans show us how we store memories?
Social media addiction
4mins
From Kim Kardashian’s stories to your friend’s Facebook post: social media is designed to keep you jealous.
Mimetic desires
5mins
What would you do differently if you listened to your true desires?
propaganda
3mins
Propaganda urges you to mobilize towards something while concealing from you things that you reasonably should think and consider.
big bang theory
Thanks to time-traveling telescopes, we can see more about the Big Bang
space navigation
Google maps won’t guide you to Mars - but will your compass work in space?
solar wind
5mins
Astrophysicist Michelle Thaller explains how a solar storm could wipe out civilization… and what we can do to prevent catastrophe.