TopPodcast.com
Menu
  • Home
  • Top Charts
  • Top Networks
  • Top Apps
  • Top Independents
  • Top Podfluencers
  • Top Picks
    • Top Business Podcasts
    • Top True Crime Podcasts
    • Top Finance Podcasts
    • Top Comedy Podcasts
    • Top Music Podcasts
    • Top Womens Podcasts
    • Top Kids Podcasts
    • Top Sports Podcasts
    • Top News Podcasts
    • Top Tech Podcasts
    • Top Crypto Podcasts
    • Top Entrepreneurial Podcasts
    • Top Fantasy Sports Podcasts
    • Top Political Podcasts
    • Top Science Podcasts
    • Top Self Help Podcasts
    • Top Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Top Stocks Podcasts
  • Podcast News
  • About Us
  • Podcast Advertising
  • Contact
Not in our directory?
Add Show Here
Podcast Equipment
Center

toppodcastlogoOur TOPPODCAST Picks

  • Comedy
  • Crypto
  • Sports
  • News
  • Politics
  • True Crime
  • Business
  • Finance

Follow Us

toppodcastlogoStay Connected

    View Top 200 Chart
    Back to Rankings Page
    Education

    Human Potential Lab

    For eleven years and 478 episodes, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman hosted The Psychology Podcast, one of the most listened-to psychology shows in the world, with more than 30 million downloads. Human Potential Lab is what that show has become.

    The questions have moved. What is a mind? What makes something conscious? What happens to being human when the things we build start to look like minds themselves? Too much of the work is happening out of public view. In this new show, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman sits down with the scientists, philosophers and technologists working at the frontier — the people whose work is actively deciding what we could become as a species.

    Scott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive scientist and the founder of the Center for Human Potential. He holds a Ph.D. from Yale and an M.Phil. from Cambridge, has taught at Columbia, NYU and the University of Pennsylvania, and is the author or editor of twelve books, including Transcend, Ungifted, Wired to Create and Rise Above. New episodes every other week from October 28, 2026.

    Advertise

    Copyright: © 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia

    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    Podcast Improv Jam || Dan Lerner Jun 01, 2023
    Show notes

    Today we welcome Dan Lerner to the podcast. As an in-demand speaker, author, strengths-based performance coach and instructor of one of the most popular undergraduate courses at New York University, Dan’s expertise in positive psychology helps people lead thriving, successful lives. He works with students, artists, athletes and numerous Fortune 500 companies and executives around the world. Whether it is speaking, coaching, teaching or writing, Dan injects intellect with motivation, science with compassion and makes change both exciting and fun.

    In this episode, Dan and I talked about several topics that were of mutual interest. As positive psychologists, we both have a deep interest and appreciation for human potential and how we can cultivate it through education. We also discussed the important components for long-lasting friendship, and how to find a healthy community in this day and age of echo chambers. We hope you enjoy the conversation about personality, leadership, self-help, and mental health as much as we did.

    Website: daniellerner.com

    Twitter: @DanLernerTweets

    Topics

    03:02 Dan’s assertiveness and enthusiasm

    08:50 Cultivating unique human potential

    16:02 Redefining intelligence

    22:01 Helping people thrive

    24:30 Are students today more fragile?

    33:30 The need for empathetic leadership

    37:08 The secret to long-lasting friendship

    42:16 How to find your community

    48:13 The problem with the self-help industry

    52:55 Real change is hard

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    Why We Have Too Much Free Will || Ken Sheldon May 25, 2023
    Show notes

    Today we welcome back Ken Sheldon to the podcast. Ken is a Curator's Distinguished Professor of Psychological Science at the University of Columbia, Missouri. He has written and edited over 200 academic books, scholarly articles, and book chapters. Among these, some of his most notable work include Optimal Human Being and Self-determination Theory in the Clinic. His latest book is called Freely Determined: What the New Psychology of the Self Teaches Us About How to Live.

    In this episode, I talk to Ken Sheldon about free will. Instead of questioning its existence, Ken is concerned with how we might use free will to help us reach our goals. Each person has the capacity to make good and bad choices, and to learn from the past. Although we are unable to know everything about ourselves, we can still make informed decisions. Believing that we have the ability to choose directly affects our well-being and values. We also touch on the topics of neuroscience, self-determination, and responsibility.

    Website: sheldonk.mufaculty.umsystem.edu/home

    Topics

    03:09 Freely Determined

    07:23 System 1 and System 2

    09:02 Cybernetic freewill

    12:12 Choices are not predetermined

    17:36 Self-determination theory

    20:20 The feeling of freedom

    24:57 The evolution of the symbolic self

    32:47 The default mode network in goal setting

    40:57 The “Rewind the tape” argument

    45:05 The problem of too much freedom

    46:51 Determinism is detrimental

    50:45 Living well together

    53:28 Free will is an adaptation

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    How Minimalism Can Change Your Life || The Minimalists May 18, 2023
    Show notes

    Today we welcome Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, and T.K. Coleman, known collectively as The Minimalists. Joshua and Ryan are Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times–bestselling authors. Alongside their podcast co-host, T.K., they help millions of people live meaningful lives with less. The Minimalists have been featured in Time, Architectural Digest, and GQ, and they have spoken at Harvard, Apple, and Google. Their podcast has more than 100 million downloads, making it one of the most popular podcasts in the world.

    In this episode I talk to Joshua, Ryan, and T.K. about minimalism. All too often, we are preoccupied with amassing wealth and possessions in an attempt to fill the void. Soon, we find that accumulating stuff doesn’t make us feel whole. Instead of turning to objects, the minimalists ask us to ponder “How do we live more with less?” When we can get rid of clutter in our homes, digital spaces, and relationships, we make room for what’s truly important. Joshua, Ryan, and T.K. talk about how minimalism has changed their lives, allowing them to feel more content, mindful, and generous.

    Website: www.theminimalists.com

    Twitter: @TheMinimalists

    Topics

    01:46 Why minimalism?

    08:27 Integrity and hypocrisy

    13:05 Abundance begins from within

    19:55 Minimalistic being

    23:17 The “hell yes!” rule

    27:20 Slow down to go faster

    30:59 Confronting the void

    42:38 Advertisements suck

    48:21 Keep what brings joy and value

    53:55 The secret to organization

    1:01:03 The spontaneous combustion rule

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    Awakening from the Meaning Crisis || John Vaervaeke May 11, 2023
    Show notes

    Today we welcome John Vervaeke. John is an award-winning professor at the University of Toronto in Psychology, Cognitive Science and Buddhist Psychology. His academic interests include wisdom, mindfulness, meditation, relevance realization, general intelligence, and rationality. He is the author of Awakening from the Meaning Crisis Youtube series and co-author of Zombies in Western Culture: A 21st Century Crisis.

    In this episode I talk to John Vaervaeke about the meaning crisis. There is a growing number of people who are struggling to find purpose in life. Society seems to be losing touch of its humanity. John argues that we can address the meaning crisis by appreciating and grounding ourselves in reality. We can find relevance by deepening our relationship with the world and the people around us. In turn, this reverence affords us peace of mind, while recognizing the interconnection of all things. We also touch on the topics of transcendence, mattering, narcissism, spirituality and artificial intelligence.

    Website: patreon.com/johnvervaeke

    Twitter: @vervaeke_john

    Topics

    03:30 Meaning and mattering

    07:25 Relevance realization

    13:33 Grounding and peace of mind

    17:30 Horizontal and vertical transcendence

    25:45 Wisdom is overcoming dichotomy

    29:42 Measuring rationality

    34:17 Zen Neoplatonism and Daoism

    41:16 Spirituality is what remains

    45:43 Care is essential to being human

    49:20 The next Buddha is the Sangha

    51:33 Reverence realization

    58:45 The meaning crisis

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    The New Science of Awe || Dacher Keltner May 04, 2023
    Show notes

    Today we welcome Dr. Dacher Keltner, one of the world’s foremost emotion scientists. He is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. Fun fact: he was the scientific advisor behind the beloved Pixar movie, Inside Out! He has over 200 scientific publications and six books, including Born to Be Good, The Compassionate Instinct, and The Power Paradox. His latest book is called Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.

    In this episode I talk to Dacher Keltner about the new science of awe. Emotions like fear and disgust have been extensively researched because of their roles in human survival. But Dr. Keltner argues that awe is also essential for well-being and community. Music, art, and nature are some of the antecedents that can induce a sense of wonder, inspiring us to be better by recognizing that we’re parts of a greater whole. We also touch on the topics of transcendence, neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, and creativity.

    Website: dacherkeltner.com

    Twitter: @GreaterGoodSC

    Topics


    02:19 The science of awe

    09:59 What triggers awe?

    12:31 The neuroscience and physiology of awe

    17:06 The essential features of awe

    19:26 A prosocial approach to evolutionary psychology

    25:16 Dr. Keltner’s personal search for awe

    32:24 Nature and connectivity

    36:16 Are we depriving children of awe?

    38:20 Awe is a life detector

    40:54 Awe and creativity

    42:44 The dark side of awe

    45:09 Cultivating the awe mindset

    53:41 The unifying purpose of awe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    What is Creativity? || The Human Potential Lab Apr 27, 2023
    Show notes

    Welcome to The Human Potential Lab! In this special series of The Psychology Podcast, I will be doing solo episodes answering your burning questions about the mind, brain, human behavior, and human potential.

    In the second episode of this series, I will be talking about creativity and how it differs from intelligence.

    Creativity can come in many different forms. It can be expressed through artistic compositions, through ingenious solutions to problems, or even through the combination of seemingly paradoxical ideas. Over the years, there’s been a large number of scientific studies which have sought to measure creativity. Not only that, but researchers have been able to identify what predicts divergent thinking and its association with certain personality traits. Other fascinating areas of investigation include the link between mental illness and creativity and the neuroscience behind the creative process. Today we will touch on all of these exciting areas.

    Website: scottbarrykaufman.com

    Twitter: @psychpodcast & @sbkaufman

    Topics

    01:57 Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking

    08:24 “Beyonder” characteristics

    12:39 Personality traits associated with creativity

    18:07 Ego strength of creative individuals

    22:06 Creative people have messy minds

    25:53 Neuroscience of creativity

    32:39 The link between creativity and mental illness

    34:59 Flow and the creative process

    37:55 Combining originality and relevance

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    Life in Five Senses || Gretchen Rubin Apr 20, 2023
    Show notes

    Today we welcome Gretchen Rubin, one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s a highly acclaimed writer, having sold millions of copies of her New York Times bestselling books. Her podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, has more than 220 million downloads. As the founder of The Happiness Project, Gretchen has helped create an ecosystem of imaginative products and tools to help people become happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. Her latest book is called Life in Five Senses.

    In this episode I talk to Gretchen Rubin about connecting to the world through our five senses. Our fast-paced, modern world keeps us constantly moving, making us feel disconnected from other people and our surroundings. Gretchen shares unconventional ways we can re-experience the world through seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and touching. She believes that tuning into life’s simple pleasures allows us to live each day with more appreciation and vitality. We also touch on the topics of mindfulness, creativity, learning, and individual differences.

    Website: gretchenrubin.com

    Twitter: @gretchenrubin

    Topics

    01:57 The Five-Senses Quiz

    08:25 The more we know, the more we notice

    11:09 Life in Five Senses

    14:34 We all have unique sensory worlds

    19:21 Gretchen’s daily visits to the MET

    24:40 The longing for immersive experiences

    27:50 COVID has taught us to value our senses

    32:10 The magic of ketchup

    36:50 Connecting through sensory experiences

    40:04 What is your ideal sensory surrounding?

    50:21 The muse machine

    55:19 Different ways of being and sensing

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom || Sharon Salzberg Apr 13, 2023
    Show notes

    Today we welcome Sharon Salzberg, who is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is the co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed six million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. Her latest book is called Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom.

    In this episode, I talk to Sharon Salzberg about navigating real life. When we are faced with trials and tribulations, it feels as if we're alone. On top of that, our underlying assumptions about the world and ourselves can make us feel worse. Sharon shares with us useful tips that can help us deal with overwhelming emotions and pain. She believes that by cultivating these loving-kindness practices, it can help us feel more open and free, allowing our inner lights to shine forth.

    Website: www.sharonsalzberg.com

    Twitter: @SharonSalzberg

    Topics

    02:17 From isolation to openness and freedom

    05:36 Suffering from our unexamined assumptions

    07:33 “Shaking hands” with our emotions

    11:35 Looking within with love

    15:38 Guilt, shame, and remorse

    19:23 Loving-kindness exercises

    23:33 “When we connect with others, we find ourselves”

    27:07 The light within us all

    30:34 The Dalai Lama’s visit to insight meditation society

    33:15 Widening our window of tolerance

    39:11 Allow yourself to feel joy

    40:57 Dealing with illness and physical pain

    48:00 Aspiration powers our journey

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    The New Science of Consciousness || Anil Seth Apr 06, 2023
    Show notes

    Today we welcome Dr. Anil Seth. He is the Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, where he is also Co-Director of the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science. His research has been supported by the European Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. Dr. Seth’s 2017 main-stage TED talk is one of the most popular science TED talks, with more than 13 million views. His latest book, which has received numerous accolades, is called Being You: A New Science of Consciousness.

    In this episode, I talk to Dr. Anil Seth about the new science of consciousness. Although we don’t exactly know how or why consciousness exists, Dr. Seth thinks this shouldn’t stop us from exploring its properties. One of the things he explores in his research is the conditions for consciousness. Everyone has their own way of perceiving the world. Perceptual diversity exists and we would be misguided to try and standardize consciousness on a single dimension. We also touch on the topics of intelligence, panpsychism, free will, AI technology, and the after life.

    Website: www.anilseth.com

    Twitter: @anilkseth

    Topics

    02:08 The hard problem of consciousness

    07:02 The value of inner experiences

    12:22 Experiencing is consciousness

    15:51 Panpsychism

    19:01 The condition for consciousness

    21:38 Neuroscience of consciousness

    27:32 Perceptual diversity

    37:09 Perception Census

    43:00 Can we measure consciousness?

    49:13 Individual differences in experiencing

    56:40 Experience of free will is not an illusion

    1:09:24 Cybernetic free will

    1:12:55 Can artificial intelligence produce consciousness?

    1:24:24 The desire to persist

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    How to Increase Your Sexual Pleasure || Kenneth Play and Madison Sloane Holland Mar 30, 2023
    Show notes

    Today we welcome Kenneth Play and Madison Sloane Holland.

    Kenneth Play is an international sex expert and sex educator. Named “the world’s greatest sex hacker” by GQ, he has been featured by more than one hundred media outlets, including The New York Times, Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and Huffington Post. He is the creator of the Sex Hacker Pro Series, and author of Beyond Satisfied. His work has helped millions of men gain lasting confidence and competence.

    Madison Sloane Holland is a sex and empowerment coach, intimacy expert, and co-host of the top-rated sex podcast, Pleasure Positive Living.

    In this episode, I talked to Kenneth and Madison about how to increase sexual pleasure. Most people fail to realize their full sexual potential, partly because sex education in America is fear and shame driven. As a result, people turn to different forms of media, which can create unrealistic expectations and insecurities. Kenneth and Madison dispel the most common sex myths and talk about how we can empower both men and women to take charge of their own pleasure.

    Websites: kennethplay.com & www.pleasurepositiveliving.com/guide

    Instagram: @Kenneth_Play & @sugar.sloane_madison

    Kenneth’s E-book: https://bit.ly/ScottKennethPodcast

    Kenneth’s free training on VICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA3iQ1aR5IY

    Topics

    04:22 What is sex hacking?

    06:05 Shortcomings of American sex education

    09:37 How block ourselves from pleasure

    13:05 Transcendent sexuality and peak experiences

    22:27 Pleasure for healing and intimacy

    26:04 The orgasm gap

    32:33 Erotic context matters

    37:48 Male sexual empowerment

    45:52 Myths about sexual pleasure

    54:36 Going after our deepest desires

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    Previous 1 10 11 12 13 14 48 Next

    Related Podcasts

    Making Sense with Sam Harris

    1

    Making Sense with Sam Harris Education
    Grammar Girl

    2

    Grammar Girl Education
    Good Life Project

    3

    Good Life Project Education
    Explain It to Me

    4

    Explain It to Me Education
    Team Never Quit

    5

    Team Never Quit Comedy
    Optimal Living Daily – Personal Development and Self-Improvement

    6

    Optimal Living Daily – Personal Development and Self-Improvement Alternative Health
    footer-logo

    Contact Us

    Toll Free: 844-670-7747

    Links

    • Home
    • Top Charts
    • Networks
    • Apps
    • Independents Podcasts
    • Podcast Advertising
    • Podcast News
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Analytics & Insights

    Stay Connected

      Privacy, Terms of Use & Our Code of Ethics Protecting Content Creators Copyrights