About this episode

The episode explores the complexities of personal identity and the internal contradictions we face, featuring insights from political scientist Eric Oliver and psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman.

You’re not the same person with your friends as you are with your co-workers or your kids. So who are you, really? This week, political scientist Eric Oliver explores why we often feel divided within ourselves, and how we can learn to live more peacefully with those contradictions. Then, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman answers your questions on the science of intelligence.

People in this episode

Host: Shankar Vedantam

Guests: Eric Oliver, Scott Barry Kaufman

Topics covered

• identity
• self-perception
• psychology
• intelligence
• contradictions

Keywords

• identity
• self
• psychology
• intelligence
• contradictions
• Eric Oliver
• Scott Barry Kaufman

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hidden Brain

More episodes of Hidden Brain

• Unleashing Your Creativity · June 1, 2026 · 53 min
• The Past is Never Dead · May 25, 2026 · 52 min
• The Empathy Gym · May 18, 2026 · 1h 29m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Hidden Brain podcast page.