About this episode
This episode explores the placebo effect and its implications for healing and belief.
We explore the mysterious ability of placebos to promote measurable physical healing, even when no medicine is present, and what this tells us about the power of belief and the body’s capacity for self-curative potential. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-stations, in association with GBH Boston.
People in this episode
Host: David Freudberg
Topics covered
- placebo effect
- healing
- belief
- self-curative potential
- medicine
Keywords
- placebo
- healing
- belief
- self-curative
- medicine
- physical healing
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NPR, PRX, GBH Boston
More episodes of Humankind on Public Radio
- Generous Giving · June 11, 2026 · 29 min
- Journey of the Deaf-Blind · June 4, 2026 · 29 min
- Culture of Distraction · May 28, 2026 · 29 min
- Aging in Community, Pt4 · May 21, 2026 · 25 min
- Ahead of His Time, Charles Sumner, Pt2 · May 18, 2026 · 28 min
- Aging in Community, Pt3 · May 14, 2026 · 29 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Humankind on Public Radio podcast page.