Learning English with Human Beans

After three episodes dismantling the "good old days" myth, Alice and Marc ask a crucial question: In our justified rejection of golden age nostalgia, are we throwing out the baby with the bathwater? This nuanced finale explores what traditional life might have genuinely done better for human flourishing—without falling back into romantic mythology.Through four compelling themes, they examine valuable lessons we might have overlooked: our relationship with time (discovering the psychological benefits of cyclical thinking versus our modern linear rush), the quality of human connections (understanding "thick relationships" that encompass multiple life dimensions versus today's specialized "thin relationships"), the satisfaction of repair culture (exploring how fixing things with our hands nurtures competence and environmental sustainability), and the surprising wisdom of constraints (learning how chosen limitations can actually increase happiness and creativity).This isn't about returning to the past—it's about consciously integrating traditional wisdom into modern life. Alice and Marc show how we can recover the psychological benefits of seasonal rhythms, deep community bonds, hands-on skills, and meaningful constraints while keeping all the genuine progress we've made.The series conclusion challenges listeners to be specific about what they miss from the past and offers practical ways to blend ancient wisdom with modern knowledge to build a better future.Perfect for English learners who want to engage with sophisticated concepts about culture, psychology, and social change while learning vocabulary around tradition, modernity, and human well-being.

Why does nostalgia seem to be everywhere? In this eye-opening episode, Alice and Marc pull back the curtain on the multi-billion-dollar nostalgia economy that surrounds us daily—from the Nintendo game that made Alice spend £60 on childhood memories to the political slogans that promise to restore imaginary golden ages.Discover how companies have turned our emotional vulnerabilities into sophisticated business models using three types of nostalgia marketing: personal nostalgia (targeting your individual memories), collective nostalgia (exploiting generational experiences), and the most manipulative of all—simulated nostalgia, which sells people longing for eras they never experienced.But this isn't just about commerce. Alice and Marc explore how the same psychological techniques that make you buy retro products are weaponized by politicians to sell mythical visions of the past. From "Make America Great Again" to Brexit's "Take Back Control," they reveal how nostalgia has become a cultural operating system that shapes how we see the world.Learn to develop "nostalgic literacy"—the critical skills to recognize when your emotions are being manipulated while still enjoying the genuine comfort that healthy nostalgia can provide. Because understanding the game changes how you play it.Perfect for English learners who want to understand the intersection of psychology, marketing, and politics while building vocabulary around media manipulation and consumer culture.

"Memories lie, but statistics don't." In this data-driven episode, Alice and Marc set aside emotions and personal anecdotes to examine the cold, hard facts about how life has actually changed over the past century.From life expectancy and workplace safety to education access and women's rights, every measurable aspect of human existence tells the same story: we're living through what might honestly be called the golden age of humanity. The question isn't whether the data proves life is better now—it's why our brains are so convinced it was better before.Perfect for English learners wanting to engage with statistics, historical comparisons, and the vocabulary of social progress while discovering some truly surprising facts about the "good old days."

Do you ever think music was better in the past, or that people were more polite when you were younger? You're not alone. Today, we're exploring "The Architecture of Nostalgia"—why our brains are wired to believe things were better before, even when they probably weren't.I'm Alice, and joining me is Marc, a sociologist who studies how we construct meaning from our experiences. Together, we'll uncover why every generation thinks the next one will destroy civilization, how our minds edit memories like sentimental film editors, and why this beautiful human tendency can sometimes be exploited.Prepare to question your most cherished assumptions about the good old days.

What do a mild-mannered chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin and a pioneering psychologist from Vienna have in common? In this episode, we dive into the psychological transformation of Walter White—Breaking Bad’s iconic antihero—through the lens of Alfred Adler’s individual psychology.Alice and George explore how Walter’s descent from overlooked teacher to ruthless Heisenberg perfectly embodies Adler’s theory of the inferiority complex and overcompensation. Drawing on Adler’s ideas—like the drive for superiority, the danger of unresolved inferiority, and the importance of “social interest”—the hosts unpack the hidden motives behind Walter’s choices, the wounds of Gray Matter, and the psychology of power and self-destruction.Join us as we connect key moments from Breaking Bad to timeless questions of worth, shame, and ambition. Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes drama or curious about what drives people to reinvent themselves (for better or worse), this episode blends pop culture and psychology for a gripping, insightful listen.No prior knowledge of Adler required—just a willingness to question what really makes us “break bad.”

Dive into the poetic world of Mamoru Hosoda's Wolf Children. George and Alice explore how this modern fable questions our identity choices: should we adapt to belong or stay authentic at the risk of isolation?Through Hana's journey as a heroic single mother and the surprising evolution of her children Yuki and Ame, discover a profound reflection on motherhood, difference, and the courage to accept that true love sometimes means letting go of those we cherish.With integrated English vocabulary to enrich your discussions about identity, family, and self-acceptance.

Can art truly heal family wounds, or does it sometimes make them worse? In this deep dive into Joachim Trier's acclaimed film Sentimental Value, George and Alice explore a story that challenges everything we believe about creativity and healing.When filmmaker Gustav Borg returns to his family after years of absence, he brings not apologies, but a movie script about their shared trauma. As three generations of pain echo through a haunted Oslo house, the film asks uncomfortable questions: Can you be a brilliant artist but a terrible father? What happens when trauma passes from grandmother to father to daughter? And why is it that the most authentic relationship in the story—between two sisters—holds the key to breaking cycles of pain?Join us as we unpack themes of generational trauma, the power of genuine human connection, and the dangerous myth that art can substitute for presence. Plus, learn essential vocabulary for discussing family dynamics, creative ethics, and the complex relationship between artistic genius and personal responsibility.Warning: This episode contains major spoilers for "Sentimental Value." We recommend watching the film first for the full experience.

What if the biggest obstacle to recognizing genius today... is our own brain?In the final installment of our "The Genius Illusion" trilogy, George and Alice explore the psychological and structural reasons for our nostalgia for a past filled with giants. Discover how cognitive biases, like "survivorship bias," systematically polish history to make it seem brighter than it truly was.This episode finally reveals where genius is hiding in the 21st century: not in solitary heroes, but in collaborative networks and complex systems. Don't miss the conclusion of this debate that will change the way you see our modern world, all while enriching your English vocabulary on psychology and innovation.Sources:Wald, A. (1943). A Method of Estimating Plane Vulnerability Based on Damage of Survivors. Statistical Research Group, Columbia University.The Decision Lab. (2021, 11 octobre). Survivorship bias. The Decision Lab. https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/survivorship-biasRoese, N. J., & Vohs, K. D. (2012). Hindsight bias. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 7(5), 411–426. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691612454303Halbwachs, M. (1992). On collective memory. University of Chicago Press.London, J. (1909). Martin Eden. Macmillan.

Is a genius born... or made? In this second installment of our "The Genius Illusion" trilogy, the debate intensifies.After questioning the very definition of genius, George and Alice tackle its origins. George argues that even a talent like Newton's or Beethoven's is a product of its time, needing the validation of institutions to enter the history books. Alice, on the other hand, defends the "Great Man" theory—the idea of the exceptional individual who shapes their time.This episode takes you behind the scenes of the "hero factory" to reveal the social and historical forces behind the greatest names in history. Join the discussion and enrich your English vocabulary on history and sociology.Sources: Bourdieu, P. (1991). Language and symbolic power. Harvard University Press.Bourdieu, P. (1993). The field of cultural production: Essays on art and literature. Columbia University Press.Carlyle, T. (1841). On heroes, hero-worship, and the heroic in history. James Fraser.DeNora, T. (1995). Beethoven and the construction of genius: Musical politics in Vienna, 1792–1803. University of California Press.Spencer, H. (1896). The study of sociology. D. Appleton and Company.

Before we can ask where all the geniuses have gone, we must first ask: what is a genius?In the first of a three-part series on "The Genius Illusion," George and Alice embark on a historical investigation to deconstruct the very idea of greatness. They trace the surprising evolution of the concept, from the divine guiding spirits of ancient Rome to the modern cult of the solitary, suffering hero.This foundational episode challenges our most basic assumptions, changes how you see the titans of the past, and sets the stage for the next two parts of our deep dive. All while learning key English vocabulary to discuss these ambitious ideas.Sources:Dubos, J.-B. (1719). Critical reflections on poetry and painting.Voltaire. (1764). Philosophical dictionary.Condorcet, N. de. (1795). Sketch for a historical picture of the progress of the human mind .Kant, I. (1790). Critique of the power of judgment .Nietzsche, F. (1878). Human, all too human.

What if the biggest symptom of ADHD wasn't just distraction, but a silent, relentless internal monologue?In this episode, George and Alice move beyond the stereotypes to explore the internal world of ADHD. They dive into the science behind the brain's "frantic hamster wheel" and discuss the real human cost of this common but misunderstood neurodevelopmental disorder. Join them for an empathetic journey that will change how you see ADHD, all while learning key English vocabulary. Sources: Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Neuronal mechanisms underlying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Neurotherapeutics, 6(4), 661–674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurt.2009.07.006Castellanos, F. X., & Proal, E. (2012). Large-scale brain systems in ADHD: Beyond the prefrontal-striatal model. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2011.11.007Shaw, P., Eckstrand, K., Sharp, W., Blumenthal, J., Lerch, J. P., Greenstein, D., ... & Rapoport, J. L. (2007). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is characterized by a delay in cortical maturation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(49), 19649–19654. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0707741104Thapar, A., Cooper, M., Eyre, O., & Langley, K. (2013). What have we learnt about the causes of ADHD? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02611.x

What if a Stephen King story wasn't designed to scare you, but to make you cry with joy?  That's the bold premise of The Life of Chuck, a film that tells a life story... by starting at the end. Join George and Alice for an in-depth discussion of this poignant Mike Flanagan adaptation. Discover how its inverted narrative structure reveals the hidden beauty in an ordinary life , and dive into its central philosophy: that every individual "contains multitudes." 

What if your twenties aren't just a prolonged adolescence, but a distinct and crucial new stage of life? Join George and Alice as they explore "Emerging Adulthood"—a time of neurological transformation, delayed milestones, and unique psychological challenges.Sources:Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469-480.Steinberg, L. (2013). The influence of neuroscience on US Supreme Court decisions about adolescents' criminal culpability. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14(7), 513-518.

Join George and Alice for an intimate and intellectual exploration of the phenomenon of grief. In this episode, discover why grieving is a true form of psychic "work," how our bodies experience the pain of a "broken heart" on a neurological level, and why the model of a "dance" between loss and restoration is so insightful.From Freud to neuroscience, from the history of rituals to modern cultural references like the film Coco and the video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, this episode deconstructs myths to foster a deeper understanding. Learn the essential vocabulary to approach this sensitive topic in English, and leave with a more nuanced and compassionate perspective on this universal journey.

What if a 400-year-old philosophy held the key to modern wellbeing? Join George and Alice as they explore the revolutionary ideas of Baruch Spinoza. Discover how his vision of mind-body unity, emotions as guides, and joy as a compass offers a practical blueprint for a better life—a blueprint now being validated by modern neuroscience.

Join us for another thought-provoking episode of "Learning English with Human Beans" as we examine the modern masculinity crisis and the myths surrounding traditional manhood. Discover how cultural expectations of what it means to "be a man" impact mental health, relationships, and society while expanding your English vocabulary around gender studies and social psychology. Perfect for English learners interested in contemporary social issues and anyone questioning traditional gender roles in the 21st century.Sources:American Psychological Association, Boys and Men Guidelines Group. (2018). APA guidelines for psychological practice with boys and men. American Psychological Association.Beauvoir, S. de. (1989). The second sex (H. M. Parshley, Trans.). Vintage Books. (Original work published 1949).Connell, R. W., & Messerschmidt, J. W. (2005). Hegemonic masculinity: Rethinking the concept. Gender & Society, 19(6), 829–859. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243205278639Faludi, S. (1999). Stiffed: The betrayal of the American man. William Morrow and Company.Gazalé, O. (2017). Le mythe de la virilité : Un piège pour les deux sexes. Robert Laffont.Kupers, T. A. (2005). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(6), 713–724. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20105Lerner, G. (1986). The creation of patriarchy. Oxford University Press.Pascoe, C. J. (2007). Dude, you're a fag: Masculinity and sexuality in high school. University of California Press.

Explore how we tell stories about our minds in this episode of "Learning English with Human Beans." George and Alice unpack the evolving classifications of mental health, the crucial difference between medical recovery and personal healing, and the fascinating link between creativity and psychological conditions. Discover how our understanding of mental health reflects cultural narratives while building essential vocabulary for thoughtful discussions in English. Sources:American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.Cyrulnik, B. (2001). Les Vilains Petits Canards. Odile Jacob.Frances, A. (2013). Saving Normal: An Insider's Revolt Against Out-of-Control Psychiatric Diagnosis. William Morrow.Jamison, K. R. (1993). Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament. Free Press.Kyaga, S., Lichtenstein, P., Boman, M., Hultman, C., Långström, N., & Landén, M. (2013). "Mental illness, suicide and creativity: 40-year prospective total population study." Journal of Psychiatric Research, 47(1), 83-90.Slade, M. (2009). Personal Recovery and Mental Illness: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. Cambridge University Press.Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). "Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence." Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1-18.Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books.

Explore the fundamental human search for meaning in this episode of "Learning English with Human Beans." Join George and Alice as they unpack how we create significance in our lives, understand "closure" as a vital psychological need, and learn how our personal stories shape our sense of purpose. Through everyday examples and psychological insights, discover why meaning-making may be our most essential human journey—while building vocabulary to discuss life's deeper questions in English.Sources:Frankl, V. E. (1984). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books.Yalom, I. D. (1992). When Nietzsche Wept. Basic Books.Neimeyer, R. A. (2001). Meaning Reconstruction & the Experience of Loss. American Psychological Association.Baumeister, R. F. (1991). Meanings of Life. Guilford Press.Bibliography

Discover why emotions aren’t obstacles to clear thinking but essential guides in this episode of “Learning English with Human Beans.” George explains neuroscientist Antonio Damasio’s revolutionary work challenging mind-body separation, while Alice adds relatable examples and key vocabulary. Learn the crucial difference between emotions and feelings, explore the fascinating Somatic Marker Hypothesis, and understand why “we are feeling machines that think.” Perfect for expanding your English vocabulary while gaining insights into the science of decision-making and consciousness.Sources:Damasio, A. R. (1994). Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. New York: Putnam.Damasio, A. R. (2003). Looking for Spinoza: Joy, Sorrow, and the Feeling Brain. Orlando: Harcourt.Harlow, J. M. (1868). “Recovery from the Passage of an Iron Bar through the Head.” Publications of the Massachusetts Medical Society, 2, 327-347.Van Vugt, M. (2006). “Evolutionary Origins of Leadership and Followership.” Personality and Social Psychology Review, 10(4), 354-371.Bechara, A., Damasio, H., Tranel, D., & Damasio, A. R. (1997). “Deciding Advantageously Before Knowing the Advantageous Strategy.” Science, 275(5304), 1293-1295.

Discover the vital science behind your nightly rest in this episode of “Learning English with Human Beans: The Science of Sleep.” Explore how sleep cycles work, why your brain’s glymphatic system cleanses itself at night, the hidden costs of sleep debt, and practical strategies to optimize your slumber—all while building key English vocabulary.Sources:Archer, S.N., Robilliard, D.L., Skene, D.J., Smits, M., Williams, A., Arendt, J., von Schantz, M. (2003). “A length polymorphism in the circadian clock gene PER3 is linked to delayed sleep phase syndrome and extreme diurnal preference.” Sleep, 26(4), 413–415.Dawson, D., & Reid, K. (1997). “Fatigue, alcohol and performance impairment.” Nature, 388(6639), 235–235.Edinger, J.D., & Means, M.K. (2005). “Cognitive–behavioral therapy for primary insomnia.” Clinical Psychology Review, 25(5), 539–558.Hilditch, C.J., & Shapiro, C.M. (2013). “The clinical relevance of sleep inertia: a comprehensive review.” Sleep Medicine Reviews, 17(4), 243–256.Killgore, W.D.S. (2010). “Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition.” Progress in Brain Research, 185, 105–129.Mullington, J.M., Haack, M., Toth, M., Serrador, J.M., & Meier‐Ewert, H.K. (2009). “Cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic consequences of sleep deprivation.” Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 51(4), 294–302.Van Dongen, H.P.A., Maislin, G., Mullington, J.M., & Dinges, D.F. (2003). “The cumulative cost of additional wakefulness: dose-response effects on neurobehavioral functions and sleep physiology from chronic sleep restriction and total sleep deprivation.” Sleep, 26(2), 117–126.Wittmann, M., Dinich, J., Merrow, M., & Roenneberg, T. (2006). “Social jetlag: misalignment of biological and social time.” Chronobiology International, 23(1-2), 497–509.Xie, L., Kang, H., Xu, Q., Chen, M.J., Liao, Y., Thiyagarajan, M., O’Donnell, J., Christensen, D.J., Nicholson, C., Iliff, J.J., Takano, T., Deane, R., & Nedergaard, M. (2013). “Sleep drives metabolite clearance from the adult brain.” Science, 342(6156), 373–377.