Why You're Smarter Than You Think
Hidden Brain

Why You're Smarter Than You Think

Feb 16, 2026 · 1h 34m

About this episode

<p>From the time we're schoolchildren, we're ranked and sorted based on how smart we are. But what if our assumptions about intelligence limit our potential? This week, we revisit a favorite 2022 conversation with cognitive scientist <a href="https://scottbarrykaufman.com/bio/">Scott Barry Kaufman</a>, who proposes a more expansive notion of what it means to be "smart." Then, in the latest installment of Your Questions Answered, psychologist <a href="https://www.clarku.edu/faculty/profiles/james-cordova/">James Cordova</a> answers listener questions on accepting our romantic partners as they are.</p><p><i>Our next stops on Hidden Brain’s live tour are just weeks away! Join Shankar for an evening of science and storytelling in </i><a href="https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/tickets-and-events/ensemble-arts-philly-presents/hidden-brain-perceptions-tour"><i>Philadelphia on March 21</i></a><i> or </i><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0300635CCCC30F08"><i>New York City on March 25</i></a><i>. He’ll be sharing seven key psychological insights from his first decade hosting the show. And stayed tuned for more tour stops to be announced later this spring!</i></p><p><i>If you missed our original series with James Cordova, listen to </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/love-2-0-how-to-fix-your-marriage-part-1/"><i>How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 1</i></a><i> and </i><a href="https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/love-2-0-how-to-fix-your-marriage-part-2/"><i>How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 2</i></a><i>. </i></p><p><i>Episode illustration by </i><a href="https://unsplash.com/@ghariza_/illustrations"><i>ghariza mahavira for Unsplash+</i></a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>