DeepSummary
The episode features Peter McIndoe discussing his satirical 'Birds Aren't Real' movement, where he pretends that birds were replaced by government surveillance drones. He explains how he accidentally started the movement in 2016 and how it gained media attention as a real conspiracy theory despite being a farce. McIndoe reflects on how interacting with people who believed the conspiracy made him re-think ways of effectively communicating with them.
Psychologist Paul Bloom then discusses his 'perversity project', where he collected examples of people doing wrong things simply because they were wrong, not for any rational reason. He analyzes different motivations behind perverse acts, including the human desire for autonomy and to defy authority. Bloom suggests some positive aspects of perversity in areas like art.
Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar shares her story of having to give up her lifelong dream of being a professional violinist due to an injury at age 15. She discusses the challenge of redefining her identity and finding new meaning, as well as her current struggle with fertility issues and reframing her perspective on parenthood.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Provocative or 'shocking' ideas and actions can spark important dialogue and personal growth.
- People sometimes act in 'perverse' ways that defy logic or authority, stemming from desires like autonomy.
- Major life upheavals can require redefining one's core identity and purpose.
- Humor and satire can be effective vehicles for communicating with those holding conspiracy beliefs.
- Embracing Change with an open mindset allows for finding new meaning and possibilities.
- Irrational behavior is an inherent part of human nature that art and creativity can celebrate.
- Perceptions of 'wrong' behavior are subjective and context-dependent.
- Personal stories illustrating psychological concepts make them more relatable and insightful.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “It was never supposed to. So in 2021, I broke character revealed the movement was a farce on the front page of the New York Times.“ by Peter McIndoe
- “When I lost the violin, I expected to grieve the loss of the instrument, right, and grieve not being able to play anymore. But I did not expect that I would grieve the loss of myself. Without it, I really felt unmoored.“ by Maya Shankar
- “I'm beginning to see change with more possibility, and I'm hoping you can, too.“ by Maya Shankar
Entities
Company
Person
Book
Product
Episode Information
TED Radio Hour
NPR
12/8/23
TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/ted