The brain science behind human connection

The viral phone booth experiment

The need to study happiness

Axel's personal journey through depression

What is the biomarker for happiness?

Science behind conversations with strangers

Primitive emotions and the human brain

The science of happiness

Emotions are more contagious than viruses

Social interactions and diversity of emotions

Can emotions prevent us from seeing the truth?

Practical habits for a healthier mind

Why spreading surprise positivity is a win-win

Axel’s current research and experiments

Final reflections and goodbye

“Happiness” is the last thing many of us expect to find on a call with a stranger from the opposite political side. But when Axel Bouchon and his team placed one very unusual phone booth in deeply liberal San Francisco, California, and another in deeply conservative Abilene, Texas, that was exactly what they were hoping to spark. 

Bouchon, a neuroscientist driven to understand our strongest emotions, joins Moni to expose their power in our politics and beyond. Together they explore how emotions are far more infectious than viruses, how we humans can avoid reacting from the most primitive parts of our brains, and how disagreeing can be better for us than we think.

Show notes with full credits, links and other information can be found here: https://www.moniguzman.com/post/a-braver-way-episode-24

&ldquo;Happiness&rdquo; is the last thing many of us expect to find on a call with a stranger from the opposite political side. But when Axel Bouchon and his team placed one very unusual phone booth in deeply liberal San Francisco, California, and another in deeply conservative Abilene, Texas, that was exactly what they were hoping to spark.&nbsp;
Bouchon, a neuroscientist driven to understand our strongest emotions, joins Moni to expose their power in our politics and beyond. Together they explore how emotions are far more infectious than viruses, how we humans can avoid reacting from the most primitive parts of our brains, and how disagreeing can be better for us than we think.
Show notes with full credits, links and other information can be found here: https://www.moniguzman.com/post/a-braver-way-episode-24

With political tensions at a new peak, it can be tough — and exhausting — to find a way forward. So what does it take to stay strong, engaged, and grounded in dangerously divided times?

In each episode, host Mónica Guzmán joins guests from across the political spectrum. Together they’ll share tools, insights, and messy real-life stories to help you navigate the challenging divides in your everyday life without losing heart.

With political tensions at a new peak, it can be tough &mdash; and exhausting &mdash; to find a way forward. So what does it take to stay strong, engaged, and grounded in dangerously divided times?
In each episode, host M&oacute;nica Guzm&aacute;n joins guests from across the political spectrum. Together they&rsquo;ll share tools, insights, and messy real-life stories to help you navigate the challenging divides in your everyday life without losing heart.

A Braver Way

A Braver Way with Mónica Guzmán

Can political disagreement make you happier?