Why Normal People Do Horrific Things: The Neuroscience of Revenge with James Kimmel Jr.
What if the desire for revenge wasn’t just emotional—but biological? In this gripping conversation, Yale-trained lawyer and researcher James Kimmel Jr. explains how the brain processes revenge, why it feels so satisfying in the moment, and why it rarely brings the peace we expect. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and his own powerful personal story, James unpacks how revenge fuels everything from schoolyard fights to mass shootings—and how it’s often disguised as “justice.” We explore the real reasons people commit violent acts, how our justice system may be reinforcing cycles of harm, and what it actually takes to break free.
You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the human drive to get even—and how to shift that impulse toward healing. If you've ever held a grudge, fantasized about payback, or wondered why letting go is so hard, this episode will change the way you see yourself—and others.
Dr. Kimmel's book, The Science of Revenge, is available wherever books are sold.
Learn more about Dr. Kimmel at jameskimmeljr.com.
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Why You Can’t Heal Until Your Body Feels Safe… and How To Get There with Dr. David Rabin
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—the workouts, the healthy food, the meditation app, the supplements—but your body still isn’t responding the way it should… this episode is for you.
Because here’s the truth: You can’t heal until your body feels safe. Not calm. Not relaxed. Safe. And that’s not just a mindset—it’s a biological state.
Today’s guest, Dr. David Rabin, is a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and co-founder of Apollo Neuro. He’s spent decades researching how chronic stress, trauma, and even subconscious fear can hijack your nervous system and silently block your body’s ability to recover. What he’s uncovered is game-changing: the body doesn’t heal because we tell it to—it heals when it knows it can.
In this conversation, we break down exactly how that works—starting with the vagus nerve, the body’s command center for switching between stress and recovery. Dr. Rabin explains why your nervous system might still be operating in fight-or-flight mode, even if your life feels perfectly fine. You’ll learn how stress re-routes resources away from the parts of your body responsible for sleep, digestion, immunity, and long-term healing—and why most of us have no idea it’s happening.
We also explore how trauma can be stored in the body for years, why it doesn’t always show up in your memories, and how new tools—from psychedelics to vibration-based therapies—are helping people access deep healing without spending a decade in talk therapy.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a whole new framework for understanding stress—not just as a feeling, but as a physiological state you can learn to shift. And more importantly, you’ll leave with actionable ways to start teaching your body what safety actually feels like.
So if you’ve ever wondered why you still feel stuck—even when life looks good on paper—don’t miss this one.
Let’s get into it.
Learn more about Dr. Rabin at drdave.io.
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Feel Stressed? Why That Might Not Be a Bad Thing with Dr. Sharon Bergquist
We’ve been taught to fear stress, avoid it, and manage it like a toxin. But what if that belief is actually making us weaker? Dr. Sharon Bergquist has spent decades studying the relationship between stress, cellular health, and chronic disease—and what she’s discovered turns the conventional wisdom upside down. We dig into what that means at the biological level: how stress impacts our cells, how it influences everything from aging to energy to immune function, and what we can do—starting today—to tap into this incredible internal capability. You’ll learn why some of the most powerful health interventions aren’t expensive treatments or medications, but simple, often uncomfortable, actions that challenge your body and mind in the right way.
So—what if the answer to health isn’t less stress, but better stress?
Dr. Bergquist's book, The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier―An Essential Stress Management Companion with a Mind-Body-Soul Approach, is available now.
Learn more about Dr. Bergquist at drsharonbergquist.com.
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The Real Cost of Dismantling Public Eduction with former U.S. Secretary of Education, John B. King
What if the federal government walked away from public education? That’s not a hypothetical—it’s part of a real plan gaining traction right now. In this episode, we break down what it actually means to defund and dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, and why it could upend the future for millions of students. Former Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. joins us to cut through the noise and explain, in human terms, what’s at risk—from student aid to civil rights protections to the very idea of equal opportunity.
We also talk about King’s new book, Teacher by Teacher, and the everyday educators who shape lives in ways most people never see. You’ll hear stories that might remind you of your favorite teacher—and see just how fragile the systems are that allow those stories to happen. If you think this issue doesn’t affect you, think again. Because the decisions being made right now might change everything.
Learn more about Dr. King at johnbkingjr.com.
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Rethinking Purpose: Why Chasing Big Goals Might Be Making You Miserable with Jordan Grumet
What if the relentless chase for big goals is actually what’s making you feel unfulfilled? In this episode, hospice physician and author Jordan Grumet shares what he’s learned from those at the end of life—and why our culture’s definition of purpose may be all wrong. Instead of striving for impact, Jordan invites us to focus on the simple, joyful actions that light us up right now. You’ll learn why most of us don’t have a purpose problem—we have a meaning problem—and how to gently shift your life toward something more authentic. This is a conversation that could help you stop chasing and start living.
Jordan's book, The Purpose Code: How to unlock meaning, maximize happiness, and leave a lasting legacy, is available now!
Learn more about Jordan at jordangrumet.com.
Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast
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Smart People Podcast is a biweekly, interview-based podcast that features today's most well respected thought leaders engaging in authentic, insightful conversation for the benefit of the listener. The host, Chris Stemp, and his co-host/producer Jon Rojas, utilize their insatiable curiosity and relatable charm to provoke their guests into giving the interview of a lifetime.
Every single guest has achieved a high level of recognition within their arena and in doing so has collected a wealth of experiences and insights that are brought to life in this top ranked podcast. Show topics include: psychology, leadership, education, technology, entrepreneurship, relationships, and much more.
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