Hidden Brain - Why Following Your Dreams Isn't Enough

Entrepreneurs typically have no shortage of passion, heart, and vision. But at Stanford University, Huggy Rao says there are other elements that may matter more when it comes to whether their projects succeed or fail. This week, we'll examine how this problem shapes not just individual lives, but organizations, businesses, and even public policy. Then, in the latest installment of "Your Questions Answered," sociologist Robb Willer answers listener questions about how to navigate political differences with the people in your life.

Duration: 1h 41m
Broadcast on: 10 Nov 2025
Audio Format: other

Entrepreneurs typically have no shortage of passion, heart, and vision. But at Stanford University, Huggy Rao says there are other elements that may matter more when it comes to whether their projects succeed or fail. This week, we'll examine how this problem shapes not just individual lives, but organizations and businesses, and even public policy. Then, in the latest installment of "Your Questions Answered," sociologist Robb Willer answers listener questions about how to navigate political differences with the people in your life.

The Los Angeles stop on our live tour is almost here! Join Shankar November 22 as he shares seven key psychological insights from the show's first decade. And we're excited to share new dates for 2026. We'll be in Philadelphia on March 21 and New York City on March 25. More info and tickets here: https://www.hiddenbrain.org/tour/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is Hidden Brain. I'm Shankar Vedanta. The year was 1964. The legendary singer Frank Sinatra met Mia Farrow and up-and-coming actress on a sound stage at 20th Century Fox. Despite their 30-year age difference, the two began dating and fell madly in love. Frank Sinatra bought Mia Farrow a massive nine-carat pear-shaped diamond ring. He proposed at his home in Palm Springs. The wedding itself was a small civil ceremony, but the celebration was lavish. The groom gifted its bride an expensive double-row diamond bracelet.

Not long after, Mia Farrow was on the set of Rosemary's baby when she was issued divorce papers. Frank Sinatra didn't want her to work. He was just old-fashioned, Mia Farrow later explained. They divorced just two years after saying, "I do." Did the couple not talk before they got married? Did they not discuss their values? How is it they failed to see they were not on the same page on such an important question. In 2014, two economics professors weighed in on the issue. They published a paper titled, "A Diamond is Forever and Other Fairy Tales." They looked at how much couples spent on their engagement rings and weddings and tracked how long their marriages lasted. They found that the more money couples spent on their weddings or engagement rings, the less likely they were to stay together over the long term. The opposite was also true. Spending less on the wedding and engagement ring predicted a longer marriage. Today, we explore the many ways in which our desire to focus on the beautiful keeps us from attending to the basics. We'll examine how this problem shapes not just individual lives, but organizations and businesses and even public policy. Why great ideas fail and how to keep them from failing this week on Hidden Brain. When it comes to my policy, farmers gives it to me straight, so there's no surprises. It's your coverage you should never be confused. You hear that? An insurance provider with a conscience. We're a choir, but yes, we have that too. Straight forward coverage you can literally understand. That's what you get when you have farmers, bum bum bum bum bum bum. Learn more at Farmers.com, underwritten by Farmers Truck or Fire Insurance Exchanges or Affiliate. Products not available in every state. Working as a dedicated fidelity advisor, I always ask, "What's important to you?" I'll look at those priorities and goals alongside your full financial picture to build a comprehensive plan designed to help grow and protect your wealth. With proactive portfolio insights and an eye on taxes, I'm here to help you make the most of your money. I'm Laura Maxwell, and I'm a dedicated fidelity advisor. Learn more at fidelity.com/wealth. Investment minimum supply, fidelity brokerage services, LLC, member, NYSE, SIPC. Support for Hidden Brain comes from Defender. Even the boldest journey starts small, with a single decision to go somewhere new. The Defender 110 is a vehicle built for those moments for drivers capable of great things, whether they're headed toward uncharted territory or just a weekend away. The Defender 110 combines on-road presence with off-road capability. It looks tough because it is, with an exterior engineered for durability. Inside, capability meets comfort, with seating for five and the option for seven, plus refined finishes and thoughtful design. It's also packed with intuitive tech, like 3D surround cameras with clear-side ground view to help you navigate rough terrain, and the next-generation PIVI Pro infotainment system designed to keep you informed, connected and in control, no matter the path. The Defender 110 is naturally capable, expedition ready, and built for those ready to move forward. Explore the Defender 110 at LandRoverUSA.com There's a saying, "Big dreams start small. Bold visions are achieved when we have the tenacity and audacity to pursue them,

Transcription truncated.