Passion Struck with John R. Miles – Episode 596: Dr. Emily Falk on How to Rewire Your Brain for Better Choices
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 596 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Emily Falk, a pioneering neuroscientist from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Falk, the Vice Dean of the Annenberg School of Communication and Director of the Communication Neuroscience Lab, explores the intricate workings of the human brain in decision-making, emphasizing how our choices are influenced by our values, social connections, and psychological processes. This episode is especially centered around her groundbreaking book, "What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change."
About Dr. Emily Falk
Dr. Emily Falk is renowned for her extensive research at the intersection of psychology, communication, and neuroscience. Leading the Climate Communication Division at the Annenberg Public Policy Center, her work delves into how humans assign value, make choices, and enact meaningful change both individually and collectively.
Key Discussion Points
1. The Brain's Value Calculation System
Dr. Falk elaborates on how our brains process and assign value to different choices, often prioritizing immediate rewards over long-term benefits. She explains the integration of emotional and rational processing systems within our brain's common currency, enabling us to make decisions like choosing between spending quality time with a loved one or responding to work obligations.
- Notable Quote:
"The brain's value system integrates inputs from emotional, rational, and social relevance systems to compare options and make choices that often prioritize what's most salient in the moment."
(Timestamp: 10:05)
2. Defensiveness and Values Affirmation
Dr. Falk discusses the concept of defensiveness when our choices are challenged and introduces values affirmation as a technique to reduce this defensiveness. By reflecting on core values, individuals can align their actions with what truly matters to them, enhancing openness to change.
- Notable Quote:
"Values affirmation allows people to zoom out and see that a particular request or change doesn't define their entire self-worth but is just one aspect of their broader values."
(Timestamp: 23:18)
3. Social Relevance and Anti-Mattering
The conversation delves into the biology of social connections and the impact of perceived rejection, termed as anti-mattering. Dr. Falk explains how our brains are wired to seek social bonds, and the absence of these connections can lead to significant emotional distress.
- Notable Quote:
"Negative social feedback activates social pain in our brains, serving as an alarm system that pushes us to repair our social ties."
(Timestamp: 39:33)
4. Reappraisal and Self-Transcendent Values
To combat feelings of failure or rejection, Dr. Falk introduces reappraisal—a cognitive technique to reinterpret negative experiences. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of self-transcendent values—values that extend beyond the self and foster connections with others—as a key to positive change.
- Notable Quote:
"Self-transcendent values like compassion and kindness can dampen negative emotional responses and open us up to new possibilities of how we can be in the world."
(Timestamp: 45:57)
5. Creating Connection and Brain-to-Brain Synchrony
The episode explores practical ways to enhance connection and synchrony between individuals. Activities like synchronized movement, shared media experiences, and open, curiosity-driven conversations can foster better understanding and collaboration.
- Notable Quote:
"When people are more in sync physically, emotionally, or even neurologically, they tend to understand each other better, creating a harmonious environment for collaboration and connection."
(Timestamp: 51:39)
Conclusion
Dr. Emily Falk's insights offer a compelling look into how our brains navigate the complexities of choice and change. By understanding the underlying neuroscience, individuals can make more intentional decisions that align with their core values, foster meaningful connections, and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Reflective Questions
As you ponder today's episode, consider the following:
- What do you share most often, and what does it say about your values?
- How might you use the science of self-relevance to drive change in your own life?
- What ideas or causes are you ready to amplify because they reflect who you are?
Notable Quotes Summary
-
"The brain's value system integrates inputs from emotional, rational, and social relevance systems to compare options and make choices that often prioritize what's most salient in the moment."
(Dr. Emily Falk, 10:05) -
"Values affirmation allows people to zoom out and see that a particular request or change doesn't define their entire self-worth but is just one aspect of their broader values."
(Dr. Emily Falk, 23:18) -
"Negative social feedback activates social pain in our brains, serving as an alarm system that pushes us to repair our social ties."
(Dr. Emily Falk, 39:33) -
"Self-transcendent values like compassion and kindness can dampen negative emotional responses and open us up to new possibilities of how we can be in the world."
(Dr. Emily Falk, 45:57) -
"When people are more in sync physically, emotionally, or even neurologically, they tend to understand each other better, creating a harmonious environment for collaboration and connection."
(Dr. Emily Falk, 51:39)
Next Episode Preview
Join us in the upcoming episode as Dr. Gordon Flett delves into the science of mattering—why feeling like you matter is essential for belonging and how it shapes our mental health, motivation, and resilience. If you've ever felt invisible or questioned your worth, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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“To rewire your brain, stop proving your worth and start embodying it.” – Dr. Emily Falk