Friends make us laugh, they have our back, we share memories and stories. Beyond that, scientists are learning that friendships are key in keeping us healthy and thriving. On this episode, we explore why researchers say our brains are wired for connection, and why making our friendships a priority is one of the key pillars of longevity. We’ll get some research-backed advice on making new friends as adults and hear from two friends who love spending time with each other, though they usually can’t remember their adventures.

When someone wrongs us, getting revenge can feel like the only right move — the only way for us to balance the scales, to set the world right again. But the consequences can be disastrous, especially when payback becomes an all-consuming obsession. On this episode, we talk with lawyer-turned-researcher James Kimmel about his new book, "The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World's Deadliest Addiction — and How to Overcome It." We discuss the evolutionary roots of revenge, the neuroscience behind why it feels so good, and how Kimmel eventually traded vengeance for forgiveness. We also find out what caused a murder of crows to target an unsuspecting woman, and what was behind their years-long grudge.

Creativity plays a role in every facet of our lives, from childhood education, to everyday problem-solving, to the artistic works we enjoy and the innovations shaping our future. We explore what human creativity is, how it works, and some of the unexpected ways it’s remaking our world.

Before dinosaurs, before trees — even before Saturn had its rings – there were sharks. The fierce predators have been swimming in our oceans for hundreds of millions of years, standing the test of time as they survived all five of Earth's mass extinction events.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We all want the truth — but how exactly do we know when something's true? Often, the answer relates to evidence or proof, something capable of convincing us and easing our doubts. But whether or not different kinds of proof are accepted can vary widely by person and situation. On this episode, we explore proof and evidence, and how it affects our perception of what is true.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Cybercrime has been around for as long as computers have — but over the past 20 years, it's exploded into a global threat, with staggering financial, political, and even personal consequences. We hear about the virus that ushered in the age of social engineering attacks, the history of cybercrime, and what led one man to become a hacker.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We often hear about the joys of motherhood — the incomparable sense of love, the magic of watching your kids discover the world, and the fulfillment of seeing them grow. But motherhood can also be a grind. On this encore episode, we take a look at the experience of modern motherhood — the challenges, the sometimes impossible standards, and the strategies that help moms thrive.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For a long time, weightlifting was relegated to the realm of muscle heads — but today, it's popular among people of all ages and fitness levels. On this episode, we explore the history of weightlifting, some of its unexpected health and cognitive benefits, and why one woman says it changed her relationship with her body.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Vietnam War changed the world — and the lives of millions of people, who remain scarred by the traumas they experienced. On this episode, we mark the 50th anniversary of the war's end with stories that explore its lasting impact, from veterans struggling to reconcile the role they played in the deadly conflict, to Vietnamese refugees who are still working to put the pieces back together.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

As the doors of the Vatican were opening, Bonnie Tsui sprinted through the galleries to the Sistine Chapel. She wanted to experience Michelangelo's frescoes alone for 10 minutes. She laid on the floor, looked up and cried. It's just one of many stories she weaves through her new book, "On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why it Matters." On this episode, Tsui joins host Maiken Scott for a conversation about the importance of strength, muscles and being comfortable in one's own body, especially as we age.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy