In the first half, Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics Dan Ariely discussed the growing irrationality in society, attributing it to both our evolutionary brain limitations and societal influences. Cultural trends can push people toward unhealthy choices, and divisive behaviors, he noted, adding that there has been a decline in personal resilience due to less trust in religion and government, which further complicates mental health challenges.
Speaking of the mental health crisis, particularly among veterans involved in recent mass shootings, he explained that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition where "the trauma is not really in the past," but instead remains a present, intrusive experience. This can cause individuals to relive traumatic moments as if they are happening in real time, leading to unpredictable and violent outbursts. He emphasized that irrational behaviors often stem from intuitive errors rather than ill intent. Ariely defined intuition as a rapid, automatic judgment made without extensive information processing or knowledge accrued from past experiences.
His research aims to redesign environments to make better choices easier: "If I place muffins in front of you every morning... too many times, you will be tempted. But if I change your environment and instead give you vegetables...you will eat better." Ariely also spoke candidly about living with his burn injuries, including the emotional journey toward self-acceptance symbolized by his decision to grow a half-beard on the scarred side of his face. This visible acceptance encouraged others with scars to feel less ashamed. "Letting go of this," he said, "was incredibly self healing... it's part of the story of my life."
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Dr. Jeffrey Long is a full-time Radiation Oncology physician practicing in Kentucky and a prominent researcher of near-death experiences (NDEs). In the latter half, he spoke about his extensive study of over 4,000 documented cases, the remarkable consistency across many of the accounts, and how these experiences are distinct from dreams or hallucinations. Typical NDE elements include "consciousness apart from the body," passing through a tunnel, encountering a mystical bright light, reunions with deceased loved ones, and inhabiting an "unearthly, beautiful realm," accompanied by overwhelming peace and love.
Addressing skepticism, he highlighted that many out-of-body observations during NDEs include accurate details of events happening around the unconscious person, sometimes even beyond normal sensory reach. "What they observe... is typically accurate down to the finest details... absolutely medically inexplicable," he cited. One compelling case involved a woman named Vicki, born blind, who, during her NDE, reportedly experienced vivid, spherical vision for the first time, challenging explanations based on brain function alone. Regarding why people return from NDEs, Dr. Long described encounters with loving entities who often present a choice: remain in the afterlife or return to life. "The great majority," he noted, do not want to return, but many choose to go back, after hearing, "It's not your time yet, you have more to do."
He reported that only about 10-20% of people who undergo life-threatening situations have NDEs. "Hellish" NDEs are rare, about 1-2% of NDE cases. They can be profoundly frightening but often serve as a catalyst for personal growth, prompting individuals to confront unresolved emotional issues, he revealed. Long also addressed post-NDE changes, which can include dramatic shifts in compassion, spirituality, and reduced fear of death. Around 20-30% report psychic or intuitive abilities, such as heightened awareness of others' thoughts and feelings. Regarding credibility, Long detailed rigorous validation methods. He encouraged NDE survivors to share their experiences, such as through his Near-Death Research Foundation.
News segment guests: Lauren Weinstein, Mike Bara