An Update from Shankar

[0] Hey there, Shankar here.

[1] Five years ago, we launched this podcast not knowing exactly how it might evolve or how many people would want to listen.

[2] Producing Hidden Brain for you has been the most rewarding work of my career.

[3] It's been more than a job.

[4] It's been a calling.

[5] Now, usually, that kind of introduction signals we are going to be ending the show.

[6] Fear not.

[7] This announcement is about exactly the opposite.

[8] We are planning to do more.

[9] build more episodes, more ambitious episodes, and connect with you in more ways.

[10] Here's the context.

[11] I don't quite know how this happened, but Hidden Brain has turned into something that is more than just a podcast.

[12] It's an important part of many people's lives.

[13] Listeners write to us every week explaining how the podcast gives them a chance to have deep conversations with family, an opportunity to reflect on a chaotic world, an oasis.

[14] Your notes, the story ideas you've suggested, the personal stories you've shared have been a great source of encouragement and inspiration.

[15] With your help, we want to do more.

[16] We think there are opportunities for deeper connection, new shows, books, maybe even television and apps.

[17] To do all this, we've started a new production company called Hidden Brain Media.

[18] Our website, hiddenbrain .org, will be our hub.

[19] You can continue to listen to our podcast on the podcast platform of your choice.

[20] In fact, going forward, we will be accessible even more widely than before.

[21] If you listen to our public radio program, which is currently on more than 350 radio stations around the United States, that will remain unchanged.

[22] There will be some changes.

[23] You're going to hear more new episodes in our feed.

[24] Starting Monday, we are going to drop a new four -episode series on counterintuitive ways.

[25] to understand our world in 2020.

[26] We'll consider why irrational anger can sometimes be useful.

[27] And she opened the door and says, you know, what's wrong?

[28] And I was like, call the police.

[29] We'll ask whether our focus on the political divide between the left and the right has caused us to overlook an important reality.

[30] What people were concerned about is essentially politics coming up in their day -to -day lives.

[31] they actually were not seemingly as concerned about the opposing partisanship component of it.

[32] And in the midst of a year that has been tragic and dispiriting in so many ways, we'll consider what's going right in the world.

[33] As long as bad things haven't gone to zero, which they never will, then the news will always present a biased sample of the state of the world.

[34] We hope you'll join us for that series.

[35] Another change you'll hear is my voice reading some of the sponsorship messages on the show.

[36] You'll also hear new names and the credits as we welcome new producers to the show and say farewell to others.

[37] We will, of course, continue our popular Unsung Heroes segment.

[38] I want to take a moment here to thank one of my Unsung Heroes, Ira Glass, the host and creator of the incredible public radio program This American Life.

[39] Over the past year or so, Ira has helped me think through in setting up a new production company as he did some years ago with this American life.

[40] Most of you may know Ira as a brilliant storyteller.

[41] For me, he's also been a wise and generous mentor.

[42] Thank you, Ira.

[43] We are honored to be following in your footsteps.

[44] If you have enjoyed Hidden Brain, I hope you will extend a hand of support as we embark on this new adventure.

[45] Please tell your friends about the show and help them subscribe to the podcast if they don't know how.

[46] We look forward to bringing you Hidden Brain for many years to come.

[47] Thanks for listening.