Join renowned scientists Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch on the Science of Perception Box, where they delve into the Perception Box—a groundbreaking concept developed by Elizabeth R. Koch, that reveals how our beliefs, biases, and neural wiring shape our reality and define how we experience the world.
Through captivating conversations with expert guests like psychiatrist Dr. Judson Brewer, anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, and journalist Michael Pollan, the show explores how the Perception Box expands in states of awe, curiosity, and love, and contracts during fear, anxiety, or anger.
From mindfulness and romantic relationships to psychedelics and human connection, each episode uncovers transformative insights into unlocking greater awareness, fostering curiosity, and reshaping how we perceive the world.
New episodes drop every Thursday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow the journey and redefine your reality.
PodSkip has analyzed 2 episodes of Science of Perception Box, averaging 1.0 ads per episode (1% of runtime).
Can a Plant, a Chatbot, or Your Gut Be Conscious? With Michael Pollan
Oct 14, 2026
In this special live episode, journalist and bestselling author Michael Pollan explains how a psychedelic experience “smudged the windshield” of his consciousness and started the search behind his…
The ‘Self’ You Can’t Find with Sam Harris
Oct 07, 2026
Most of us feel like there's a "me" behind our eyes, a thinker of our thoughts and author of our choices. Author and Waking Up founder Sam Harris argues that when you look closely enough, that self…
The Physics of Consciousness
Sep 30, 2026
Theoretical physicist Dr. Michio Kaku joins hosts Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch to explore what physics can teach us about consciousness and reality itself. Dr. Kaku argues that…
How to Recover From Decades of Chronic Stress
Sep 23, 2026
Stress researcher Dr. Elissa Epel explains why the goal isn't to eliminate stress but to get better at recovering from it. She says that a sharp, short stress response followed by real rest is the…
Are Your Emotions Telling You the Truth?
Sep 16, 2026
Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, psychologist and neuroscientist, joins hosts Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch to unpack her theory of constructed emotion: the idea that emotions aren't hardwired…
The Hidden Rules Holding Society Together: Steven Pinker on Common Knowledge
Sep 09, 2026
Why do we speak in euphemisms instead of saying exactly what we mean? Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christoph Koch sat down with cognitive scientist and bestselling author Steven Pinker to explore…
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Your Brain Lies to You (And That's a Good Thing): Anil Seth on Consciousness
Sep 02, 2026
What if everything you see, hear, and feel isn't real? What if it's just your brain's best prediction of what's real? Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch sat down with neuroscientist and…
Overcoming the Victim Mindset with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman
Aug 26, 2026
Psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman explores the difference between victimhood and victim mindset, explaining why learned helplessness is actually our default state, and how developing agency is the…
Your Body’s Operating Manual: Andrew Huberman on the Mind-Body Connection
Aug 19, 2026
Even though our experiences are shaped by unconscious patterns and bodily sensations, we have the agency to actively transform them simply by staying present and aware. Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr…
Stop Trying to Fix People: Mel Robbins on the Power of Letting Go
Aug 12, 2026
How much of your energy is focused on trying to change people who aren't ready to change? Best-selling author and podcast host Mel Robbins joins Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch to explore…
How Much Risk Should Kids Take?
Aug 05, 2026
Dr. Camilo Ortiz, clinical psychologist and creator of Independence Therapy, joins hosts Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch to unpack why the instinct in modern parenting to protect kids from…
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Science of Perception Box is Back with a New Season
Jul 29, 2026
Why do two people witness the same event and walk away with entirely different experiences of what happened? Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch return for Season 2 of Science of Perception Box…
Psychedelics and the Placebo Effect with Dr. Boris Heifets
Mar 13, 2025
Can psychedelics under anesthesia heal trauma? What is the latest research around ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin? That’s part of what we explore this week on Science of Perception Box. Stanford…
Is Time Real? How Your Brain Perceives the Past with Dr. Lila Davachi
Mar 06, 2025
Ever wonder why time seems to fly or crawl? From ancient philosophers to modern neuroscientists, the nature of time has captivated human curiosity. This week on Science of Perception Box, we…
Why Your Brain Needs Awe and Wonder with Dr. Dacher Keltner
Feb 27, 2025
When was the last time you felt absolutely mesmerized by something beautiful? Whether it’s seeing a breathtaking vista, losing yourself in a piece of music, or being in a crowd cheering for the same…
Cultivating More Childhood Wonder with Dr. Alison Gopnik
Feb 20, 2025
How can parents embrace science in order to give their children the best possible environment to thrive in? Cognitive development expert Dr. Alison Gopnik joins us to discuss how navigating…
Why Did We Evolve to Feel Romantic Love? with Dr. Helen Fisher
Feb 13, 2025
We long for love. We die for love. We kill for love. But why do we love? Cohosts Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christoph Koch ask this question to Helen Fisher, PhD. who dedicated her career to…
How Does Our Cultural Identity Influence Us? with Dr. Daphna Oyserman
Feb 06, 2025
Our cultural lenses can expand our Perception Box or contract it, keeping us closed off to new opportunities. So how do we become aware of the personal influences that shape our perceptions? In this…
A Case of Mistaken Identity with Dr. Dan Siegel
Jan 30, 2025
What is the mind? Does the mind exist only in your own Perception Box, or is there a greater connection of consciousness? In this episode of Science of Perception Box, cohosts Dr. Heather Berlin and…
How Food Affects Your Mind with Michael Pollan
Jan 23, 2025
Humans have a symbiotic relationship with plants. Plants coevolved to suit our desires for nourishment, beauty, and altering consciousness. Journalist Michael Pollan has investigated the human…
How Curiosity Quiets Anxiety with Dr. Judson Brewer
Jan 16, 2025
Anxiety can make us feel like we’re trapped in our brain. So how do we open the door and gain freedom? This week in our inaugural episode, Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch invite Dr. Judson…
Introducing: Science of Perception Box
Dec 05, 2024
Join renowned scientists Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch on the Science of Perception Box, where they delve into the Perception Box—a groundbreaking concept developed by Elizabeth R. Koch…
