Ever wondered how our hand movements not only express our thoughts but also shape them? Our guest, Dr. Susan Golden Meadow, is an expert in the fascinating world of gestures, and she's here to unravel their powerful role in communication, thinking, and learning. The magic of nonverbal cues is at your fingertips, from learning to navigate misdirection in conversations to understanding how parents create a unique communicative context for their kids.  We're diving straight into the heart of Susan's vast research, starting from her early fascination with the structured gestures of deaf children that intriguingly mirror the structure of language. Ponder over the captivating science behind how gestures can shape our thoughts and the unique ways in which our hands can be used to deceive others. Plus, we're offering a glimpse of Susan's upcoming projects and how her research has evolved over time.  To wrap things up, we're exploring some deep reflections on what it means to be human and the unexpected ways in which our hands help us relax. We're also talking about the fascinating process our brains undergo when we pair speech with gestures. Join us as we journey from the intimate dynamics of family communication to the wider social implications of gestures. Whether you're an academic, a student, or simply someone curious about the power of nonverbal communication, this episode has something for everyone. If you liked this podcast please tell your friends about it, subscribe to this podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and/or write a brief note on apple podcasts, check out my blogs on Psychology Today at https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/contributors/thomas-r-verny-md