6 episodes

The real stories of adolescents who made life-altering choices – from hacking to terrorism – that led to disastrous results. Journalist Dina Temple-Raston goes beyond the headline-grabbing effects to talk with the young people about the causes of their decisions. She also dives into the latest science to explore how the adolescent brain contributes to risky behavior and how we can help it choose more wisely. Learn more at Audible.com/adolescentbrain.

What Were You Thinking Audible

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.4 • 206 Ratings

The real stories of adolescents who made life-altering choices – from hacking to terrorism – that led to disastrous results. Journalist Dina Temple-Raston goes beyond the headline-grabbing effects to talk with the young people about the causes of their decisions. She also dives into the latest science to explore how the adolescent brain contributes to risky behavior and how we can help it choose more wisely. Learn more at Audible.com/adolescentbrain.

    Ep. 6: It Isn't Spirituality, It's Neuroscience

    Ep. 6: It Isn't Spirituality, It's Neuroscience

    We visit programs that help adolescents make better choices, including a Moroccan morchidat center that helps counter Islamist radicalization and a NYC high-school teacher focused on “mindful fitness.” Finally, we go deeper into the science of the adolescent brain and the role white matter plays in its evolution.

    • 31 min
    Ep. 5: You're Not Alone

    Ep. 5: You're Not Alone

    [Contains sensitive themes] Dillon Cossey felt isolated and alone… until he turned to the internet to connect with other victims of bullying which led to him poring over sites about school shootings. Not long after, he was arrested. In this episode, we see how chronic bullying can change the adolescent brain and, along with other significant factors, can lead to violence. Also, we hear from Sue Klebold, mother of one of the Columbine High School shooters.

    • 41 min
    Ep.4: Virtually Addicted

    Ep.4: Virtually Addicted

    Hear the private thoughts of Felix Graham, a British teen struggling to redefine himself after quitting the internet games he spent countless hours playing. Plus, we travel to South Korea where the government is providing programs and feedback to young people who are over dependent on smartphones and internet gaming. And finally, we hear from neuroscientists about how neuroplasticity may make adolescents susceptible to addiction, but also more likely to be able to rewire.

    • 34 min
    Ep. 3: After Riley

    Ep. 3: After Riley

    [Contains mature themes] Seemingly happy high-schooler Riley Winters, killed herself at age 15. It was one of many suicides in Colorado Springs that year, a sharp increase that showed no signs of slowing. In this episode, we travel to Riley’s hometown to talk to friends and family, and find that suicide is more complicated than depression.

    • 38 min
    Ep. 2: Being Worthy

    Ep. 2: Being Worthy

    Ryan Green explains how the thrill of hacking and being considered “elite” prompted him to hijack 77,000 computers at once. And a look into how the adolescent brain’s hunger for the “feel good” chemical, dopamine, drives young people to push boundaries and take risks.

    • 39 min
    Ep. 1: Band of Brothers

    Ep. 1: Band of Brothers

    Abdullahi Yusuf went from winning Minnesotan high-school football player to ISIS recruit in less than a year. He opens up publicly for the first time on how his search for identity ended up in radicalization. Plus, leading scientists explore why Abdullahi’s brain may have been hard-wired to make these decisions.

    • 44 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
206 Ratings

206 Ratings

AmandaNail ,

Great for Educators!

Anyone who works with adolescences should listen to this podcast! Im sharing this show with my administration and fellow teachers; wonderful resource. Thank you for providing this research and the interesting stories that come with it!😊

Waynestaticluva ,

Can’t wait for more!

This podcast really sucked me in. Really interesting topic and makes you really think.

Halestorm1110 ,

MORE PLEASE

I love this podcast! There is nothing about this you can’t love.
You learn so much about so many different things, all while being able to understand little parts of yourself you may never had answers too.

Im a young mother of 2. Ages 7 & 1.
As a teenage mom, I had so much going on.
I learned so much science about depression, hyperactivity and social cues that I wish I had known back then.

This is an extremely great podcast.
5 stars for a reason!!

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