Politics on the Couch

Politics on the Couch looks at the way our minds respond to politics and the way politicians mess with our minds. In each episode award-winning political columnist Rafael Behr is joined by a distinguished expert drawn from the world of politics, psychology or philosophy. The show will appeal to any listener interested in taking a deep dive into how psychology drives everyone's political thought and behaviour.

Featured Episode

Nov 12, 2020 • 86 minutes

Episode 11: The Madness of King Don - a journey to the dark side of charisma, with Drew Westen

Eminent US psychologist Drew Westen discusses Donald Trump's many psychopathologies.

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Latest Episodes

Jan 3, 2021 • 57 minutes

Episode 14: Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021: What happens next?

Rafael Behr looks ahead to the challenges facing Labour, Tories, Remainers and Brexiteers in 2021.

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Dec 28, 2020 • 58 minutes

Episode 13: 'Dissonance Theory' – why no-one says they were wrong

American social psychologist Dr Carol Tavris explains cognitive dissonance and how it works in the world of politics.

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Dec 12, 2020 • 43 minutes

Episode 12: Nostalgia - canvassing the politics of memory lane

Prof. Constantine Sekidikes and Prof. Tim Wildschut explain the psychology behind nostalgia.

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Politics on the Couch