Into the Magic Shop

How do we live longer, healthier, happier lives? In this latest episode, David DeSteno, psychology professor at Northeastern University, shares how inextricably linked religion and psychology is, the rewards that a religious life can bring, and why you don’t have to be religious to benefit from the rituals.

Show Notes

How do we live longer, healthier, happier lives? That is the question David DeSteno, psychology professor at Northeastern University, explores in his new book - How God Works: the science behind the benefit of religion. 

In this latest episode of Into The Magic Shop, David shows how inextricably linked religion and psychology is, and the rewards that a religious life can bring: 

“Religions tell people: you should be good, you should be kind, you should be honest. But within the practices they're also giving people the tools to make that so .... Saying you believe in God doesn't predict anything, but engagement in spiritual practices, people who do that live longer, healthier, and happier lives.”

While religious practices around the world demonstrably improve emotional and physical well being, David says you don’t have to be religious to benefit from the wisdom of religion: 

“If you look at religious rituals, things like Ash Wednesday, it's a reminder that death may come sooner for any of us. And when that happens people turn toward the things that bring true happiness in life: social connection, care, and service toward others.”

So, if you’re looking for a way to live a more meaningful, fulfilled life, don’t miss David share how to incorporate religious rituals into your life, in a non-religious manner. 

On today’s podcast:
  • What techniques actually improve people’s lives
  • How religion helps us deal with life’s challenges
  • Why faith practices increase people's health
  • The benefits of practicing gratitude 

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What is Into the Magic Shop?

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many were overwhelmed with stress, anxiety and depression. While this epidemic of stress has been growing over the past decade, it has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the divisive nature of political discourse. As a result, many people feel disconnected, inauthentic, and unhappy, while questioning the source of their unhappiness when they presumably have “everything”—an absence of compassion, for oneself and others, is often the source of the problem.

Many of us don’t understand the nature of self-compassion nor the power of compassion to improve our lives and alleviate our suffering. By entering the “Magic Shop”, Jim will share his wisdom and introduce a variety of techniques to change the course of one’s life and share his own lessons learned through the exchange of untold stories of his guests. He will interview authors and experts in the fields of philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, spirituality and religion, as well as individuals with unique points of view. He will also engage his listeners by answering their questions and also at times interview listeners who are willing to share their own stories of challenge and hardship.