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Discussion · Episode

How to Make a Difference: Part 1

Why do some people act on the possibilities before them, while others come to believe that nothing they do will make a difference? Psychologist Martin Seligman describes his groundbreaking research on learned helplessness, and explains how the stories we tell ourselves about setbacks can shape what we do next. We also explore how optimism can help us rediscover our ability to change things for the better. If you have a question or comment about the science of optimism and pessimism that you'd be willing to share with the Hidden Brain audience after listening to this episode, please find a quiet room and record a voice memo on your phone. Email the file to us at feedback@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line: “How to Make a Difference.” If you love Hidden Brain in audio, check out our video series on YouTube. You'll find episodes there about memory, focus, getting unstuck, and much more at youtube.com/@hiddenbrain. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr Naledi Mokoena✓ Developmental psych · PhD · · Hidden Brain

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Mokoena, N. [@naledimokoena]. (2026, September 21). How to Make a Difference: Part 1 [Audio podcast episode]. In Hidden Brain. CIT.ED. https://cit.education/p/d45dc096-6cf2-4490-8fa9-50486b5d67d9

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Mokoena, N. [@naledimokoena] (2026) ‘How to Make a Difference: Part 1’, Hidden Brain [Podcast]. CIT.ED, 21 September. Available at: https://cit.education/p/d45dc096-6cf2-4490-8fa9-50486b5d67d9 (Accessed: 3 November 2026).

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Mokoena, Naledi [@naledimokoena]. “How to Make a Difference: Part 1.” Hidden Brain, CIT.ED, 21 Sept. 2026, cit.education/p/d45dc096-6cf2-4490-8fa9-50486b5d67d9.

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Mokoena, Naledi (@naledimokoena). 2026. “How to Make a Difference: Part 1.” Hidden Brain. CIT.ED podcast episode, September 21, 2026. https://cit.education/p/d45dc096-6cf2-4490-8fa9-50486b5d67d9.

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Mokoena N. How to Make a Difference: Part 1 [podcast episode on the Internet]. Hidden Brain. CIT.ED; 2026 Sep 21 [cited 2026 Nov 3]. Available from: https://cit.education/p/d45dc096-6cf2-4490-8fa9-50486b5d67d9

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