02. The Feelings Lab - Embarrassment w/ Ali Kolbert

The Feelings Lab

In this week's episode of The Feelings Lab, we're discussing embarrassment! Returning hosts Dr. Alan Cowen, Dr. Dacher Keltner, and Matt Forte will be joined by guest host Dr. Jessica Tracy (Director of the Emotion and Self Lab at the University of British Columbia) and special guest, comedian Ali Kolbert (as seen on The Tonight Show).

Begin by hearing Dr. Dacher Keltner describe the concept of emotional contagion and how the feeling of embarrassment helps strengthen our collective identity.

Emotional Contagion with Dacher Keltner

Emotional Contagion with Dacher Keltner | The Feelings Lab: Ep 2 Embarrassment Clip 1/5

Next, hear about this in practice as guest Ali Kolbert explains how emotions seem to spread across comedy club crowds—and how stepping over the line can cause backlash.

Emotional Contagion in Comedy with Ali Kolbert

Emotional Contagion in Comedy with Ali Kolbert | The Feelings Lab: Ep 2 Embarrassment Clip 3/5

Later in the episode, Dr. Alan Cowen, Hume's Chief Scientist, comments on how the feeling of embarrassment has evolved across time and age. Specifically, social media may make the embarrassment we experience in our everyday lives feel worse than it used to.

Embarrassment Across Time and Age with Alan Cowen

Embarrassment Across Time and Age with Alan Cowen | The Feelings Lab: Ep 2 Embarrassment Clip 4/5

And discover that while animals show recognizable displays of submission, psychologist Dr. Jessica Tracy explains — your dog’s expression of remorse may not be one of them.

Do Animals Feel Embarrassment? with Jessica Tracy

Do Animals Feel Embarrassment? with Jessica Tracy | The Feelings Lab: Ep 2 Embarrassment Clip 2/5

All this and more can be found in our full episode, available on Apple and Spotify.