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When someone wrongs us, why does getting even feel so good? In his new book, The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World’s Deadliest Addiction—and How to Overcome It, lawyer and revenge researcher James Kimmel Jr. says our brains might be wired to go tit-for-tat and that revenge can be a dangerous addiction. Hosts Flora Lichtman and Ira Flatow talk with Kimmel about the neuroscience of revenge and how we can learn to control the urge to get even.
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Segment Guests
James Kimmel Jr.
James Kimmel, Jr. is the author of The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World’s Deadliest Addiction–and How to Overcome It. He’s also a lawyer, lecturer in psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, and the founder and co-director of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies.
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Meet the Producers and Host
About Annette Heist
Annette Heist is an audio producer and editor based near Philadelphia, PA.
About Ira Flatow
Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science Friday. His green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.