Dr Christian Heim
Dr Christian Heim
#115 Do power and status change us?
#115 Do power and status change us?
#115 Do power and status change us?
Tuesday 8th July 2025
Explore how roles influence behaviour with Dr Heim's insights on power, empathy, and the brain's role in justifying actions.
25 minutes
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About this podcast
Author:
Dr Christian Heim
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Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Healing Relationships
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Episodes:
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Episode Overview
- Roles can lead to justification of actions, sometimes at the expense of empathy.
- The Stanford Prison Experiment highlights how power dynamics affect behaviour.
- Neuroscience explains how emotions can override rational thought.
- Maintaining empathy is crucial in roles that wield power.
- Eye contact can foster human connection and forgiveness.
"Our feelings are just as strong, if not stronger, than our thoughts."
In this episode of The Dr Christian Heim Podcast, Dr Heim and host Hurricane H tackle the intriguing question: do power and status change us? Drawing from the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment, Dr Heim explores how roles can lead individuals to justify their actions, sometimes at the expense of empathy and compassion. He delves into the neuroscience behind these behaviours, explaining how our brains can override rational thought with emotional impulses.
With real-life anecdotes from his time as a clinical director in a forensic psychiatric hospital, Dr Heim illustrates the importance of maintaining empathy in roles that wield power. Hurricane H adds his perspective, highlighting everyday scenarios where authority figures might overstep boundaries, reminding us all of the human tendency to justify actions in the name of duty.
The episode is not just a deep dive into psychological experiments but also a reflection on how empathy can be nurtured through simple acts like eye contact. Dr Heim encourages listeners to see beyond roles and games, advocating for genuine human connection and forgiveness. Whether you're interested in psychology, neuroscience, or simply understanding human behaviour better, this episode offers valuable insights into the delicate balance between power and empathy.
So, are you ready to explore how your role might affect your actions? Tune in to find out.