Why revenge feels good — and what it costsWhy revenge feels good — and what it costs
All In The Mind
Revenge feels sweet... At least for a moment. James Kimmel Jr knows that better than most. As a lawyer, he made a career out of helping clients get payback. But the drive for revenge started to eat away at him, threatening to destroy his work life and relationships. Coming back from the brink, he started to wonder — why are we drawn to payback? What impacts does it have on the brain? And can revenge ever be addictive? In this episode, we explore some of the neuroscience of revenge: what's going on in the brain when we seek it out, the rewards we get from it, the damage it causes and how to stop it. Plus, are we hardwired for forgiveness? Just a heads up, there is a brief mention of animal cruelty in the intro of this episode, so please take care while listening. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: James Kimmel, Jr., JD Assistant Clinical Professor, Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine Author, The Science of Revenge Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite Thanks to freesound.org users craigsmith, Scott_Snailham and EwanPenman11. More information: The neural basis of altruistic punishment The sunny side of fairness: preference for fairness activates reward circuitry (and disregarding unfairness activates self-control circuitry) The neural basis of economic decision-making in the Ultimatum Game "An eye for an eye"? Neural correlates of retribution and forgiveness
32:21•6 Sept 2025
The Sweet Temptation of Revenge: A Costly Addiction
Episode Overview
- Revenge activates the brain's reward system, making it feel satisfying.
- Seeking revenge can lead to an endless cycle of anger and anxiety.
- Forgiveness can serve as a healing mechanism, freeing individuals from pain.
- Revenge can become addictive, similar to substance addictions.
- Understanding the neuroscience of revenge can help address its public health impact.
“I wanted revenge, I just wasn't willing to pay that heavy price to get it.”
Ever wondered why revenge feels so satisfying yet comes with such a hefty price? Dive into the gripping story of James Kimmel Jr., a lawyer turned researcher, who explores the addictive nature of revenge and its effects on the brain. James recounts his own tumultuous experiences with revenge, from childhood bullying to the tragic loss of his beloved beagle. He delves into the neuroscience behind why we crave payback and how it can lead to a destructive cycle.
With insights from studies at The University of Zurich, James explains how revenge activates the brain's reward system, making it feel good, but often at a significant emotional and social cost. This episode doesn't just focus on the dark side of revenge; it also touches on the power of forgiveness as a healing mechanism. James discusses how letting go can free us from the endless cycle of grievance and retaliation.
Through engaging anecdotes and scientific research, listeners are prompted to reflect on their own experiences with revenge and forgiveness. So, what does your brain really crave when you're wronged? And can forgiveness truly be the antidote to revenge addiction?
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