Episode #229: William von Hippel

In Episode #229, Dr. Bill von Hippel joins Osi to tackle a big question: Why do so many of us feel unhappy or unfulfilled, even while living in comfort with more freedom, choice, and opportunity than ever before? They discuss the deep evolutionary forces that shape who we are—and how understanding those forces can help us push back against the emptiness and isolation that often come with modern life.Dr. Bill von Hippel is a renowned psychologist, author, and expert on human behavior. He spent over three decades as a psychology professor in both the United States and Australia, contributing extensively to the field.Today, Bill writes books and conducts research for private companies. He has published more than 150 academic articles and chapters across various psychological topics, and his work has been cited over 15,000 times in the academic literature. His research has been widely reported in the media, including in The New York Times' ‘100 Ideas of the Year’, The Economist, USA Today, Le Monde, Il Mundo, Der Spiegel, and The Australian.Bill is the author of The Social Leap: The New Evolutionary Science of Who We Are, Where We Come From, and What Makes Us Happy, a critically acclaimed book that explores how the challenges faced by our early ancestors continue to influence our decision-making, relationships, and happiness today. Through compelling research and accessible storytelling, Bill explains how the evolutionary pressures that shaped our ancestors’ brains also govern the way we navigate social situations, pursue goals, and seek fulfillment.He is also the author of The Social Paradox: Autonomy, Connection, and Why We Need Both to Find Happiness, further expanding on his exploration of human behavior and happiness, offering insights into the balance between autonomy and connection in leading a fulfilling life.