EPISODE · Jun 15, 2026 · 35 MIN
ProSocial: How Cooperation Makes Us Human (Part 1) | Wired for Hope
from Wired for Hope
In this episode, Dr Jess welcomes Richard Coates back to the podcast to discuss the science of human cooperation and what it means for teams working under pressure in healthcare and beyond.Richard, who is a psychologist and ProSocial facilitator, introduces ProSocial - a framework rooted in three interlocking theories.He begins with evolutionary science, exploring why cooperation is not just a nice-to-have but a fundamental survival advantage, and why the story of Western individualism runs counter to biological and social reality. The conversation moves into the remarkable work of Nobel Prize-winning economist Elinor Ostrom, whose eight core design principles offer a practical blueprint for effective, fair, and sustainable cooperation. Richard and Dr Jess explore what those principles look like in practice, from shared identity and purpose to graduated responses to unhelpful behaviour, and why transparency within groups is so often the first thing to erode when things go wrong. This is part one of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss part two which will be released in a fortnight.Links:ProSocial World: https://www.prosocial.worldSubscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArtDISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What this episode covers
In this episode, Dr Jess welcomes Richard Coates back to the podcast to discuss the science of human cooperation and what it means for teams working under pressure in healthcare and beyond.Richard, who is a psychologist and ProSocial facilitator, introduces ProSocial - a framework rooted in three interlocking theories.He begins with evolutionary science, exploring why cooperation is not just a nice-to-have but a fundamental survival advantage, and why the story of Western individualism runs counter to biological and social reality. The conversation moves into the remarkable work of Nobel Prize-winning economist Elinor Ostrom, whose eight core design principles offer a practical blueprint for effective, fair, and sustainable cooperation. Richard and Dr Jess explore what those principles look like in practice, from shared identity and purpose to graduated responses to unhelpful behaviour, and why transparency within groups is so often the first thing to erode when things go wrong. This is part one of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss part two which will be released in a fortnight.Links:ProSocial World: https://www.prosocial.worldSubscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArtDISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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ProSocial: How Cooperation Makes Us Human (Part 1) | Wired for Hope
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