Why we find cuteness so appealing - Instant Genius

What this episode covers

Why do so many of us find babies, kittens and puppies so cute? How did the now-widespread Japanese notion of kawaii end up transcending cultural boundaries? And can cute things help us with our mental health? To answer these questions and more, we catch up with Joshua Paul Dale, a professor of American literature and culture based at Chuo University in Tokyo. He tells us all about his pioneering work in the field of cute studies and his new book Irresistible: How Cuteness Wired our Brains and Conquered the World. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Was Chris Cenac Jr. the RIGHT Pick For the Celtics?

Jun 24, 2026 ·19m

INSTANT REACTION: Celtics Select Chris Cenac Jr. - Garden Report on CLNS

Jun 24, 2026 ·80m

Potential Trade Destinations for Jaylen Brown

Jun 23, 2026 ·11m

How Will Jaylen Brown React to Celtics Including Him in Giannis Trade Offer?

Jun 23, 2026 ·26m

Celtics LOSE Giannis sweepstakes - what now for Jaylen Brown? | You Got Boston w/ Noa Dalzell

Jun 23, 2026 ·21m

Giannis TRADED to Heat | What Now for Jaylen Brown and the Celtics? - Garden Report on CLNS

Jun 23, 2026 ·84m

Similar Podcasts

Billionaire HealthCare Ashley Black Billionaire HealthCare is geared towards the average person who wants to be healthy. Many “illnesses” are really just names given to symptoms and not the root cause. Many athletic limitations are not things that “just happen” as we age, but problems that can be improved and even prevented. In this show, Ashley will dive into these issues and enlighten you about what REALLY is going on with your body, and give you real life strategies to overcome your limitations. She believes that the knowledge of the living matrix, fascia, can completely change the HealthCare paradigm; that conventional healthcare and fitness DERAILED, and that her knowledge of the secrets of the rich and famous can get us back on track. You will take away instant strategies that you can begin to incorporate into your life immediately. The education and solutions discussed on Billionaire HealthCare will ease the question that we all ask ourselves,“Could I be better?” The answer is, “Yes you can, and here’s how!” Relaxing Free Sounds Instant Media Access Welcome to RELAXING FREE SOUNDS — your pocket-sized escape into pure atmosphere. This podcast is built for the moments when you need to soften the noise of the day and replace it with something calmer, steadier, and more natural. Whether you’re winding down after work, focusing on a task, trying to drift into sleep, or simply craving a sense of space, you’ll find immersive soundscapes designed to help you breathe a little deeper and feel a little lighter. Each episode is a carefully curated ambience session, created to feel like you’ve stepped into a different place. Expect soothing nature soundscapes like rainfall on leaves, distant thunder rolling across the horizon, gentle ocean waves, forest wind moving through pines, mountain streams, crackling campfires, and night insects humming under a wide sky. You’ll also hear city and indoor ambience for those who love the comfort of lived-in spaces: cozy café chatter, soft library hush, subtle office room tone, a quiet apartment at night, a Secrets of Highly Creative People Podcast Sam Bennett Samantha Bennett is the world's most innovative Creativity/Productivity Expert, and she'd like to have a word with you about the secret creative genius you've got hidden away. Don't think you're creative? Think again. Success Secrets Exposed Sally A Curtis Sally leads intimate conversations with today’s thought leaders, change-makers, disrupters and masters of their inner genius. We bring you tips, strategies and insightful perspectives on a range of topics shaping our lives and business growth, revealing the humaneness of success and challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Instant Genius?

This episode is 23 minutes long.

When was this Instant Genius episode published?

This episode was published on November 13, 2023.

What is this episode about?

Why do so many of us find babies, kittens and puppies so cute? How did the now-widespread Japanese notion of kawaii end up transcending cultural boundaries? And can cute things help us with our mental health? To answer these questions and more, we...

Can I download this Instant Genius episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.