Radiolab

You and Me and Mr. Self-Esteem

January 23, 2026·1h 17m·4-min readnarrativescience
Podzilla Summary (4 min)
PREMISE
This Radiolab episode explores the cultural and psychological phenomenon of self-esteem, tracing its rise from a niche psychological concept to a widespread societal movement rooted in the work of California politician John Vasconcellos. The story centers on how the pursuit of feeling

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Guest

W

Will Storr

narrative on Radiolab

Mentions

Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.

People

John VasconcellosCarl RogersJennifer CrockerMitch Saunders

Books

Will Storrby Will StorrSelfieby Will Storr

Companies

Esalen Institute

Topics

History Of ScienceLong Form JournalismMental HealthSelf Improvement

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