
The Longing Lab
Do you ever find yourself so fixated on longing that you can’t enjoy the present? Longing for a lover, an exotic destination, a lost loved one, or a past time in your life? The Longing Lab takes a deeper look at the science of longing and the culture that drives us to long for what we don’t have. You can expect insightful conversations with individuals uniquely qualified to talk about longing. Host, Amanda McCracken, has written or spoken about her own addiction to longing in national publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, & the BBC. The goal of the Longing Lab is to inspire individuals to make positive changes in their lives. Look for her book, When Longing Becomes Your Lover (Hachette), in fall of 2025!
Podcasting since 2022 • 35 episodes
The Longing Lab
Latest Episodes
AI ethicist & minister Dylan Doyle-Burke explains griefbots: their pros and cons & future considerations
Episode 34 Dylan Doyle-Burke discusses the use of AI in creating "griefbots," which simulate deceased loved ones. Doyle-Burke emphasizes the ethical considerations, potential harms, and psychological impacts of grief-related technology. He high...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 34
•
47:36
.png)
Dr. Ravin Alaei shares the connections between our favorite songs and our attachment styles
Episode 33 Dr. Ravin Alaei explores the relationship between music lyrics and attachment styles. In a study of 500 participants, lyrics of ~4,700 songs were analyzed to quantify avoidance, security, and anxiety. Results showed that people with ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 33
•
44:32
.png)
Psychologist Nirit Soffer-Dudek explains maladaptive daydreaming, where fantasy becomes disabling
Episode 32 Psychologist Nirit Soffer-Dudek explains maladaptive daydreaming, a clinical phenomenon where fantasy becomes a highly disabling and distressing addiction. She discusses fuels, triggers, treatments and why/how it’s often misdiagnosed...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 32
•
49:40
.png)
Author of Modern Friendship Anna Goldfarb on how to nurture the friendships we most value
Episode 31 Journalist Anna Goldfarb discusses the complexities of modern friendships, emphasizing the impact of social media on longing and the grief in losing friends who played specific roles in our lives. During a time when it appears we hav...
•
49:31
.png)
Centenarian & CU super fan Peggy Coppom shares wisdom on love, loss, & living a fulfilling life
Episode 30 Centenarian and University of Colorado Super Fan Peggy Coppom shares wisdom about love, friendship, and prayer through stories she shares about her twin sister, Coach Prime, and her faith in God. Since her family moved fr...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 30
•
54:30
.png)