Lisa Feldman Barrett
Lisa Feldman Barrett is an American psychologist and neuroscientist whose work focuses on emotion, the brain, and predictive processing. She is best known for the theory of constructed emotion and books including How Emotions Are Made and Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain, which broadened public and academic debate on affective science.
Biography & Author's Journey
Lisa Feldman Barrett’s career took shape through a series of intellectual reversals. A first-generation university student from a family of limited means, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in 1986, majoring in psychology with minors in linguistics and anthropology while working multiple jobs, including in a public library and psychology labs, to pay tuition. She initially expected to go to medical school, but a mentor’s push toward graduate study redirected her path. At the University of Waterloo, where she trained in clinical psychology, early failures to replicate published findings became a turning point: instead of discouraging her, they helped steer her from therapy toward research. She completed her PhD in 1991 and a clinical internship at the University of Manitoba in 1992. ((https://www.affective-science.org/lisa-feldman-barrett.shtml?utm_source=openai))
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Popular Books
How Emotions Are Made
Lisa Feldman Barrett
A groundbreaking exploration of emotion construction, challenging traditional views and revolutionizing our understanding of the human brain and psychology.
Seven and a Half Lessons about the Brain
Lisa Feldman Barrett
Renowned neuroscientist demystifies the brain through engaging essays, debunking myths and revealing fascinating insights about human nature and behavior.
How Emotions Are Made
Lisa Feldman Barrett
A groundbreaking exploration of emotion construction, challenging traditional views and revolutionizing our understanding of the human brain and psychology.
Seven and a Half Lessons about the Brain
Lisa Feldman Barrett
Renowned neuroscientist demystifies the brain through engaging essays, debunking myths and revealing fascinating insights about human nature and behavior.
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Master Emotions via Stoicism & Brain Science
Master Emotions via Stoicism & Brain Science
This plan bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience to provide a practical toolkit for emotional regulation. It is ideal for professionals and individuals seeking to build resilience and maintain composure in an increasingly volatile world.
Mind, Behavior & Human Connection Study
Mind, Behavior & Human Connection Study
This study offers a profound look into the biological and psychological mechanisms that define our humanity. It is ideal for leaders, healthcare professionals, or anyone seeking to deepen their emotional intelligence and influence through the lens of neuroscience.
Psychology, Pleasure & Relationships
Psychology, Pleasure & Relationships
This course bridges the gap between cognitive science and emotional intelligence, offering a roadmap for mastering both self-understanding and interpersonal success. It is ideal for individuals seeking to improve their romantic connections and anyone interested in the neurological drivers of pleasure and habit.
Study Neuro, Behavior, Social & Love Skills
Study Neuro, Behavior, Social & Love Skills
This learning plan bridges the gap between biological hardwiring and social dynamics, offering a comprehensive look at why we act the way we do. It is ideal for anyone looking to improve their emotional intelligence, professional influence, and the depth of their personal relationships.
Control my emotions
Control my emotions
This plan is designed for individuals seeking to transition from reactive behavior to intentional living by mastering their internal state. It is ideal for professionals and students who want to build mental resilience and emotional intelligence through science-backed techniques.
Connect with and understand my true emotions
Connect with and understand my true emotions
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Understand others mental processes
Understand others mental processes
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Brain & Mind Sciences
Brain & Mind Sciences
The brain sciences represent one of the most dynamic frontiers in modern science, bridging biology, psychology, and philosophy to understand the organ that makes us who we are. This learning plan is ideal for students, healthcare professionals, or anyone fascinated by how our neural architecture shapes our experiences, thoughts, and behaviors.
Community Voices
"Adam Grant called Lisa Feldman Barrett "a pioneer in neuroscience and one of today’s most provocative thinkers about the mind."
— Adam Grant
"James Gross called Lisa Feldman Barrett "one of the most important contemporary figures in the field."
— James Gross
"The Guardian called Lisa Feldman Barrett "a leading American neuroscientist" and her work "popular science at its best."
— The Guardian
"Angela Duckworth said Lisa Feldman Barrett wrote "the definitive field guide to feelings and the neuroscience behind them."
— Angela Duckworth
"Michael Spivey said Lisa Feldman Barrett is "almost single-handedly taking the field of emotion research into the 21st century."
— Michael Spivey
"Scientific American said Lisa Feldman Barrett’s work was "remarkable for the freshness of its ideas and the boldness and clarity."
— Scientific American
"Paul Bloom called Lisa Feldman Barrett "one of psychology’s wisest and most creative scientists."
— Paul Bloom
"AudioFile Magazine called Lisa Feldman Barrett an "acclaimed neuroscientist" in a "sprightly introduction to the brain."
— AudioFile Magazine
"The Wall Street Journal called Lisa Feldman Barrett’s work "a thought-provoking journey into emotion science."
— The Wall Street Journal
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
