This episode is brought to you by Fatty15, LMNT and Audible.
In this gripping and mind-opening conversation, Yale psychiatrist and author Dr. James Kimmel Jr. joins us to explore one of humanity's most primal urges—revenge. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and personal experience, Dr. Kimmel explains how revenge mimics addiction in the brain and why many of us unknowingly suffer from “revenge cravings.” He shares a deeply personal story of nearly acting on revenge as a teenager, the lessons he learned as a litigator-turned-researcher, and practical, science-backed ways to break the cycle. From mass shootings and bullying to road rage and “revenge bodies,” this episode dives deep into the psychology of retaliation, the illusion of justice, and how forgiveness may be the ultimate act of self-healing.
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In this episode we discuss...
03:25 – What is revenge? Real-life examples and dangers
06:39 – Legal revenge: Lawyers as licensed avengers
11:30 – The definition of grievance and how it fuels revenge
16:00 – Mass shooters and "grievance collectors"
17:35 – Dr. Kimmel’s personal revenge story
25:02 – Masculinity, shame, and revenge
28:27 – Why revenge seems inevitable
30:15 – Why bullies see themselves as victims
33:38 – The monster isn't people—it's the craving for revenge
35:22 – Justice vs. punishment in addiction and revenge
37:54 – Can we solve revenge like an addiction?
40:45 – The neuroscience of revenge cravings
44:18 – Legal vs. illegal retaliation and the arrow of time
49:24 – Dr. Kimmel’s revenge addiction as a lawyer
53:06 – The pain of inflicting pain on others
56:04 – The Miracle Court mental role-play
58:45 – Neuroscience of forgiveness
01:00:05 – Justice vs. revenge: How language shapes violence
01:05:21 – Why revenge escalates: evolutionary roots
01:15:58 – Revenge body & revenge sex: healthy or harmful?
01:20:04 – Road rage and everyday revenge
01:21:26 – Hollywood’s revenge addiction: From Kill Bill to The Lion King
01:28:27 – GLP-1 drugs and reducing revenge cravings
01:32:43 – Forgiveness as the fastest cure
01:36:17 – Ever Forward
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Episode resources:
- Save an additional 15% on C15:0 essential fatty acid with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.Fatty15.com/everforward
- FREE variety sample pack with any electrolyte purchase at https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/everforward
- FREE 30-day trial of Audible at https://www.AudibleTrial.com/everforward
- Watch and subscribe on YouTube
- Learn more at JamesKimmelJr.com
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