James Kimmel: The Science of Revenge — How Our Brains Get Addicted to Retaliation

In this mind-blowing episode of the SuperLife podcast, Darin sits down with Yale-trained lawyer, mental health advocate, and neuroscience researcher James Kimmel Jr., whose groundbreaking work unveils a shocking truth: revenge isn’t just emotional — it’s biochemical.

From his own near-murderous moment as a bullied teenager to a high-powered career as a federal prosecutor, James takes us on a gripping journey that exposes how revenge operates like an addictive drug in the brain, and how most violence — from road rage to war — can be traced back to an unseen cycle of revenge cravings.

Together, Darin and James explore the dark underbelly of our justice system, why forgiveness is a neurological superpower, and how Kimmel's powerful Miracle Court process can help anyone break free from the vengeance loop. This episode doesn’t just change how you see violence — it offers a radical new path to freedom.

 

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What You’ll Learn:

00:00 – James Kimmel's shocking origin story
05:30 – The night he nearly pulled the trigger
11:00 – Why revenge is neurologically addictive
15:00 – How the brain confuses revenge with healing
18:45 – The real neuroscience behind violence and addiction
22:00 – Why the legal system is society’s revenge dealer
27:30 – The dangers of rumination and social reinforcement
32:10 – Everyday revenge: the grudges we don’t even notice
35:40 – How most revenge is nonviolent, but still harmful
40:00 – The missing diagnosis: revenge addiction
45:00 – Why mental health experts have missed this
48:20 – How forgiveness works in the brain
53:00 – The hidden biological rewards of letting go
56:40 – The “Miracle Court” and self-led emotional trials
01:03:00 – How imagination alone can dissolve trauma
01:10:00 – Why this system could save millions of lives
01:19:00 – James’s final message on choosing freedom over pain

 

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Thank You to Our Sponsors:

• Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com.

• Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off

 

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Find More from James Kimmel Jr:

• Book: The Science of Revenge

• App: miraclecourt.com

• Instagram: @yalepsych

• Website: jameskimmeljr.com

 

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Find More From Darin:

• Website: darinolien.com

• Instagram: @darinolien

• Book: Fatal Conveniences

• Podcast: Superlife

 

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Key Takeaway:

“Revenge is an invisible addiction. But forgiveness? It’s instant self-healing—no prescription required.”