Dan Ariely Looks at Life: The Upside of Down

The Root of Art Appreciation

Dan Ariely — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:22:43 GMT

When it comes to appreciating art, being visually struck by a piece is hardly the entire experience. There’s a lot more that does not meet the eye; and that’s rooted in our understanding of the skill, mastery, and precision that was poured into the creation of the artwork.

Take sports, for example. I happen to be terrible at basketball. I’ve played a few times, only to realize I can’t dribble or shoot even decently. But, because of that, I am far more aware of the true skill it takes to play well and make a three pointer. I appreciate the game of NBA players fall more.

Art is not too different. Once you’ve taken a class or two, or even attempted to recreate a seemingly straightforward drawing by one of the masters, you realize you lack the skill to do so. That, in turn, makes you appreciate their work all the more. You no longer gaze at it and think, “I could have done this.” Because you couldn’t have.

Appreciation comes with understanding, not just of the artist’s working process but of your own inadequacies.

So, the next time you look at art, be it something as flawless as Parmigianino’s drawings or as seemingly easy as Mondrian’s canvases, why not stop for a moment to reflect? Why not consider the actual effort that went into perfecting the draughtsmanship and technical skills that made the execution of these artworks possible? It is easy to say, and think to yourself that you could have produced the same piece of art on your own. But, could you really?

Understanding the skill–and talent–behind artworks will make you look at them in brand new light.

Irrationally yours,

Dan Ariely

Greater Goods – Paul Bloom

Dan Ariely — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Do most of us, no matter our circumstances, generally land at about an 8 (out of 10) on the proverbial happiness scale? Does the human tendency to ruminate and reflect lead us toward or away from that happiness? What sort of person should we aim to be, particularly if something overwhelming and life-changing is going to happen?

In this final, retrospective episode of “The Upside of Down,” Dan and fellow social psychologist Paul Bloom examine the critical features that lead some people to give up when faced with extreme challenges, and others to persist. They also discuss why Dan chose to take on this project altogether, and how it could be an essential step toward deeply understanding the mechanisms of resilience.

Credits:

Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
A podcast by DDC International and Newfruit Media, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
Theme Song: “A Okay” by Kayjez
Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

danariely.com

This Is Who I Am – Jack Every

Dan Ariely — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:08:19 GMT

What does it take to get used to a new life situation – what can accelerate acceptance, and what can slow it down? Would we rather bluntness or optimism from our doctors? How might it help to be stoic, as well as to have a purpose or wish to accomplish something in life? Can a challenging circumstance or diagnosis lead to actual improvement of life quality, and how?

Dan talks in this episode with the stoic and exemplary construction-worker-turned-college-history-professor Jack Every about much more than Jack’s Diabetes-caused blindness.

Credits:

Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
A podcast by DDC International and Newfruit Media, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
Theme Song: “A Okay” by Kayjez
Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

danariely.com

Different Doesn’t Mean Over – Ryan DeRoche

Dan Ariely — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 09:00:00 GMT

What are the personalities, social supports, environmental factors, etc., which have some people able to see the dark side only, losing the joy of life, versus what allows others to be able to feel hope and joy still sometimes, even through immense pain and loss? How to decide whether to go back to doing what we used to love, or to pick something new that won’t remind us of how things used to be? When to choose the comfort of having others help us, and when to try to do whatever it is ourselves – how important is it to keep some degree of control?

Dan talks in this episode with the athletically and sports-activist-minded Ryan DeRoche about much more than Ryan’s quadriplegia.

Find out more about Ryan DeRoche:

ryanderoche.com

Credits:

Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
A podcast by DDC International and Newfruit Media, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
Additional sound editing: Jordan Baese
Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
Theme Song: “A Okay” by Kayjez
Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

danariely.com

From the Inside Out – Ona Gritz

Dan Ariely — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:00:00 GMT

What happens when we try to keep something under wraps for a long time, and what does it feel like to let go of that? How does disability affect romance…When someone falls in love with a person with a disability, what role might it play in considerations? Is there a universality to the disabled experience, where it serves as a magnifying glass both for what is actually experienced and also what should be done?

Dan talks in this episode with the thoughtful and wise poet Ona Gritz about much more than her right hemiplegia.

Find out more about Ona Gritz:

https://www.onagritz.com/

Credits:

Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
A podcast by DDC International and Newfruit Media, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
Theme Song: “A Okay” by Kayjez
Music by Musicbed, APM, and Marie-Claire Saindon
Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

danariely.com

Find the Places You Got Hurt – Dan Simpson

Dan Ariely — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Does helping others naturally bring out the best parts of us, and what does it feel like to have to ask for help? How do we decide what to fight for versus what to give up on? Can we really know if art is meant to be something that tries to change the world, or if it’s meant to exist for its own sake?

Dan talks in this episode with the lyrical and warm-hearted poet and musician, Dan Simpson, about much more than Dan having been blind since birth.

Find out more about Dan Simpson:

https://insidetheinvisible.wordpress.com/

Credits:

Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
A podcast by ⁠DDC International⁠ and ⁠Newfruit Media⁠, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
Theme Song: “A Okay” by Kayjez
Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

danariely.com

Embodying and Embracing the Barriers – Yo-EL Cassell

Dan Ariely — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Does having a clearly defined social role, where we can play to our strengths, help with comfort around one’s disability, as opposed to when we are in unfamiliar environments with uncomfortable roles? How does creating a narrative through writing or another art form help us contend with our challenges and differences? Is misery in fact a common driver among creative people, and/or can we access the imaginative state of childhood to fuel our creativity?

Dan talks in this episode with the creative and open-hearted choreographer/dancer Yo-El Cassell about much more than Yo-EL’s hearing impairment.

Find out more about Yo-EL Cassell:

https://yo-el.squarespace.com/about

Credits:

Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
A podcast by ⁠DDC International⁠ and ⁠Newfruit Media⁠, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
Theme Song: “A Okay” by Kayjez
Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

danariely.com

Pushing Through Tension All the Time - Gregg Mozgala

Dan Ariely — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:05:00 GMT

Can people who don’t have a physical, visible disability truly relate to those who do, or is there an empathetic barrier? Is there a fundamental difference between being born with a disability versus acquiring one? Is disability a determining factor in who we are and how we feel, or just one part of our identity?

Dan talks in this episode with the compelling and charming NYC actor and artistic director Gregg Mozgala about much more than Gregg’s cerebral palsy.

Find out more about Gregg Mozgala:

greggmozgala.com

Credits:

Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
A podcast by ⁠DDC International⁠ and ⁠Newfruit Media⁠, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

danariely.com

Our Reflection in the Eyes of Others - Nicole Kear.

Dan Ariely — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

How should we react to people who are disabled – should we ask them about it, ignore it, or what? When and how do we use humor, and what about dark humor, which can really only be used by those inside the experience? Why do we often try to keep our differences or disabilities hidden from view, and what does it feel like to get rid of the burden of pretending?

Dan talks in this episode with the funny and effervescent writer and mother of three Nicole Kear about much more than her retinitis pigmentosa.

Find out more about Nicole Kear:

nicolekear.com

Credits:

Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
A podcast by ⁠DDC International⁠ and ⁠Newfruit Media⁠, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse

danariely.com

The Upside of Down - Trailer

Dan Ariely — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

In eight candid conversations, behavioral economist and best-selling author Dan Ariely explores with his guests what it's like to live with a serious disability or physical trauma, as well as what can still feel meaningful, worthwhile, even enjoyable… at least sometimes. Combining social science findings with personal insights, these 30-minute episodes cast light on how we might face even extreme challenges, whether our own or of those around us.

Credits:

Dan Ariely: Host, Executive Producer
Robin Eldridge: Creative Director, Producer
A podcast by ⁠DDC International⁠ and ⁠Newfruit Media⁠, with production and editing by: Colby Gottert, Luis Dechtiar, and Daniel Rinaldi
Sound mixing: Ross Nelson, Daniel Rinaldi
Music by Musicbed and Marie-Claire Saindon
Cover Art: Kyarra Aylse