Alix Spiegel has worked on NPR's Science Desk for ten years covering psychology and human behavior, and has reported on everything from what it's like to kill another person, to the psychology behind our use of function words like "and", "I", and "so." She began her career in 1995 as one of the founding producers of the public radio program This American Life. While there, Spiegel produced her first psychology story, which ultimately led to her focus on human behavior. It was a piece called 81 Words, and it examined the history behind the removal of homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Spiegel joinss NPR Science Reporter Lulu Miller to co-host Invisibilia, a new series from NPR about the unseen forces that control human behavior – our ideas, beliefs, assumptions, and thoughts. Invisibilia interweaves personal stories with fascinating psychological and brain science, in a way that ultimately makes you see your own life differently. Excerpts of the show will be featured on the NPR News programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered. The program will also be available as a podcast.
Over the course of her career in public radio, Spiegel has won many awards including a George Foster Peabody Award, a Livingston Award, an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, a Scripps Howard National Journalism Award, and a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award.
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Spiegel graduated from Oberlin College. Her work on human behavior has also appeared in The New Yorker magazine and The New York Times.
Alix Spiegel on KCRW
More from KCRW
Wildfire victims turn to photo detective to recover images
WildfiresThe winds that whipped the Eaton Fire into infernos spared precious things: old family photos, postcards, and kids’ art. One Altadena resident tracks down the lost ephemera.
Former wildland firefighter on rampant mental health problems, eco-devastation
WildfiresFormer wildland firefighter Kelly Ramsey’s new memoir is about the mental and physical cost of being on the frontlines of California’s largest blazes.
A United Nations of Red Flags (From Normal Gossip)
EntertainmentWe’re taking a little break from the show week, but very excited to share an episode from the Normal Gossip podcast.
Adam Arkin on ‘Poker Face’ and nepo baby narratives; Warner Bros Discovery announces a split
EntertainmentWarner Bros Discovery is breaking into two entities : one dedicated to streaming and studios (HBO, DC, and Warner Bros Pictures) and another for global networks (CNN, TNT, TBS).
Love Letters to LA: East LA and Boyle Heights
ImmigrationHigh school student Jess shares her love for LA with a special shout-out to her family’s piñata business.
Joseph Kosinski wants you along for the ‘F1’ ride
EntertainmentJoseph Kosinski tells us how he made “F1,” Greg Kinnear gives us the scoop on “Smoke,” and author Susan Morrison has The Treat.
Who’s On Your Queer Hollywood Mount Rushmore?
EntertainmentThis week, we’re building the ultimate Queer Hollywood Mount Rushmore. Who belongs on the mountain of the most iconic LGBTQ+ entertainers in history?
Cleared for Market but Not Proven to Work
Health & WellnessWe expect that FDA-approved drugs have been shown to be safe and effective. But, that isn’t always the case.
Hollywood Fringe Festival celebrates 15 years of performing arts
ArtsThe Hollywood Fringe Festival , now 15 years old, is LA's largest performance art celebration featuring hundreds of unique shows throughout the city.