Summary
In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the phenomenon of Goosebumps, which are caused by the pilo erector muscles contracting, making hair stand on end, trapping air and keeping us warm. They explain that Goosebumps are an evolutionary holdover from when humans were more furry and can make us appear bigger to predators when we are scared or threatened, and it is part of the fight or flight response. Interestingly, Goosebumps are the only sympathetic nervous response that can be consciously controlled.
The hosts also discuss how our Goosebump response can be hijacked when we hear emotionally evocative things, such as music. They mention a study that found the song "Purple Rain" scored a 100 chill ratio, and every person in the study got shivers up and down their spine. They also discuss the theory that Goosebumps occur when our emotional brain perceives a threat, and our thinking brain analyzes the situation and releases built-up tension, resulting in a pleasurable feeling. However, this is just a hypothesis and not a definitive answer.
The discussion then turns to the topic of pleasurable Goosebumps, which are experienced when listening to music or watching a movie. The guest, Culver, believes that it is due to the brain resolving that there is no actual threat and releasing dopamine. However, the host disagrees and feels that the dopamine release comes from something else, such as an emotionally evocative song or scene. They discuss different hypotheses, including one that suggests the chill is triggered by a sense of loss due to a separation call in music.
Overall, the podcast episode provides an interesting insight into the science behind Goosebumps and the different theories on what causes the pleasurable Goosebumps experienced while listening to music or watching a movie. While there is no definitive answer, the discussion provides food for thought and encourages listeners to consider the different factors that may contribute to this phenomenon.
