Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Memory is not just a collection of past experiences—it serves as the essential architecture of our self-identity and our beliefs about what we can achieve.
While we might think of our memories as faithful photographs of the past, they are more akin to impressionist paintings—constantly reimagined through the lens of the present.
My guest today is Dr. Charan Ranganath, a pioneering neuroscientist who has spent 25 years unraveling the mysteries of how we remember and why we forget. As a professor at UC Davis and the author of “Why We Remember,” his research reveals a striking truth: memory is not about documenting history—it’s about predicting the future.
From his early work in clinical psychology to cutting-edge fMRI studies, Charan has discovered that our brains function as storytelling machines. They selectively retain moments that help us navigate uncertainty, while beneficial forgetting prevents us from becoming overwhelmed by unnecessary details. The implications are profound—our memories are not simply archives of facts but interpretations that engage the imagination as much as reality.
Today, we delve into what I recognize as one of the most profound aspects of human consciousness. Charan illustrates how memories resemble buds on the branches of a tree, forming the framework of our life story. These chosen moments become the narratives that define not only who we are but also what we believe we can achieve.
“I don’t want to remember more. I want to remember better.”
– CHARAN RANGANATH, PHD
And these stories don’t exist in isolation. While shared recollections can metastasize when concealed by shame, they can also be transformed through the healing power of community. At the same time, modern technology has reduced the need to memorize facts while potentially altering how we form and retain knowledge.
Charan shares fascinating insights into the role of sleep in memory consolidation and explains why stress can hinder access to old memories while possibly enhancing the formation of new ones.
Moreover, his groundbreaking research emphasizes our ability to reshape our past. His work suggests that we can actively reject limiting patterns and choose alternative ones that better foster our growth—a conclusion with significant implications for personal development.
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Whether you’re curious about the neuroscience of memory or eager to understand how your own stories shape your life, this exchange clarifies how our minds construct not only our history but also our very sense of self.
Peace + Plants,
Listen, Watch, & Subscribe
For 1000s of delicious, customized plant-based recipes & so much more, check out our Plantpower Meal Planner.
AG1: If there’s one product I trust to support my whole-body health, it’s AG1, and that’s why I’ve partnered with them for so long. AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. So make sure to check out DrinkAG1.com/richroll to get this offer!
On: Swiss engineering at it’s finest, On crafts high-performance shoes and apparel crafted for comfort and style. Tested by world-class athletes, this gear is built to go the distance, so you can go all out, outdoors. Visit on.com/richroll.
Bon Charge: The world’s widest range of wellness products designed to help you sleep better, recover faster, and boost your overall well-being. My favorite is their Red Light Face Mask—check out all of their premium offerings at boncharge.com and use code RICHROLL to save 15% OFF.
Airbnb: While you’re away, your home could be an Airbnb. Hosting on Airbnb while you’re traveling is such a practical idea. Your space—which would otherwise be sitting empty—could earn you some extra cash while you’re gone. It’s a great way to offset travel costs or even fund your next adventure. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com/host.
Squarespace: The easiest way to create a beautiful website, blog, or online store for you and your ideas. Visit Squarespace.com/RichRoll for a FREE trial, and when you’re ready to launch, use the offer code RichRoll to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
Birch Living: The best, most affordable, organic, and sustainable mattresses on the market with a 100-night risk-free trial. 1% of each purchase is donated to the National Forest Foundation and Birch purchases carbon offsets for each mattress sold. For 20% off ALL mattresses and 2 free eco-rest pillows visit BirchLiving.com/richroll
- Connect with Charan: Instagram | X | Website
- Book: Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory’s Power to Hold on to What Matters
- The New York Times: I’m a Neuroscientist. We’re Thinking About Biden’s Memory and Age in the Wrong Way
- The LA Times: Opinion: The surprising way to help your brain remember
- NPR: When is forgetting normal — and when is it worrisome? A neuroscientist weighs in
- The New York Times: A Leading Memory Researcher Explains How to Make Precious Moments Last
- BBC: Why forgetting is beneficial
- The Washington Post: Why you’re always forgetting things, according to a memory scientist
- The New Yorker: Can Forgetting Help You Remember?
- The Guardian: The big idea: why am I so forgetful?
There are a few simple ways you can support the show and the content we strive to craft and share every single week
Subscribe & Review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Spotify). This helps tremendously!
Patronize Our Sponsors: Supporting the companies that support the show! For a complete list of all RRP sponsors and their respective vanity URLs and discount codes, click the ‘Sponsors’ tab in the ‘Shop’ menu.
Spread The Word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favorite episodes by posting about it on social media.
Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Dan Drake & Morgan McCrae for video, & editing; graphics by graphics by Alejandro Ribadeneira & Bryan Lawrence; portraits by Davy Greenberg; copywriting by Ben Pryor; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
