David DeSteno
David DeSteno is an American psychologist and author whose work focuses on emotion, morality, self-control, and social behavior. A professor at Northeastern University, he wrote Emotional Success, The Truth About Trust, and How God Works, bringing behavioral science to broad audiences through widely read books and commentary.
Biography & Author's Journey
David DeSteno built his career at the intersection of social psychology, moral behavior, and public-facing writing. Educated at Vassar College, where he graduated with honors in psychology, he went on to earn an M.S., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in social psychology from Yale University, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Ohio State University, and joined Northeastern University in 1999. He is now a professor of psychology there and directs the Social Emotions Group. One early turning point, by his own account, came as an undergraduate when he found himself deciding between religious studies and psychology, a choice that foreshadowed a career spent asking how people become more moral, connected, and compassionate. ((https://cos.northeastern.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/desteno_cv.pdf))
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The Truth About Trust
David DeSteno
Uncover the psychology of trust and its profound impact on relationships, success, and decision-making in all areas of life.
Out of Character
David DeSteno & Piercarlo Valdesolo
Explores the hidden psychological forces shaping our character, revealing why even good people sometimes behave badly.
The Truth About Trust
David DeSteno
Uncover the psychology of trust and its profound impact on relationships, success, and decision-making in all areas of life.
Out of Character
David DeSteno & Piercarlo Valdesolo
Explores the hidden psychological forces shaping our character, revealing why even good people sometimes behave badly.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
