Chasing Life
Chasing Life
CNN Podcasts
How Hypnosis May Be More Real, and Powerful, Than You Think
28 minutes Posted Apr 17, 2026 at 8:00 am.
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Show notes
Most people might think hypnosis is just stage tricks. But the science tells a different story. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Stanford’s Dr. David Spiegel about how clinical hypnosis may help with pain, anxiety, and bad habits. He also explains why elite athletes use it to improve focus and performance, and how you might be able to use it yourself.
Producer: Kyra Dahring
Medical Writer: Andrea Kane
Showrunner: Amanda Sealy 
Senior Producer: Dan Bloom
Technical Director: Dan Dzula
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