Episódios
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"We're awash in lies and misinformation to a degree that was not possible before we got the internet and in particular before we got social media."
Our world seems more fragmented than ever. Author and podcaster Sam Harris thinks that an open conversation with 8 billion strangers could solve that. Here's his full Big Think interview, in its entirety.
Sam argues that the real problem isn’t bad people but bad ideas. He believes there’s a growing “crisis of meaning” caused by secularism, social media, and political division, making honest discussions harder.
He points out how online platforms spread misinformation, push people to extremes, and make cooperation difficult. He values reason over blind faith and encourages open conversations. He also promotes mindfulness and meditation to quiet the constant noise in our minds.
He’s worried about rising populism and authoritarianism, warning that ignoring big issues like climate change and AI could have serious consequences. To protect free societies, he says we need to stay rational and deal with these threats wisely.
Chapters for easier navigation:
00:00:00 - Finding meaning in a world of disinformation00:00:21 - When did you first become interested in debate?00:01:28 - What is causing the polarization we are seeing in our society?00:08:46 - How do we experience meaning?00:14:37 - What concerns you most about the future?00:21:49 - Why is freedom of speech such a powerful concept?00:28:48 - How do our belief systems affect the world around us?00:37:05 - How do we navigate the current landscape?00:45:00 - What can individuals do to make the world a better place?00:51:15 - How can we become better versions of ourselves?01:04:44 - How can we reframe our mental state into a positive experience?01:14:01 - Is artificial intelligence friend or foe?01:22:08 - How can we develop artificial intelligence responsibly?01:26:39 - How can the media regain lost trust?01:36:13 - How can you tell who is telling the truth in media?
About Sam Harris:Sam Harris is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, The End of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation. The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction.Mr. Harris' writing has been published in over ten languages. He and his work have been discussed in Newsweek, TIME, The New York Times, Scientific American, Rolling Stone, and many other journals. His writing has appeared in Newsweek, The Los Angeles Times, The Times (London), The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, Nature, The Annals of Neurology, and elsewhere.
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Welcome to The Freethink Interview, a interview series from our sister channel @freethink where we talk to the new generation of builders, leaders and thinkers shaping technological progress. Join us for thought-provoking conversations with some of the world’s most interesting and ambitious technologists.
What if the world's most critical technology isn't software, but the tiny pieces of silicon that power it? In an age where chips are everywhere, from smartphones to coffee makers, their manufacturing complexity might surprise you. It's harder to make a modern semiconductor than a nuclear weapon.Inside Taiwan's cutting-edge fabrication plants, machines worth $350 million each orchestrate an atomic ballet. These marvels of engineering use the flattest mirrors ever made and lasers that create temperatures 40 times hotter than the sun's surface – all to carve transistors smaller than a coronavirus.From Silicon Valley to Taiwan, from the Netherlands to Japan, making modern chips is a global dance of unprecedented complexity. Each processor requires ultra-purified materials, billion-dollar machines, and a supply chain spanning multiple continents. But this intricate network faces its greatest challenge yet.As artificial intelligence reshapes our world, the demand for advanced chips is skyrocketing. Tech giants are pouring billions into new semiconductor designs, while startups race to create specialized AI chips that could make artificial intelligence as accessible as a Google search. Join us as we explore how these tiny silicon marvels are shaping humanity's future.
This episode delves into the fascinating and high-stakes world of semiconductors, exploring their critical role in modern technology and geopolitics. Author and professor Chris Miller discusses the complexity of chip manufacturing, the global supply chain's vulnerabilities, and the strategic importance of Taiwan in the semiconductor industry. He explains how advancements in chip technology have far outpaced other fields, how AI demand is driving innovation, and how tensions between the U.S. and China over chip production could reshape the global economy. The episode highlights the crucial role chips play in everything from smartphones to AI development, and the potential risks if supply chains are disrupted.
Chapters For easier Navigation:
0:00: The Freethink Interview: Chris Miller00:39: A single factory in Taiwan02:31: The first transistor 03:31: The first chip04:50: Moore’s Law 07:40: A global industry10:01: The most important company in the world12:08: Why chips are central to US and China13:45: AI and chips
About Chris Miller: He is an American historian, professor, and author specializing in international affairs, economics, and technology. He teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and is best known for his book Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology, which explores the geopolitical significance of semiconductors. His research focuses on global power struggles, particularly between the U.S. and China, and his work has appeared in major publications like The New York Times and Foreign Affairs.
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"We try to stick to routines and we try to go through very long lists of tasks, often ignoring our mental health in the process. There is a lot more to think about on a daily basis, but our brains haven't evolved."
This episode explores how cognitive overload and the pressure to maximize productivity lead to anxiety, burnout, and rigid goal-setting. Neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff introduces the concept of the "maximized brain," where ambition overrides curiosity, often resulting in overwhelm. She contrasts this with the "experimental mindset," which embraces small, curiosity-driven experiments instead of rigid goals. Drawing from her own journey—leaving Google, failing at a startup, and rediscovering her passion for neuroscience—she explains how tiny experiments can lead to personal growth. She also discusses three limiting mindsets (cynical, escapist, and perfectionist) and how shifting to an experimental approach can lead to a more fulfilling, conscious life.
00:00 Taking control of your mindset00:16 The experimental mindset01:22 What is the maximalist brain?02:20 How did you discover the experimental mindset?04:29 Why is mindset so important?05:18 What are the mindsets that hold us back?07:29 What mindset should we strive for?08:39 How do you cultivate an experimental mindset?12:04 How do you analyze the collected data?13:43 How have you personally employed the experimental mindset?15:20 What are some tiny experiments anyone can do?16:33 Why should we commit to curiosity?17:29 The illusion of certainty19:13 How are uncertainty and anxiety linked?20:07 Why did our brains evolve to fear uncertainty?21:10 How should we approach uncertainty instead?22:20 What is the linear model of success?23:50 How can we go from linear success to fluid experimentation?24:36 How can labeling emotions help manage uncertainty?27:28 Why do humans struggle with transitional periods?30:04 The 3 cognitive scripts that rule your life30:44 What is a cognitive script?32:11 What is the sequel script?33:35 What is the crowd pleaser script?34:20 What is the epic script?36:29 What should we do when we notice we are following a cognitive script?38:04 In defense of procrastination40:38 How can the triple check inform what we do next?42:09 What are magic windows?43:02 What is mindful productivity?43:41 What is mindful productivity’s most valuable resource?44:27 How does managing emotions influence productivity?45:10 What does death by two arrows mean?45:54 What’s the hardest part of knowing what to do next?46:34 How can we practice self-anthropology?
About Anne-Laure Le Cunff:Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and writer. A former Google executive, she went back to university to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology & Neuroscience from King’s College London. As the founder of Ness Labs and author of its widely read newsletter, she writes about evidence-based ways for people to make the most of their minds, navigate uncertainty, and practice lifelong learning. Her work has been featured in peer-reviewed academic journals and mainstream publications such as WIRED, Forbes, Rolling Stone, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and more
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Gracie Gold’s battle with mental health nearly ended her career—and her life. This is how she found her way back to herself.
Gracie Gold, a two-time national champion and Olympic medalist, seemed to embody perfection. But behind the medals and the headlines, her obsession with being flawless led her to a breaking point. After the 2016 World Championships, she spiraled into depression, binge-eating, and a complete loss of identity. Feeling trapped and out of place, Gold hit rock bottom before seeking help at a treatment facility. There, she finally “met herself,” learning to let go of perfection and accepting “okay” as enough. Now, she’s a mental health advocate and a New York Times bestselling author.
Summary:
Gracie Gold, once an Olympic figure skating superstar, shares her deeply personal journey of struggling with perfectionism, self-worth, and mental health. Despite growing up in ice rinks, she often felt trapped and disconnected from the world, likening her experience to being stuck inside a snow globe. As her skating career faltered, she internalized failure, leading to disordered eating, depression, and eventually suicidal ideation.
Her relentless pursuit of perfection left her feeling worthless when she fell short. The pressure to meet external expectations, combined with personal struggles, led to a complete breakdown. A turning point came when she entered a treatment facility, where she finally felt seen and heard. Therapy helped her realize that not everything needed to be perfect and that she could exist outside of others’ expectations.
By shattering the image of the "perfect ice princess," Gracie was able to reclaim her identity and step forward as her true self. She now embraces imperfection, proving that recovery and self-acceptance are possible.
Key Takeaways:
Perfectionism can be both a motivator and a destructive force.
External validation is not a sustainable source of self-worth.
Mental health treatment can be life-changing and lifesaving.
Breaking free from unrealistic expectations allows for true self-discovery.
About Gracie Gold:Gracie Gold is an American figure skater known for her technical skill, artistry, and resilience. Born in 1995, she rose to prominence by winning the U.S. national title in 2014 and earning a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in the team event. Gold also claimed silver at the 2016 World Championships, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s top competitors. After facing mental health challenges that led to a hiatus, she made a remarkable comeback, advocating for mental health awareness in athletics.
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Timestamps:
0:00: The library of Herculaneum
1:17: The Vesuvius Challenge
2:30: A unique approach
3:49: Deciphering ‘crackle’
5:01: Solving an ancient puzzle
Summary:
In AD 79, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the Roman town of Herculaneum, home to the only surviving ancient library. The scrolls, carbonized by the disaster, remained unreadable for centuries. However, modern technology is changing that.
A team led by Brent Seales at the University of Kentucky has worked for 20 years to decode these scrolls. A competition, supported by Nat Friedman and later funded by Elon Musk, challenged researchers to develop AI-powered methods to "virtually unroll" and decipher the texts.
One participant, after weeks of studying CT scans of the scrolls, identified patterns resembling Greek letters. This discovery led to breakthroughs by others, including SpaceX engineer Luke Farritor and researcher Youssef Nader, who used AI to automate text recognition. Their efforts revealed 15 columns of ancient Greek text for the first time in nearly 2,000 years.
With further advancements, reading these scrolls could become significantly cheaper, unlocking lost knowledge from ancient Rome. Future excavations may uncover even more hidden libraries beneath Vesuvius.
Key Takeaways:
AI and CT scanning technology are revolutionizing archaeology.
Newly uncovered texts could double the known corpus of ancient Roman literature.
Future excavations may reveal even more lost knowledge.
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“I want people to know that their lives matter and that their deaths ultimately will too.” How a journey to Cuba made Alua Arthur confront her own mortality, and ultimately led her to her career as a death doula.
Alua Arthur, a death doula, never expected to find her calling in the space between life and death. Struggling with depression and a sense of not belonging, she was searching for meaning when a chance encounter in Cuba changed everything. After encountering death in her personal life, she began to confront her own mortality—and realize she wasn’t truly living. This moment, combined with the loss of her brother-in-law, set her on a path to becoming a death doula, someone who supports people through their final days. Now, she is an author, a (public speaker), and has dedicated her career to helping others embrace life by acknowledging its inevitable end.
Alua Arthur, a death doula, shares her journey from feeling like an outsider to finding purpose in helping others face death with grace. She describes struggling with depression while working as a lawyer, feeling disconnected from life. A transformative conversation with a terminally ill woman in Cuba made her confront her own mortality and realize the importance of truly living.
When her brother-in-law fell ill and passed away, it deepened her understanding of life and death. She then chose to become a death doula—providing emotional and logistical support to the dying and their loved ones. Through this work, she has learned to live with urgency, be fully present, and embrace herself as she is.
Key Takeaways:
Facing death helps clarify what truly matters in life.
Living fully means embracing every moment without holding back.
Supporting people in their final moments can be a deeply healing and meaningful role.
About Alua Arthur: Alua Arthur is a death doula, end-of-life care expert, and founder of Going with Grace, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals navigate the final chapter of their lives. After struggling with depression and identity, Alua found purpose in guiding others through the dying process with compassion and dignity. She has dedicated her life to empowering people to face death with grace, offering support to both individuals and their families.
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"Everything that we care about, everything we experience, everything we know, we know it through our conscious awareness of it."
Consciousness is everything we know, everything we experience. The mystery at the heart of consciousness lies in why our universe – despite teeming with non-conscious matter – is configured in a way where it's having a felt experience from the inside. Modern neuroscience suggests that our intuitions about consciousness are incorrect. And so, it's possible that we've been thinking about consciousness the wrong way entirely, says bestselling author Annaka Harris.
Consciousness is everything we know, everything we experience. The mystery at the heart of consciousness lies in why our universe – despite teeming with non-conscious matter – is configured in a way where it's having a felt experience from the inside. Modern neuroscience suggests that our intuitions about consciousness are incorrect. And so, it's possible that we've been thinking about consciousness the wrong way entirely, says bestselling author Annaka Harris.
0:00- The Hard Problem of Consciousness
0:39- Defining consciousness
2:20- Is consciousness more basic in nature?
4:29- Thomas Nagel’s perspective.
6:02- Consciousness vs. thought
7:06- Decision making processes
**Summary of the Episode on Consciousness**
**1. The Hard Problem of Consciousness**
- The central mystery: How does non-conscious matter (atoms, electrons) configure in a way that creates conscious experience?
- Why does some matter "feel" something while the rest of the universe does not?
**2. Defining Consciousness**
- Consciousness is central to everything we know and experience.
- It is our direct connection to reality—without it, nothing would matter.
- Despite its importance, consciousness remains a scientific and philosophical mystery.
**3. Consciousness as a Fundamental Property**
- Some theories suggest that consciousness isn’t just a result of complex brain activity.
- It may be a fundamental aspect of nature, similar to gravity.
- If true, it could mean consciousness exists in more forms than previously thought.
**4. The Concept of "Umwelt"**
- Different organisms experience reality differently.
- Example: Bats use sonar instead of vision, leading to a completely different sensory world.
- This challenges our ability to define consciousness in a human-centric way.
**5. Decision-Making Without Thought**
- Even simple organisms and plants show behaviors that resemble decision-making.
- Example: Pea seedlings grow toward water, even responding to the sound of running water.
- The parasitic dodder vine chooses its host plant based on light frequencies.
- Suggests that basic forms of "awareness" might exist outside of brains.
**6. Rethinking Consciousness**
- If consciousness is not just a product of complexity, it might be everywhere in some form.
- This could mean that even simple processes in nature have a "felt experience."
- The idea challenges traditional science but opens new possibilities for understanding life.
**Conclusion**
- The nature of consciousness remains an open question.
- If it’s a fundamental property of the universe, it might extend far beyond human and animal minds.
.
About Annaka Harris:Annaka Harris is the New York Times bestselling author of CONSCIOUS: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind and writer and producer of the forthcoming audio documentary series, LIGHTS ON. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Nautilus Magazine, the Journal of Consciousness Studies, and IAI Magazine. She is also an editor and consultant for science writers, specializing in neuroscience and physics. Annaka is the author of the children’s book I Wonder, coauthor of the Mindful Games Activity Cards, and a volunteer mindfulness teacher for the organization Inner Kids.
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"You need to run towards the pain and darkness and not away from it. I think the best leaders always run towards the darkness. They always run towards a problem."
Much of the management advice we find in books emphasizes using leadership tactics that may seem reasonably obvious. This advice is often easy to follow — but that’s not where leaders run into issues with their strategy, argues Ben Horowitz, founding partner at the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and author of the best-selling book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things.”Horowitz says that leaders make blunders when they find themselves in highly emotionally charged situations where the emotion prevents them from doing the thing that they intellectually know they need to do. For example, firing a friend or doing a reorganization that causes a very talented employee to lose power. These things are much more difficult, and people often avoid them. But as a leader, you're much better off running at your fear than running away from your fear because it's going to chase you down, emphasizes Horowitz. ‘Management debt’ is what happens when you don't do what you're supposed to. And accruing a lot of management debt has a cascading effect that can create a total degradation of your organization. Here’s how to lead instead.
Chapters For Easier Navigation:
0:00: Complicated emotional challenges
1:19: Management debt
2:42: Wartime conditions
4:43: Choosing courage
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**Where Did the Universe Come From?**
For millennia, questions about the origins of the universe were left to poets, philosophers, and theologians. But in the 20th century, science took over the conversation—offering answers that surpassed even our wildest imaginations.
Astrophysicist Ethan Siegel breaks down the groundbreaking discoveries that led to our modern understanding of the universe’s origins. From Edwin Hubble’s discovery of distant galaxies to the Big Bang theory and the revolutionary idea of cosmic inflation, this video explores the fundamental forces that shaped everything we see today.
How did space and time evolve? What came before the Big Bang? And what mysteries are still left to solve? Find out in this deep dive into the science of our cosmic origins.
"Asking the question of, where did the entire universe come from, is no longer a question for poets and theologians and philosophers. This is a question for scientists, and we have some amazing scientific answers to this question that have defied even the wildest of our expectations."
Ethan Siegel, theoretical astrophysicist and science communicator, author of the James Webb Space Telescope book, "Infinite Cosmos," and writer of the science blog, "Starts With A Bang" joins us to explore the cosmic origins of our universe.
0:00 - Where did the entire universe come from?
0:57 - A question for scientists
1:43 - The quest for the beginning of the universe
2:21 - Hubble’s telescope
4:09 - Extragalactic objects
5:11 - Blueshifted vs redshifted
6:53 - General theory of relativity
7:50 - The cosmic egg
8:26 - The origin of The Big Bang
9:55 - A cosmological constant
14:24 - Scale invariant spectrum
15:13 - Testing for Cosmic Inflation
19:34 - Our cosmic origins
21:03 - Ethan Siegel, kilt influencer
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Asian-American comedian Atsuko Okatsuka shares her experience as an immigrant, navigating personal insecurities, and ultimately finding belonging in comedy.
**In this episode,** comedian **Atsuko Okatsuka** reflects on identity, perfectionism, and feeling *not good enough*. She shares her experience growing up as an immigrant with a schizophrenic mother and how her grandmother secretly brought her to the U.S., separating her from her father.
Atsuko explores people-pleasing, fear of disappointment, and how pain has shaped her. Through comedy and self-reflection, she confronts the past and finds connection.
The weight of cultural dislocation, family turmoil, and the constant quest for perfection can trap us in roles we don’t truly belong in. Asian-American comedian Atsuko Okatsuka—armed with a raw immigrant perspective—shares how early missteps with English and personal familial hardships left her feeling less than enough.
About Atsuko Okatsuka:Atsuko Okatsuka is an Asian-American comedian, writer, and actor born in Taiwan and raised in the U.S. She is known for her stand-up special The Intruder and her viral “drop challenge.” Her comedy explores identity, belonging, and personal insecurities. She has performed on HBO, written for TV, and appeared on various comedy platforms, establishing herself as a distinct voice in the stand-up scene.
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“What CIA taught me is that manipulation is one side of a coin, and on the other side of the coin is the word motivation.”
Generally, we think people who manipulate us are bad guys, but people who motivate us are heroes, but the truth is far more complex, argues Andrew Bustamante. "The skills that go into both motivation and manipulation are almost the same skills. The same level of persuasion, the same level of influence, the same level of charisma and dynamic creative thinking drives us to both be manipulated and be motivated."
In this episode,
the psychology of spycraft is explored through the lens of CIA training, revealing the fine line between manipulation and motivation. The discussion delves into human nature, self-preservation, and the pursuit of specific outcomes, emphasizing that influence—whether through persuasion or control—relies on the same fundamental skills. A key lesson from intelligence operations is the power of listening and asking the right questions to steer conversations and uncover hidden truths. By understanding these psychological tactics, individuals can recognize and navigate the forces shaping their decisions and behaviors.
About Andrew Bustamante:Andrew Bustamante is a former covert CIA intelligence officer and decorated US Air Force combat veteran. In 2017, he founded EverydaySpy.com, the first digital platform teaching real-world intelligence techniques to everyday people. Drawing from his 20 years running human and technical operations globally, Bustamante empowers individuals to break social, financial, and cultural barriers using proven spy skills. He's a Fortune 10 corporate advisor, cybersecurity expert, and author of "Everyday Espionage: Winning the Workplace and Social Game."
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In this episode,
researcher Hannah Ritchie discusses the realities of climate change, the progress made, and the challenges ahead. She explains how her perspective shifted from pessimism to optimism by analyzing historical data and real-world solutions. Ritchie breaks down the main drivers of climate change, evaluates the feasibility of the Paris Agreement targets, and highlights four key sectors—energy, transport, food, and construction—that must be transformed to reduce emissions. While the challenges are significant, she emphasizes that solutions exist and that meaningful progress is possible.
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**Are Great Strategic Thinkers Born or Made?**
The answer is simple: Yes. Strategic thinking, like many human capabilities, is a blend of nature, nurture, and experience. While some individuals may have a natural aptitude for recognizing patterns and making insightful decisions, the skill can also be developed through deliberate effort and training.
Michael Watkins, professor of leadership at IMD Business School, explores this in *The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking*. He argues that while an initial endowment helps, true mastery comes from practice and refinement. Just as a world-class marathoner needs both genetics and training, great strategic thinkers must cultivate their abilities over time.
At the core of strategic thinking are six key disciplines:
1. **Pattern Recognition** – The ability to filter out noise and identify meaningful trends, much like a chess grandmaster who sees opportunities, power concentrations, and vulnerabilities on the board.
2. **Systems Analysis** – Understanding complex, interdependent structures, recognizing that even the best models—like those used for climate predictions—are simplifications of reality.
3. **Mental Agility** – The capacity to shift between high-level strategic vision and detailed execution, often described as “cloud-to-ground” thinking.
4. **Structured Problem-Solving** – Engaging teams in a rigorous process to frame and resolve high-stakes organizational challenges while ensuring alignment among stakeholders.
5. **Visioning** – Crafting an ambitious yet achievable future that excites and motivates people without overwhelming them.
6. **Political Acumen** – Navigating organizational dynamics strategically, using sequencing tactics to build influence and momentum without triggering resistance.
In today's fast-changing world, leaders who master these disciplines rise quickly. Strategic thinking isn’t just a skill—it’s the defining factor that determines who advances to the top.
Are you developing yours?
“I'm often asked, “Are great strategic thinkers born, or are they made?” And my answer is always yes. Like so many valuable human capabilities, it’s a mixture of nature, nurture, and experience.”Strategic thinking has always been a critical skill at the top: Leaders must be able to recognize emerging challenges and opportunities, establish the right priorities, and critically mobilize their people to adapt to the many changes that are going on.Michael Watkins, author of The 6 Disciplines of Strategic Thinking, has defined six key mental disciplines that underlie our ability to recognize, prioritize, and mobilize. Want to become the smartest person in the room and a better leader at work? Implement these six core skills to master your mind. Timestamps: 00:00 - Born or made?01:40 - 6 disciplines 01:48 - Pattern recognition02:28 - Systems analysis03:26 - Mental agility04:02 - Structured problem-solving04:58 - Visioning5:44 - Political savvy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Michael WatkinsMichael D. Watkins is a professor of leadership at the IMD Business School and a co-founder of Genesis Advisers. He was a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Business School, and is the author of The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking and the international bestseller The First 90 Days.
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Can we let go of the need to win arguments without losing a part of who we are?As Founder of Interfaith America Eboo Patel explains, there’s something romantic about a fist-in the-air approach, so much so that we often become caught up in the roles we play and the persona we adopt for ourselves. This can cause us to be perceived in ways we never intended; we can become misinterpreted, and even more disconnected to our true selves and intentions. How easy is it to ride our anger and our outrage, to chase the adrenaline of ego, the desire to be correct? Of course, it feels good to win, to “catch” your opponent, but why does it matter? Is succeeding in a debate truly more impactful than fueling a comprehensive discussion? When we move beyond the need to be right and let go of the desire to dominate, we can make room for something far more powerful: genuine curiosity. Letting go of the allure of competitive discourse - where there are winners and losers - allows us to create more meaningful conversations where both sides can learn and grow. This is The Dilemma with Irshad Manji, a series from Big Think created in partnership with Moral Courage College.
About Irshad Manji: Irshad Manji is an award-winning educator, author, and advocate for moral courage and diversity of thought. As the founder of Moral Courage College, she equips people to engage in honest conversations across lines of difference.
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**Living Between Understanding and Loneliness**
Since gaining consciousness, Kaelynn Partlow has felt disconnected—spending more time analyzing human interactions than experiencing them. As an author, autism advocate, and content creator, she channels her thoughts into her work, finding solace in the movement of fidget toys and the rhythm of words.
Growing up, Kaelynn struggled with self-perception, feeling "stupid" after failing third grade. A string of diagnoses—autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more—gave her new labels to hold onto, but they didn’t erase the weight of being misunderstood. Conversations often felt like puzzles where others simply stopped engaging instead of saying, "I don’t understand."
Loneliness lingers, especially on nights, weekends, and holidays, when she is no longer needed in a professional capacity. She retreats into her closet—a quiet space filled only with her thoughts—writing until the emotions drain away. And yet, within the struggle, she has discovered resilience. At Project Hope, she was given tasks she could succeed at, reshaping the belief that she couldn’t achieve.
Her defining moment of celebration? A Netflix feature that brought together coworkers, friends, and acquaintances in a room full of support. She embraced fear, realizing she thrives under pressure. Now, she sees public speaking not as an impossible challenge, but as something she can not only endure—but master.
Kaelynn Partlow shares her story about life with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, and how finding the right diagnosis helped her embrace her neurodivergent identity.Kaelynn Partlow, an author, autism advocate, and registered behavior technician, shares her own experiences living with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. She talks about how these diagnoses shifted her self-perception from feeling "stupid" to understanding her unique challenges and strengths.Kaelynn opens up about the misunderstandings neurodivergent people face and the difficulty of connecting in a world that often doesn't accommodate different ways of thinking. She also shares her fears—like wondering if her social difficulties will ever improve—and how she copes with loneliness, especially when not focused on work.Through it all, Kaelynn emphasizes the value of recognizing your own strengths, even when it’s hard. By taking on challenges and thriving under pressure, she found new opportunities, from public speaking to creative writing. Her story shows that growth often comes from facing fears and redefining success on your own terms.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Kaelynn Partlow: In 2015, Kaelynn Partlow joined Project Hope Foundation as a Registered Behavior Technician. She is now a Lead Technician, providing services to middle and high-school-aged clients and contributing to staff training development.In 2021, Kaelynn was featured on the Netflix series Love On The Spectrum. She has also been a guest on numerous national podcasts and has published several articles, offering insights from an autistic perspective.With a large following on various social media platforms, Kaelynn uses her reach for autism advocacy, connecting with millions globally. In addition to her online work and role at Project Hope, she is an international public speaker, passionate about sharing tangible strategies for best practices when interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum
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**Slow Down to Speed Up: The Power of Constructive Friction**
We often rush to solve problems—whether planning a trip, fixing a Lego model, or leading a company. But sometimes, slowing down is the smarter move. Think of a race car: winners don’t go full throttle the entire time; they brake at corners, stop for pit stops, and pull over when the car is on fire.
In organizations, obstacles can be frustrating, but they can also be useful. Good friction makes the right things easier and the wrong things harder. For example, Theranos' Elizabeth Holmes tried to bypass regulations to get faulty blood-testing devices into military helicopters. Thankfully, a rule requiring FDA approval blocked her. Meanwhile, Sequel, a company reinventing the tampon, embraced the long, rigorous process of obtaining FDA approval, ensuring a quality product.
The best leaders act as "friction fixers," trustees of others' time. They eliminate pointless delays—like the DMV employee who turned a dreaded experience into a smooth, efficient process. They also ask two key questions:
1. **Do I know what I'm doing?** Sergey Brin rushed Google Glass to market despite warnings that it wasn’t ready. The result? A high-profile flop.
2. **Is this decision reversible?** When IDEO grew too big, founder David Kelly proposed a reorganization, comparing it to shaving his mustache—something reversible. Had he cut off his finger instead, there’d be no going back.
Smart leaders embrace friction where it matters and remove it where it doesn’t. So before racing ahead, ask yourself: Should I hit the gas—or the brakes?
The ability to create and destroy friction in different circumstances is what defines an organizational genius.
When a customer, an employee, or a senior leader has set their sights on a certain course of action and then runs into obstacles that make it slower, harder, more frustrating, we call this organizational friction. Many times, that can be a bad thing, but best-selling author and organizational psychologist Bob Sutton argues that we can actually harness it to benefit us. One thing that Sutton emphasizes in his book The Friction Project is that you should first ask yourself if your course of action is the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ thing to do. If it's the right thing to do, it should happen fast and be relatively frictionless. The ‘wrong’ thing to do is often full of friction, but the right thing, although it may have some ‘constructive friction,’ is often able to push forward and make progress without harsh obstacles. Here are 2 easy tricks to solve any problem and make friction your secret weapon.
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“Why is it that the quality of our information did not improve over thousands of years? Why is it that very sophisticated societies have been as susceptible as stone age tribes to mass delusion and the rise of destructive ideologies?”
We belong to a world that is more interconnected, and yet more volatile than ever before. The masses of information that make this connectivity possible present the largest and most pressing threat to humanity, says historian and the best-selling author of 'Sapiens' @YuvalNoahHarari. Sitting down with journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin @92NY, Harari discusses the way our information systems are flawed, and how, despite our leaps in technology over the past centuries, we still remain as susceptible to deception and delusion as our ancestors were thousands of years ago. Harari says that if we don’t fix the flaws in our information systems, they could drive us to total disaster.In an exclusive hour-long interview, the Nexus author discusses truth, AI, fears, our possible future, and key ideas from his new book 'Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI'.Timestamps: 0:00: Who is the arbiter of truth?0:59: Low-quality information6:16: Objective physical reality and cooperation11:29: GPT-4 deception18:11: Alien intelligence22:30: Democracy and information30:23: Setting information free34:44: Algorithmic fear38:36: The power of curation46:49: The annihilation of privacy53:26: Israel and Palestine1:04:02: Human-AI relationships1:09:52: The enormous potential of AI
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Yuval Noah Harari:Prof. Yuval Noah Harari is a historian, philosopher, and the bestselling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, the series Sapiens: A Graphic History and Unstoppable Us, and Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI. His books have sold over 45 Million copies in 65 languages, and he is considered one of the world’s most influential public intellectuals today.
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**Are you trapped in a narrative that isn’t really yours?** From childhood, we absorb beliefs about who we are—“the smart one,” “the creative one,” “the failure.” These labels, shaped by family and environment, become our **Perception Box**, limiting what we believe is possible. But neuroscience reveals that we can rewrite our stories. By recognizing negative thought patterns, questioning old identities, and celebrating small wins, we can **rewire our brains** and reshape our reality. **So, who do you really want to be?**
Your brain is wired to repeat the familiar. Change this wiring, and it will change your life. Nicole Vignola, a neuroscientist and organizational psychologist, explains how deeply rooted beliefs can limit our potential and keep us trapped in patterns of thought. These perceptions, often shaped by our upbringing and environment, aren’t necessarily our own—but they can be changed.Nicole shares how the brain’s natural biases, like negativity bias and confirmation bias, reinforce these limiting beliefs. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to reshape our mental patterns. By practicing metacognition—observing and naming our thoughts—we can start to rewire our perception and create new, empowering narratives.Our brains are capable of change at any age. By focusing on small wins and challenging automatic thoughts, we can break free from old beliefs and begin using a mindset that better serves ourselves and our futures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Nicole Vignola:Nicole Vignola is a neuroscientist, author and corporate consultant. With a BSc in Neuroscience and an MSc in Organizational Psychology, Nicole works with companies and individuals worldwide, educating them on the science of human optimisation, health and longevity, and how to enable employees to perform better in their daily lives and in turn, bring peak performance to the workplace. Recent clients include Lloyds Bank, Makers Mark and Smeg Ltd.
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**Why do conspiracy theories spread like wildfire?** Our brains are wired to seek patterns, reject randomness, and crave compelling narratives. This makes us especially vulnerable to grand conspiracies—stories that explain the world in neat, dramatic ways. From Princess Diana’s death to global political upheavals, people reject mundane explanations in favor of thrilling hidden plots. And with the internet amplifying misinformation like never before, conspiracy theories now shape politics, deepen polarization, and threaten democracy itself. **Can we clean up the information pipeline before truth becomes just another opinion?**
“The problem with conspiracy theories is they're not just telling you a story, they're telling you a really good story. There's a hidden cabal behind everything that's happening, there's a secret pattern that you just have to be smart enough to detect.”
The modern world is full of conspiratorial thinking: People see an event and come up with an extraordinary story, a “hidden truth” that explains everything. These extravagant stories are so sticky in our minds because we are predisposed to finding patterns and we're allergic to explanations that involve either randomness or banality, explains Brian Klaas, a professor and political scientist.This allergy to randomness is one of the reasons there is so much polarization and democratic breakdown around the world; because we simply inhabit different realities due to the fact that there has been such a surge in global conspiratorial thinking. So how can we fight these increasingly pervasive falsehoods?Our brains are driven to find explanations that fit a pattern and fit a narrative, a story that really compels us. When it comes to understanding conspiracy theories, there are 3 main cognitive biases that you need to grapple with.Timestamps: 0:00: The modern world and conspiratorial thinking1:56: 3 cognitive biases2:14: Narrative bias3:13: Magnitude bias4:49: Teleological bias
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Brian Klaas:Dr. Brian Klaas is an Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London, an affiliate researcher at the University of Oxford, and a contributing writer for The Atlantic. He is also the author five books, including Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters (2024) and Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us (2021). Klaas writes the popular The Garden of Forking Paths Substack and created the award-winning Power Corrupts podcast, which has been downloaded roughly three million times.
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**Can creativity be the key to revolution?** In a world dominated by rigid structures and outdated frameworks, a new movement is rising—one that sees art, culture, and imagination as the driving forces of social change. From recording studios in African prisons to theater schools in vulnerable slums, these Creativity Pioneers are proving that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about redefining what’s possible. But can creative solutions truly reshape policies, challenge power, and rebuild democracy? **The spark is there. Will it be enough to ignite a global transformation?**
Creativity is a powerful force for social change. Learn how Creativity Pioneers are shaping our future by applying creative solutions to tackle the world’s most pressing global issues.Can creativity really change the world? Creativity Pioneers argue that it can. By using art, culture, and imagination, these innovators are tackling some of the most pressing social issues of our time.From building recording studios in African prisons to using graphic novels to address homophobia, corruption, and environmental destruction, these visionaries are showing that creativity is more than just a luxury—it’s a powerful tool for global transformation.This message is clear: creativity is not just about producing art; it’s about fostering environments where innovative ideas flourish. It’s about combining the intellectual with the emotional, the practical with the poetic, and the local with the global.About Adama Sanneh:Adama is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Moleskine Foundation. Adama brings a unique hybrid background in management and cultural studies to his work designing and building innovative organisations able to generate social impact.Adama graduated in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation from the University of Milan, obtained a Master in Public Management (MPM) from the Bocconi School of Management and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Geneva. After graduating, he worked as a management and strategy consultant for various public and not-for-profit organizations among which the United Nations, in education, social entrepreneurship, and innovation.As the CEO of the Moleskine Foundation, he is committed to explore and leverage the intersection of business, education, culture, and social development to create new and meaningful public value.
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