Episódios
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How your biology and environment make your decisions for you, according to Dr. Robert Sapolsky.
Robert Sapolsky, PhD is an author, researcher, and professor of biology, neurology, and neurosurgery at Stanford University. In this interview with Big Think’s Editor-in-Chief, Robert Chapman Smith, Sapolsky discusses the content of his most recent book, “Determined: The Science of Life Without Free Will.”
Being held as a child, growing up in a collectivist culture, or experiencing any sort of brain trauma – among hundreds of other things – can shape your internal biases and ultimately influence the decisions you make. This, explains Sapolsky, means that free will is not – and never has been – real. Even physiological factors like hunger can discreetly influence decision making, as discovered in a study that found judges were more likely to grant parole after they had eaten.
This insight is key for interpreting human behavior, helping not only scientists but those who aim to evolve education systems, mental health research, and even policy making.
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About Robert Sapolsky:
Robert M. Sapolsky holds degrees from Harvard and Rockefeller Universities and is currently a Professor of Biology and Neurology at Stanford University and a Research Associate with the Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya. His books include New York Times bestseller, Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst and Determined.
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Will Guidara, owner of iconic restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park, explains how hospitality is the number one thing that can help your business truly succeed.
Eventually, someone is going to make a better product, or build a better brand, than you have. The way to keep people from switching sides? Harboring a loyal customer base. The way to harbor a loyal customer base? Relentless hospitality.
Famed restaurateur Guidara credits his successful career to what he calls “Unreasonable Hospitality” - also the title of his book - which he achieved by abiding by three main keys: Being present, taking the work seriously (but himself less seriously), and creating individualized customer experiences. By considering how you’re making your customer feel, you’re fostering connections and lifelong memories your patrons will never forget.
Not only will these actions keep your customers returning to your business, but it will also work as a way of natural marketing; they’ll share stories of your service and draw even more people in, keeping your company alive.
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About Will Guidara:
Will Guidara is the author of the National Bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality, which chronicles the lessons in service and leadership he has learned over the course of his career in restaurants.
He is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which under his leadership received four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and in 2017 was named #1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
He is the host of the Welcome Conference, an annual hospitality symposium that brings together like minded people to share ideas, inspire one another, and connect to form community.
A graduate of the hospitality school at Cornell University, he has coauthored four cookbooks, was named one of Crain's New York Business's 40 Under 40, and is the recipient of WSJ Magazine's Innovator Award.
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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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Three psychology and sociology experts, Robert Waldinger, Michael Slepian, and Richard Reeves come together in this compilation to discuss the psychology of loneliness and the way we can combat the “friendship recession.”It’s 2024. It’s harder than ever to foster deep connections with others. Everyone feels like they’re missing out on friendships, and every day of isolation makes it even harder to escape the rut. From keeping secrets to workism, these experts are unpacking why we feel lonely and suggesting the ways we can combat it. They encourage us to reach out, be vulnerable, and prioritize our relationships, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggle and that meaningful connections are within reach. By following their advice, we can transform our social lives and experience the joy and fulfillment that come from true companionship. Understanding the root causes of our loneliness and actively working to build and maintain connections can help us break free from isolation and create a more connected, fulfilling life. About Robert Waldinger:Robert Waldinger, MD is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, a practicing psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and a Zen teacher and practitioner.For the last two decades, Waldinger has been the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. This study, conducted over more than 85 years, has analyzed the entire lives of 724 families to determine the activities, behaviors, and dynamics that enhance a person’s life-long well-being. Waldinger has dedicated his career to examining these elements and discovering what brings true fulfillment to human existence.He is the author of several books, including his most recent, The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of HappinessAbout Michael Slepian:Michael Slepian is the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Associate Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia University. A recipient of the Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science, he is the leading expert on the psychology of secrets and author of The Secret Life of Secrets. Slepian has authored more than fifty articles on secrecy, truth, and deception. His research has been covered by The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, the BBC, and more.About Richard Reeves:Richard V. Reeves is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, where he directs the Future of the Middle Class Initiative and co-directs the Center on Children and Families. His Brookings research focuses on the middle class, inequality and social mobility.Richard writes for a wide range of publications, including the New York Times, Guardian, National Affairs, The Atlantic, Democracy Journal, and Wall Street Journal. He is the author of Dream Hoarders (Brookings Institution Press, 2017), and John Stuart Mill – Victorian Firebrand (Atlantic Books, 2007), an intellectual biography of the British liberal philosopher and politician.Dream Hoarders was named a Book of the Year by The Economist, a Political Book of the Year by The Observer, and was shortlisted for the Goddard Riverside Stephan Russo Book Prize for Social Justice. In September 2017, Politico magazine named Richard one of the top 50 thinkers in the U.S. for his work on class and inequality.A Brit-American, Richard was director of strategy to the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2012. Other previous roles include director of Demos, the London-based political think-tank; social affairs editor of the Observer; principal policy advisor to the Minister for Welfare Reform, and research fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research. Richard is also a former European Business Speaker of the Year and has a BA from Oxford University and a PhD from Warwick University.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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
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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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“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
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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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Wharton professor Ethan Mollick explains why “co-intelligence” may be the future of AI.
Ethan Mollick, professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI," explores the impact of AI on our work, creative endeavors, and overall lives.
AI is reshaping our understanding of humanity and intelligence, evolving from simple prediction tools to sophisticated large language models, but how do we keep it from dooming us all? Should we be more afraid of it, or are we actually in control? Mollick proposes four most likely predictions of our future with AI – As Good As It Gets, Slow Growth, Exponential Growth, and The Machine God – and explains the likelihood and potential results of each one.
Mollick stresses the importance of using AI as a supplemental tool to enhance your performance, not as something that will replace you entirely. According to Mollick, AI is here to stay, and it’s up to us to decide how it is used now, and in generations to come. Our choices today will shape the trajectory of AI and determine whether it becomes a force for good or a source of existential risk.
About Ethan Mollick:
Ethan Mollick is a professor of management at Wharton, specializing in entrepreneurship and innovation. His research has been featured in various publications, including Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He is the creator of numerous educational games on a variety of topics. He lives and teaches in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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“If given a chance, nature can rebound, and nature can rebound dramatically.” Biologist Sean B. Carroll discusses the resilience of nature and how humans can help it thrive.
Humans litter, start wars, hunt, and poach, but history has also shown we are capable of undoing our damage. Carroll highlights Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, where a brutal civil war decimated 98% of the large animal population. Yet, through dedicated conservation efforts, the park has seen a remarkable recovery – and this is not the only example.
This video explores the power of awareness and action—no matter how small. While humans have caused significant damage to wildlife, we also possess the ability to restore and protect our planet's biodiversity. Carroll shares insights on how we can coexist with nature, ensuring a healthy and happy future for both humans and other creatures on Earth
About Sean B. Carroll:
Sean B. Carroll is an award-winning scientist, author, educator, and film producer. He is Distinguished University Professor and the Andrew and Mary Balo and NIcholas and Susan Simon Chair of Biology at the University of Maryland, and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He was formerly Head of HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, and led the Department of Science Education from 2010-2023. He is also Professor Emeritus of Genetics and Molecular Biology at the University of Wisconsin.
An internationally-recognized evolutionary biologist, Carroll's laboratory research has centered on the genes that control animal body patterns and play major roles in the evolution of animal diversity. In recognition of his scientific contributions, Carroll has received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Sciences, been elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society, named a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and elected an Associate Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization..
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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.
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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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🩸 **“No, Periods Aren’t for Detox – And Humans Don’t ‘Cycle Sync.’”**
Renowned OBGYN Dr. Jen Gunter busts some of the most harmful myths about menstruation, from the fantasy of pheromones and "cycle syncing" to the false idea that periods cleanse the body of toxins. Menstruation isn’t a monthly detox—it’s a complex biological process deeply tied to human evolution, reproduction, and health.
She warns: most people, including many doctors, are dangerously underinformed about what a normal cycle looks like. And that ignorance isn’t just annoying—it’s being weaponized by laws that treat women as little more than vessels for pregnancy.
Dr. Gunter explains the real science behind menstrual cramps, PMS, and the role of prostaglandins—the real culprits behind period pain and menstrual diarrhea. Apps and social media may glamorize menstrual tracking or fitness syncing, but she emphasizes: much of that advice is based on bad or no science—and in some cases, tracking apps could be used against women in places where reproductive rights are under attack.
🔥 "Evolution doesn’t care if you suffer,” she says. “It just wants you to reproduce." That’s why **understanding your cycle is not just about health—it's about power**.
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Menstrual myths debunked, cycle syncing is a myth, menstruation and toxins, real menstrual science, Dr. Jen Gunter menstrual cycle facts, understanding period cramps, prostaglandins period pain, NSAIDs for menstrual pain, endometriosis warning signs, dangers of period tracking apps, abortion laws and menstrual data, menstrual education and advocacy, real purpose of menstruation, decidualization explained, evidence-based menstrual care, hormone myths busted, ovulation pain (mittelschmerz), menstrual diarrhea causes, reproductive health awareness, menstrual cycle variability, estrous vs menstrual cycle.
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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.
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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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**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
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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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In a world where our decisions are increasingly influenced by data, understanding the information we encounter has never been more essential. Dr. Talithia Williams explains the case for data literacy.
Dr. Talithia Williams, a math professor and science communicator, shares her take on why understanding data is now more important than ever. Using examples like noticing targeted ads after a conversation, Williams shows how data shapes our everyday experiences. But she also warns of the dangers, like biases in data-driven models that can lead to unfair outcomes. While AI and machine learning offer powerful insights, it’s up to us to ensure these tools are used fairly and accurately.
Dr. Williams also emphasizes that by deepening our understanding of data, we can better navigate the challenges that arise in our daily lives. She encourages us to see data not just as numbers, but as a tool for making more informed, fairer decisions in our bewilderingly complex world.
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About Dr. Talithia Williams:
Talithia Williams, PhD, is a Professor of Mathematics and the Mathematics Clinic Director at Harvey Mudd College. She develops statistical models focused on environmental issues, including a cataract model for the World Health Organization to predict surgical rates in Africa.
Known for making complex numerical concepts accessible, Williams inspires others through her dedication to STEM education. Williams has worked with NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the National Security Agency (NSA).
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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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“People will claim that something is rigorous because it's by an authority figure, or it's written in a book. But anyone can write a book.”
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We often think the solution to misinformation is fact checking. But just checking facts is not enough. Even if a fact is 100% accurate, it could still be misleading – it could be a large-scale correlation when there’s no causation.
The solution to misinformation is not obtaining a PhD in statistics, London Business School professor Alex Edmans and author of “May Contain Lies” argues. We often already possess the discerning skills to distinguish truth within ourselves.
Misinformation is so prevalent today because we suffer from confirmation bias, or the idea that we have a certain view of the world which causes us to latch onto any piece of evidence that supports our viewpoint. When we inject skepticism into our thought process, we can overcome these biases.
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About Alex Edmans:
Alex Edmans is Professor of Finance at London Business School. Alex graduated from Oxford University and then worked for Morgan Stanley in investment banking (London) and fixed income sales and trading (New York). After a PhD in Finance from MIT Sloan as a Fulbright Scholar, he joined Wharton in 2007 and was tenured in 2013 shortly before moving to LBS.
Alex’s research interests are in corporate finance, responsible business and behavioural finance. He is a Director of the American Finance Association; Vice President of the Western Finance Association; Fellow, Director, and Chair of the Ethics Committee of the Financial Management Association; Fellow of the British Academy; and Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. From 2017-2022 he was Managing Editor of the Review of Finance, the leading academic finance journal in Europe.
Alex has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos, testified in the UK Parliament, presented to the World Bank Board of Directors as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series, and given the TED talk What to Trust in a Post-Truth World and the TEDx talks The Pie-Growing Mindset and The Social Responsibility of Business with a combined 2.8 million views. He has written for the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Harvard Business Review and World Economic Forum and been interviewed by Bloomberg, BBC, CNBC, CNN, ESPN, Fox, ITV, NPR, Reuters, Sky News, and Sky Sports.
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Neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor explains the 4 key ”characters” of the brain, and how understanding each can expand your perception of yourself, and the world, forever.
At age 37, neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor suffered a stroke that would take her eight years to fully recover from. This is how it changed her understanding of the brain.
In this interview, Dr. Jill draws a map of the human brain, explaining how it is comprised of four distinct modules, each serving a unique role in function and personality. This combination of cognitive and emotional components gives rise to the multidimensional characters within each of us.
Are you looking to be more rational, more creative, more forgiving, or perhaps less rigid in your thinking? Dr. Jill suggests that by becoming aware of the four modules of our brains, we can consciously choose to engage specific parts. This awareness allows us to harness the true power of our brains and shape who we want to become, ultimately fostering less anxiety, more inner peace, and a vastly more purposeful life.
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About Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor:
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroscientist. In 1996 she experienced a severe hemorrhage (AVM) in the left hemisphere of her brain causing her to lose the ability to walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. Her memoir, My Stroke of Insight, documenting her experience with stroke and eight-year recovery, spent 63 weeks on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list and is still routinely the #1 book in the category Stroke in the Amazon marketplace.
Dr. Jill is a dynamic teacher and public speaker who loves educating all age groups, academic levels, as well as corporations and not-for-profit organizations about the beauty of our human brain. She focuses on how we can activate the power of our neuroplasticity to not only recover from neurological trauma, but how we can purposely choose to live a more flexible, resilient, and satisfying life.
In 2008 Dr. Jill gave the first TED talk that ever went viral on the Internet, which now has well over 27.5 million views. Also in 2008, Dr. Jill was chosen as one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” and was the premiere guest on Oprah Winfrey’s “Soul Series” webcast. Her new book, Whole Brain Living – the Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life is a #1 release on Amazon in categories ranging from Neuroscience to Nervous System Diseases and Stroke.
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