How Your Brain Builds Reality and Why It Gets Stuck: Jakob Hohwy on the Predictive Mind

Your brain isn’t simply recording reality. It’s constantly predicting it. Why can we intellectually know something is safe and still be terrified of it? Why are some beliefs so difficult to change, even when the evidence seems overwhelming? Jakob Hohwy, one of the leading thinkers on predictive processing, explains how the brain builds a model of the world, and what happens when that model gets stuck.

The Score Trap: C. Thi Nguyen on Goals, Metrics and Games

How do we keep a score useful without letting it take over? And for games we choose, how do we make sure that we don’t lose the purpose of playing that made them worth doing in the first place? C. Thi Nguyen is an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Utah and specializes in the philosophy of games, technology and value. He was in the Vox 2024 Future Perfect 50 list of thinkers, and innovators working to make the world better. His newest book is The Score: How to Stop Playing Somebody Else’s Game.

A Younger Brain: Dr. Tommy Wood on Dementia, Aging, and Staying Sharp

Your brain is not necessarily doomed to significant cognitive decline with age. But it does need a reason to keep adapting. That is the premise behind the book The Stimulated Mind and it is why this conversation with author and neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood may change how you think about aging, retirement, frustration, and the things you normally avoid because they feel difficult.

Arguments with Reality: Andy Bernstein on Breaking the Stress Cycle

Andy is the creator of Active Insight and the founder of the Resilience Academy and the author of Breaking the Stress Cycle. Andy built a process for dealing with stress that is seven steps. You do not lie on a couch. You do not say a word. In this conversation he walks through all seven steps live, twice.

The Third Option: Gregg Krech on Morita Therapy and Why Anxiety Isn’t the Obstacle

You know what you should do. You're just not doing it. The draft is open on your screen. The email's been sitting there for three days. And somewhere underneath all of it is the same quiet assumption running the show: that you have to feel like it first. That motivation comes before action. That you need to fix what's going on inside you before you can move. What if that's backwards? Gregg Krech is the director of the ToDo Institute in Vermont.

The AI Fallacy: Dr. Jerry Kane on Education, Work, and What We’re Getting Wrong

AI is already transforming education and work; not just because of what it can do, but because of what people believe it can do. Students, workers, managers, universities, and companies are all changing their behavior around AI, sometimes rationally, sometimes badly, and often before they even fully understand it.

Happy or Hidden: Sonja Lyubomirsky on the Science of Connection and Feeling Loved

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky is one of the world’s leading researchers on happiness, human flourishing, and what actually helps people feel connected. A Professor of Psychology at UC Riverside, she is the bestselling author of The How of Happiness and The Myths of Happiness, published in 39 countries. Her latest book, written with Harry Reis, is How to Feel Loved.

How to Decide: Gary Klein on Expertise, Intuition, and the Limits of AI

You make hundreds of decisions a day. Most of them invisibly. A few of them under real pressure, with incomplete information and no clear right answer. So how do the people who do this for a living like surgeons, military commanders, get it right when the stakes are highest? That's the question Dr. Gary Klein has spent his entire career answering. Gary is a cognitive psychologist, a Senior Scientist at MacroCognition LLC, and the Chief Scientist at ShadowBox LLC. He's one of the founding figures of naturalistic decision making, the study of how people actually decide in the real world, under time pressure and uncertainty.

More Than Matter: Philip Goff on Mind, Value, and Cosmic Purpose

What if none of this is an accident? The world, your experience of it, the fact that you're even here to have that experience? Not in a religiously comforting way. In a philosophically rigorous way that doesn't ask you to check your skepticism at the door. That's the territory Prof. Philip Goff has been mapping for years. His work sits at the crossroads of physics, philosophy of mind, and the oldest question humans keep returning to: why is there something rather than nothing, and does it mean anything?

Beliefs Behind Your Stress: Dr. Walter Matweychuk on REBT and the ‘Musts’ That Wreck Your Mood

In this episode, therapist Dr. Walter Matweychuk teaches me about Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), which focuses on identifying and disputing irrational, self-defeating beliefs to reduce emotional distress and change negative behaviors. Walter makes the case that REBT is not just a therapeutic modality but a philosophy for living based on emotional responsibility, resilience, and a way to stop rating yourself as “good” or “bad.”

Stopping the Clock: Steve Taylor on the Psychology and Physics of Time Expansion

We view time as a fixed commodity, yet modern theoretical physics and cognitive neuroscience suggest otherwise. If the linear flow of time is truly an illusion, then time isn’t just a resource to be managed; it’s a perception to be mastered. Prof. Steve Taylor argues that time isn’t experienced evenly, where you place your attention, and how you attend, can fundamentally change the way time unfolds.

When Goals Fail: Anne-Laure Le Cunff on How Small Experiments Change Everything

Dr. Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist, founder of Ness Labs, and a leading expert in mindful productivity, proposes an alternative approach: viewing life as a series of small experiments. This episode delves into how curiosity and small-scale testing can revolutionize our approach to uncertainty. Anne-Laure argues that traditional goal-setting and the “tyranny of purpose” trap us in rigid definitions of success and failure. Instead, she offers a science-backed framework for progress through small experiments.

Fear, Anger, and the Plans They Hide: Angus Fletcher on the Science of Primal Intelligence

Angus Fletcher is a professor at Ohio State’s Project Narrative and the author of the best-selling book, Primal Intelligence. Angus argues that the human brain is less a computational machine, and more a dynamic, narrative-based engine built for action and foresight. His theory is that “biological intelligence,” overlooked and untrained, is what allows us to operate with limited information, adapt in volatile environments, and innovate in ways no machine can.

When You’re in a Hole: Tony Stubblebine on the Strategy, Psychology, and Lessons of a Business Turnaround

In this episode, I’m digging into the messy reality of business turnarounds, the kind where survival isn’t guaranteed and leadership is more about doing the hard, boring things than dazzling with big ideas. My guest is Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, whose recent post “Fell Into a Hole and Got Out” made the rounds for being one of the most honest and actionable stories about company rescue I’ve ever read

Medicine for the Mind: Donald Robertson on Ancient Therapies for Modern Stressors

Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, acclaimed author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, and one of the world’s leading voices on Stoicism. He’s also the founder of the Plato’s Academy Centre in Athens and a founding member of the Modern Stoicism nonprofit.

Tali Sharot: Why Joy Fades and How to Get It Back

Ever wonder why lasting happiness can feel so elusive? This episode delves into the neuroscience of habituation, and why our brains, despite achieving desires, tend to filter out positive experiences. Dr. Tali Sharot is a cognitive neuroscientist and professor at University College London, where she directs the Affective Brain Lab. Tali’s research blends neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics to study how emotion and motivation shape decision-making, memory, and belief.

Reclaiming Experience: Christine Rosen on Technology, Attention, and the Lost Moments That Matter

Christine Rosen is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where she explores American history, society, culture, and the impact of technology on human behavior. She is a columnist for Commentary magazine, a fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, and a senior editor at The New Atlantis. Christine has authored several books, including The Extinction of Experience, Esquire’s Best Book of 2024, which serves as the foundation for our discussion.

Why Depression Exists: Jonathan Rottenberg on the Evolutionary Origins of Mood

Dr. Jonathan Rottenberg is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Better Outcomes Laboratory. His work examines long-term functioning and well-being after depression and related conditions, with a particular focus on explaining why some people achieve good outcomes. He is the author of The Depths: The Evolutionary Origins of the Depression Epidemic (Basic Books) and Depression: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford).

The Divided Brain: Iain McGilchrist On Mind and Meaning Making

In 1961, a groundbreaking surgery revealed something extraordinary about the human brain. The patient had undergone a corpus callosotomy—a procedure that severs the connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain—to alleviate severe epilepsy. The result?

The Power of Curiosity: A.J. Jacobs on Living the Constitution and Bridging Differences

A.J. Jacobs is a best-selling author and participatory journalist, best known for his immersive, experiment-driven projects that push the boundaries of immersive learning. From living according to the Ten Commandments to exploring radical honesty, A.J. dives headfirst into his experiments, bringing humor and insight into everything he does. A.J. documents his year-long quest to embody the Constitution in its original context. From carrying a musket in New York City to using a quill pen.

Your Crypto or Your Life. Nat Eliason: Financial Frenzies and Mindful Living

Can success becomes its own failure? In the latest episode of our podcast, I explore this theme and many others anchored in a story of high stakes, high stress. Nat Eliason is a writer and the author of Crypto Confidential: Winning and Losing Millions in the New Frontier of Finance. Since he started publishing his writing in 2013, his work has been read by millions of people and spun out multiple businesses ranging from a marketing agency to a tea café. It's a wild story.

Mind and Matter: Christof Koch on Consciousness and How to Expand It

Christof Koch is a pioneering computational neuroscientist, best known for his groundbreaking work on the neural basis of consciousness.In this episode, Christof dives deep into what might explain the origin of consciousness and existing contradictions. We explore how our minds construct reality, the wonder of experience, and the profound implications of Integrated Information Theory. Christof also reflects on the importance of mindfulness, the power of belief, and his recent experiences with psychedelics.

Beyond the Apple Legend: Guy Kawasaki on Remarkable Journeys with Remarkable People

Guy Kawasaki is a pioneering figure in Silicon Valley, celebrated marketing icon, and successful serial entrepreneur. Guy was one of the original Apple employees responsible for launching their Macintosh computer line in 1984 - and then revitalizing Apple again in the 90s when it faced market share challenges from Microsoft and IBM. Guy has written over 16 best-selling books, including ...

Hit or Miss? Merrick Furst on Business Innovation, Customer Illusion, and the Challenge of Authentic Demand

Professor Merrick L. Furst runs commercialization and new venture creation and directs undergraduate programs and faculty development in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech.Mark is also known for seminal research in algorithms, complexity theory, and AI. Merrick is also the author of The Heart of Innovation: A Field Guide for Navigating to Authentic Demand, which is the touchstone for this podcast.

An Unconventional Path: Derek Sivers on Useful Beliefs, Pragmatic Positivity and Embracing Randomness

Originally a professional musician and circus clown, Derek Sivers founded CD Baby in 1998. It became the largest seller of independent music online, with $100 million in sales for over 150,000 musicians. His TED talks have garnered over 20 million views, and he has published 34 books.

Reflective Happiness: Dr. David Meyers on Self Perception, Fear, Money and Micro-Friendships

This podcast is about exploring new insights into what makes us happy as it relates to self-perception, and the various intricate connections between our minds, bodies, and social interactions. My guest on the show is the renowned social psychologist David Myers.

Trance as a Tool: Dr. David Spiegel on the History and Evidence Based Benefits of Hypnosis

On this episode of our podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of hypnosis, with a focus on demystifying this phenomenon and separating myths from scientific reality. We explore its role in modern therapy and personal well-being. Dr. David Spiegel is one of Stanford University’s leading psychiatrists, with more than 45 years of clinical experience.

A Post Career World: Bruce Feiler On The Reinvention of Work

In this episode, we dive into the shifting dynamics of work, careers, and the quest for fulfillment. Bruce Feiler discusses the history of the career and how work is transforming. Bruce is a leading voice in American modern life with seven bestsellers. His newest book, "The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World," is the touchstone for this show.

The Irrational: Dan Ariely On The Mechanics of Misbelief

In this episode, renowned social scientist Dan Ariely discusses the irrational pull of misinformation and how to understand the conduct of “misbelief” — the psychological and social path that guides individuals to doubt established truths, consider alternative facts, and perhaps even welcome outright conspiracy theories.

Clearing The Fog: Shane Parrish On Clarity In Decision-Making And Transforming Knowledge Into Wisdom

In this episode I talk with Shane Parrish. Shane is a former cybersecurity expert and the genius behind Farnam Street, a site immensely popular among the elite innovator and investor class. Shane is also celebrated for his bestselling three-volume series on mental models and his latest book "Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results," is the topic of this podcast.

Between Life and Death: Hadley Vlahos on Hospice care, End-of-Life Moments and Embracing Mortality

Hadley Vlahos is not just a seasoned hospice nurse but also an end-of-life educator and now a New York Times bestselling author. Her journey and her experiences became the foundation for her bestselling work, The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments. The book captures deep, poignant stories from her time with patients, giving insights into what life's final moments can teach us about existence itself.

Neil deGrasse Tyson on Cosmic Perspectives, Aliens, AI and Thinking Scientifically

My guest is renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. He is the head of Hayden Planetarium in New York City and the first occupant of its Frederick P. Rose Directorship. He's a research associate of the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. He is also the author of fifteen books—many of them international bestsellers—including the #1 best seller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, and His most recent is Starry Messenger, Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization.

Defeating Delay: Dr. Tim Pychyl On Solving the Procrastination Puzzle

On this episode, I speak with Professor Tim Pychyl about the impact procrastination has on our well-being. This isn't just about managing or optimizing a to-do list or finishing a project; procrastination affects the whole of your life. Tim's research focuses on understanding why we can become our own worst enemy through procrastination.

How To Get Unstuck: Adam Alter On The Structure Of Breakthroughs

This podcast is about the challenges of creative blocks, inertia, and the accompanying feeling of being stuck, whether it be a project, product, or personal life. Adam Alter is a Professor of Marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business and the Robert Stansky Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow, with an affiliated appointment in the New York University Psychology Department.

AI. Progress or Peril: Pedro Domingos on the Evolution of LLMs and Artificial Intelligence

My guest on this episode is Pedro Domingos, a leading AI researcher and recipient of two of the highest honors in AI and the author of the worldwide bestseller "The Master Algorithm." Pedro is a professor of computer science at the University of Washington in Seattle, and he helped start the fields of statistical relational AI, adversarial learning, machine learning for information integration, and influence maximization in social networks.

Technological Optimism and The Future: Kevin Kelly With Excellent Advice For Living

Kevin Kelly is a well-known technologist, renowned writer, and co-founder of Wired magazine. He has made significant contributions to the fields of technology, science, and culture. In this episode, we discuss recent developments in technology as well as some great life advice from his upcoming book aptly named, "Excellent Advice for Living."