Charles Duhigg (on being a supercommunicator)

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Feb 15, 2024

Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "The Power of Habit," shares insights on becoming a 'super communicator.' He discusses the cultural differences between the LA and New York Times. Charles highlights the importance of vulnerability and laughter in conversations—key to fostering connections. The trio explores how understanding conversation types—practical, emotional, and social—can enhance communication, and dives into the challenges of discussing identity and contentious topics with empathy.

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ANECDOTE

Dax's Santa Cruz Mushroom Story

Dax Shepard bought a half-pound of mushrooms in Santa Cruz at age 24.
The sheer volume surprised him, filling two gallon-sized Ziploc bags.

ANECDOTE

Marine Biologist Origin Story

Charles Duhigg's wife became a marine biologist due to her father taking her spearfishing as a child.
This sparked her interest in the underwater world leading her to her current career.

ANECDOTE

Charles' LA Times Days

Charles Duhigg lived a mile from the podcast studio while working for the LA Times.
He frequented a local restaurant, Birds, during that time.

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Supercommunicators

How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection

Charles Duhigg

In this book, Charles Duhigg explores the secrets of 'supercommunicators' who excel at connecting with others. He delves into the three distinct types of conversations—practical, emotional, and social—and provides practical strategies and case studies to illustrate how to recognize and navigate these conversations effectively. The book includes examples from various contexts, such as jury deliberations, CIA recruitments, and workplace interactions, to demonstrate how communication can be improved. Duhigg emphasizes the importance of active listening, identifying complex emotions, and matching the type of conversation to enhance connection and understanding.

The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

Charles Duhigg

In this book, Charles Duhigg explores the science of habit formation and change. He explains the 'habit loop' consisting of a cue, a routine, and a reward, and how understanding this loop can help in changing bad habits or forming good ones. The book includes numerous examples from various fields, such as how Procter & Gamble successfully marketed Febreze, how Alcoa transformed its business by focusing on safety, and how individuals like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and civil-rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr. benefited from specific habits. Duhigg argues that by harnessing this science, individuals and organizations can transform their lives and businesses[2][4][5].

Smarter Faster Better

The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business

Charles Duhigg

In 'Smarter Faster Better', Charles Duhigg explores the science of productivity through eight key concepts, including motivation, goal setting, focus, and decision making. The book uses real-world examples from various fields such as the Marine Corps, Google, and Disney to illustrate how productive individuals and organizations view the world and make choices differently. Duhigg combines neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics to provide practical advice on how to become more effective and in control of one's life and work.

Greenlights

Matthew McConaughey

Greenlights is a candid and unconventional memoir by Matthew McConaughey. The book blends wild stories, life lessons, and poetic insights, offering a roadmap to catching more 'greenlights'—those moments when everything in life seems to go your way. McConaughey draws on his 36 years of journaling to share his approach to living, which emphasizes recognizing and embracing the greenlights in life, even when they are disguised as yellow or red lights. The book is a celebration of life, gratitude, and self-dedication, and it provides practical advice on navigating life's challenges and finding success and happiness.