The Gist Jon Levy: "We Don't Really Want Authenticity"
10 snips
Nov 11, 2025 Jon Levy, a behavioral scientist and author of 'Team Intelligence,' joins to discuss his salons featuring astronauts and Olympians, illustrating how unique gatherings foster trust and connection. He explores the difference between popularity and status, emphasizing that true well-being stems from likability and diverse friendships. Challenging the notion of authenticity, Levy reveals that we often prefer leaders who fit our narratives. The conversation also touches on the relatable nature of imperfection and its impact on likability.
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Secret Dinners That Spark Cross‑Pollination
- Jon Levy hosts secret dinners where strangers cook together and guess each other's professions to spark connection.
- Guests have included astronauts, Olympians, Nobel laureates, chefs, and pop‑music figures.
Networks Shape Habits And Outcomes
- Social networks shape behaviors like obesity, happiness, and voting through contagion effects.
- Levy used this research to deliberately redesign his network to improve his life outcomes.
Tetris Rights Negotiator At The Table
- Levy recounted hosting Hank, the real person behind the Tetris movie, at a salon.
- That example shows how salons surface surprising, niche expertise that excites guests.
