Who will you be in 10 years? In 20 years? Envisioning how you will evolve is very hard. This hour, TED speakers share ideas on how to better plan for the future, while allowing for the unexpected. Guests include psychologist Hal Hershfield, journalist Shankar Vedantam, journalist Bina Venkataraman and philosopher Roman Krznaric.TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/tedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Psychologist, journalist, and philosopher discuss how to better plan for the future while allowing for the unexpected. Topics include perceiving the future self, planning for the future when hope seems dim, finding harmony between the present and the future, planning for an unpredictable future, consequences of failure in future planning, becoming good ancestors, and a philosopher's prescription for long-term thinking.

Bina Venkataraman, a journalist and science policy expert at The Washington Post, joins the discussion on bridging today's choices with tomorrow's realities. They tackle the psychological barriers that hinder long-term decision-making and explore innovative tools like virtual reality to foster empathy with our future selves. Bina shares insights on managing climate change responsibilities and the importance of aligning immediate gratification with future aspirations. The conversation navigates the challenges of communicating complex science, emphasizing education's role in enhancing decision-making skills.

Bina Venkataraman is an American journalist, author, and science policy expert. She is currently the Editorial Page Editor of The Boston Globe and a fellow at New America. Bina is a frequent public speaker whose appearances have included the TED mainstage, NPR, Aspen Ideas, MSNBC, CNN, and university campuses around the world. Bina formerly served as Senior Advisor for Climate Change Innovation in the Obama White House and she also advised the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in responding to the Ebola epidemic, promoting patient access to cancer therapies, and reforming public school science education. In this episode, Bina and Eric discuss her book, The Optimist’s Telescope: Thinking Ahead in a Reckless Age, and how we can live in the present in such a way that we also create the future that we’d like to inhabit.But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Bina Venkataraman and I Discuss Effectively Thinking Ahead and…Her book, The Optimist’s Telescope: Thinking Ahead in a Reckless AgeHow to make decisions about the futureThe untold story of the marshmallow testHow most people don’t look past 15 years in the futureTools for more effectively imagining the futureTools for more effectively planning for the futureBeing present while also orienting for the futureWhen we’re more likely to make bad decisionsThe role of implementing impulse buffersWhen an “if/then” strategy can be most helpful to youHow our past informs our view of the futureSocial movements that influence lasting changeBina Venkataraman Links:writerbina.comTwitterTransparent Labs offer a variety of supplements and protein powders that include science-based ingredients and have no sugar, fat, lactose, artificial colors, or sweeteners. Check out Eric’s favorite, 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate that comes in many delicious flavors. Visit transparentlabs.com and use Promo code WOLF to receive 10% off your order.Calm App: The app designed to help you ease stress and get the best sleep of your life through meditations and sleep stories. Join the 85 million people around the world who use Calm to get better sleep. Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription (a limited time offer!) by going to www.calm.com/wolf   BLUBlox offers high-quality lenses that filter blue light, reduce glare, and combat the unhealthy effects of our digital life. Visit BluBlox.com and get free shipping worldwide and also 15% off with Promo Code: WOLF15If you enjoyed this conversation with Bina Venkataraman on Effectively Thinking Ahead, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Hardcore Zen with Brad WarnerGabriele OettingenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bina Venkataraman, an author and futurist, challenges us to think beyond the present and consider our legacy for future generations. She discusses common pitfalls that hinder our ability to envision the long-term, advocating for tools that enhance our foresight. Venkataraman shares innovative approaches for sustainable practices in agriculture and energy, drawing lessons from past disasters. She also emphasizes the importance of preserving family legacies and adapting strategies for navigating an unpredictable world, ultimately inspiring us to become 'good ancestors.'