Dr. Laurie Santos and economist Tim Harford discuss the challenge of finding happiness through subtraction, rather than adding more to our lives. They explore the value of doing less, cutting down on commitments, and the benefits of removing elements to improve functionality in design and life.

Tim Harford is an economist, associate member of Nuffield College, Oxford and an honorary fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, a journalist and an author.Humans need to be able to accurately judge the world around them. With more information than ever, this should be getting easier by the year and yet clear thinking seems to be ever more elusive. Why are we so prone to biases and what are some of the biggest rationality blunders from history?Expect to learn why Sir Arthur Conan Doyle got obsessed with photos of fairies, what everyone misunderstands about inflation, the danger indiscriminate doubt and reflexive cynicism, the similarities between magic and misinformation, why smart people get hijacked by ideology and much more...Sponsors:Get a free bag of Colima Sea Salt at http://modernwisdomsalt.com/ (discount automatically applied)Get 83% discount & 3 months free from Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/MODERNWISDOM (use code MODERNWISDOM)Get 5 Free Travel Packs, Free Liquid Vitamin D and Free Shipping from Athletic Greens at https://athleticgreens.com/modernwisdom (discount automatically applied)Extra Stuff:Check out Tim's website - https://timharford.com/ Buy Tim's book - https://amzn.to/3DNELvw Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom-Get in touch.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillxTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillxYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcastEmail: https://chriswillx.com/contact/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is once again that time of year when our host, Cindi Howson shares her favorite data and analytics book recommendations. In this special annual episode, we feature three of the industry’s top data writers, thinkers, and fellow podcasters. Tim Harford comes to the conversation with his new book, The Data Detective, and big-picture ideas about how traits like curiosity serve data scientists so well. Zhamak Dehghani shares her concept of The Data Mesh, especially as it relates to sharing data across business verticals. Finally, in his book, Effective Data Storytelling, Brent Dykes compels readers to think carefully about the way they craft the message or narrative around the data they’re interpreting. Tune in to learn:Making sense of the world through a data lens with Tim Harford (05:18)Tim’s favorite of the ten data commandments (07:11)Guard against using data as a control mechanism (15:14)How does curiosity create a healthier relationship with data? (19:57) Data Mesh with Zhamak Dehghani (32:31)Blending centralized and decentralized schools of thought (36:39)Data Mesh isn’t for everyone (48:11)How do you begin your data mesh transformation? (53:28)Brent Dykes and the importance of data storytelling (1:02:17)Why do data scientists need to be better communicators? (1:11:13)The Venn diagram of data storytelling (1:15:14)Mentions:The Data Detective: Ten Easy Rules to Make Sense of Statistics by Tim Harford Data Mesh: Delivering Data-Driven Value at Scale by Zhamak Dehghani Effective Data Storytelling: How to Drive Change with Data, Narrative, and Visuals by Brent Dykes Get even more insights from data and analytics leaders like Tim, Zhamak, and Brent on The Data Chief. Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org. Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.

Here’s a special bonus episode featuring my recent conversation with Tim Harford, author, economic journalist, and host of the Cautionary Tales podcast. We discussed a story from my new book, How Minds Change, about a conspiracy theorist who was certain 9/11 was an inside job until he actually visited Ground Zero to meet architects, engineers and the relatives of the dead. Tim and I reflect on what he can teach us about those who hold strong beliefs even in the face of damning, contrary evidence and why persuasion, especially if attempted poorly, isn't always the right answer. • Hear more from Cautionary Tales at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/ctsmart• How Minds Change: https://www.davidmcraney.com/howmindschangehome 

Tim Harford, the Undercover Economist, shares his insights as a senior columnist at the Financial Times. He dives into the complexities of the UK's sluggish economy, discussing pressing issues like Brexit and global energy prices. Harford humorously tackles quirky tax regulations, including the infamous Jaffa Cake case. He advocates for more effective data interpretation and stresses the government's role in economic outcomes. Join him in navigating the intricate relationship between statistics and sound economic policies!

On International Day of Happiness, Dr. Laurie Santos chats with other podcasters about topics like quieting inner monologue, running in Canadian winters, and happiness lessons from a colonoscopy. Dive into global wellbeing awareness!

Tim Harford, a social science expert and Tolkien enthusiast, passionately dives into the intricate themes of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. He explores the origins of key characters in Amazon Prime's The Rings of Power and parallels Galadriel’s quest with the trials faced by real-life whistleblowers. The discussion delves into the unsettling nature of orcs, morality in Tolkien's universe, and the psychological underpinnings of good versus evil. Harford's insights create an engaging reflection on both Tolkien's legacy and contemporary moral dilemmas.

On this World Happiness Day special, Dr Laurie Santos talks with fellow podcasters about topics ranging from quieting inner monologue, running in winter misery, to happiness lessons from a colonoscopy. Dive into strategies for managing mental chatter, the power of self-compassion, and shaping happiness through endings. Explore joyful activities, sensory experiences, and finding happiness in the journey vs. destination

Organizational psychologists Adam Grant and economic journalist Tim Harford discuss achieving greatness and hidden potential. They explore the role of character skills in chess, the importance of seeking advice, turning critics into coaches, and strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving deeper learning.

Clive had a deadly form of cancer, but fortunately there was a new drug to treat it. Imagine his anger when he was told the treatment was too expensive. He’d entered a world where unique human lives are given a value in a mathematical formula. So how much should we spend to extend or save a life? And are some lives worth more than others?Read more about Tim's work at http://timharford.com/Tim's latest books 'Fifty Inventions That Shaped The Modern Economy' and 'The Next Fifty Things That Made The Modern Economy' are available now. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.