How to Age Up

Eric Klinenberg, a sociology professor and author, joins Kellie Carter Jackson, a renowned historian, to explore the vital role of community infrastructure. They discuss how physical spaces like parks foster deep connections, especially in tough times. The conversation highlights the urgent need for supportive networks, the impact of technology on relationships, and the significance of public libraries as community hubs. Through poignant examples, they illustrate how genuine social interactions can enrich lives and promote resilience.

In a captivating conversation, Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, an author and director at 4 Day Week Global, dives into the transformative power of rest. He argues that rest isn't just a luxury but essential for creativity and productivity. They discuss the detrimental effects of burnout and the importance of sabbaticals for personal growth. Pang also highlights innovative ways to reclaim time and integrate meaningful breaks into daily life, reinforcing that true relaxation can lead to greater fulfillment and connection.

Ashley Whillans, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School, shares insights on balancing time, money, and happiness. She discusses the shift in priorities post-pandemic, emphasizing the need for personal fulfillment over constant productivity. Whillans highlights the importance of redefining success to align with individual values and promotes intentional scheduling for joy and rest. The conversation dives into the true nature of leisure and encourages listeners to reflect on their definitions of a fulfilling life.

Peter Pomerantsev, contributor at The Atlantic and author of This Is Not Propaganda, dives into the intricacies of propaganda in America. He discusses how propaganda has evolved and affects our perception today, paralleling emotional strategies from past wars with modern media. Pomerantsev explores the blend of reality TV and political narratives, revealing how personality-driven politics shape our engagement. He emphasizes the balance of competition and collaboration needed to combat this manipulation, grounding his insights in historical contexts.

Associate professor Hanna Reichel discusses the intersection of technology and theology, exploring the parallels between religious concepts and technological advancements. The podcast delves into right-to-be-forgotten laws, justice, mercy, and immortality online, and the intricate connections between religion, technology, and artificial intelligence.

Associate philosophy professor C. Thi Nguyen discusses how games can shape our understanding of trust, collaboration, and new realities. They explore the timeless and transcendent nature of games, role-playing in video and board games, racial bias in gaming, and the complexities of value systems.

Explore the evolving role of video proof with smartphones and deepfakes. Uncover biases in surveillance systems and the impact on privacy. Dive into discussions on algorithmic auditing and evaluation. Learn about the risks of AI-generated images and the importance of critical evaluation in a surveillance-heavy world.

Lisa Fazio, a psychology professor, discusses how our brains process information online, the rise of conspiracy theories, and ways to debunk misinformation. Topics include false memories, cognitive errors, pre-bunking, media literacy, and the impact of AI on identifying fake news.

Danah Boyd, a partner researcher at Microsoft Research and Distinguished Visiting Professor at Georgetown University, discusses how the challenges of urbanization in the past can shed light on navigating the digital world. She explores parallels between city living and online interactions, touching on anonymity, community formation, and societal impacts of online behaviors.

Guest Arienne Ferchaud, Florida State University assistant professor, discusses parasocial relationships in the age of social media, exploring the impact on emotional connections, authenticity in the influencer industry, and the influence of social media on AI relationships. The podcast delves into blurred boundaries between reality and fantasy, the evolution of human relationships with media characters, and the importance of fostering healthy connections with technology.