3 Takeaways

AI doesn’t just predict our behavior — it can shape it.Cass Sunstein, Harvard professor and co-author of Nudge, reveals how artificial intelligence uses classic tools of manipulation — from scarcity and social proof to fear and pleasure — to steer what we buy, believe, and even feel.Its influence is so seamless, we may not even notice it.The battle for the future isn’t for our data — it’s for our minds.In a world this personalized, how do we keep control of our own minds?

When Vladimir Putin first rose to power, few expected him to become the world’s most confrontational autocrat. Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, who has studied and worked with Putin for decades, explains what changed — and why. From paranoia about democracy to the drive to rebuild Russia’s sphere of influence, McFaul shows how personal power and national destiny became one and the same. His insights reveal not just who Putin is, but what he wants next.

The dollar has been one of America’s most powerful weapons and a major source of global influence, in ways few fully realize. It doesn’t just shape trade and finance; it also gives the U.S. a unique window into the world’s financial flows. But what if that power is beginning to slip? Harvard’s Ken Rogoff examines the mounting pressures that could threaten the dollar’s supremacy — and reveals how a cornerstone of U.S. power could also become its Achilles’ heel.

In this discussion, George Bonanno, a Columbia University professor and an expert on grief, shares eye-opening insights on how people actually cope with loss. He debunks the myth that grief is purely overwhelming and points out that many recover quickly, often experiencing moments of joy amid sorrow. Bonanno reflects on how cultural misconceptions about grief stem from 19th-century romanticism. He also emphasizes that resilience is common and encourages flexible coping strategies to navigate challenges, providing a refreshing perspective on grief and trauma.

Artificial intelligence isn’t just another invention — it may be humanity’s first non-biological species. Craig Mundie, former Microsoft Chief Research and Strategy Officer and co-author of Genesis with Henry Kissinger and Eric Schmidt, explores what happens as AI begins to make decisions once made by humans.Who decides what AI should do? Who makes it obey? And what if it doesn’t?The stakes? Nothing less than the future of human civilization.

Bent Flyvbjerg, a leading expert on major-project performance and author, reveals why 199 out of 200 big projects fail. He discusses the iron law of megaprojects, sharing eye-opening statistics and examples like California's rail system and the Sydney Opera House. Bent highlights the pitfalls of uniqueness bias and the importance of thorough preparation. He advocates for lessons from successful projects, emphasizing standardized methods and realistic planning. His key takeaways include thinking backward and understanding project odds to improve outcomes.

Populists on the right and left say globalization gutted America’s middle class. David Brooks says that story is “75% bonkers.” In this episode, he reveals what’s myth, what’s true, and the deeper crisis shaping our politics today.

Joining the discussion is Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Super Communicators. He reveals that great communication isn't about charisma—it's about learnable habits. Discover how becoming a super communicator involves active listening and adaptability. Duhigg also dives into the challenges of guiding patients in difficult conversations and shares insights on mastering various virtual communication platforms. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections, even in remote settings, to foster better relationships.

Every country wants strong industries and good jobs. But do tariffs actually deliver? Few people have been closer to the frontlines of global trade, tariffs, and innovation than America’s former chief trade negotiator Mike Froman. He takes us inside the myths, the hidden costs, and the bigger choices ahead. The question: what will truly define America’s edge in the global economy?

Space may look empty, but it’s crowded, fragile, and under threat. Former Congresswoman Jane Harman and Lieutenant General (Ret.) Nina Armagno — former U.S. Space Force Director of Staff who oversaw missile warning, satellite operations, and space launches — reveal how satellites quietly keep the world running, and how quickly it could all go dark. Imagine waking up to no internet, no GPS, and no air travel. They share what’s happening above our heads, and why we can’t afford to ignore it.