3 Takeaways

Grief and trauma are part of being human, yet most of us have little idea what to expect. We picture them as overwhelming, endless, and all-consuming. But what if that story is wrong? Columbia professor George Bonanno reveals a surprising truth about how people actually cope — and it may change the way you think about loss.

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.

Nir Eyal, a behavioral design expert and the author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," dives deep into how modern apps leverage psychology to keep us hooked. He reveals how variable rewards drive user engagement, much like slot machines, turning mere minutes of use into extensive engagement. Eyal discusses the neurological triggers behind our habits, the competitive edge gained by companies like Google, and how personal intent shapes our experiences with technology. Finally, he shares strategies for mastering distraction and becoming more present in our digital lives.

The global order that brought decades of peace and prosperity is coming apart. The Economist’s Editor-in-Chief Zanny Minton Beddoes takes us inside the world’s power centers, where America is both admired and doubted — and China’s influence is on the rise. She reveals how shifting alliances and economic rivalries are rewriting the balance of power — with consequences that will touch us all.

Imagine owing over $100,000—not for a home or college, but simply for being an American.That’s each citizen’s share of the nearly $40 trillion U.S. national debt—and it’s climbing fast. The government now spends more on interest than on Medicare or defense. Former Council of Economic Advisers Chair Greg Mankiw explains why this path is unsustainable and what it will take to fix it.He lays out five possible outcomes: some painful, some unlikely, and all politically explosive.One thing is clear: The bill is coming due.