Worklife with Adam Grant

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author of 'Moral Ambition', discusses how to align idealism with entrepreneurship for social good. He emphasizes the importance of moral ambition to redefine success beyond wealth and suggests practical ways for individuals to contribute to societal change. The conversation covers fostering moral ambition in children, the importance of personal growth in effective altruism, and balancing ambition with compassion for impactful social change. Bregman also highlights the significance of community action in driving meaningful change.

Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of The Genius Myth, delves into the cultural perceptions of genius. She discusses the societal pressures created by labeling individuals as genius and the dangers of idolizing them. Lewis shares insights about the struggles faced by child prodigies in adulthood and highlights the importance of support systems for women in creative fields. This conversation challenges traditional views of success, emphasizing hard work and collaboration over solitary brilliance.

Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder and CEO of Bumble, discusses the future of love in the age of AI. She envisions a world where technology fosters genuine connections rather than superficial ones. Whitney reflects on taking a break from Bumble to reconnect with herself and debates if self-love is essential before loving others. The conversation touches on the evolution of dating apps, the importance of platonic relationships, and how AI could revolutionize matchmaking while addressing the loneliness prevalent in today’s digital landscape.

Ed Helms, actor and comedian celebrated for his roles on The Office and in The Hangover, shares his journey through failure and growth with Adam Grant. The discussion weaves in personal anecdotes about the emotional challenges of live comedy. Ed reflects on the significance of mundane moments in life and explores creative struggles with humor. With insights on decision-making biases, groupthink, and the importance of diverse perspectives, the conversation is both entertaining and enlightening, emphasizing resilience and the power of connection.

Daniel Immerwahr, a history professor at Northwestern University and award-winning author, dives deep into the myths surrounding attention spans in the digital age. He challenges the notion that technology is shrinking our focus, instead suggesting it's the objects of our attention that are changing. Immerwahr discusses historical moral panics over distractions, compares the cognitive benefits of video games to traditional forms of art, and questions the cultural value of Marvel movies, sparking a captivating conversation about engagement and creativity.

Rachel Herz, a Brown University neuroscientist and author, dives into the fascinating world of taste and smell. She explains the genetics behind being a 'super taster' and how our biology shapes food preferences. Herz discusses the often-overlooked power of smell, especially in forming emotional connections and memories. Plus, she humorously speculates on future technologies that could enhance our sensory experiences. Tune in for insights that will change the way you think about the food on your plate!

John Green, best-selling author of 'The Fault in Our Stars' and co-creator of Crash Course, dives into impactful societal issues. He discusses his book 'Everything is Tuberculosis,' shedding light on health inequalities and the pressing need for systemic change. The conversation touches on the creativity behind writing, the challenges of book bans, and the intersection of personal experiences with OCD and disease fascination. Green also shares fun anecdotes about innovative inventions, all while promoting empathy and action against injustice.

Ron Chernow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, shares his insights on American historical figures and explores the complexities of their legacies. He discusses his new book on Mark Twain, highlighting Twain's chaotic creativity and disillusionments. Chernow delves into what motivates greatness in America, emphasizing resilience and leadership. He also reflects on the transformative power of biography, suggesting it requires both artistic intuition and rigorous research, while assessing how personal relationships shape our understanding of these impactful lives.

Join Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand known for her empathetic leadership, as she delves into the significance of compassion in governance. She discusses overcoming self-doubt, especially in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern shares personal stories about navigating tall poppy syndrome and the burdens of leadership while emphasizing the importance of kindness and vulnerability. Explore how her experiences redefine effective political leadership in today's world.

Susan Dominus, a staff writer at the New York Times Magazine and author of The Family Dynamic, dives into the overlooked influence of siblings on personal success. She argues that sibling relationships shape individual identity and resilience, often more than parental guidance. The conversation touches on how birth order affects parenting styles and success dynamics. Dominus shares insights from her research, revealing how siblings can act as mentors or rivals, significantly impacting aspirations and achievements throughout life.