Worklife with Adam Grant

Shannon Hale, a prolific author of over 50 books, shares her journey from childhood storytelling to becoming a prominent voice in children's literature. She discusses the importance of empathy in storytelling and critiques the decline of leisure reading among kids. Hale emphasizes the need to validate diverse reading formats, like graphic novels and audiobooks. She highlights how books can defy gender stereotypes and even change attitudes, while calling for a more flexible approach to school curricula that fosters genuine interest in reading.

Margaret Atwood, the acclaimed author of The Handmaid's Tale and her new memoir, The Book of Lives, explores the limits of AI in creative work, emphasizing that machines lack the genuine voice and inner life that define true artistry. She shares insights on the risks of deepfakes and the importance of reading banned books to enhance civic engagement. Atwood delves into childhood experiences that shaped her writing and the complex dynamics between heroes and monsters, offering reflections on forgiveness and the moral costs of heroism.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Topol, a renowned cardiologist and author focused on longevity, debunks common myths about aging and health. He shares findings on what genuinely influences lifespan, emphasizing lifestyle and immune health over fad supplements. Topol critiques the longevity industry, warning against pseudoscience and promotes early disease detection methods through advanced genomic tools. With a blend of skepticism and optimism, he advocates for informed health decisions, the importance of exercise, and leveraging AI in medical practices.

Oz Pearlman, known as the World’s Greatest Mentalist, shares his intriguing journey from Wall Street to captivating audiences with his mind-reading shows. He reveals the art of mentalism as a skill of performance and intuition, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking and preparing for failure. Oz discusses the power of audience connection, using body language and empathy to craft memorable experiences. He also offers practical tips to combat procrastination and reframes rejection into resilience, all while delighting the crowd with live demonstrations.

In this conversation, Rahaf Harfoush, a digital anthropologist and author, dives into the concept of hypernormalization, explaining why many feel destabilized in today's chaotic world. She critiques toxic productivity culture, arguing it exacerbates burnout and disconnect. Rahaf emphasizes the importance of balancing grief with joy, recognizing individual experiences within collective struggles. She advocates for humane productivity that aligns with personal rhythms and stresses the significance of community care and boundaries for better emotional health.

In this insightful discussion, Daryl Davis, a Black jazz musician and activist, and Jeff Schoep, the former leader of a neo-Nazi organization, explore the power of dialogue in dismantling hate. Daryl shares his unique approach of engaging with extremists, emphasizing curiosity over confrontation. Jeff reflects on how his interactions with Daryl transformed his views, showcasing the struggles and courage involved in leaving a hate group. Together, they highlight core human values that bridge divides and the importance of keeping conversations open, even with those who hold opposing beliefs.

Suleika Jaouad, an author and lifelong journaler, shares her journey through cancer in this engaging conversation. She challenges the advice to 'live every day like it's your last,' proposing instead to embrace each day as if it's your first. Suleika discusses how her journaling practice helped her cope with illness and strengthened her relationship with musician Jon Batiste through shared rituals. She highlights how private writing can unlock intuition and deepen connections while emphasizing the importance of savoring small moments and balancing seriousness with play.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Laureate and a fierce advocate for girls’ education, shares insights from her new book, Finding My Way. She discusses the challenges of childhood fame and the quest for normalcy at university. Malala reflects on redefining resilience through her experiences with trauma, therapy, and newfound hobbies like skiing. She also shares how her views on marriage evolved and highlights the importance of collective activism. With a blend of seriousness and humor, she encourages young women to pursue their own passions.

Jacob Collier, a Grammy-winning musician and innovative educator, joins Adam Grant for a lively discussion. He shares the origins of his audience choir concept and the joy of communal singing. Collier explains his unique approach to handling hecklers, emphasizing safety and inclusive culture. He highlights the importance of play in adulthood, linking it to collective musical experiences. The conversation dives into harmony, the emotional power of music, and why reimagining familiar songs fosters connection. Joy, for Collier, is an act of defiance that unites people.

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a prominent business journalist and founder of DealBook at The New York Times, shares his insights on engaging interviews with host Adam Grant. They discuss interviewing as a dynamic tennis match and techniques like the four-walls approach to elicit deeper responses. Sorkin reveals how he adapts mid-interview, drawing from a tense exchange with Elon Musk. He also reflects on the psychology of powerful figures and unpacks themes from his book, 1929, analyzing the stock market crash and its lasting psychological impacts.