Worklife with Adam Grant

In this conversation, Adam Aleksic, a 24-year-old linguist and creator known as Etymology Nerd, breaks down the quirky slang of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. He reveals the intriguing origins of terms like "skibidi rizz" and "brain rot" while explaining how algorithms influence our communication. The duo quizzes each other on viral meme vocabulary and discusses how social media shapes language. Aleksic emphasizes the cultural significance of words and the challenges of seeding new terms, urging critical thinking about internet trends.

Ken Burns, the renowned documentary filmmaker behind iconic works on subjects like the Civil War, dives into personal territory with Adam Grant. He reflects on fatherhood and how personal failures influenced his parenting. Ken critiques careerism for stifling creativity and shares his dream dinner guests, including trailblazers like Elizabeth Cady Stanton. They explore the complexities of grief, embracing its fluid nature, and discuss how enthusiasm fuels his work, bringing history to life with empathy and nuance.

Ken Burns, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker known for his profound works on American history, joins to reexamine George Washington's complex legacy. He discusses the significance of origin stories and how they shape our identity. Burns highlights Washington’s contradictions, balancing his role as a flawed leader with his tactical errors and dedication to nation-building. They explore the nuances in historical narratives and why embracing the flaws in our heroes can lead to a richer understanding of history and leadership.

Alain de Botton, a philosopher and cofounder of The School of Life, joins therapist RaQuel Hopkins to tackle the pervasive issue of status anxiety. They explore how social media fuels our obsession with status and discuss the importance of embracing imperfection to alleviate loneliness. Alain highlights the dangers of snobbery and advocates for deeper values beyond mere success. Together, they examine practical wisdom and the evolving role of therapy, urging listeners to focus on character and personal growth over societal signals.

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.