Worklife with Adam Grant

John and Julie Gottman, renowned psychologists and co-founders of the Gottman Institute, share their expertise on creating and maintaining healthy relationships. They discuss avoiding the 'four horsemen of marital apocalypse,' navigating criticism, and the emotional toll of conflict. The couple explores practical tools like the Gottman Connect platform to improve communication. They also reflect on how the pandemic impacted relationships, amplifying strengths and challenges, while emphasizing the need for understanding and support in overcoming obstacles.

Cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar shares insights on how life changes shape our identity and the importance of goal-setting. Psychology expert Dr. Ayelet Fishbach discusses the difference between measurable efforts and true productivity. They emphasize the need for realistic, engaging goals to inspire motivation. Discover how personal agency and offering choices can enhance goal achievement. Plus, explore the empathy gap in connecting with your future self and why it matters for personal growth.

Andrea Jones-Rooy, a data scientist, comedian, and NYU professor, shares her unique perspective on data's limitations and its humorous parallels with comedy. She explores the complexities of interpreting data in a biased world and emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions in scientific inquiry. Andrea discusses the excitement of real-time feedback in both science and comedy, and critiques how we present data and science to build trust. With insights from both her academic and comedic backgrounds, she reveals the art of effective communication in understanding our world.

Bo Seo, a world debate champion and author of "Good Arguments," shares his journey from avoiding disputes to mastering the art of constructive dialogue. He emphasizes the importance of effective debating skills in sharpening our thinking and enhancing listening capabilities. The discussion explores how practicing disagreement can foster better connections, especially for those who struggle with agreeableness. Seo also highlights the need for curriculum changes in education to promote argument literacy, emphasizing the value of engaging with diverse viewpoints.

Ohood Al Roumi, UAE’s Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, shares her experience in implementing a shorter work week. Jonas Prising, CEO of ManpowerGroup, discusses flexible work strategies while Hilary Cottam highlights historical shifts in work time norms. Anne-Marie Slaughter emphasizes managing by tasks rather than hours. The conversation dives into the societal benefits of a four-day work week, the need for cultural shifts, and the potential for increased productivity and well-being in post-pandemic work environments.

In this discussion, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho shares his unconventional view on goals, claiming he's "anti-goals" despite his impressive achievements. He argues that focusing on values and personal growth can lead to greater success than traditional goal-setting. Emmanuel reflects on the lessons he's learned from sports, emphasizing the importance of significance over status. He also touches on crucial topics like equity in sports, player safety, and the need for honest conversations about well-being in competitive environments.

Filmmaker Adam McKay, known for his sharp satirical lens on society through works like *Don't Look Up* and *Succession*, delves into the psychology of human delusion and narcissism. He reflects on how improv comedy influenced his creativity and narrative style. The conversation reveals the concept of the 'delusion economy' thriving in today's media landscape, while also highlighting the crucial role of humor in activism and social commentary. Themes of moral ambiguity and personal integrity round out this insightful and entertaining discussion.

Sharon McMahon, known as "America’s Government Teacher," shares her insights as a former high school educator who fights misinformation with clear, nonpartisan facts. She and Adam delve into the need for improved qualifications in politics and examine the dark side of leadership influenced by harmful traits. The duo brainstorms wild ideas like placing teachers in Congress to enhance governance. Their discussion emphasizes critical thinking, the importance of civility in political discourse, and the necessity for campaign finance reform to empower everyday citizens.

Reese Witherspoon, an Oscar-winning actress and dynamic producer, shares her journey from self-doubt to confidence. She discusses her early struggles during rehearsals for 'Walk the Line,' where quitting seemed easier than persevering. By embracing her imperfections and creating Hello Sunshine, which puts women at the forefront, Reese redefines success. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, curiosity, and resilience in both acting and entrepreneurship, encouraging listeners to face their fears and empower themselves.

Saul Perlmutter, a Nobel laureate in physics, shares his journey in unveiling the universe’s accelerating expansion. He discusses the emotional landscape of scientific discovery and the essential blend of humility and collective confidence needed to tackle global issues. Delving into the nature of scientific thinking, Saul highlights the significance of continuous learning and critical evaluation in science. He also addresses the pitfalls of pseudoscience and reflects on the universe's fate, emphasizing humanity's endless capacity for curiosity and understanding.