Worklife with Adam Grant

Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown and best-selling author, shares his insights on productivity. He introduces the concept of 'slow productivity,' advocating for quality over quantity in work output. Newport discusses strategies to combat burnout, such as reduced meeting days and prioritizing deep work. He challenges the effectiveness of traditional productivity metrics and emphasizes the need for thoughtful communication in our digital age. Listeners will find practical tips to enhance productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Sarah Edmondson, a NXIVM whistleblower and host of A Little Bit Culty, brings her unique insights on the disturbing world of cult-like organizations. She shares her cautionary tale about the dark charisma that can draw people in. The discussion reveals red flags of manipulation and emphasizes the importance of loyalty to principles over people. Sarah also reflects on her experiences as a recruiter, exposing how charisma can be weaponized and the need for authenticity in relations. With humor and clarity, she sheds light on the psychology behind high-demand groups.

Join Robin Arzón, Peloton's head instructor and ultramarathon runner, as she shares her inspiring journey from lawyer to fitness guru. She dives into the flaws of hustle culture, emphasizing momentum over mere motivation. Robin highlights the transformative power of movement in overcoming personal challenges and advocates for finding joy in fitness. Through shared experiences on Peloton, she illustrates the importance of community and identity in fostering commitment. This conversation redefines how we approach success and wellness in our lives.

Denise Hamilton, an inclusion strategist and author of "Indivisible," focuses on redefining narratives to foster unity. She discusses the power of storytelling in inclusion and the emotional challenge of letting go of outdated beliefs. Denise emphasizes the importance of collective strength in leadership and the need for open dialogues about America’s complex narratives. By advocating for continuous improvement and embracing change, she inspires listeners to reassess their perspectives and contribute to a more inclusive future.

In this episode, Jared Cohen, a global affairs expert and author of "Life After Power," shares insights from his extensive career, including his time at the State Department and Google. He discusses the intriguing journeys of former U.S. presidents navigating life after office, spotlighting John Quincy Adams' shift to advocating for abolition. They explore the delicate balance between political power and personal values, plus the psychological challenges leaders face. Through historical examples, Cohen emphasizes the ongoing pursuit of purpose and legacy beyond politics.

Bob Sutton, an organizational psychologist at Stanford and bestselling author, discusses how to become a 'friction-fixer' in the workplace. He emphasizes the importance of empathetic leadership and being a better listener. Sutton reveals surprising benefits of inconvenience and how being perceived as boring can actually strengthen leadership. The conversation touches on navigating tough decisions and fostering healthy dialogue among teams, challenging conventional approaches to organizational dynamics.

In this discussion, Susan David, a Harvard Medical School psychologist and emotional agility expert, dives into the pitfalls of toxic positivity. She reveals that it’s crucial to acknowledge, rather than suppress, our emotions for genuine well-being. The conversation touches on how embracing difficult feelings can lead to personal growth. David also explains the significance of guilt as an emotional signal and the importance of navigating compassion fatigue. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to reclaim their emotional agency and view feelings as valuable insights.

In this enlightening discussion, psychologist and neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett, known for her work on the science of emotions, teams up with host Adam Grant. They unravel the misconceptions surrounding emotions, revealing how we can gain control over them by changing our thoughts. Lisa highlights the fascinating concept of emotional granularity and the power of language in shaping emotions. They even share unique emotion words from different cultures, illustrating the complexity of our emotional experiences.

In a lively conversation, Jennifer Garner, the talented actress known for her roles in "Alias" and "Juno," joins Adam Grant to explore hidden potential. They discuss the powerful role of educators in shaping character and building resilience. Garner reflects on her own experiences with perfectionism and the art of feedback. The duo also dreams up an ideal school, emphasizing creativity and supportive environments for children's growth. Their chat highlights the importance of making work enjoyable and the uplifting power of recognizing others' potential.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and founder of Good Inside, shares her insights on modern parenting challenges. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and fostering emotional resilience in children, emphasizing that happiness isn't the ultimate goal. Dr. Becky highlights the value of meaningful family interactions and encourages parental validation. She also champions involving kids in family decisions to instill a sense of ownership and respect their unique definitions of success.