Worklife with Adam Grant

Yuval Noah Harari, renowned historian and author of the bestseller Sapiens, dives deep into the complex relationship between justice and peace. He shares insights on how storytelling shapes our societal narratives, revealing the intricate conflicts between ideals of justice versus the pursuit of peace. The discussion touches on the impact of AI on communication and highlights the cognitive revolution's role in human evolution. Harari also explores the paradox of power and happiness, suggesting that some discomfort can drive progress.

Charan Ranganath, a psychologist and neuroscientist who directs the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis, dives into the intricacies of memory. He discusses why we remember certain things while forgetting others and how learning occurs. Charan unpacks the pitfalls of common memory enhancement techniques and the portrayal of memory in media. He also examines the emotional toll of life changes on memory and identity, as well as the pandemic's impact on our recollections, emphasizing curiosity and engagement for better memory retention.

Ian Bremmer, a political scientist and founder of Eurasia Group, shares his insights on the intricacies of global politics and the unique complexities of 2024. He explores the cyclical nature of geopolitics and the crisis of democracy in the U.S., emphasizing the urgency for individual engagement. The conversation also touches on how global instability impacts leaders personally, the challenges of misinformation on social media, and the importance of diverse perspectives to navigate today's polarized environment.

will.i.am, the seven-time Grammy-winning frontman of The Black Eyed Peas, explores the intersection of music and technology. He shares insights about his role as the director of creative innovation at Intel and his groundbreaking projects, like streaming a song from Mars. The discussion dives deep into AI's potential in enhancing creativity and the delicate balance between human intuition and technological support. They also contemplate data ownership in an increasingly digital world and the essence of true creativity in the age of AI.

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.