Solutions with Henry Blodget

Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and bestselling author, shares insights from his book The Happiness Files. He discusses the crisis of meaning among youth and the surprising connection between money and worry. Brooks offers evidence-based happiness practices and emphasizes the importance of relationships, health, and purposeful work over financial anxiety. He outlines strategies to reduce worry, including maintaining a fear journal and understanding the nature of anxiety. Ultimately, he reinforces that love and connection are fundamental to a happy life.

Dr. Jessica Knurick, a registered dietitian with a Ph.D. in nutrition science, critiques the MAHA movement while focusing on effective ways to improve health. She delves into the impact of ultra-processed foods and suggests simple daily actions like increasing fiber intake and prioritizing sleep. Jessica highlights the importance of tackling root causes of poor health through better agricultural policy and education. She emphasizes the need for effective science communication and offers practical strategies to encourage healthier habits among Americans.

Gordon Crovitz and Steve Brill, co-founders of NewsGuard and veterans of the journalism industry, shed light on the alarming intersection of AI and disinformation. They reveal that AI chatbots spread false information 35% of the time, often manipulated by Russian operatives. The duo discusses the urgent need for accurate AI reporting, the importance of combating deep fakes, and innovative strategies for fostering trust in journalism. Their insights underscore the critical challenge of maintaining truth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Kara Swisher, a renowned Silicon Valley journalist, shares her bold insights on career resilience and the evolving media landscape. She discusses how powerful tech figures often adopt a victim mentality despite their success. Swisher also reflects on Steve Jobs' influence, career alignment with personal passions, and the importance of networking. Her optimistic views on AI versus media and parallels between today's tech climate and past innovation cycles offer a thought-provoking perspective on navigating professional challenges with confidence.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, is on a mission to make flying taxis a reality, while Jason Mudrick, founder of Mudrick Capital Management, supports this revolutionary venture as its largest shareholder. They discuss the exciting timeline for commercial flying taxis, projecting availability by 2028. The conversation dives into the technological advancements needed for eVTOL aircraft, the concept of vertiports in urban transportation, and the essential regulatory frameworks that will ensure safety in this emerging industry.

David Deming, a Harvard economist and researcher, delves into the future of work and the impact of AI on the job market. He discusses how historical technological shifts offer insights into current trends, emphasizing that AI won't lead to a jobs apocalypse but will transform roles. Deming advocates for proactive education and policy reforms to prepare the workforce. He also highlights the importance of human skills in collaboration with AI, urging a focus on social skills to adapt to these changes effectively.

Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and former New York Times columnist, discusses his vision for improving the U.S. economy. He emphasizes the importance of proper tariff policies and explores how targeted subsidies could effectively rebuild the industrial base. The conversation addresses the impact of political pressures on economic data and the need for accurate indicators. Krugman also analyzes the implications of national debt and the role of taxation on migration patterns, advocating for thoughtful reforms to combat economic inequality.

It feels like we’re drowning in problems right now. But for every one of our problems, there are smart, enterprising people working hard to solve them. Which is why acclaimed journalist and entrepreneur Henry Blodget is launching a new podcast called Solutions. Every week, he’ll interview leading thinkers across business, tech, politics and beyond about their big ideas for building a better future. Coming to YouTube and other podcast apps Monday August 18th from the Vox Media Podcast Network.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices