ReThinking

In a world obsessed with personal branding, the podcast delves into the pitfalls of self-promotion. It questions the authenticity of crafted images and explores the value of genuine connections. Listeners learn that promoting ideas and contributions can be more impactful than focusing on oneself. The concept of a 'failure resume' emphasizes vulnerability as a pathway to authenticity. Humor and integrity also play vital roles in building reputation, suggesting that true success comes from collaboration rather than personal marketing.

Linda Babcock, a renowned economics professor at Carnegie Mellon and co-author of 'The No Club,' dives into the complex dynamics of workplace commitments. She highlights how women disproportionately take on non-promotable tasks and shares insights on setting effective boundaries. The conversation touches on the significance of collective support in asserting 'no,' navigating the pitfalls of overcommitment, and innovative strategies for time management. Babcock's research encourages listeners to prioritize their time and redefine their professional relationships.

In this enlightening discussion, Vanessa Bonds, a Cornell professor and author, teams up with Sherry Liu, founder of the Eldest Daughter Club, to tackle the delicate art of saying 'no.' They explore the challenges faced by people-pleasers and offer practical strategies for setting boundaries in both personal and professional relationships. The conversation touches on societal pressures, the emotional toll of refusal, and the transformative power of a compassionate 'no.' Listeners will gain valuable insights on prioritizing their own needs while maintaining healthier connections.

Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind iconic shows like Grey's Anatomy and Bridgerton, joins Adam Grant for an engaging discussion. She reflects on her journey from law and medicine to storytelling, emphasizing the importance of representation and taking risks. Shonda shares insights from her memoir, Year of Yes, and explores how storytelling can change lives. The conversation also touches on creative leadership, the value of constructive feedback, and the emotional impact of Alzheimer's on families, showcasing her depth as both a creator and a person.

Melinda French Gates, a philanthropist and author of 'The Next Day', shares powerful insights on navigating change after significant life shifts such as her divorce and departure from the Gates Foundation. She emphasizes the importance of embracing transitions and having a solid support system. The conversation also explores financial literacy for children, the complexities of philanthropy, and the impact of personal motivations on charitable giving. Melinda encourages listeners to rethink generosity, focusing on unique contributions and fostering the next generation of leaders.

Dan Gilbert, a Harvard psychologist and bestselling author of 'Stumbling on Happiness', reveals that our predictions about what will make us happy are often misguided. He shares his transformative journey from high school dropout to professor and discusses how major life events might not affect our happiness as much as we think. The conversation also explores the impact of minor annoyances on our emotional well-being, the importance of relationships over achievements, and offers clever insights on navigating personal conversations for greater fulfillment.

Megan Rapinoe, an Olympic gold medalist and FIFA's best soccer player, teams up with Sue Bird, a 13-time All-Star and WNBA champion. Together, they discuss the vital dynamics of leadership in sports, sharing insights on team cohesion and adapting to change. The duo opens up about the challenges of retirement and the quest for new identities post-sport. They also explore the pressure athletes face and the importance of empowering women's sports, highlighting their commitment to creating a brighter future for female athletes.

David Fajgenbaum, a physician scientist at Penn, faced death at 25 from Castleman's disease but miraculously saved himself by repurposing a drug. He founded Every Cure to help others unlock the potential of existing medications. In this discussion, he shares the building blocks of resilience and the disincentives in drug development. They also delve into how AI is revolutionizing the identification of new treatments and the importance of innovative partnerships between nonprofits and pharmaceutical companies in the fight against rare diseases.

In this enlightening chat, Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, a sleep physiologist from Oxford University, reveals the fascinating insights from studying hibernating animals. He explores the intriguing possibility of human hibernation and its potential to revolutionize space travel and medical therapies. The conversation debunks common sleep myths while examining personal sleep patterns over the rigid eight-hour norm. Vladyslav also highlights the intricate relationship between sleep quality and our understanding of its purpose in both humans and animals.

Ethan Kross, a psychologist and neuroscientist from the University of Michigan and author of "Chatter," dives deep into the complexities of our inner voices. He discusses how to transform negative self-talk into positive thought patterns and the role of self-distancing in problem-solving. The power of mental time travel for emotional resilience during crises, like COVID-19, is emphasized, alongside the surprising drawbacks of venting. Kross shares strategies for managing anxiety and the unique ways people experience their thoughts, providing insights for better emotion regulation.