ReThinking

Zarna Garg is a stand-up comic, screenwriter, bestselling author, and one of the busiest people in comedy right now. But before she ever set foot onstage, she went to law school and tried her hand at entrepreneurship, failing at a vegan chili company, a tomato sauce brand, and even a matchmaking service. In this episode, Adam and Zarna reflect on how her daughter challenged her to consider a career pivot, debate the usefulness of a humanities degree, and break down the meticulous process that goes into developing a hit performance. Zarna also delivers some hot takes and tells the story of how she found her husband by posting a shockingly no-nonsense online ad.Host & GuestAdam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: https://adamgrant.net/)Zarna Garg (Instagram: @zarnagarg | YouTube: @zarnagarg | TikTok: @ZarnaGarg | Website: https://zarnagarg.com/)Follow TED! X: https://www.twitter.com/TEDTalksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedFacebook: https://facebook.com/TEDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferencesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tedtoks Podcasts: https://www.ted.com/podcastsReThinking is produced by Cosmic Standard. Our Senior Producer is Jessica Glazer, our Engineer is Aja Simpson, our Technical Director is Jacob Winik, and our Executive Producer is Eliza Smith.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Coyle, journalist and bestselling author who studies how groups thrive, shares vivid stories of communal magic. He describes a Paris long-table that sparked neighborhood self-organization. He explores Norwich’s collective child-rearing that breeds Olympians. He reflects on Alaska rituals, the power of shared hardship, and why action and letting go beat overplanning.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Aleksic, a 24-year-old linguist and creator known as EtymologyNerd, dives into the quirky world of Gen Alpha and Z slang with Adam Grant. Aleksic demystifies terms like 'skibidi rizz' and explains how algorithms shape language. He explores the concept of 'brain rot' memes and their cultural significance, the evolution of words like 'bop' to evade censorship, and why TikTok's format has sparked a new wave of slang. It's a captivating look at how modern communication reflects societal trends!

In this insightful conversation, renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns shares his personal journey through fatherhood, emphasizing the impact of raising his four daughters on his creative work. He reflects on grief as a powerful force in storytelling, arguing against the notion of closure and highlighting how loss shapes both life and art. Ken candidly discusses his disdain for careerism in creativity and praises historical figures like Louis Armstrong and Abigail Adams. Their discussion culminates in a heartfelt acknowledgment of how grief transforms lives and inspires work.

Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns shares insights on the complexities of historical narratives, focusing on George Washington's story. He argues that recognizing the nuances in our heroes can lead to a deeper understanding of leadership. Burns explores Washington's reluctance to wield power and the humility that shaped his approach. The conversation touches on the moral contradictions of founding figures, the balance between certainty and doubt in leadership, and how flaws make historical narratives more relatable and human.

Alain de Botton, a philosopher and cofounder of The School of Life, joins therapist RaQuel Hopkins for an insightful discussion. They delve into the roots of status anxiety, addressing how it links to loneliness and societal ideals of happiness. Alain shares thoughts on embracing modest pessimism and the melancholy of life's setbacks, while RaQuel critiques therapy as a status symbol. Their conversation encourages prioritizing character over success, exploring empathy through human flaws, and finding gratitude in life's simple moments.

Shannon Hale, a prolific author known for her engaging children's literature, joins Adam and his daughter Joanna to discuss the critical role of books in teaching empathy. They explore how stories can challenge gender stereotypes and lament the decline in leisure reading. Shannon emphasizes the need for student choice in curricula to rekindle joy in reading and critiques how books are often banned for fostering empathy. The trio brainstorms ways to cultivate a new generation of readers, highlighting the transformative power of engaging narratives.

In this engaging discussion, renowned author Margaret Atwood shares her insights on the limitations of AI in creative writing, asserting that true originality demands more than mere imitation. She reflects on her personal journey through childhood challenges and the transformative power of memoir, unveiling her motivations for writing The Book of Lives. Atwood also delves into the value of banned books in fostering civic engagement and debates the complexities of heroism—exploring the essential role of monsters in shaping narratives.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Topol, a leading cardiologist and longevity researcher, confronts common myths surrounding aging. He reveals insights from his surprising superagers study, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle over genetics. Eric critiques the longevity industry, debunks risky supplements, and advocates for preventive measures against diseases starting decades earlier. He discusses the role of AI in healthcare, promoting savvy patient engagement, and underscores the importance of balanced exercise while emphasizing quality sleep for optimal health.

Oz Pearlman, a celebrated mentalist known for his performances on America’s Got Talent, shares his journey from Wall Street to the stage. He reveals how empathy and body language can elevate connections, and discusses strategies for managing fear and planning for failure. Oz emphasizes the importance of creating memorable experiences for audiences to enhance performances. He also connects endurance sports to building resilience, making a compelling case for taking risks and embracing vulnerability.