ReThinking
TED
As an organizational psychologist, Adam Grant believes that great minds don't think alike; they challenge each other to think differently. In Re:Thinking with Adam Grant, he has lively discussions and debates with some of the world's most interesting thinkers, creators, achievers, and leaders—from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Brené Brown to Mark Cuban, and Olympic medalists to Nobel laureates to Oscar winners. By diving inside their minds, Adam is on a mission to uncover bold insights and share surprising science that can make us all a little bit smarter. Tune in to Re:Thinking with Adam Grant. You might just be inspired to let go of some old ideas and embrace some new ones.Follow Adam on Instagram @adamgrant, LinkedIn at @adammgrant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 13, 2026 • 21min
Ken Burns on love and grief (Part 2)
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.
16 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 36min
The George Washington story you haven’t heard with Ken Burns (Part 1)
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.
70 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 35min
Overcoming status anxiety with Alain de Botton and RaQuel Hopkins
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.
34 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 40min
Raising a new generation of readers with Shannon Hale
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.
75 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 43min
Margaret Atwood on what AI can’t replace
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.
37 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 39min
Busting longevity myths with Eric Topol
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.
20 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 33min
Building confidence with mentalist Oz Pearlman
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.
88 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 41min
Why are people acting like everything’s fine? with Rahaf Harfoush
Rahaf Harfoush, a digital anthropologist and author, dives into the concept of hypernormalization, where society pretends everything is normal amidst chaos. She discusses how this disconnect fuels feelings of anxiety and collective inaction. Rahaf critiques toxic productivity, advocating for humane approaches that respect individual energy cycles. The conversation highlights the importance of processing emotional turbulence from the pandemic, setting boundaries for self-care, and fostering community through kindness. It's a transformative discussion on navigating today's pressures.
45 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 42min
Talking people out of hate with Daryl Davis and former neo-Nazi Jeff Schoep
Daryl Davis, a Black jazz musician and activist, and Jeff Schoep, a former neo-Nazi leader, share their riveting stories of transformation. They delve into how curiosity can combat hate, recounting their first encounter that sparked meaningful dialogue. Daryl’s techniques for challenging extremist beliefs include motivational interviewing and finding common human values. They also discuss cognitive dissonance and practical strategies for engaging with hardline extremists, emphasizing the importance of empathy and keeping the door open for change.
95 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 42min
Living each day like it’s your first with Suleika Jaouad
Suleika Jaouad, a resilient author known for her memoirs and passion for journaling, joins to explore the transformative power of writing. She rejects the notion of living each day as if it’s your last, advocating instead for a future-focused approach filled with curiosity. Suleika shares how journaling aided her during cancer treatment, emphasizing its role in deepening relationships and unearthing creativity. The conversation also touches on playful prompts, shared morning letters, and the balance of gravity and joy in life.
