

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

16 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 33min
ReThinking: How you can do more for others with Rutger Bregman
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author of Moral Ambition, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about making a difference. He highlights the importance of leveraging privilege for social change and reflects on moral pioneers who inspire. Bregman debates the balance between ambition and compassion, emphasizing moral courage in social impact careers. He also navigates the fine line between anger and action, stressing that constructive efforts are key. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to cultivate goodness through deliberate actions.

38 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 33min
ReThinking: The myth of genius with Helen Lewis
In this conversation, journalist Helen Lewis, author of 'The Genius Myth,' dives into the problematic idolization of geniuses like Edison and Musk. She challenges the notion of individual greatness by highlighting the collaborative efforts behind achievements. The discussion also sheds light on the overlooked contributions of women linked to male innovators and the emotional complexities of their relationships. Lewis shares insights on nurturing creativity and avoiding pitfalls as prodigies transition into adulthood, encouraging a broader understanding of talent and success.

10 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 36min
ReThinking: The future of finding love with Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd
Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and CEO of Bumble, shares her innovative vision for the future of dating. She discusses how AI could reshape love, suggesting tech should enhance, not replace, human connections. Whitney reflects on her break from leadership, revealing the importance of self-awareness before love. The conversation touches on combating loneliness in the digital age and the evolving role of group dynamics in relationships. She emphasizes Bumble's mission to foster deeper emotional connections, extending beyond traditional dating.

31 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 27min
ReThinking: Ed Helms on growing through failure
Join Ed Helms, the talented comedian and actor famous for his roles in The Office and The Hangover, as he shares his journey through the ups and downs of comedy. He emphasizes how embracing failure has shaped his career, providing hilarious anecdotes along the way. Ed also discusses his new book, SNAFU, revealing bizarre historical mistakes like the moon missile project. With a focus on redefining success and the power of community, this conversation is both insightful and entertaining.

69 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 35min
ReThinking: The truth about the attention crisis with historian Daniel Immerwahr
Daniel Immerwahr, a history professor at Northwestern University and award-winning author, dives deep into the myth of our dwindling attention spans. He counters the narrative that technology is the villain, arguing that our focus has merely shifted. The conversation spans historical panics over attention, the surprising cognitive benefits of video games, and whether engaging with Marvel movies can be justified. Immerwahr prompts us to rethink how we perceive distraction and the evolving nature of our interests.

Jul 22, 2025 • 35min
ReThinking: The science of taste and smell with Rachel Herz
Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist from Brown University, dives into the fascinating worlds of taste and smell. She uncovers the science behind 'super tasters' and how genetics shapes our food preferences. Listeners learn about the emotional weight of smells and how scent influences memories and relationships. The conversation further explores the cultural and biological factors that make each person's sensory experience unique. Herz also touches on the challenges of discussing sensitive topics like body odor, weaving together insights with humor and relatability.

23 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 37min
ReThinking: John Green on fighting diseases of injustice
Join John Green, best-selling author of 'The Fault in Our Stars' and co-creator of Crash Course, as he discusses his book 'Everything is Tuberculosis' and the fight against diseases of injustice. He highlights the inequalities surrounding tuberculosis and its impact on vulnerable populations. Green also delves into the issues of book banning, the creative process, and the importance of embracing imperfection. Along the way, he shares personal anecdotes and strategies to stay motivated and find meaning in the writing journey.

34 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 36min
ReThinking: What motivates great Americans with Ron Chernow
In this enlightening discussion, Ron Chernow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer known for his deep dives into iconic figures like Alexander Hamilton, shares his insights on what drives remarkable Americans. He offers a sneak peek into his new book on Mark Twain, exploring the complexities of Twain’s character and the women who shaped his life. Chernow also delves into the art of biography, emphasizing the selection of impactful subjects and the evolving narratives surrounding historical giants like Hamilton and Rockefeller.

37 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 39min
ReThinking: Jacinda Ardern on leading with empathy and overcoming self-doubt
Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, shares her insights on empathetic leadership and the challenges of self-doubt. She discusses her unexpected entry into politics and how compassion shaped her responses during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern reflects on overcoming 'tall poppy syndrome' and the importance of kindness in leadership. The conversation also touches on navigating personal milestones amidst public scrutiny and the integral role of resilience and optimism in inspiring change.

67 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 36min
ReThinking: The neglected power of siblings with Susan Dominus
Susan Dominus, a staff writer at the New York Times and author of The Family Dynamic, dives into the powerful yet often overlooked influence of siblings on personal growth and success. She discusses how sibling relationships can shape our achievements more than parental actions. The conversation reveals insights on the interplay of nature and nurture, the effects of birth order, and the emotional dynamics that define sibling connections. Dominus highlights the unique roles siblings play in developing identities and providing crucial support throughout life.