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 @adammgrantInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
90 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 35min
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.
11 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 35min
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
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
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
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
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.
94 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 33min
WorkLife: Office Hours with Adam: Bridging generational divides
Join Tara Darrow, T-Mobile's VP known for managing diverse teams, as she tackles the nuances of bridging generational divides. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of giving feedback while ensuring psychological safety, highlighting the need for honest leadership. Misconceptions about Gen Z are debunked, showcasing their true work ethic and eagerness to engage. They explore the evolving workplace culture and the crucial communication strategies necessary for collaboration across all ages, ultimately aiming to foster understanding and inclusivity.
36 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 26min
WorkLife: Generational differences are vastly exaggerated
Nicole Smith, a journalist turned newsroom manager, and Jennifer Deal, a senior research scientist specializing in generational workplace dynamics, tackle the exaggerated stereotypes surrounding different age groups. They discuss how perceived generational differences can actually obstruct collaboration rather than enhance it. Smith shares her experiences navigating the divide between seasoned print journalists and younger digital natives. The conversation highlights that workplace conflicts often arise from issues of status and respect, not age, urging a shift in focus to individual capabilities.
13 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 30min
WorkLife: The psychology of forgiveness with Michael McCullough
Michael McCullough, a UC San Diego psychology professor and a pioneer in forgiveness studies, joins Adam Grant to delve into the intricacies of forgiveness. They discuss why forgiveness is essential for emotional health yet not always a solution to conflict. The conversation explores how humans evolved to forgive, the psychology behind grudges, and the delicate balance of seeking and granting forgiveness in relationships. Additionally, they tackle the cultural influences on forgiveness and its transformative effects on mental well-being.
59 snips
May 27, 2025 • 32min
WorkLife: The secrets of a great apology
In this engaging discussion, Beth Polin, a management professor specializing in apologies, and Mark Gallagher, an executive with a Formula One background, share fascinating insights on the art of apology. They delve into the complex elements that make an apology effective, highlighting the five R's: regret, rationale, responsibility, repentance, and repair. The duo also explores real-world examples from pre-K classrooms to high-stakes pit stops, revealing how sincere apologies can mend relationships and foster accountability in both personal and professional realms.
