Trailblazing leader Mellody Hobson shares insights on embracing tough feedback, staying focused during conversations, and promoting growth in challenging times. She reflects on success, the birth lottery, and using one's voice for change.

Linguist Anne Curzan and host delve into grammar rules, language pet peeves, and Gen-Z slang. They discuss the evolution of language, the influence of early linguistic experiences, and navigating the inner 'grammar commando'. The conversation also touches on language changes, effectiveness in writing, and the impact of Gen-Z slang on language evolution.

Bestselling novelist Gabrielle Zevin shares insights on embracing failure, finding inspiration, and staying motivated despite setbacks. They discuss the importance of creativity, evolving as a writer, and the role of collaboration in storytelling. Zevin's journey highlights the significance of overcoming rejection and defining success on one's own terms.

Entrepreneur and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson shares insights on taking risks, competing uniquely, and traits of great leaders. He discusses overcoming challenges, promoting fun in the workplace, commercial spaceflight, biking adventures, clean energy, advocacy efforts, and human authenticity.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discusses overcoming impostor syndrome, handling criticism, encouraging truth to power, and maintaining motivation. He shares personal struggles, leadership lessons, and reflections on effective leadership. Trudeau emphasizes the value of authenticity, unity, and impact-focused leadership in challenging political landscapes.

Rebecca Solnit and Adam discuss the downsides of social media discourse, the need for better online conversations, and the importance of recalibrating opinions. They explore hypocrisy, human connection, and the impact of the internet, as well as forgiveness, bad advice, and societal pressures. Finally, they touch on the joy of writing about the unknown and the significance of embracing hope in uncertain times.

Beloved author John Green discusses tracking attention and rating everything on a five-point scale. He shares insights from his reviews, the gift of a great book, and life lessons from Mario Kart's last lap.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky discusses the importance of trust and compassionate leadership in tough times, emphasizing overcommunication, transparency in decision-making, and treating a company as a community rather than a family. The conversation also touches on the future of work, flexible arrangements, combating loneliness, and prioritizing well-being.

Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center For Humane Technology and president of Earth Species Project, discusses the ethical use of technology, AI's impact on society, communication with non-human species, and the need for governments to rethink technology. He explores the unintended consequences of the attention economy and the challenges of enhancing human forecasting abilities to navigate the AI future.

David Duchovny, actor known for X-Files, discusses failure, success, and the value of learning from setbacks. They explore diverse pursuits, career advice, AI's role in the workplace, and the intersection of art, AI, and humanity. Reflects on success, loneliness, and making meaningful contributions.