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
63 snips
May 20, 2025 • 35min
WorkLife: The dangers of identity capitalism with Jia Tolentino
Jia Tolentino, a prominent writer at The New Yorker and author of "Trick Mirror," dives deep into the perils of identity capitalism. She discusses how our online personas have become commodified, leading to unique pressures to present ourselves as marketable products. The conversation explores the psychological toll of self-surveillance and the impact on authenticity in the age of social media. Tolentino argues for a reevaluation of self-worth beyond personal branding, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and community engagement.
131 snips
May 13, 2025 • 25min
WorkLife: The case against personal branding
In a world obsessed with personal branding, the podcast delves into the pitfalls of self-promotion. It questions the authenticity of crafted images and explores the value of genuine connections. Listeners learn that promoting ideas and contributions can be more impactful than focusing on oneself. The concept of a 'failure resume' emphasizes vulnerability as a pathway to authenticity. Humor and integrity also play vital roles in building reputation, suggesting that true success comes from collaboration rather than personal marketing.
139 snips
May 6, 2025 • 35min
WorkLife: Protecting your time with Linda Babcock
Linda Babcock, a renowned economics professor at Carnegie Mellon and co-author of 'The No Club,' dives into the complex dynamics of workplace commitments. She highlights how women disproportionately take on non-promotable tasks and shares insights on setting effective boundaries. The conversation touches on the significance of collective support in asserting 'no,' navigating the pitfalls of overcommitment, and innovative strategies for time management. Babcock's research encourages listeners to prioritize their time and redefine their professional relationships.
87 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 36min
WorkLife: How to say no
In this enlightening discussion, Vanessa Bonds, a Cornell professor and author, teams up with Sherry Liu, founder of the Eldest Daughter Club, to tackle the delicate art of saying 'no.' They explore the challenges faced by people-pleasers and offer practical strategies for setting boundaries in both personal and professional relationships. The conversation touches on societal pressures, the emotional toll of refusal, and the transformative power of a compassionate 'no.' Listeners will gain valuable insights on prioritizing their own needs while maintaining healthier connections.
94 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 45min
Shonda Rhimes on saying yes to what scares you
Shonda Rhimes, the mastermind behind iconic shows like Grey's Anatomy and Bridgerton, joins Adam Grant for an engaging discussion. She reflects on her journey from law and medicine to storytelling, emphasizing the importance of representation and taking risks. Shonda shares insights from her memoir, Year of Yes, and explores how storytelling can change lives. The conversation also touches on creative leadership, the value of constructive feedback, and the emotional impact of Alzheimer's on families, showcasing her depth as both a creator and a person.
55 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 31min
Melinda French Gates on navigating change
Melinda French Gates, a philanthropist and author of 'The Next Day', shares powerful insights on navigating change after significant life shifts such as her divorce and departure from the Gates Foundation. She emphasizes the importance of embracing transitions and having a solid support system. The conversation also explores financial literacy for children, the complexities of philanthropy, and the impact of personal motivations on charitable giving. Melinda encourages listeners to rethink generosity, focusing on unique contributions and fostering the next generation of leaders.
249 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 38min
We’re wrong about what makes us happy with Dan Gilbert
Dan Gilbert, a Harvard psychologist and bestselling author of 'Stumbling on Happiness', reveals that our predictions about what will make us happy are often misguided. He shares his transformative journey from high school dropout to professor and discusses how major life events might not affect our happiness as much as we think. The conversation also explores the impact of minor annoyances on our emotional well-being, the importance of relationships over achievements, and offers clever insights on navigating personal conversations for greater fulfillment.
73 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 42min
Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird on leading great teams and moving on
Megan Rapinoe, an Olympic gold medalist and FIFA's best soccer player, teams up with Sue Bird, a 13-time All-Star and WNBA champion. Together, they discuss the vital dynamics of leadership in sports, sharing insights on team cohesion and adapting to change. The duo opens up about the challenges of retirement and the quest for new identities post-sport. They also explore the pressure athletes face and the importance of empowering women's sports, highlighting their commitment to creating a brighter future for female athletes.
67 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 40min
How David Fajgenbaum saved his own life — and thousands of others
David Fajgenbaum, a physician scientist at Penn, faced death at 25 from Castleman's disease but miraculously saved himself by repurposing a drug. He founded Every Cure to help others unlock the potential of existing medications. In this discussion, he shares the building blocks of resilience and the disincentives in drug development. They also delve into how AI is revolutionizing the identification of new treatments and the importance of innovative partnerships between nonprofits and pharmaceutical companies in the fight against rare diseases.
40 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 39min
What hibernating animals can teach us about human sleep with Vladyslav Vyazovskiy
In this enlightening chat, Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, a sleep physiologist from Oxford University, reveals the fascinating insights from studying hibernating animals. He explores the intriguing possibility of human hibernation and its potential to revolutionize space travel and medical therapies. The conversation debunks common sleep myths while examining personal sleep patterns over the rigid eight-hour norm. Vladyslav also highlights the intricate relationship between sleep quality and our understanding of its purpose in both humans and animals.
