ReThinking

Gabrielle Zevin, an acclaimed novelist known for her bestseller Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, shares her insights on navigating failure and creativity. She discusses how setbacks can foster resilience and inspire new beginnings. The importance of intrinsic motivation over external validation comes to light, alongside the emotional journey of writing. Zevin also highlights the delicate balance of solitude and collaboration, and the complexities of crafting relatable characters and relationships in storytelling.

Richard Branson, the visionary founder of the Virgin Group, shares his insights from a lifetime of entrepreneurship. He discusses the importance of courage and embracing risks for personal growth, while humorously revealing how he overcame challenges like shyness and dyslexia. Branson reflects on the evolution of commercial spaceflight and his aspirations for making it accessible. He also advocates for a shift in drug policy towards a public health perspective, intertwining personal anecdotes with his thoughts on leadership and competition.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada since 2015, shares his insights on leadership and personal growth. He opens up about his struggles with impostor syndrome and how he maintains resilience against public criticism. Trudeau highlights the importance of authenticity and community connection in leadership. He discusses the emotional challenges leaders face, the impact of public scrutiny, and the need for empathy. Additionally, he reflects on the urgency for leaders to engage with their communities during global crises, all while balancing personal well-being.

Rebecca Solnit, an acclaimed American writer known for her essays on hope and social issues, joins the conversation to explore the pitfalls of online discourse. She critiques how social media diminishes meaningful dialogue and promotes uninformed opinions. The discussion touches on women's silence regarding trauma and the need for genuine conversation in a polarized digital world. Solnit emphasizes the importance of recalibrating our views and fostering authentic connections, highlighting hope and change as vital for navigating today’s challenges.

John Green, bestselling author known for works like 'The Fault in Our Stars,' discusses the importance of mindfulness in evaluating human progress. He shares insights from his experience rating everything on a five-point scale, from wonder to Canadian geese. The conversation dives into how personal narratives can transform experiences and reviews. Green also reflects on the flow during simple activities like driving and gaming, exploring how reducing distractions enhances presence and joy. His thoughts on remote work, mental health, and the allure of YA literature offer a profound look into attention's role in our lives.

Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, shares insights on building trust in both hospitality and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of leading with compassion, especially during crises like the pandemic. Chesky advocates for transparent communication to support employees through tough decisions. He discusses the evolving future of work, highlighting the need for flexibility and collaboration, while also addressing the balance between remote work and personal connections to combat loneliness in the workplace.

Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology and the Earth Species Project, is a forward-thinking advocate for ethical technology. He discusses the consequences of his own creation, the infinite scroll, and emphasizes the need for humane tech that promotes well-being. Aza delves into his groundbreaking work decoding animal communication, particularly with whales and gelada monkeys, and explores how understanding these creatures can enrich our connection with nature and inform societal issues, including mental health and climate change.

David Duchovny, a Golden Globe-winning actor and acclaimed author, dives into the valuable lessons hidden in failure. He emphasizes transforming setbacks into growth, sharing insights from his own creative journey. Duchovny sparks intriguing discussions on the loneliness success can bring and the challenges of emotional expression in acting. He redefines success as focusing on authenticity rather than conventional metrics, paving the way for a deeper understanding of both triumphs and failures.

Mae Martin, a comedian and writer celebrated for their Netflix special 'SAP' and the series 'Feel Good', engages in a lively discussion about vulnerability's role in authentic connections. They share insights on overcoming procrastination and lessons learned from improvisation, emphasizing the importance of genuine listening and empathy. With anecdotes from their comedic journey, Martin reflects on the childhood spark that ignited their love for comedy, highlighting how acceptance and spontaneity shape both humor and life.

Kara Swisher, a renowned journalist and author known for her no-nonsense interviewing style, joins Adam to share her unique perspectives on confronting authority in tech. They delve into why she ambivalently views the phrase 'speak truth to power.' The conversation also tackles the nuances of privilege in Silicon Valley, accountability in tech, and the fine line between being demanding and demeaning. With her latest book, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story, Kara’s insights promise both humor and depth on crucial industry dynamics.