Charles Piller, an investigative journalist for Science Magazine and author of "Doctored," exposes the dark side of Alzheimer's research. He reveals how fraudulent studies, like one that cemented the amyloid hypothesis, misled the field for decades. Piller discusses NIH funding incentives encouraging flawed research and the heroic roles of whistleblowers uncovering manipulation. He underscores the urgent need for transparency while highlighting promising new avenues in treatment, such as viral research and GLP-1 inhibitors, instilling hope for patients and families alike.

Kurt Gray, a professor at UNC Chapel Hill and director of the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding, explores the psychological roots of moral outrage. He discusses how differing perceptions of harm drive societal divisions and the impact of emotions like fear and disgust on moral judgments. Gray debunks the apex predator myth, revealing our cooperative evolutionary history. Highlighting the role of social media in amplifying outrage, he emphasizes the need for empathy and genuine listening to bridge divides and foster understanding in contentious discussions.

Jordan Grumet, a hospice physician and financial independence expert, shares profound insights from his new book on purpose and legacy. He distinguishes between 'big P-purpose' and 'little p-purpose,' emphasizing smaller, manageable joys that lead to fulfillment. The conversation discusses how social media fuels purpose anxiety and offers strategies for personal growth through meaningful experiences rather than material wealth. Grumet's reflections highlight the importance of connection, resilience, and the lasting impact of finding joy amidst loss.

Gary Bengier, a Silicon Valley tech expert and science fiction author, explores the future in his novel, 'Journey to 2125'. He discusses the looming challenges of automation and labor displacement, alongside the societal implications of biotechnology. Bengier emphasizes the critical role of nuclear fission in addressing the global energy crisis. With his unique blend of philosophy and technology, he weaves a narrative that raises critical questions about humanity's trajectory while offering an optimistic lens on tackling pressing issues.

Vince Beiser, an award-winning journalist and author of Power Metal, joins the conversation to dissect our growing reliance on critical metals for technology and renewable energy. He unveils the environmental and social fallout from mining practices, particularly cobalt and lithium. The discussion highlights the 'right to repair' movement and ways to minimize e-waste. Beiser also advocates for urban planning that promotes car-free living as a sustainable alternative, presenting hopeful innovations for a greener future.

Ravi Bapna, co-author of 'Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI' and chair of business analytics at the University of Minnesota, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about AI's societal impact. He highlights the need to balance AI's benefits and risks, delves into the importance of ethical data engineering, and explores job displacement versus retraining opportunities. Bapna also addresses how AI can enhance human connections in healthcare and other sectors, emphasizing the need for privacy and fair compensation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In this episode of Inquiring Minds, Indre Viskontas sits down with Peter Godfrey-Smith, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney and author of Living on Earth: Forests, Corals, Consciousness, and the Making of the World.Peter takes us on an enthralling journey through the evolution of culture and its impact on consciousness and society. Together they explore the crucial role culture plays in human development, especially how children absorb behaviors from their communities, the intriguing culture-like behaviors of non-human animals such as bowerbirds creating elaborate displays, and how various species, especially human behavior, shape their environments.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about how living beings influence the Earth's evolutionary history and how our evolutionary standing as humans should not dictate specific choices for the future.Links:Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringmindsSee https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy informationPeter Godfrey-Smith Website: https://petergodfreysmith.com/Peter Godfrey-Smith Book Living on Earth 

In this engaging discussion, Nicola Twilley, a science journalist and co-host of the award-winning Gastropod podcast, reveals the hidden truths about refrigeration's role in our food system. She highlights shocking facts, like how many apples can be nearly a year old by the time they hit the store. Twilley discusses the challenging working conditions in cold storage, explores the environmental impact of refrigeration, and advocates for sustainable alternatives. Prepare to rethink food freshness and its implications for your diet and the planet!

Noah Whiteman, an evolutionary biologist and UC Berkeley professor, dives into the fascinating world of nature's toxins. He discusses the monarch butterfly's adaptation to milkweed toxins, revealing the intricate relationship between plants and animals. Whiteman explores the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds and emphasizes the role of biodiversity. Additionally, he examines how plants defend themselves and the health implications of various toxins, including those in spices and chocolate, drawing connections between evolution, flavor, and human well-being.

Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for 'The Power of Habit', dives into the art of communication in his latest book 'Supercommunicators'. He reveals insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, illustrating how strong relationships boost happiness. Duhigg categorizes conversation types—practical, emotional, and social—and shares techniques for navigating tough discussions. He also discusses how our communication styles have evolved with technology, emphasizing the importance of understanding nuances for deeper connections.