Inquiring Minds

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.

Sean Carroll, a physicist and host of Mindscape, discusses quantum mechanics and field theory in an accessible way. They explore the roles of quanta and fields in modern physics, making complex topics relatable. The discussion sheds light on how these theories impact our understanding of the universe's mysteries.

Neuroscientist Christof Koch discusses expanding consciousness, brain-brain interfaces, shared consciousness, unified empathy, free will, and collaboration in science with Indre. They explore merging minds, empathizing with diverse beings, decision-making, and the impact of profound experiences on personal transformations.

Global politics luminary Brian Klaas discusses the omnipresence of chance in personal lives, scientific research, and politics. He challenges the illusion of control fostered by historical data, prompting a reevaluation of randomness in AI, scientific methodologies, and political science.

Globally recognized neurodiversity expert, thought leader, and public policy professional and champion, Maureen Dunne, joins Indre today to discuss the evolving perceptions of neurological diversity within our society. Centering their discussion around Maureen's recent publication, The Neurodiversity Edge, they delve into the profound benefits of welcoming neurodivergent individuals into workplaces and educational settings. Bolstered by insights into Gen Z's growing acknowledgment of neurodivergent identities and the critical importance of supportive settings, Maureen offers actionable advice for organizations of all sizes to excel in this area. In essence, today’s crucial conversation emphasizes the essential role diverse cognition plays in driving innovation and success, advocating for a reevaluation of traditional views and embracing a society that values diversity in every aspect. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Learn more about Maureen and The Neurodiversity Edge: https://www.maureendunne.com/

In this latest installment of Inquiring Minds, Indre explores the intricate world of photography with the renowned Dan Winters, whose career spans the realms of celebrity portraiture, scientific documentation, and beyond. Winters' journey from a childhood captivated by the narratives of Star Wars to his status as a National Geographic Explorer and award-winning artist underscores his unique ability to see beyond the lens, using photography to explore the world and connect with subjects on a deeply personal level. His conversation here today offers details of his appearance on National Geographic’s new series, Photographer, and reveals how photography acts as a powerful medium for storytelling, capable of capturing the essence of human experience and the natural world with profound depth and emotion. As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that photography, in Winters' hands, transcends mere visual capture to become a conduit for exploration, conservation, and the immortalization of memory, challenging us to perceive the world with renewed wonder and empathy. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Experience Dan’s magic: https://danwintersphoto.com/

Among his many achievements, the esteemed Venki Ramakrishnan has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth, served as the President of the Royal Society, and shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Today, he adds being a special guest on the Inquiring Minds podcast to this impressive list of accomplishments as he joins Indre to tackle the age-old question: Is there a biological limit to human lifespan? Drawing upon information from his latest book, Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality, Venki provides valuable insights on this topic, including the intricate dynamics of aging, DNA damage, stress, and so much more, as he unravels the underlying factors that shape human longevity. Links:Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringmindsSee https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy informationDiscover even more about Why We Die:https://www.amazon.ca/Why-We-Die-Science-Immortality/dp/0063113279 

Explore the evolution of Twitter under Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk's potential takeover, and the ethical challenges of moderation. Discover the impact of algorithm-driven timelines, the future of social media governance, and the potential for decentralization in technology and social media.

Dr. Charan Ranganath, a renowned memory researcher, discusses the intricate role of memory in our lives. Topics include demoic acid poisoning in sea lions, memory formation in the hippocampus, communication strategies for memory retention, individuals with highly superior autobiographical memory, social benefits of collective memory sharing, and the evolution of memory abilities across life stages.

Robert Sapolsky, a Stanford professor of biology, neurology, and neurosurgery, discusses his new book on life without free will. Topics include the illusion of free will, emergence and consciousness, societal notions of control, motivation and behavior, and the positive effects of social grooming.