Helen Toner, director at Georgetown's CSET, dives into the fierce US-China AI race and the implications for national security. She discusses the shifting dynamics of warfare with AI and autonomous drones, and the growing ethical concerns about autonomous weapons. Toner also explores the societal impacts of AI, highlighting the disconnect between public sentiment and political agendas. Additionally, she introduces intriguing parallels between horse training and parenting, emphasizing emotional connection as a foundation for communication.

Tee Barnett, a personal strategist known for coaching high-functioning leaders and launching the Supercycle platform, shares insights on achieving goals. He discusses the role of coaching in navigating life's transitions and the importance of reflection for personal growth. The conversation touches on burnout, the balance between self-improvement and spontaneity, and how shifting social structures impact individual purpose. Barnett emphasizes the power of inspiration and the need for creative approaches to redefine success and well-being.

In this engaging discussion, guest Jim O'Shaughnessy, a former quantitative asset manager and founder of O'Shaughnessy Ventures, shares insights on avoiding major investment mistakes. He delves into the emotional biases that cloud decision-making and the role of journaling in investment strategies. Jim challenges conventional stock and bond approaches, advocating for a diversified and rational mindset. He also highlights investment opportunities in Africa and underscores the importance of long-term evaluations over short-term metrics in achieving financial success.

Erick Brimen, CEO of NeWay Capital and Honduras Próspera, shares insights into the creation of new cities in Honduras as special economic zones. He discusses the potential of private company governance to enhance economic growth while exploring the delicate balance between regulation and personal freedoms. The conversation highlights how innovative legal frameworks can attract investors and improve living standards. Erick also addresses public pushback and the implications of governance on urban development, revealing a blueprint for future city planning.

Dr. Matthew Smout, a seasoned clinical psychologist and Senior Clinic Supervisor at the University of South Australia, dives into the nuances of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He unpacks common CBT techniques and the impact of negative core beliefs on mental health. The discussion also critiques the reliability of psychotherapy research and questions whether CBT is always the best option compared to other therapies like ACT. Additionally, they explore the patient-therapist relationship's importance in achieving effective outcomes.

In this insightful discussion, Kayla Spicer, a Registered Psychotherapist and educator on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), delves into its complexities. She explains the stigma surrounding BPD and unpacks concepts like 'splitting' and the notion of 'favorite persons.' Kayla shares strategies for supporting those in crisis and reveals the importance of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a treatment method. The conversation also highlights emotional regulation, self-worth, and navigating relationships, enriching our understanding of BPD and its impact on individuals and their connections.

Literal Banana, a quirky banana who escaped a high-tech produce delivery, dives deep into the placebo effect and its implications for human psychology. She questions whether the placebo effect is just 'scientific-sounding woo' and discusses the importance of both placebo and no-treatment groups in research. Banana also examines the nuances between open-label and closed-label placebos and how belief can influence physical sensations. Join her on a journey to understand the complexities of mind-body connections and the role of mindset in wellness.

Read the full transcript here. What kinds of things really distort our ability to think clearly when making decisions? What is "psychological distance"? What is construal level theory? How can we intentionally increase or decrease psychological distance for ourselves or others who are making decisions? What are "decisionscapes"? When giving toddlers choices, we often artificially limit the number of available options to help smooth out the decision process and avoid decision paralysis. When might the imposition of this kind of artificial limitation be useful for adult decision-makers? What should we do with the productivity gains we've reaped (and will presumably continue to reap) from AI? Is it possible to show someone that you really care about them without making any kind of sacrifice? What has AI done to the value of art? Which individuals and companies currently own the means of digital production? How can we break free from algorithms that drive engagement by triggering negative emotions and promoting conflict? Is survivorship bias the ultimate cognitive bias? What are some lesser-known or lesser-used framing devices for making better decisions?Elspeth Kirkman is the Chief Programmes Officer at Nesta, overseeing missions in early childhood development, obesity reduction, and net-zero emissions. She previously held senior roles at BIT, including establishing the company's North American office. Elspeth is the author of two books: Behavioral Insights (2020), co-written with Michael Hallsworth, and Decisionscape: How Thinking Like an Artist Can Improve Our Decision-Making (2024). Follow her on TikTok at @Karminker or on Bluesky at @karminker.bsky.social.Further reading"Clearer Thinking's Study: Can astrologers truly gain insights about people from entire astrological charts?" StaffSpencer Greenberg — Host / DirectorJosh Castle — ProducerRyan Kessler — Audio EngineerUri Bram — FactotumWeAmplify — TranscriptionistsMusicBroke for FreeJosh WoodwardLee RosevereQuiet Music for Tiny Robotswowamusiczapsplat.comAffiliatesClearer ThinkingGuidedTrackMind EasePositlyUpLift[Read more]

The podcast dives into how data can solve complex scientific problems and the pitfalls of misinterpreting research. It tackles the balance of power between business owners and unions while discussing the challenges posed by cultural biases. The conversation spans the impact of IQ on success, emphasizing that traits like conscientiousness are equally important. Additionally, it examines the cultural divides in attitudes toward work, the role of front lash in social science, and the ethics surrounding research on sensitive topics like healthcare for transgender youth.

Scott Young, bestselling author of 'Ultralearning' and an expert in accelerated learning techniques, shares insights on efficient learning strategies. He critiques traditional education, emphasizing the limits of memorization and advocating for practical skills. Discover the importance of 'transfer of learning' and how to overcome learning plateaus. Young also explores optimizing language learning through conversation and immersion, while highlighting the power of constructive feedback and active recall for mastering new skills.