
Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg
Clearer Thinking is a podcast about ideas that truly matter. If you enjoy learning about powerful, practical concepts and frameworks, wish you had more deep, intellectual conversations in your life, or are looking for non-BS self-improvement, then we think you'll love this podcast! Each week we invite a brilliant guest to bring four important ideas to discuss for an in-depth conversation. Topics include psychology, society, behavior change, philosophy, science, artificial intelligence, math, economics, self-help, mental health, and technology. We focus on ideas that can be applied right now to make your life better or to help you better understand yourself and the world, aiming to teach you the best mental tools to enhance your learning, self-improvement efforts, and decision-making. • We take on important, thorny questions like: • What's the best way to help a friend or loved one going through a difficult time? How can we make our worldviews more accurate? How can we hone the accuracy of our thinking? What are the advantages of using our "gut" to make decisions? And when should we expect careful, analytical reflection to be more effective? Why do societies sometimes collapse? And what can we do to reduce the chance that ours collapses? Why is the world today so much worse than it could be? And what can we do to make it better? What are the good and bad parts of tradition? And are there more meaningful and ethical ways of carrying out important rituals, such as honoring the dead? How can we move beyond zero-sum, adversarial negotiations and create more positive-sum interactions?
Latest episodes

41 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
The rival philosophies to Stoicism that you've never heard about (with Greg Lopez)
Dive into the intriguing world of ancient philosophies as the hosts explore lesser-known concepts alongside Stoicism. Discover the meaning of 'telos' and 'ataraxia', and grapple with the idea of 'dark' Stoicism. Learn the distinctions between Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Cyrenaicism, including their views on pleasure and purpose. Reflect on the significance of moral improvement and delve into how personal values can shape a fulfilling life. This engaging conversation highlights the relevance of these philosophies in our modern context.

29 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
What can we all agree on? (with Bradley Tusk)
Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist and political strategist, dives into the need for common ground in America's divisive political climate. He discusses stunning areas of agreement on issues like AI disclosure and government transparency. The conversation also tackles gerrymandering and the disconnect between public sentiment and legislative action. Tusk highlights the importance of meaningful engagement and innovative solutions to enhance voter participation. They explore how personal reflection and intentional leisure can lead to a more fulfilling life.

58 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 33min
Shamanism, witchcraft, and the power of narrative (with Manvir Singh)
Manvir Singh, an anthropologist from UC Davis and a New Yorker contributor, shares fascinating insights into cultural traditions. He discusses the misconceptions Westerners have about tribal cultures and how justice differs in small communities. The conversation touches on the complexities of bride prices versus dowries and the unique societal roles of shamans. Singh also explores the nuanced relationship between narrative, morality, and spirituality in shaping beliefs, along with the enduring presence of taboos across cultures.

15 snips
May 28, 2025 • 40min
Which Spencer is real? Spencer vs. his AI clone
Can you differentiate between a human and an AI? The conversation probes the irrational aspects of human behavior and the complexities of decision-making. It dives into the confusion surrounding societal values and political polarization, exposing biases that cloud our judgment. Philosophical debates about free will and existence reveal our struggle with objective morality. Finally, it questions the role of narcissism in politics and suggests methods to enhance accountability within government structures.

21 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 19min
Too many mental health challenges and not enough psychiatrists (with Jacob Appel)
Jacob Appel, a Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Education at Mount Sinai, discusses the daunting mental health crisis exacerbated by social media and the pandemic. He highlights the critical shortage of psychiatrists and the challenges in suicide prevention due to liability concerns. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of genetic medicine and the impact of the Affordable Care Act on healthcare access. Appel also addresses the complexities of patient autonomy in mental health treatment and the need for more comprehensive systems to support mental well-being.

102 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 16min
Misinformation from all sides (with Brian Dunning)
Brian Dunning, host of the Skeptoid podcast and author, dives into the murky waters of misinformation. He explores the thin line between belief and deception, highlighting how even well-intentioned claims can spread falsehoods. Dunning discusses conspiracy theories, weighing their credibility against historical truths. The conversation shifts to the legacies of figures like Nikola Tesla and the allure of UAPs, emphasizing critical thinking. Lastly, he underscores the human struggle with misinformation and the need for empathy in combating skepticism.

36 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 15min
A conversation with a rigid perfectionist who has OCPD (with Darryl Rossignol)
Darryl Rossignol, founder of The OCPD Foundation, shares his personal journey with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). He dives into the emotional toll of perfectionism and black-and-white thinking, revealing how these traits complicate relationships. The conversation explores how OCPD differs from OCD and the unique challenges it presents. Darryl also offers insight into creating supportive environments for those struggling with OCPD, highlighting the importance of empathy, flexibility, and effective communication.

28 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 7min
Simple and effective methods for helping people that nonprofits often ignore (with Kanika Bahl)
Kanika Bahl, CEO of Evidence Action and former leader at the Clinton Health Access Initiative, delves into the overlooked yet effective solutions in nonprofit work. She discusses why nonprofits often bypass simple methods, emphasizing the importance of cost-effective health interventions like deworming programs. Bahl highlights the long-term economic impact of these initiatives and the complexities of behavioral change. The conversation also touches on the challenges of funding and the need for evidence-based approaches in philanthropy.

69 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 19min
How to unleash student potential in education (with Jack Despain Zhou)
Jack Despain Zhou, cofounder of the Center for Educational Progress, discusses the stagnation in U.S. education and the need for reform. He questions the effectiveness of standardized tests and advocates for ability-based grouping to enhance student learning. Zhou explores the disconnect between cognitive science and classroom practices, stressing the importance of evidence-based methods. He also critiques the No Child Left Behind act and its unintended consequences, highlighting the need for innovative and personalized teaching strategies.

97 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 1h 43min
How f***ed is psychology? (with Adam Mastroianni)
Adam Mastroianni, a psychologist and metascientist known for his blog Experimental History, dives deep into psychology's challenges. He questions the high bar for new knowledge in the field and discusses the replication crisis's lessons. The dialogue explores the effectiveness of mega-studies and critiques traditional research methods. Mastroianni also advocates for transparency in scientific communication and explores innovative approaches to sharing research, emphasizing authenticity over academic norms.