Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Spencer Greenberg
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106 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 25min

Are personality types a statistical mirage? (with Colin DeYoung)

Colin DeYoung, psychology professor who studies personality structure and biology, explains personality as stable patterns of behavior, emotion, thought, and motivation. He discusses traits versus life adaptations. Topics include trait stability across the lifespan, psychotherapy’s effects on traits, person versus situation influences, trade-offs of the Big Five, life events that nudge traits, and dimensional models of psychopathology.
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25 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 28min

Ambitious goals for reducing animal suffering (with Jeff Sebo)

In a thought-provoking conversation, Jeff Sebo, an NYU philosopher and director focusing on animal and environmental ethics, explores bold strategies to tackle industrial animal agriculture. He proposes a global ban by 2050, debates the balance of price, culture, and consumer choices in dietary shifts, and addresses the complexities of aligning ethics with everyday behavior. Sebo also touches on the pressing need for attention to wild animal welfare and the ethical implications of AI, urging proactive measures to shape a compassionate future.
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13 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 26min

Live at EA Global - The future of U.S. foreign aid (with Dean Karlan)

Dean Karlan, Frederic Esser Nemmers Distinguished Professor of Economics at Northwestern and founder of Innovations for Poverty Action, dives into U.S. foreign aid challenges. He discusses the misconception that aid comprises a large budget portion and how this affects public support. Karlan emphasizes the need for evidence-based decision-making in aid initiatives and describes innovative strategies for improving procurement processes. He also highlights the impact of the USAID shutdown, advocating for reforms that prioritize efficiency and partner government involvement.
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109 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 9min

Improving your skill of emotional regulation (with Shireen Rizvi)

Shireen Rizvi, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in DBT and CBT, discusses the nuances of emotional regulation. She emphasizes the importance of matching therapy types to patient needs and highlights the role of structure in effective treatments. Shireen explains how DBT integrates radical acceptance and mindfulness, offering skills that help reduce suffering. The conversation also explores the balance between acceptance and change in therapy, along with practical techniques for self-validation and effective communication.
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47 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 35min

When voting fails (with Nicholas Gruen)

Nicholas Gruen, an economist and advocate for democratic reform, explores innovative ideas for governance. He discusses the contrast between electoral representation and random sampling, using the example of citizen juries. Gruen critiques party dynamics that contribute to mismanagement and polarization while emphasizing the need for impartial decision-making structures. He proposes citizen councils as a way to enhance representation and highlights the importance of shared values in democracy. Additionally, he examines how practical wisdom can improve policymaking.
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53 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 23min

Why aren't we relying on nuclear power? (with Isabelle Boemeke)

In this conversation with Isabelle Boemeke, a passionate advocate for clean energy and founder of Save Clean Energy, listeners dive into the complexities of nuclear power. She discusses why the fear of nuclear energy often overshadows the deadly risks of fossil fuels. Boemeke demystifies storage challenges, energy costs, and the public perception surrounding nuclear accidents. She emphasizes the need for firm baseload power and better regulatory frameworks to encourage safer and more efficient nuclear deployment. Her insights aim to reshape attitudes toward this powerful energy source.
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67 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 18min

A conversation with a person with OCD (with David Adam)

In this engaging discussion, David Adam, an acclaimed author and journalist, shares his journey with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and insights from his book, The Man Who Couldn't Stop. He delves into the intricate dynamics of obsessions and compulsions, and how intrusive thoughts can transform into debilitating OCD. David explains critical concepts like thought–action fusion and the impact of ego-dystonic thoughts. He also highlights effective treatment strategies such as exposure and response prevention (ERP) and the role of SSRIs, emphasizing the importance of resilience in managing the condition.
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58 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 11min

What, if anything, will save the environment? (with Dan Stein)

Dan Stein, founder of Giving Green and a climate economist, tackles the pressing issue of climate change. He discusses the nuances of tree-planting efficacy and critiques the flawed carbon credit systems. Stein emphasizes the need for innovative technology over personal sacrifices, advocating for a combination of R&D and strategic policy to drive down costs. He also explores the potential of geothermal energy and the role of corporations in supporting systemic change in heavy industries. Urgency for action, especially regarding underfunded sectors, is a recurring theme.
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51 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 16min

Are markets rational or is sentiment contagious? (with Alex Imas)

Joining the discussion is Alex Imas, a behavioral economist and professor at the University of Chicago, known for his work on decision-making and applied AI. He dives into whether markets are influenced by cash flows or crowd sentiments, using the GameStop phenomenon as a case study. The conversation reveals why bubbles persist despite smart investment strategies and discusses the implications of zero-commission trading platforms. Alex also examines how AI could either help us or exacerbate market manipulation, calling for regulation to safeguard against harmful practices.
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47 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 23min

Can you do 100x more good? (with Sjir Hoeijmakers)

Sjir Hoeijmakers, CEO of Giving What We Can and a veteran advocate for effective charity, dives into the transformative idea of multiplying your charitable impact. He contrasts typical donations with high-leverage interventions like malaria prevention, and introduces five key principles for effective giving. Sjir discusses balancing personal passions with evidence-based choices and highlights the importance of independent evaluations. With insights on the 10% Pledge, he encourages listeners to embrace accountability and explore new ways to maximize their donations.

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