Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Spencer Greenberg
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39 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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32 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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21 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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7 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 49min

What is psychosomatic illness? (with Suzanne O'Sullivan)

Suzanne O'Sullivan, an Irish physician and neurologist, delves into the complexities of long COVID and psychosomatic illnesses. She discusses four explanations for long COVID, emphasizing the real physical nature of psychosomatic symptoms. The conversation highlights how societal factors inflamed these conditions during the pandemic and addresses misconceptions perpetuated through social media. O'Sullivan suggests effective recovery techniques, including distraction and reframing symptoms, while unpacking the challenges of diagnosing chronic pain and unexplained illnesses.
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31 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 21min

What causes mass shootings? (with Ragy Girgis)

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Ragy Girgis, a Psychiatry Professor at Columbia University and expert on mass violence, delves into the complex causes of mass shootings. He explores how media coverage can amplify the fame-seeking motives of perpetrators, the limited role of severe mental illness, and the societal factors driving public mass murders. Girgis emphasizes the need for targeted prevention efforts, such as specific psychiatric profiling and robust gun regulations, to effectively address the underlying issues of violence.
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69 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 11min

Contempt-free public discourse (with Robert Rosenkranz)

Robert Rosenkranz, a philanthropist and founder of Open to Debate, dives into the nuances of fostering contempt-free public discourse. He discusses the importance of debate formats in changing opinions and the decline of meaningful political discussions. Rosenkranz explores the impact of social media and identity on public polarization, emphasizing the need for open dialogue on controversial topics. He also addresses the philosophy of philanthropy, advocating for value-driven approaches that prioritize impact and the cultivation of critical thinking skills.
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57 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 22min

Beyond the assumption that humans are rational (with Barry Schwartz)

Barry Schwartz, an emeritus psychology professor and author, discusses the limitations of rational choice theory and the complexities of decision-making. He critiques how quantification often overshadows important values that can't be easily measured, suggesting that relying on numbers can mislead us. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of framing decisions correctly and acknowledges the interplay between intuition and reflection. He also highlights how diverse perspectives can expose blind spots, ultimately advocating for a richer definition of rationality.
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80 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 24min

Will AI superintelligence kill us all? (with Nate Soares)

Nate Soares, an executive at the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and co-author of *If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies*, explores the existential risks posed by superhuman AI. He discusses how AI's alien drives can create unpredictable behaviors, complicating our control over these systems. The conversation delves into the differences between AI's training and future actions, with critical insights on AI hallucinations and the notion that kindness in training doesn't guarantee safe outcomes later. Soares emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and regulation to mitigate potential catastrophic scenarios.
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44 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 16min

Do facts have an expiration date? (with Samuel Arbesman)

In this insightful discussion, guest Samuel Arbesman, a Scientist in Residence at Lux Capital and author, explores the evolving nature of knowledge. He introduces the idea of treating facts as drafts that change over time rather than immutable truths. Arbesman dives into how measurement tools shape our understanding and the importance of scientific humility. He also discusses the balance between skepticism and trust in science, the role of interdisciplinary connections, and how AI can democratize creativity. Ultimately, he encourages a sense of wonder in our approach to science and technology.
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55 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 17min

From prisoner to escaping inner prisons (with Shaka Senghor)

Shaka Senghor, a resilience expert and author, transformed his life after spending 19 years in prison. In an insightful conversation, he discusses how trauma, fear, and shame often drive violence, challenging societal narratives around crime and accountability. Shaka highlights the importance of respectful policing and community engagement, contrasts solitary confinement with productive alternatives for rehabilitation, and shares his journey towards emotional freedom. His insights pave the way for understanding and overcoming psychological barriers.

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