Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg
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?
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
38 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.
101 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.
11 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 6min
A conversation with a multiple-time survivor of sexual abuse
This engaging discussion explores the complexities of sexual abuse and its lasting impact on survivors. Listeners learn about the psychological scars that linger after trauma, especially when the abuser is someone trusted. The conversation delves into the nuances of consent, emotional attachments to abusers, and societal misconceptions surrounding victimization. It also highlights the challenges faced by survivors in seeking support or legal recourse. Additionally, the episode offers valuable insights on how to compassionately support friends who have endured such experiences.
22 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 11min
A story can change the world (with Elizabeth Cox)
Elizabeth Cox, founder of Should We Studio and former TED-Ed producer, delves into the power of storytelling for societal change. She discusses how narratives can shape public awareness, particularly in complex issues like climate change and mental health. The conversation highlights the fine line between compelling storytelling and misleading narratives, emphasizing the impact of relatable stories on engagement. Cox also explores the multifaceted nature of depression and critiques conventional treatments, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of mental health.
136 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 37min
The heavy price you'll have to pay to have a healthy relationship (with David Burns)
In this discussion, David Burns, an acclaimed psychiatrist and author of 'Feeling Good,' dives into the complex dynamics of romantic relationships. He reveals that blaming partners often leads to dissatisfaction and stresses the importance of personal accountability. Burns emphasizes the power of vulnerability, admitting mistakes, and self-acceptance for deeper connections. He also challenges misconceptions around personality disorders, highlighting their treatability and the potential for growth through empathy and understanding. Transforming communication patterns is key to a healthy relationship.
