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
21 snips
Feb 2, 2024 • 1h 18min
The alternate histories and possible futures of nuclear weapons (with Carl Robichaud)
Carl Robichaud, co-leader of Longview's nuclear weapons policy program, shares his insights on the precarious global landscape of nuclear arms. He discusses whether the world has been 'lucky' regarding nuclear incidents and the deterrent effect of these weapons. The conversation dives into the motivations behind nuclear proliferation, particularly in countries like Iran and Pakistan. Robichaud emphasizes the risks posed by non-state actors and the importance of public advocacy, highlighting the need for dialogue among nuclear powers and increased funding for nonproliferation efforts.
9 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 20min
How can AIs know what we want if *we* don't even know? (with Geoffrey Irving)
Geoffrey Irving, an AI safety researcher at DeepMind with a rich background at OpenAI and Google Brain, delves into the intricate challenge of aligning AI systems with human values. He discusses how AIs can misinterpret user intentions and the philosophical differences between being an assistant and an autonomous agent. Irving also examines the biases in AI training, particularly from WEIRD cultures, and the potential for AI to manipulate human emotions. He emphasizes the need for diverse cultural representation and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible AI development.
94 snips
Jan 17, 2024 • 1h 27min
Schemas, goals, values, and the pursuit of happiness (with Jeff Perron)
Join clinical psychologist Jeff Perron, author of The Psychology of Happiness, as he dives into the intriguing world of schemas and their impact on happiness. Discover how conflicting inner beliefs shape our lives and influence our pursuit of genuine joy. Perron connects modern psychology with ancient wisdom, highlighting the importance of values, gratitude, and community in finding fulfillment. He also discusses schema therapy techniques and the need for self-compassion while unraveling our personal growth journeys.
239 snips
Jan 10, 2024 • 2h 21min
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and beyond (with David Burns)
David Burns, an Adjunct Clinical Professor Emeritus at Stanford and a pioneer in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, discusses the evolution and transformative power of CBT. He tackles the common misconceptions about therapy, addressing the dangers of overselling positivity and how negative emotions can illuminate personal strengths. Listeners will learn about innovative techniques like the TEA-M approach and the role of empathy in therapy. Burns also highlights revolutionary methods that require fewer sessions, emphasizing personalization in mental health treatment.
54 snips
Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 19min
There are shrinks, and then there are SUPER-shrinks (with Daryl Chow)
In this engaging discussion, Daryl Chow, a practicing psychologist based in Perth, dives into what makes a 'super-shrink' and how therapist qualities often trump methodologies in achieving positive client outcomes. He highlights the importance of empathy and adaptability in therapeutic conversations, akin to mastering a musical instrument. The talk also explores how therapists can honor individual belief systems while fostering growth. Plus, learn how friends can support each other through mental health challenges without taking on a therapeutic role.
54 snips
Dec 28, 2023 • 1h 10min
Bringing conspiracy theorists back from the brink (with Jesse Richardson)
In this engaging discussion, Jesse Richardson, an internationally award-winning creative director and founder of The School of Thought, dives deep into the world of conspiracy theories. He addresses the psychological motivations behind conspiratorial thinking, emphasizing how personality traits like narcissism play a role. Explore strategies for effective communication with those entrenched in these beliefs while fostering open dialogue. Jesse also highlights the balance between educational reforms and cultural changes needed to enhance critical thinking skills in society.
40 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 29min
Simulacra levels, moral mazes, and low-hanging fruit (with Zvi Mowshowitz)
In this discussion, Zvi Mowshowitz, author of 'Don't Worry About the Vase,' dives into why we often overlook easy improvements in our lives. He explores the balance between conformity and innovation in decision-making. Zvi also examines the four levels of simulacra, the 'moral mazes' in corporate loyalty, and how social pressures affect creativity. He further discusses AI challenges, proposing that financial incentives could enhance safety measures, drawing parallels with Bitcoin's security strategies.
12 snips
Dec 15, 2023 • 1h 28min
Effectively encouraging people to give more (with Josh Greene)
Josh Greene, a Harvard psychology professor and author of "Moral Tribes," dives into how to naturally encourage charitable giving without manipulation. He discusses why statistics about charity often miss the mark for activation. The conversation shifts to the roots of altruism, exploring moral emotions and the psychology behind political polarization. Greene highlights innovative ways to build trust across divides, advocating for 'deep pragmatism' to resolve conflicts. Ultimately, the dialogue blends psychology with practical strategies for fostering cooperation and generosity.
18 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 12min
We can't mitigate AI risks we've never imagined (with Darren McKee)
Darren McKee, author of "Uncontrollable" and speaker for AIGS Canada, dives into the crucial role of imagination in recognizing potential AI risks. He discusses the failures of public perception and cognitive biases that hinder our understanding of AI dangers. McKee emphasizes the significance of scenario planning and foresight to navigate uncertainties in AI development. He also addresses misconceptions about AI control and highlights the need for collective action to enhance safety, showcasing how individuals can contribute to mitigating these risks.
38 snips
Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 4min
What tools do students really need in order to become successful humans? (with AJ Crabill)
AJ Crabill, an expert in student outcomes and educational reform, discusses the challenges students faced with remote learning during the pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of student-led restorative practices to enhance conflict resolution skills and promote agency within schools. Crabill critiques traditional disciplinary methods, advocating for student autonomy and meaningful relationships in education. He asserts that nurturing individual potential in students not only supports personal growth but also drives collective success in society.
