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
51 snips
Nov 15, 2023 • 1h 3min
Values, principles, and behavior change (with Eric Zimmer)
Eric Zimmer, a seasoned behavior coach and spiritual director, shares insights from his 20 years of experience in helping individuals create lasting change. He discusses the parable of the two wolves, highlighting the struggle between intrinsic and extrinsic values. Zimmer delves into the complexity of prioritizing values amidst life's challenges, the nature of behavior change, and the importance of self-compassion. Listeners learn about effective strategies for maintaining habits and the influence of personal values on decision-making.
19 snips
Nov 8, 2023 • 1h 18min
Escaping a cult: physically, mentally, and emotionally (with Daniella Mestyanek Young)
Daniella Mestyanek Young, a third-generation member of the Children of God cult turned intelligence officer, shares her gripping journey of escape and transformation. She discusses the unique challenges faced by children born into cults compared to adult recruits. The conversation explores the disturbing normalization of abuse within cults and the military, revealing how control tactics, like food deprivation and sexual manipulation, create psychological scars. Daniella also addresses the urgent need for reform in military culture, drawing parallels with cult-like dynamics.
26 snips
Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 19min
Win-Win vs. Moloch, the many-headed monster that may consume us all (with Liv Boeree)
Liv Boeree, a renowned poker player turned educator and game theory researcher, dives deep into the concept of 'Moloch' and its impact on society. They explore how unhealthy competition can lead to detrimental outcomes, using examples from politics to social media. Boeree discusses the necessity for collaboration in navigating these Molochian scenarios, emphasizing innovative solutions and community-driven values. She also reflects on her journey from competitive poker to embracing a mindset of long-term cooperation and meaningful relationships.
Oct 25, 2023 • 1h 26min
Do technological innovations yield net gains in the long run? (with Justin Smith-Ruiu)
Justin Smith-Ruiu, a Paris-based writer and philosophy professor, dives into the limits of tech solutionism and whether technological advancements truly improve our lives. He questions if today's society is worse off than those in the past, explores the evolving nature of art in the age of AI, and critiques the decline of mainstream artistry. The conversation also touches on the balance of commercial creativity versus independent expression, emphasizing the need for authentic voices amidst shifting cultural and academic landscapes.
15 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 23min
Money, status, power, and sex in nightclubs around the world (with Ashley Mears)
Ashley Mears, a sociology professor at Boston University, dives into the intriguing world of nightclubs, exploring how social status and beauty interplay in these elite spaces. She discusses the strategic ways 'whales' buy status without seeming overt, the unique roles of promoters, and the commodification of beauty. The conversation also touches on the racial and gender dynamics at play, revealing how societal scripts shape interactions. Mears highlights the psychological highs of nightlife and the complex navigations of identity in the pursuit of power and acceptance.
14 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 24min
Is bad air quality slowly harming us? (with Richard Bruns)
Richard Bruns, an economist and Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, dives into the crucial impacts of air quality on health. He explores the ominous effects of PM2.5 particles, revealing how they can permeate our bodies and lead to significant health risks. The conversation also touches on how air quality differs across environments and directly affects cognitive performance. Bruns emphasizes practical steps to improve indoor air quality and critiques existing health regulations, offering a fresh perspective on public health policy.
Oct 4, 2023 • 1h 15min
Journalism in the age of AI (with Dylan Matthews)
Dylan Matthews, a senior correspondent at Vox and co-founder of Future Perfect, dives into the complexities of journalism amid the rise of AI. They discuss whether large language models can replace journalists, examining their strengths and weaknesses in creative tasks. Dylan explores the historical evolution of journalism, highlighting its partisan roots and current challenges. He also tackles the pressing issue of wealth redistribution in the age of AI, and the risks of superintelligent systems, emphasizing the need for responsible governance.
Sep 27, 2023 • 2h 7min
Experiments for enlightenment and fundamental wellbeing (with Jeffery Martin)
Jeffery Martin, founding director of the Center for the Study of Non-Symbolic Consciousness and research professor at Stanford, shares insights into enlightenment and fundamental well-being. He delves into the differences between persistent non-symbolic experiences and traditional happiness. The importance of understanding emotional states and self-reflectivity in assessing well-being is discussed. Martin highlights the challenges of sustaining enlightenment and outlines a promising 45-day course designed to enhance personal well-being through tailored approaches.
Sep 20, 2023 • 1h 20min
Mothers who harm their children for attention (with Andrea Dunlop)
Andrea Dunlop, an author and podcaster known for her true crime insights, dives deep into the troubling world of Munchausen by Proxy. She explains how this psychological disorder manifests, often within maternal figures seeking attention through their children's fabricated illnesses. The discussion highlights the emotional scars left by familial deception, particularly in sibling relationships, and the societal misconceptions surrounding these behaviors. Dunlop also addresses how such dynamics can negatively affect trust and accountability in families, illustrating the complexities of human connection.
24 snips
Sep 13, 2023 • 1h 13min
Is evolutionary psychology just a bunch of "just so" stories? (with Geoffrey Miller)
Geoffrey Miller, an evolutionary psychologist and author renowned for his work on mate choice and signaling theory, dives into the intriguing world of human behavior. He tackles the skepticism surrounding evolutionary psychology and its implications on dating and aggression. The conversation explores insights drawn from primate behavior and cultural variations, particularly concerning taboos like incest. Miller also discusses the role of AI and the importance of aligning it with human values, highlighting the complex relationship between evolution, culture, and modern technology.
