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
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.
11 snips
Sep 7, 2023 • 1h 26min
Systems of governance built on prediction markets (with Robin Hanson)
In this enlightening discussion, Robin Hanson, associate professor of economics at George Mason University and prediction market pioneer, delves into the innovative governance system known as futarchy. He explains how prediction markets could revolutionize decision-making, tackle legislative processes, and even evaluate political proposals. The conversation shifts to the societal reluctance towards blending finance with governance and examines the meaning of 'sacred' in politics. Packed with insights, this dialogue challenges conventional views on governance and social dynamics.
62 snips
Aug 30, 2023 • 48min
Using metacognitive therapy to break the habit of rumination (with Pia Callesen)
Pia Callesen, a prominent Danish metacognitive psychologist with a PhD from Manchester, dives deep into the world of metacognitive therapy. She shares how it differs from other therapies like CBT and DBT, emphasizing the management of negative thought patterns. The discussion reveals insights on controlling responses to intrusive thoughts and the dual nature of worry. Pia highlights the dangers of rumination, its links to feelings of worthlessness, and introduces practical strategies like 'worry time' to foster healthier thinking.
30 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 1h 9min
How quickly is AI advancing? And should you be working in the field? (with Danny Hernandez)
Danny Hernandez, an early AI researcher at OpenAI and Anthropic, dives into the rapid advancements in AI technology. He discusses the remarkable growth rates in computing power and data, emphasizing their implications for the future of work. The conversation also touches on why some perceive AI as limited while exploring its automation potential, particularly in fields like radiology. Hernandez encourages more people to get involved in AI, highlighting the importance of aligning personal values with career paths and the decision-making strategies inspired by AI thinking patterns.
33 snips
Aug 16, 2023 • 1h 7min
Can we choose who we are? (with Gavin Leech)
Gavin Leech, cofounder of Arb Research and a PhD candidate in AI, dives into the fascinating nature of identity and personal transformation. He discusses whether we can truly choose who we are and shares insights on grit and growth mindsets in education. Leech highlights the replication crisis in psychology and critiques academic publishing processes for their flaws. The conversation also touches on the challenges of leveraging forecasting in policy-making, especially amid the rise of deepfakes and AI technologies, raising important ethical questions.
27 snips
Aug 9, 2023 • 1h 27min
Normalizing catastrophes and catastrophizing normalcy (with Mike Pesca)
In this engaging conversation, Mike Pesca, host of The Gist and an experienced journalist, critiques the media's tendency to sensationalize ordinary events, a phenomenon known as catastrophizing. He discusses the dangers of paltering in journalism, questioning whether real objectivity is achievable or if reporters should focus on driving social change. With insights on environmental advocacy and the complexities of cancel culture, Pesca highlights the impact of media narratives on public perceptions and fears about societal threats.
139 snips
Aug 2, 2023 • 1h 26min
What's wrong with society, and how can we fix it? (with Tim Urban)
Tim Urban, writer and co-founder of Wait But Why, dives deep into society's most pressing issues. He explores the clash between our 'primitive mind' and 'higher mind', affecting our decision-making in an era of rapid technological change. Urban discusses the concepts of 'golems' and 'genies' to illustrate human potential and destructive group dynamics. He critiques the tactics of the woke movement and emphasizes the need for open debate over division. Lastly, he examines the role of identity in shaping beliefs and the urgent call for political unity.
9 snips
Jul 26, 2023 • 1h 3min
AI creativity and love (with Joel Lehman)
Joel Lehman, a machine learning researcher at OpenAI, dives into the intricate relationship between AI and creativity. He discusses how innovation often arises from collaboration rather than solitary genius. The conversation touches on how constraints can enhance creativity and explores the notion of 'machine love'—can AI truly connect emotionally? Lehman also addresses the ethical implications of AI companionship, emphasizing the need for alignment with human values as we navigate this new technological landscape.
8 snips
Jul 19, 2023 • 1h 17min
Glimpses of enlightenment through nondual meditation (with Michael Taft and Jeremy Stevenson)
Join Michael Taft, a nondual meditation teacher and author, alongside clinical psychologist Jeremy Stevenson, as they explore the nuances of nondual meditation. They discuss its differences from traditional practices and the potential for glimpses of enlightenment. The conversation dives into common challenges faced by practitioners, the nature of suffering and fulfillment, and the accessibility of nondual awareness in daily life. Discover how personal journeys through meditation can transform mental health and enhance overall well-being.
