

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

40 snips
Jun 14, 2023 • 1h 1min
Is AI development moving too fast or not fast enough? (with Reid Hoffman)
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and host of multiple podcasts, dives into the rapid evolution of AI technology. He discusses the potential benefits and risks of AI in education and productivity, highlighting the importance of reskilling workers in a transforming job market. Hoffman explores the ethical implications of open-source AI and the challenges of aligning AI with human values. He also contemplates the future of human-level AI and the critical need for safety measures to protect society from potential misuse.

24 snips
Jun 7, 2023 • 1h 25min
Where philosophy meets the real world (with Peter Singer)
Peter Singer, a renowned philosopher and professor at Princeton, discusses the evolution of animal rights and the complexities of ethical consumption. He addresses the psychological disconnect many experience regarding animal suffering while consuming meat. Singer emphasizes the urgent need to broaden our moral considerations and talks about practical steps for those transitioning to vegetarian or vegan diets. He also explores the philosophical underpinnings of utilitarianism and the relevance of consciousness in ethical decision-making.

55 snips
May 31, 2023 • 1h 25min
Large language models, deep peace, and the meaning crisis (with Jim Rutt)
Jim Rutt, host of the Jim Rutt Show and a tech executive, dives into the intricacies of large language models (LLMs) and their impact on creativity and society. He discusses the evolution of LLMs, addressing concerns about AI hallucinations and the risks of misinformation. Rutt also explores the concept of 'deep peace' and the ongoing 'meaning crisis,' suggesting a shift towards more meaningful decision-making. The conversation highlights the potential transformation of business models and the collaboration between humans and AI in the creative process.

21 snips
May 24, 2023 • 1h 6min
Censorship, cancel culture, and truth-seeking (with Iona Italia)
Iona Italia, editor-in-chief of Areo Magazine and a creative writer with a PhD from Cambridge, dives deep into the murky waters of censorship and free speech. She discusses the thin line between opinion and harmful speech, and the societal tendency to favor censorship. The conversation tackles the ethics of truth in a world rife with misinformation, and the role of religion as both a cultural asset and a moral conundrum. Iona advocates for civil discourse and the need for diverse opinions to foster healthier democratic dialogue.

18 snips
May 18, 2023 • 1h 12min
Why are birth rates plummeting? And how much does it matter? (with Malcolm & Simone Collins)
Malcolm and Simone Collins, a dynamic husband-wife duo, lead the pronatalist movement through their work with the Pronatalist Foundation. They dive into the alarming decline of global birth rates and its potential implications for society. Discussing everything from the economic consequences to historical comparison, they explore cultural attitudes toward family and procreation. The couple emphasizes the need for innovative, non-coercive strategies to revive family culture and instill intergenerational values, urging a shift in societal perspectives for a sustainable future.

16 snips
May 15, 2023 • 1h 14min
Science is learning from start-ups (with Adam Marblestone)
Adam Marblestone, CEO of Convergent Research and expert in AI, biophysics, and neuroscience, discusses the revolutionary concept of Focused Research Organizations (FROs). He explains how these entities can transform scientific research by offering startup-like structures that address funding and collaboration challenges. Adam explores the implications of FROs on academic careers, emphasizing alternative paths for scientists. He also dives into the influence of large language models on research innovation and the importance of diverse funding mechanisms to drive scientific progress.

95 snips
May 3, 2023 • 1h 8min
The range of human perceptual experiences (with Anil Seth)
Anil Seth, a leading neuroscientist and author, dives into the fascinating world of human perception. He explores how our brain constructs reality, revealing that color isn't an inherent property but a product of sensory processes. The discussion touches on mental health's influence on perception and the beauty of neurodiversity. Seth highlights unique experiences like synesthesia and the connection between art and science, advocating for a greater understanding of how diverse perceptions enrich our lives. Plus, he shares insights from the immersive Dream Machine experience.

21 snips
Apr 27, 2023 • 1h 15min
The capabilities approach to welfare (with Martha Nussbaum)
Martha Nussbaum, Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago, delves into the capabilities approach to welfare, emphasizing individual abilities over traditional metrics like GDP. She debates the moral obligations we owe to animals, questioning whether zoos are ethical and exploring plant injustices. Nussbaum discusses how different species require tailored care, the complexities of human impact on animal welfare, and the urgent need for legislative reforms to protect sentient beings in various industries.

36 snips
Apr 19, 2023 • 1h 9min
Should you become a charity entrepreneur? (with Joey Savoie)
Joey Savoie, co-founder of Charity Entrepreneurship, dives into the compelling world of charity entrepreneurship. He discusses the unique pressures nonprofits face and how effective altruism evolves with shifting ethical frameworks. Savoie explores the balance of focusing on specific causes versus valuing diverse approaches, along with personal happiness's effect on altruism. He also addresses the lessons from the FTX crisis, advocating for improved governance in the charity sector and providing practical advice to maximize charitable impact.

7 snips
Apr 12, 2023 • 1h 12min
Has political polarization been misunderstood? (with Nick Gillespie)
Nick Gillespie, Editor at large at Reason magazine and a prominent libertarian commentator, dives into political polarization, questioning whether it's a sign of societal decay. He dissects social media's role in amplifying divisions and sheds light on how postmodernism influences political thought. Gillespie also critiques generational narratives, suggesting millennials and Gen Z face unfair burdens. The discussion shifts to cryptocurrency's future post-FTX collapse and unpacks ethical shifts on issues like factory farming, foreshadowing a more compassionate society ahead.