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
118 snips
Apr 5, 2023 • 1h 12min
How can you tell if you're cut out for entrepreneurship? (with Matt Clifford)
In this engaging conversation, Matt Clifford, cofounder and CEO of Entrepreneur First, shares insights into entrepreneurship and innovation. He discusses the concepts of variance-amplifying versus variance-dampening institutions and how the internet has shaped societal ambition. Matt emphasizes key traits for aspiring entrepreneurs, such as resilience and problem-solving. The conversation also delves into the evolution of ambition and the impact of AI on entrepreneurship, questioning how true innovation is measured in today's fast-paced environment.
12 snips
Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 3min
Letting ChatGPT make your decisions for you (with Dax Flame)
Dax Flame, a former YouTube sensation and actor from films like 21 Jump Street, dives into the tantalizing experiment of letting ChatGPT guide his life decisions. He addresses the balance between AI assistance and authenticity, raising questions about using AI-generated content in personal relationships. Dax shares how AI has bolstered his content creation confidence and influenced his financial journey. Plus, he reflects on the joy of genuine interactions amid today's tech-driven world, all while contemplating the future of human-AI collaboration.
32 snips
Mar 22, 2023 • 1h 3min
What good is college now that we can learn everything for free on the internet? (with Nick Dirks)
In this engaging discussion, Nick Dirks, President and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences and a noted historian and anthropologist, dives into the evolving landscape of higher education. He explores whether traditional universities still hold value in the age of free online learning and critiques the skyrocketing tuition costs. Dirks argues for a balanced integration of humanities in today's tech-driven society, while emphasizing the need for universities to adapt and innovate in response to changing societal demands.
28 snips
Mar 15, 2023 • 1h 13min
Not seeing your face as a first step to enlightenment? (with Richard Lang)
Richard Lang, a teacher of The Headless Way and psychotherapist, discusses the concept of self beyond physical identity. He explores the idea of being 'headless' as a means to awaken to one's true, boundless self. The conversation delves into self-perception vs. genuine experience, the impact of societal labels on identity, and the nature of consciousness. Lang encourages listeners to reflect on their inner essence and interconnectedness, prompting a journey of self-discovery and understanding that transcends traditional mindfulness practices.
6 snips
Mar 8, 2023 • 60min
Is giving people a sense of agency better than giving them cash? (with Richard Sedlmayr)
Richard Sedlmayr, with a PhD in Public Policy from Oxford, works at the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund and The Agency Fund, focusing on pro-poor development. He delves into whether fostering agency can surpass traditional aid methods like cash transfers. Their discussion also touches on how socioeconomic factors influence decision-making and the impact of timing in life choices. They address the replication crisis in social science and the need for adaptive, evidence-based approaches to interventions, pushing for a balance between measurable outcomes and meaningful social change.
32 snips
Mar 1, 2023 • 1h 7min
Are you working on the most important problem in your field? Why not? (with Rohit Krishnan)
Rohit Krishnan, an insightful essayist at Strange Loop Canon focusing on business, tech, and economics, engages in a thought-provoking discussion. He explores the connection between curiosity and innovation, emphasizing how open-mindedness can lead to breakthrough ideas. Rohit questions the value of traditional degrees, advocating for skills and non-fakeable credentials instead. The conversation also examines the importance of personal worldviews and the cyclical nature of credentialing systems, encouraging listeners to pursue genuine passions while setting personal boundaries.
48 snips
Feb 22, 2023 • 1h 33min
How huge a deal is climate change, really? (with Diana Ürge-Vorsatz and Misha Glouberman)
Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, a climate change expert and professor, and Misha Glouberman, a communication consultant, explore the multifaceted implications of climate change. They discuss the challenges in accurately quantifying climate risks, moving beyond simple mortality statistics. The conversation highlights the complexities of agricultural sustainability under changing conditions and the significant role of reliable information in public discourse. They also address strategies for fostering open discussions, balancing curiosity with advocacy in climate conversations.
29 snips
Feb 15, 2023 • 1h 5min
Becoming a policy entrepreneur (with Tom Kalil)
In this engaging conversation, Tom Kalil, Chief Innovation Officer at Schmidt Futures, shares his extensive experience in shaping national science initiatives from his time in the White House. He discusses the concept of policy entrepreneurship and how individuals, even outside political offices, can drive change. Kalil digs into market shaping as a solution for social issues and the unique challenges of funding high-risk research. He also emphasizes the role of innovation in government and the necessity of strategic collaboration to tackle societal challenges effectively.
141 snips
Feb 8, 2023 • 1h 1min
How to build your second brain (with Tiago Forte)
Tiago Forte, founder of Forte Labs and expert in productivity, discusses transforming how we manage information with his 'Building a Second Brain' approach. He highlights the importance of effective note-taking and introduces the PARA method for organizing thoughts. Tiago examines common mistakes in information management, the balance of creativity versus organization, and shares strategies to enhance memory retention. His insights on using digital tools can revolutionize productivity and foster creativity in everyday tasks.
Feb 1, 2023 • 1h
Does every language have a word for depression? (with Sean Mayberry)
Sean Mayberry, founder of StrongMinds, discusses the alarming rise of depression globally, linking it to social connection losses intensified by the pandemic. He highlights how anxiety and depression are intertwined, advocating for group interpersonal therapy as a powerful treatment. Sean also shares insights on unique language challenges in naming depression and the complexities of mental health across cultures. His focus on women’s mental health in Africa emphasizes that effective interventions could greatly alleviate systemic poverty.
