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
Dec 14, 2022 • 1h 17min
Why capitalism doesn't live up to its promises (with Martin Schmalz)
Martin Schmalz, a finance and economics professor at Oxford, delves into capitalism's shortcomings. He discusses how common ownership stifles competition and innovation, using the airline industry as a case study. Schmalz critiques ESG initiatives and argues for stronger regulations to address social issues. The conversation also explores the complexities of corporate responsibility and the pressures facing politicians. Finally, he examines the transformative potential of AI while cautioning against biases inherent in its applications.
5 snips
Dec 7, 2022 • 54min
Anti-interoperability, vendor lock-in, and high switching costs (with Cory Doctorow)
Cory Doctorow, a renowned science fiction author and activist, tackles the critical issue of interoperability and its significance in tech. He dives into the constraints of vendor lock-in imposed by major corporations and questions the ethical practices of giants like Google. The conversation also explores the implications of modifying platforms like Facebook and discusses the potential of blockchain to enhance user privacy and freedom. Doctorow emphasizes the need for stronger regulations to combat corporate control in the digital landscape.
Nov 30, 2022 • 1h 12min
Separating the sinner from the sin (with Khomotso Moshikaro)
Khomotso Moshikaro, a South African and British trained lawyer and PhD candidate at Cambridge, explores the complex ethics of criminal punishment. The discussion highlights the long-term social effects of criminal labels, the distinction between dignity and rights, and the moral implications of redemption. Moshikaro questions when rights should be forfeited and the societal view of those labeled as criminals. He advocates for a balance between compassion and accountability in the justice system, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation over pure punishment.
9 snips
Nov 28, 2022 • 3h 25min
The FTX catastrophe (with Byrne Hobart, Vipul Naik, Maomao Hu, Marcus Abramovich, and Ozzie Gooen)
In this deep dive, Byrne Hobart, a finance newsletter writer, joins data scientist Vipul Naik, fintech entrepreneur Maomao Hu, crypto hedge fund partner Marcus Abramovich, and research president Ozzie Gooen. They dissect the astonishing collapse of FTX and the early warning signs that went unnoticed. The conversation covers ethical failings, the interplay between FTX and Alameda, and the future of effective altruism. Insights on risk-taking, accountability, and the emotional fallout of this financial catastrophe add depth to the analysis.
Nov 23, 2022 • 55min
How to find out what people in rural communities really need (with Robert Chambers)
In this engaging discussion, Robert Chambers, a leading figure in development policy, reveals the essence of truly understanding rural community needs. He contrasts traditional research methods with participatory approaches, showcasing the power of open-ended conversations and participatory mapping. Chambers also addresses the impact of power dynamics on data collection and the importance of mindfulness in communication. The conversation emphasizes the shift toward community empowerment and innovative practices that center local insights, driving more effective development efforts.
Nov 16, 2022 • 60min
Building healthy relationships (with Jayson Gaddis)
Jayson Gaddis, a relationship expert and author, delves into the complexities of interpersonal dynamics. He discusses the importance of deep listening and emotional safety in fostering vulnerability. The conversation explores how early family experiences shape our needs for connection and acceptance. Jayson also tackles the challenges of differing core values between partners, advocating for effective communication and self-reflection. Listeners gain insights into maintaining healthy relationships and overcoming misunderstandings.
85 snips
Nov 9, 2022 • 1h 17min
Bringing rationality into politics (with Elizabeth Edwards-Appell)
Elizabeth Edwards-Appell, a former New Hampshire legislator and effective altruism advocate, shares her journey from activism to politics. She discusses the complexities of voting dynamics, the influence of leadership on political conformity, and the psychological challenges of changing beliefs. Edwards-Appell dives into the implications of voting against one's party and the importance of navigating personal ideologies in a tribal landscape. She also critiques the role of cognitive biases and the Dark Triad traits among politicians, shedding light on the intricate balance between personal convictions and party loyalty.
Nov 2, 2022 • 1h 47min
Sex workers — empowered, or victims? (with Melissa Broudo)
Melissa Broudo, JD, MPH, is a passionate advocate for sex worker rights and harm reduction, shaping policies to support both sex workers and victims of trafficking. In this engaging discussion, she tackles the evolution of societal views on sex work, emphasizing empowerment over victimhood. Broudo explores various regulatory models worldwide, questioning their impact on safety and health. She also delves into the psychological complexities of sex work, addressing stigma, identity politics, and the intricate dynamics between empowerment and societal perceptions.
80 snips
Oct 26, 2022 • 1h 16min
What, if anything, do AIs understand? (with ChatGPT Co-Creator Ilya Sutskever)
Ilya Sutskever, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of OpenAI, discusses the fascinating boundaries of artificial intelligence. He breaks down how GPT-3 predicts language and the implications of this on our understanding of intelligence. Sutskever addresses the challenges faced by academia in keeping pace with AI advancements and the balancing act between memorization and generalization in machine learning. He also highlights the potential risks of AI and emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations as technology evolves.
Oct 21, 2022 • 1h 32min
Forecasting the things that matter (with Peter Wildeford)
Peter Wildeford, Co-CEO of Rethink Priorities and a renowned forecaster, dives into the world of forecasting and prediction markets. He challenges traditional ideas about expertise, emphasizing reliability over credentials. The discussion touches on how non-experts often outperform respected sources in accuracy. Wildeford also highlights the importance of structured tracking for predictions, stressing the blend of human intuition and algorithms for better outcomes. Finally, he envisions a future where informed forecasting enhances decision-making across various fields.
