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
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.
84 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.
11 snips
Oct 12, 2022 • 1h 23min
Is the universe a computer? (with Joscha Bach)
In this engaging conversation, computer scientist and philosopher Joscha Bach discusses the intricate nature of intelligence and the distinctions between human cognition and AI, exemplified by GPT-3. He explores how the narratives we tell ourselves can influence suffering and highlights the transformative power of love through a computational lens. The fascinating notion of the universe as a computational system is unpacked, along with deep insights into consciousness, AI advancements, and the philosophical dimensions of existence.
57 snips
Oct 5, 2022 • 1h 27min
Inventions, stories, and ideas that don't matter (with Pablos Holman)
Pablos Holman, a hacker and inventor known for his impactful TED Talks, dives into the fascinating world of food technology, discussing innovative 3D-printed meals and their potential to revolutionize personalized nutrition. He explores public perceptions of nuclear energy, emphasizing its role in a carbon-free future and the need for better regulation in tech innovation. Holman also unpacks the complexities of intellectual property rights and encourages the transformation of how we approach groundbreaking technologies, balancing safety with creativity in our rapidly evolving world.
7 snips
Sep 28, 2022 • 1h 5min
Humble-bragging, counter-signalling, and impression management (with Övül Sezer)
Join Övül Sezer, a behavioral scientist and stand-up comedian from Columbia University, as she unpacks the nuances of impression management. She discusses the effects of humble-bragging versus straightforward bragging, illustrating the importance of authenticity in self-promotion. Övül explores the intriguing concept of counter-signaling, revealing how status can be communicated through casual appearances. Dive into the dynamics of gratitude in communication and how acknowledging contributions strengthens teamwork and relationships.
Sep 21, 2022 • 1h 6min
Ambition and expected value at extremes (with Habiba Islam)
In this discussion, Habiba Islam, an advisor at 80,000 Hours and former barrister, explores the balance between ambition and altruism. She tackles how to set lofty career goals while calculating expected values, especially when probabilities become extreme. The conversation highlights the necessity of pragmatic backup plans and community support to navigate risks. Habiba also critiques traditional views in effective altruism, urging a deeper understanding of ethical responsibilities towards future generations, particularly in light of climate change.
