

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

Aug 21, 2021 • 1h 18min
How to hack your own brain (with Elizabeth Ricker)
Elizabeth Ricker, author of "Smarter Tomorrow" and founder of Neuroeducate, dives into the fascinating world of self-experimentation for cognitive enhancement. She discusses how dietary changes can alleviate brain fog and improve decision-making skills. Ricker also explores the effectiveness of brain games and the potential of nootropics for mental performance. Delving into neurostimulation techniques, she emphasizes the value of personalized approaches to cognitive health. Tune in for insights on how to hack your brain for better thinking and creativity!

12 snips
Aug 19, 2021 • 1h 29min
Why do civilizations collapse? And is ours next? (with Samo Burja)
Samo Burja, the founder of Bismarck Analysis and a seasoned researcher at the Long Now Foundation, dives into the forces that shape civilizations. He discusses the intriguing concept of 'long history', revealing how ancient agricultural practices intertwine with societal development. Samo evaluates why civilizations collapse, linking knowledge transmission and governance quality to their longevity. He warns of modern pitfalls, comparing contemporary challenges to those faced by ancient empires, and introduces the 'great founder' theory as essential for building resilient institutions.

Aug 11, 2021 • 1h 17min
Utopia on earth and morality without guilt (with Joe Carlsmith)
In this engaging discussion, Joe Carlsmith, a research analyst at Open Philanthropy and a doctoral student at Oxford, explores the elusive concept of utopia. He probes into our aspirations versus the pitfalls of idealism, emphasizing the need for a dynamic understanding of a shared future. Carlsmith delves into the ethics of existence, raising questions about procreation and its moral implications. He contrasts 'wholehearted morality' with guilt-laden moral frameworks, inviting listeners to rethink ethical engagement, non-attachment, and the intricacies of consciousness.

56 snips
Aug 4, 2021 • 1h 1min
How do you leverage your limitations? (with Oliver Burkeman)
Oliver Burkeman, author of 'Four Thousand Weeks' and former Guardian columnist, dives into the power of embracing our limitations as a pathway to fulfillment. He discusses why rethinking our lifespan in weeks can be a wake-up call and the deeper insights it offers about prioritizing what truly matters. The conversation explores how mindfulness can counteract the 'importance trap,' along with the paradox of patience in a fast-paced world. Burkeman provides strategies for navigating overwhelming to-do lists while making room for meaningful moments.

195 snips
Jul 29, 2021 • 1h 21min
The secrets of effective learning (with Andy Matuschak)
Andy Matuschak, inventor and former R&D leader at Khan Academy, shares his insights on learning and memory retention. He delves into the effectiveness of spaced repetition compared to traditional methods and discusses using flashcards to engage with complex concepts. Matuschak emphasizes the value of internalizing knowledge in an age of instant information and debates the importance of memory in fostering creativity. He also explores the innovative world of paraacademia, advocating for more support for radical ideas outside conventional academia.

Jul 25, 2021 • 1h 12min
Exploring your shadow and healing your traumas (with Aurora Quinn-Elmore)
Aurora Quinn-Elmore, an executive producer focused on expanding access to psychedelic therapies, discusses fascinating concepts like metamodernism and spiral dynamics. She explores the shadow self and how our reactions reveal inner truths. The conversation delves into the connection between trauma and physical health, emphasizing healing through introspection. Aurora also touches on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, the shifting landscape of substance legalization, and the joys of multi-generational co-living, promoting deep connections without substances.

Jul 21, 2021 • 1h 8min
Dances with robots (with Catie Cuan)
Catie Cuan is a dancer, choreographer, and PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford, blending art with technology. She discusses the fascinating intersection of dance and robotics, exploring how dance vocabulary can enhance robotic movement. Catie also delves into the challenges of programming robots to dance and the potential of virtual reality in training them. Additionally, she examines the future of robotics in everyday life and emphasizes the critical role of human collaboration in creative processes with AI.

Jul 18, 2021 • 1h 49min
Heaven and hell on earth: a trip to the limits of human consciousness (with Anthony David Adams)
In a thought-provoking discussion, Anthony David Adams, a visionary and mental health activist, dives into the fascinating interplay between psychedelics and consciousness. He explores metaphysical geometry and the transformative power of fear, emphasizing how surrendering to intense emotions can lead to personal growth. The conversation touches on the value of psychosis, challenges societal perceptions of altered states, and proposes oxytocin as an alternative to MDMA for therapy. Throughout, Adams advocates for a more accepting culture surrounding mental health and psychedelics.

Jul 15, 2021 • 1h 6min
How can we save the world? (with Toby Ord)
Toby Ord, a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford, dives into existential risks that threaten humanity's future, discussing topics from climate change to technological dangers like AI and engineered pandemics. He explains the distinction between catastrophic and existential risks, emphasizing that supervolcanoes may pose a more immediate threat than asteroids. The conversation also explores long-termism and our moral obligations to future generations, underscoring the need for global cooperation and innovative solutions to ensure a safe and secure world.

Jul 11, 2021 • 1h 17min
Risk-Driven Development and Decentralization (with Satvik Beri)
Satvik Beri, cofounder and head of Data Science at Temple Capital, dives deep into risk-driven development and how it shapes career decisions. He shares insights on converting technical knowledge into intuitive skills and the significance of immediate feedback for personal growth. The balance between centralization and decentralization is also explored, with examples from major companies like Twitter. Beri emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies in both professional contexts and market behaviors to avoid complacency and ensure effective problem solving.


