Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Spencer Greenberg
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Jul 7, 2021 • 1h 13min

Statistics Intuitions and Social Science Reproducibility (with Stuart Buck)

Stuart Buck, former Vice President of Arnold Ventures, discusses the urgent need for reform in math education, advocating for a focus on statistics and practical skills. He tackles the confusion surrounding p-values, emphasizing their misinterpretations in public discourse. Buck explores the repercussions of the reproducibility crisis in social sciences, highlighting the significance of publishing null results. He stresses the importance of rigorous research practices to ensure reliability and transparency in scientific findings. Tune in for insights that could change how we approach education and research!
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Jul 4, 2021 • 57min

Genomics and Health Outcomes (with Noor Siddiqui)

Noor Siddiqui, Founder and CEO of Orchid and a former AI researcher at Stanford, dives into the explosion of genomic advancements. She explains how genetic testing can empower prospective parents to assess health risks for their future children, emphasizing the ethical implications. Noor contrasts Orchid's comprehensive services with other genetic testing companies, explores the role of 'junk DNA', and discusses the complexities of gene editing technologies like CRISPR. Plus, she addresses the moral obligations parents face regarding genetic risks.
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Jul 1, 2021 • 58min

Rationality and Cognitive Science (with Anna Riedl)

Anna Riedl, a cognitive scientist specializing in judgment and decision-making, dives into the Great Rationality Debate and the differences between axiomatic and ecological rationality. She explores how biases can distort our choices and how visual representations enhance our understanding of complex information. Riedl discusses the profound link between wisdom and rationality, emphasizing the need for self-reflection. Delving into problem-solving, she uses a chess analogy to illustrate mental strategies, underscoring the importance of context in decision-making.
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39 snips
Jun 26, 2021 • 1h 21min

Self-Improvement and Behavior Change (with James Norris)

James Norris, an accomplished entrepreneur and co-founder of Upgradable, dives into the art of self-improvement. He shares strategies for behavior change that balance effort and value, emphasizing tailored daily routines. The discussion also covers the significance of clarity in personal values, the impact of cognitive enhancers like modafinil, and innovative techniques such as super forecasting. Norris highlights the transformative power of tiny habits and social connections, urging listeners to embrace incremental progress for meaningful change in their lives.
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Jun 23, 2021 • 1h 32min

Everyday Statistics and Climate Change Strategies (with Cassandra Xia)

Cassandra Xia, a cognitive biases expert and co-founder of Work on Climate, dives into fascinating insights on project management and climate change. She explores concepts like 'shed' versus 'cake' projects, emphasizing the importance of engaging, fulfilling endeavors. The discussion also tackles the urgent need for climate action amidst uncertainties in scientific predictions. Cassandra shares strategies for grassroots involvement and influencing corporations responsible for significant emissions, underscoring the critical balance between trust in science and proactive climate measures.
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Jun 19, 2021 • 1h 16min

Conscious Processes and Intelligence (with Richard Nisbett)

In this enlightening discussion, Richard Nisbett, a prominent psychologist and author of "Thinking: A Memoir," explores the complexities of conscious and unconscious minds. He shares insights on how intelligence is shaped more by environmental factors than genetics, emphasizing the importance of education and upbringing. Nisbett critiques traditional hiring practices, advocating for data-driven approaches over interviews. He also discusses the influence of cognitive biases on decision-making, particularly regarding sunk costs in personal and professional choices.
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Jun 17, 2021 • 1h 6min

Educational Restructuring and Investing (with Matt Greenfield)

Matt Greenfield, managing partner of Rethink Education, shares his insights on transforming education to meet the needs of 21st-century learners. He discusses the importance of restructuring schools to nurture student passions and promote critical thinking. The conversation delves into innovative teaching methods that enhance creativity in subjects like math and critiques traditional educational practices that harm trauma-affected students. Greenfield also highlights the ethical considerations in impact investing and the need for educational reform to foster civic engagement and address issues of privilege.
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Jun 12, 2021 • 1h 6min

Chinese Culture and Love Addiction (with Ava King)

In this insightful conversation, Ava King, an international singer and producer known for her K-pop hits, dives into unique cultural contrasts between China and America. She shares her experiences with societal beauty standards and the motivations behind plastic surgery in China. Ava addresses the complexities of love addiction, exploring its similarities to substance abuse and the personal journeys to recovery. Her reflections on navigating the entertainment industry reveal a fascinating blend of artistry and self-discovery.
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13 snips
Jun 9, 2021 • 1h 11min

User Engagement and Expert Intuition (with Rob Haisfield)

Rob Haisfield, a behavioral product strategy consultant and expert in gameful design, shares insights on user engagement and motivation. He discusses the importance of designing products that accommodate user failure and keep users motivated through redemption opportunities. Haisfield emphasizes the need for continuous onboarding and community support, drawing parallels with game design elements. The conversation also critiques superficial gamification, advocating for deeper mechanics aligned with users' personal goals, and explores how expert intuition is developed through experience and feedback.
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Jun 5, 2021 • 1h 39min

Psychological Models and Parenting (with Divia Eden)

Divia Eden, a passionate mind explorer and mother of three unschooled kids, dives into the Internal Family Systems model, explaining how our minds house various 'parts' that shape our emotions. She discusses the intricacies of parenting, comparing it to animal training and emphasizing positive reinforcement. The conversation touches on the psychological impacts of sleep, anger, and anxiety, while offering insights on navigating internal conflicts. Eden's anecdotes and relatable parenting strategies provide a refreshing take on emotional wellness and self-growth.

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