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
Feb 10, 2021 • 1h 8min
Moral Foundations Theory and Constructive Dialogue (with Caroline Mehl)
Caroline Mehl, Co-founder and Executive Director of OpenMind, discusses the intriguing Moral Foundations Theory and its relevance to communication. She explores how differing interpretations of fairness shape political ideologies and the evolutionary roots of disgust impacting moral judgments. Their conversation dives into the challenges of online communication, the dynamics of moral outrage, and strategies for bridging ideological divides, particularly in areas like criminal justice reform. Mehl emphasizes the need for empathy and intentional dialogue to foster inclusivity and understanding.
Feb 3, 2021 • 1h 21min
Past / Future Selves and Intrinsic Values (with Simone Collins)
Simone Collins, a Cambridge-educated entrepreneur and co-founder of The Pragmatist Foundation, dives into the complexities of self-identity and emotional regulation. She discusses the balance between reflecting on our past selves and focusing on future growth, urging listeners to cultivate self-awareness. Simone also explores the importance of intrinsic values in achieving true happiness and critiques societal norms around success. Additionally, she addresses the emotional challenges of parenthood and the significance of making compassionate choices in the face of life’s toughest dilemmas.
Jan 27, 2021 • 1h 12min
Happiness and Hedonic Adaptation (with Rob Smith)
In this engaging discussion, Rob Smith, an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Tilburg University, dives into the intriguing concept of hedonic adaptation, revealing why our pleasures often diminish over time. He explores the psychology behind deprivation, narcissism, and cult dynamics, shedding light on how insecurity can lead to manipulative environments. The conversation also touches on the complexities of pursuing long-term happiness versus short-term gains and the importance of gratitude and personal growth in fostering lasting fulfillment.
Jan 20, 2021 • 1h 19min
Decision-Making Under Uncertainty and Entrepreneurship (with Miles Lasater)
Miles Lasater, a seasoned founder, venture capitalist, and podcaster, shares his insights on navigating decision-making amid uncertainty. He discusses using mental models and venture patterns to manage risk in startups. Lasater emphasizes the balance between intuition and data analysis, alongside the future collaboration of AI and human intuition. He also explores the dual nature of innovation, where trial and error is essential. Finally, he sheds light on the nuances of philanthropic funding versus innovative startups and the importance of discerning impactful initiatives.
Jan 13, 2021 • 1h 41min
Sexuality and Dominance Hierarchies (with Malcolm Collins)
Malcolm Collins, a neuroscientist-turned-entrepreneur, shares his insights on the intricacies of sexuality and dominance hierarchies. He critiques outdated paradigms in sexual research, revealing surprising findings about human attraction that challenge conventional views. The discussion delves into how dominance dynamics shape emotional behavior and societal structures, linking these concepts to governance. Collins emphasizes the importance of innovative research methods in understanding the diverse spectrum of sexual experiences, while addressing the ethical dilemmas surrounding sensitive topics.
63 snips
Jan 7, 2021 • 2h 33min
Self-Improvement and Research Ethics (with Rob Wiblin)
Rob Wiblin, Head of Research at 80,000 Hours and host of its podcast, dives into self-improvement strategies and the nuances of research ethics. He discusses the value of long-form content for deep discussions and the importance of self-experimentation alongside accountability for personal growth. Wiblin also tackles the ethical dilemmas in COVID-19 vaccine testing, challenges in academic mentorship, and how prediction markets can reveal societal biases. His insights highlight a balanced approach to ethics and the complexities of achieving meaningful progress.
18 snips
Dec 29, 2020 • 1h 40min
Antagonistic Learning and Civilization (with Duncan Sabien)
Duncan Sabien, an innovative educator with a passion for LEGO and parkour, dives into the intriguing concept of antagonistic learning. He discusses how adopting a trickster role can engage students and encourage critical thinking. The conversation explores ethical influence, the importance of cooperation in overcoming challenges, and the evolving definitions of civilization and communication. Duncan also presents the field theory of parenting, emphasizing balance between freedom and guidance, while advocating for a shift towards more student-driven educational approaches.
10 snips
Dec 22, 2020 • 53min
Worldviews and Framing (with Elizabeth Kim)
Elizabeth Kim, an applied behavioral scientist at Spotify, shares her journey from a fundamentalist upbringing to embracing diverse perspectives. She discusses how our worldviews act like snow globes, shaping our understanding of reality. The podcast dives into the challenges of navigating different ideologies and the importance of empathy. Kim also explores techniques for enhancing creativity and decision-making through reframing challenges. Discover how recognizing varied perspectives can lead to better choices and a more fulfilling life.
Dec 15, 2020 • 1h 4min
Intelligence and Creativity (with Scott Barry Kaufman)
Scott Barry Kaufman, a humanistic psychologist and author, dives into the intricate connections between intelligence and creativity. He discusses how IQ testing may not fully capture the spectrum of human potential and the impact of environmental factors on intelligence. Kaufman explores whether creativity can be nurtured and how self-actualization interplays with personal growth. He challenges conventional views on intelligence, emphasizing the unpredictability of self-discovery and the quest for deeper, meaningful experiences.
Dec 9, 2020 • 1h 31min
Scientific Progress and the Replication Crisis (with Geoff Anders)
Geoff Anders, founder of Leverage Research and co-founder of Paradigm, explores the paradox of scientific progress with Spencer Greenberg. They discuss whether the explosion of publications signals actual advancements or just noise. Anders dives into the replication crisis in social sciences, unveiling how many studies can't be reproduced. He also critiques personality tests and shares insights on enhancing user experiences, emphasizing the importance of introspection in improving psychological research methodologies.
