

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

22 snips
Apr 14, 2021 • 1h 16min
Scout and Soldier Mindsets (with Julia Galef)
Julia Galef, author of "The Scout Mindset" and host of "Rationally Speaking", discusses the differences between scout and soldier mindsets. She reveals how adopting a scout mindset fosters honest communication and productive disagreements. The conversation dives into concepts like rational irrationality, the impact of social confidence in entrepreneurship, and the value of developing intrinsic values. Julia also shares strategies to shift from a soldier to a scout mindset, emphasizing the importance of intellectual honesty and personal growth.

35 snips
Apr 7, 2021 • 1h 2min
Social Science and Science Journalism (with Jesse Singal)
Jesse Singal, a contributing writer for New York Magazine and co-host of Blocked and Reported, dives deep into the trustworthiness of social science research. He discusses the open science movement, the challenges of the replicability crisis, and the limitations of tools like the Implicit Association Test. Singal critiques popular psychological quick fixes and emphasizes the importance of transparency in research. He also highlights the need for systemic solutions over individual interventions when tackling societal issues like inequality and racial bias.

Mar 31, 2021 • 1h 19min
Search Data and Self-Improvement (with Seth Stephens-Davidowitz)
In this chat, data scientist Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, known for his bestseller "Everybody Lies," dives into the intriguing world of search data. He reveals how people often express hidden truths through their online searches rather than surveys, especially regarding mental health and societal biases. Seth discusses the unexpected factors influencing parenting outcomes and even how data can revolutionize dating by moving beyond superficial attraction. He also touches on the surprising connections between nature, community, and personal happiness, offering a fresh perspective on self-improvement.

Mar 24, 2021 • 1h 27min
Poker and Productivity (with Chris Sparks)
Chris Sparks, a professional poker player and the founder of Forcing Function, shares fascinating insights into the world of poker and productivity. He discusses the OODA loop and its role in refining decision-making strategies, helping listeners understand human behavior in competitive environments. Sparks emphasizes the significance of a 'premortem' analysis to improve judgment and how creating personal forcing functions can enhance productivity. Through practical examples, he redefines productivity as an ongoing process rooted in action and feedback.

Mar 17, 2021 • 1h 7min
Moral Discourse and the Value of Philosophy (with Ronny Fernandez)
In this engaging discussion, Ronny Fernandez, a Philosophy PhD student at Rutgers University, dives into the intricate world of moral discourse and human rationality. He tackles normative hedonism and the complexities of selfishness versus altruism. The conversation explores the role of philosophy in creating systematic wisdom and the impact of morality on interpersonal relationships. Ronny also shares insights into the philosophy of persuasion, the importance of intuition, and the challenges of AI alignment, all while emphasizing the need for better rational discourse.

5 snips
Mar 10, 2021 • 1h 16min
Superintelligence and Consciousness (with Roman Yampolskiy)
Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, a Tenured Associate Professor in Computer Science and Engineering, dives into the fascinating yet concerning world of superintelligence and AI alignment. He explores what superintelligence means and the ethical challenges it poses, such as controlling AI systems and potential exploitation by malicious actors. The discussion also examines the possibility of AI experiencing consciousness and distinct differences between artificial general intelligence and human intelligence. Yampolskiy emphasizes the importance of proactive measures for managing the implications of advanced AI on society.

17 snips
Mar 3, 2021 • 1h 50min
Meditation and Ontology (with Daniel Ingram)
In this engaging discussion, Daniel Ingram, a meditation expert and author of "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha," dives into the profound effects of meditation. He examines the stages of insight and the physiological impacts of various techniques. The conversation also addresses the risks associated with meditation, highlighting the importance of personalized practices for beginners. Ingram shares unique experiences that challenge perceptions of reality and encourages a deeper understanding of ethical behavior in alleviating suffering. A fascinating exploration of the meditative journey!

Feb 24, 2021 • 1h 16min
Rationality Education and Dating (with Jacob Falkovich)
In this conversation with Jacob Falkovich, a rationality expert and writer, they tackle the challenge of teaching rational thinking to an uninterested audience. Jacob reflects on COVID-19's impact on decision-making and how social dynamics influence our perceptions. He discusses why modern dating has become more complex, revealing concerning trends in singles' attitudes toward relationships. The duo also explores the intersection of rationality with spirituality and art, highlighting the potential for collaboration within diverse communities.

Feb 17, 2021 • 1h 33min
Preference Falsification and Postmodernism (with Michael Vassar)
Michael Vassar, former president of the Singularity Institute and a savvy investor, explores the intriguing realm of preference falsification and its societal implications. He discusses how people often mask their true beliefs to align with societal norms, creating a disconnect in personal expression. Vassar contrasts conflict theory and mistake theory, diving into justice perceptions and the complexities of postmodernism. He even addresses the harsh realities of involuntary treatments in mental health, making for a thought-provoking and engaging conversation.

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.


