

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 24, 2020 • 1h 23min
Scientific Progress and Political Feedback Loops (with Michael Nielsen)
Michael Nielsen, a pioneer in quantum computing and advocate for open science, dives into the challenges of measuring scientific progress. He questions whether this progress is genuinely slowing down and discusses innovative funding strategies for researchers. The conversation navigates the rise of para-academia, highlighting its flexibility and potential for groundbreaking ideas. Nielsen also explores political feedback loops, emphasizing the influence of media on public opinion amid polarization. This enlightening discussion unravels the intricacies of modern science and societal dynamics.

Nov 17, 2020 • 1h
52 Living Ideas and the Four Systems Model (with Shrikant Rangnekar)
Shrikant Rangnekar, the mind behind 52 Living Ideas, dives into the intricacies of human nature and collaborative learning. He explains the Four Systems Model, highlighting our evolutionary instincts versus modern social dynamics. The discussion covers how trustless transactions function in society, enabling cooperation among strangers. They also explore the balance between intuitive and analytical thinking, introducing the concept of intuitive analytic shuttling to boost creativity. Shrikant emphasizes using design as a tool, reminding us that function should guide form.

Nov 10, 2020 • 1h 15min
Learning and Governance (with Emerson Spartz)
Emerson Spartz, known as the 'King of Viral Media,' shares his insights on effective learning strategies, emphasizing that mastering how to learn is essential. He explores the balance between innovation and stability in governance and the complexities surrounding free speech, urging for a culture that encourages open debate. Spartz also tackles the evolution of governance models in decentralized systems and discusses the societal influence of media and the need for critical examination of beliefs, drawing parallels with religion and the spread of ideas.

Nov 4, 2020 • 2h 16min
Liberalism and Conservatism (with Cassandra Xia and Hank Racette)
Cassandra Xia, a former Google engineer focused on climate change, and Hank Racette, a classical liberal and writer, dive into the polarization between liberals and conservatives. They discuss the core values that shape each ideology and the tension between tradition and progress. Key topics include climate change debate, the balance of socio-economic factors, and the complexities of free speech in today's society. Their lighthearted banter underscores the importance of respectful dialogue, emphasizing the need for common ground amid stark differences.

Oct 27, 2020 • 1h 50min
Psychedelics and Comedy (with Sarah Rose Siskind)
Sarah Rose Siskind, a science comedy writer and co-founder of HelloSci.Com, brings her sharp wit to the discussion about psychedelics. She dives into the therapeutic potential of these substances, touching on their capacity to reshape perceptions and alleviate mental health issues. Siskind also explores the critical importance of environment and community during psychedelic experiences, sharing transformative moments from Burning Man. Additionally, she considers how comedy can navigate social boundaries, revealing why comedians often say what others can't.

4 snips
Oct 20, 2020 • 1h 14min
Comfort Languages and Nuanced Thinking (with Kat Woods)
In this engaging discussion, Kat Woods, co-founder of Charity Entrepreneurship, shares her insights on supporting those in distress by identifying their emotional states and utilizing unique comfort languages. They delve into the nuances of mental health treatment, emphasizing personalized approaches to combat depression and anxiety. The talk also highlights the importance of embracing nuanced thinking for better decision-making and empowerment. Kat's expertise underscores the value of self-recognition and critical thinking in fostering personal growth and navigating complex social dynamics.

Oct 13, 2020 • 52min
Education and Charity (with Uri Bram)
Uri Bram, publisher of The Browser and The Listener, dives deep into the often cult-like nature of universities and their influence on knowledge. He questions the practical value of a traditional education and discusses how personal insecurities impact motivation. Uri also critiques charitable interventions, particularly deworming programs, assessing their effectiveness and the challenges in measuring outcomes. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of charity evaluation and the importance of understanding uncertainties in altruistic efforts.

45 snips
Oct 13, 2020 • 1h 35min
Learning and Goal-Setting (with Michael Simmons)
Michael Simmons, an entrepreneur and lifelong learner, shares his insights on effective learning and goal-setting. He discusses how much time we should dedicate to learning and the balance between structured goals and organic evolution. The conversation delves into the role of luck versus skill in success and the importance of continuous learning through the 'five-hour rule.' Simmons also explores innovative goal-setting methods that prioritize curiosity and values, and reflects on the complexities of personal branding in today's digital landscape.

42 snips
Oct 13, 2020 • 59min
Negotiation and Psychological Immune Systems (with Julie Kheyfets)
Julie Kheyfets, an executive at an AI company and 2019 USA Track & Field's Women’s 100-Mile Trail Champion, explores transformative negotiation strategies. She emphasizes moving beyond zero-sum thinking to achieve mutual benefits and foster relationships. The conversation dives into her journey of ultra-running, tackling both physical and psychological challenges, including muscle cramps and mental hurdles during races. Kheyfets shares insights on enhancing psychological resilience and the power of the psychological immune system in overcoming adversity.

Oct 13, 2020 • 1h 9min
Life Experiments and Philosophical Thinking (with Arden Koehler)
In this engaging discussion, Arden Koehler, a researcher at 80,000 Hours with a PhD in philosophy, shares insights on using careers to tackle global challenges. She emphasizes the value of effective altruism and encourages listeners to experiment with their career paths. The conversation delves into the intricacies of herbal effects, showcasing how personal biology influences nutrition. Arden also highlights the significance of mental state in shaping physical sensations and explores the balance between persuasion and truth in philosophical thinking.


