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
Oct 13, 2020 • 58min
THINKERS Workshop (with Spencer Greenberg)
In this insightful discussion, Jared Morris, the host of Thinker's Workshop, interviews Spencer Greenberg, a leader in applied mathematics and social sciences. They delve into cognitive biases that can distort our decision-making, highlighting the importance of self-awareness. Greenberg introduces the concept of 'gray thinking' and the need for nuanced approaches in complex issues. The conversation also tackles when to trust intuition versus reflective thinking, emphasizing the value of critical thinking skills for a more informed and adaptable mindset.
9 snips
Oct 13, 2020 • 1h 27min
Lines of Retreat and Incomplete Maps (with Anna Salamon)
In an engaging discussion, Anna Salamon, a researcher at the Center for Applied Rationality and the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, shares her insights on navigating social dynamics and personal beliefs. She explores the concept of 'lines of retreat' to reduce anxiety in uncertain scenarios. The conversation highlights the impact of social media on societal polarization, the complexities of communication in relationships, and how individual perceptions can clash with collective narratives. Moreover, they discuss the challenges of understanding diverse ideologies and the importance of fostering trust in dialogue.
34 snips
Oct 13, 2020 • 1h 59min
Meditation and Enlightenment (with Jeremy Stevenson)
In this engaging conversation, clinical psychologist Jeremy Stevenson, who has extensively researched meditation, shares his journey from the neuroscience of mindfulness to transformative retreats in Nepal. He defines meditation beyond dogma, explores its intersection with spirituality, and unpacks the concept of enlightenment. Jeremy discusses the emotional fluctuations during meditation, insight into dissociation, and personal anecdotes from intense retreats. He emphasizes the practical benefits of meditation, like reduced anxiety and increased self-compassion, providing listeners with a fresh perspective on this ancient practice.
36 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 3min
Forgiveness and E-Prime (with Josh Castle)
In this engaging discussion, Josh Castle, a producer with a rich background spanning data science to music education, shares insights on the nature of forgiveness and the challenges of morality beyond faith. He explores the idea of becoming a polymath and the benefits of diverse learning experiences. Castle also dives deep into E-Prime, a unique language framework that promotes clearer thinking by avoiding certain verbs. This thought-provoking conversation highlights innovative educational strategies and the societal impacts of restorative justice.
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.
26 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.
