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
269 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 1h 19min
How can you learn more efficiently? (with Scott Young)
Scott Young, bestselling author of 'Ultralearning' and an expert in accelerated learning techniques, shares insights on efficient learning strategies. He critiques traditional education, emphasizing the limits of memorization and advocating for practical skills. Discover the importance of 'transfer of learning' and how to overcome learning plateaus. Young also explores optimizing language learning through conversation and immersion, while highlighting the power of constructive feedback and active recall for mastering new skills.
65 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 31min
A conversation with a narcissist (with Jacob Skidmore)
In this discussion, Jacob Skidmore, known as 'The Nameless Narcissist,' shares his journey living with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. He explores whether narcissists are born with these traits or shaped by their environment. The complexities of self-esteem and vulnerability in narcissists are examined, revealing their struggles with criticism and the quest for validation. Jacob also critiques societal perceptions of narcissism, offering insights on managing relationships and the ongoing quest for self-awareness among those with narcissistic tendencies.
35 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 12min
What effects does guaranteed income have on U.S. citizens? (with Eva Vivalt)
Eva Vivalt, an Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Toronto, dives deep into guaranteed income and its implications for U.S. citizens. They discuss recent studies on universal basic income (UBI) and its impact on employment, spending habits, and long-term well-being. Vivalt highlights how guaranteed income influences financial stability and even education levels. The conversation also touches on the complexities of evidence-based policy, the role of personal biases in decision-making, and the fascinating intersection of humans and AI in making predictions.
80 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
Human evolution and AI evolution (with Dwarkesh Patel)
Dwarkesh Patel, host of the Dwarkesh Podcast and a Substack writer, delves into fascinating insights on human evolution. He explores the mysteries of pre-humans and the reasons behind the survival of certain species. The conversation shifts to the evolution of AI, comparing it with human development, discussing the advantages of AI firms and knowledge retention. Patel also touches on the significance of communication, interbreeding's impact on diversity, and the importance of perseverance in learning. This blend of anthropology and technology offers a unique perspective on our past and future.
49 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 21min
Should sex work be a crime? (with Kaytlin Bailey)
Kaytlin Bailey, founder of Old Pros and host of The Oldest Profession Podcast, passionately advocates for the rights of sex workers. She delves into the stigma faced by sex workers in the U.S., discussing how laws like SESTA-FOSTA can inadvertently increase risks. The conversation tackles whether promiscuity stigma is rooted in biology or cultural norms, and explores the impact of legal frameworks on workers' safety and autonomy. Bailey emphasizes the need for decriminalization and a broader understanding of sexuality, challenging misconceptions surrounding the profession.
92 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 1h
When does productivity become toxic? (with Israa Nasir)
In a thoughtful conversation, Isra Nasir, a NYC-based psychotherapist and founder of WellGuide, tackles the fine line between productivity and toxicity. She explores how self-worth should not hinge on societal achievements, advocating for a values-driven approach. Isra offers practical strategies to combat negative thoughts, emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, and discusses the 'opposite action' technique from dialectical behavioral therapy. The episode wraps up with tips on mindfulness to enhance emotional awareness and well-being.
129 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 2h 6min
A conversation with a sociopath (with M.E. Thomas)
M.E. Thomas, a practicing attorney and author of "Confessions of a Sociopath," dives deep into psychopathy and sociopathy. She discusses the blurred lines between these terms and dispels myths around Antisocial Personality Disorder. You'll learn how sociopaths manipulate and perceive emotions differently, including the nuances of shame and guilt. The conversation shifts to the evolutionary roots of sociopathy and ethical dilemmas, questioning societal judgments on impulsive versus premeditated crimes. A thought-provoking exploration of self-discovery in the sociopathic mind awaits!
45 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 1h 38min
Highs and lows on the road out of the replication crisis (with Brian Nosek)
Brian Nosek, a pioneering psychologist and co-developer of the Implicit Association Test, discusses the evolution of psychology in light of the replication crisis. He highlights the importance of sample diversity and communication of scientific uncertainty. The conversation delves into the complexities of implicit bias assessment through IAT, advocating for transparent methodologies in research. Nosek also critiques the breakdown of trust in science and emphasizes open science practices to enhance reproducibility, ultimately aiming for a more reliable academic landscape.
125 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 11min
Suffering and the self (with Jay Garfield)
In a captivating conversation, Jay Garfield, Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and expert in Buddhist philosophy, dives into the nature of suffering and the self. He discusses whether overcoming craving and aversion can liberate us from suffering and how personal perception shapes our experiences. Garfield explores the concept of self as an illusion and the implications of interconnectedness in achieving true happiness. He also contrasts Buddhist ethics with Western perspectives, emphasizing compassion and community over self-centered pursuits.
77 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 55min
Choosing your strategy (with Seth Godin)
Seth Godin, an influential entrepreneur and bestselling author, dives into the nuances of strategy versus tactics. He discusses the importance of clear vision in developing effective strategies and highlights common mistakes leaders make. Godin emphasizes simplicity, creativity, and articulating strategies for better decision-making. He also explores the foundational principles of marketing, the ethics of storytelling, and the interplay between status and affiliation in communities. Listeners gain valuable insights for navigating life's challenges and improving with effective strategies.
