

Beauty At Work
Brandon Vaidyanathan
Beauty at Work expands our understanding of beauty: what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Sociologist Brandon Vaidyanathan interviews scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders across diverse fields to reveal new insights into how beauty shapes our brains, behaviors, organizations, and societies--for good and for ill. Learn how to harness the power of beauty in your life and work, while avoiding its pitfalls.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 8, 2024 • 17min
Is there beauty in psychiatry (Dr. Eloise Ballou) Clip from S1E3
Dr. Eloise Ballou, a psychiatrist, discusses integrating Claritas into psychiatry, emphasizing holistic patient care. She explores art's influence on perception and teaches about biases. Revealing beauty in treating mental illness patients, she emphasizes genuine connections and emotional expression. Dr. Ballou navigates obstacles in finding beauty within healthcare, highlighting mindfulness. Embracing beauty in healthcare combatting burnout and promoting well-being.

Mar 5, 2024 • 13min
Why is beauty relevant in science? (Dr. Milena Ivanova) Clip from S1E2
Dr. Milena Ivanova, a Cambridge Philosopher, delves into the relevance of beauty in science. She shares her journey of discovering beauty in design and science. They explore how beauty influences scientific reasoning, hypothesis selection, and experiment design. The evolution of beauty in science and its role in achieving scientific objectives are discussed.

Mar 1, 2024 • 18min
What does beauty mean in physics? (Dr. Mario Livio) Clip from S1E1
Astrophysicist and author Dr. Mario Livio discusses the concept of beauty in physics, focusing on symmetry, simplicity, and the elegance of scientific theories. He explores examples like conservation laws, Maxwell's theory, Einstein's general relativity, and the evolving understanding of the universe. The podcast delves into the unique nature of our universe within a multiverse framework, highlighting the importance of simplicity, surprise, and evolving aesthetic criteria in physics.

Feb 15, 2024 • 48min
What's Beautiful About AI? with Brian Mullins
Brian Mullins is the CEO of Mind Foundry, an Oxford University company operating at the intersection of innovation, research, and usability. Brian has been at the forefront of how technology can positively change people’s lives throughout his career. He has over a decade of experience in high-growth technology companies across industries such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and Robotics. He has been awarded over 100 patents, has been asked to testify as an expert before the U.S. Senate, received an Edison award for Industrial Design, was named one of the CNBC Disruptor 50, and was selected as one of Goldman Sachs “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs.” The Mind Foundry platform empowers organizations with responsible AI built for high-stakes applications where decisions affect the lives of individuals or are made at the scale of populations.In this episode, we talk about: Brian’s early encounters with beautyBeing a disruptive innovatorA quick crash course on AI and machine learningDebunking popular superstitions about artificial intelligence gaining consciousnessThree types of beauty: sensory beauty, beauty as a heuristic, and the beauty of understandingHow AI can solve real-world problems like addressing malaria in third-world countriesPotential concerns of artificial intelligence replacing human workCreating positive change through AITo learn more about Brian’s work, you can find him at:Website: https://www.mindfoundry.ai/ Instagram: https://twitter.com/mrlaserbeam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmullins2/ Support us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BeautyatWorkPodcastSupport the show

Feb 1, 2024 • 55min
Orchestrating Beauty with Timothy Myers
Timothy Myers is one of America’s most versatile and innovative conductors. He is a frequent collaborator with leading opera companies and orchestras, and serves as the Sarah and Ernest Butler Music Director at Austin Opera where, in addition to leading performances, he participates in the artistic strategy and development of the Company. He is also the Music Director of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, one of the world’s most prestigious ensembles for early-career classical musicians. A leading voice on the topics of leadership and innovation, Tim has made recent speaking appearances at the SXSW Festival, Harvard Business School, The University of Texas at Austin, and Miami Dade College. Tim is also the host of the Listening on Purpose podcast.In this episode, we talk about: Growing up as a young musician in KansasVarieties of beauty in classical musicHow live music is the antidote to modern entertainmentThe beauty of a shared experience with othersTim’s journey to becoming a professional conductorHonoring tradition and embracing innovation in musicWhat is the role of a conductor?What leadership lessons can we learn from orchestras?How to learn to appreciate classical musicTo learn more about Tim’s work, you can find him at: Website: https://timothymyers.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motmyers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timothymyersconductor Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@timothymyers Twitter: https://twitter.com/motmyers Support the show

Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Power Of Art with Wayne Brezinka
Wayne Brezinka is an award-winning artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Wayne’s signature style of art incorporates detailed mixed media and assemblage techniques applied to discarded and repurposed materials. He has been a contributing artist to numerous publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, POLITICO Europe, and others.In this episode, we talk about: Challenging societal expectations of pursuing a career in artHow creating art facilitates a deeper connection to one’s selfHow Wayne flourished in the world of art FreelancingThe power of sharing your expertise with othersBringing to life the world of Mister Rogers through Wayne’s exhibitHosting workshops to allow people to unlock their most artistic selvesOn channeling your inner fears and letting them guide your artThe powerful community aspect of creating artTo learn more about Wayne’s work, you can find him at: https://www.waynebrezinka.com/ Support the show

Jan 1, 2024 • 1h 24min
What Is Beauty? with Dr. Michael R. Spicher
Michael R. Spicher, PhD is a public philosopher and creator of Aesthetics Research Lab. He writes and speaks about aesthetics in professional and academic contexts. He is a regular contributor to BeautyMatter, a resource for the beauty industry. Michael lectures at both Boston Architectural College and Massachusetts College of Art and Design. He co-edited a forthcoming volume with Bloomsbury Visual Arts, Digital Fashion: Theory, Practice, Implications. And he is working on another book called Is Your Business Beautiful?In this episode, we talk about: How Michael found his love for aestheticsHow aesthetic experience is a basic reason for actionBeauty as a motivator for justiceNavigating unconscious and conscious beauty standards and biasesLearning to actively shape our aesthetic tastesObjective vs. subjective beautyViewing beauty as an emergent propertyDistinguishing between aesthetics and beautyWhat role does aesthetics play in businessAppreciating the performative beauty that comes with workAppreciating aesthetics in your daily lifeTo learn more about Michael’s work, you can find him at: https://aestheticsresearch.com/author/aestheticsresearch/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrspicher/ Links Mentioned:Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty by Nancy Etcoff - https://a.co/d/1v95rgn BEAUTY: A Quick Immersion by Crispin Sartwell - https://a.co/d/3w0iJkM The Abuse of Beauty: Aesthetics and the Concept of Art - https://a.co/d/2UKWzaF Support the show

Dec 15, 2023 • 57min
The Beauty of Nature with Jennifer Walsh
Jennifer Walsh is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and media figure who has spent over 25 years working at the intersection of beauty, retail, nature, and neuroscience to help people flourish. She pioneered America’s first experiential retail brand, Beauty Bar, in the 1990s, integrating biophilic design long before mainstream. Her trailblazing brand earned her regard as a “Beauty Futurist”. In 2016, Jennifer created her video series Walk with Walsh where she and her guests traversed the Central Park topography while discussing human connections to nature. She then launched her Wellness Walks® in Central Park and beyond which are mindfulness walks sprinkled with biophilic education.Jennifer has a twin sister who is profoundly disabled and has lived in a group home since they were the age of two. Her sister has been her north star in understanding the beauty in simplicity, in kindness, and the connection to spending time outdoors. Jennifer also spent 4 months living in a tent every summer for the past 34 years which has sculpted how she lives and works and deeply understands the human connection to the beauty all around us in nature's rhythms. As a freelance writer for 27 years, Jennifer continues to cover stories around wellness, travel, fitness, beauty, fashion, and home. She is the author of the popular wellness journal, Walk Your Way Calm and the podcast co-host of Biophilic Solutions, Nature Has the Answers. Jennifer guides organizations globally on biophilic design and the importance of experiencing beauty and nature every day for optimal health.In this episode, we talk about: Jennifer’s natural affinity for the outdoorsHow and why Jennifer built Beauty BarOn creating sensorial and accessible experiences The power of profound storytelling in businessThe key to experiencing immersive beauty in natureBreaking down biophobia and the fear of nature Why experiencing sunlight should be a daily priorityOn fostering human and ecological flourishing through Lost Art of Being Human (LABH)How beauty is a doorway to feeling good in our bodiesWhy you should be seeking beauty in a chaotic worldTo learn more about Jennifer’s work, you can find her: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejenniferwalsh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejenniferwalsh/ Lost Art of Being Human: https://www.lostartofbeinghuman.com/ Walk with Walsh: https://www.walkwithwalsh.com/about-jennifer-walsh Resource Mentioned:Thin Place Design: Architecture of the Numinous by Phillip James Tabb - https://a.co/d/0t9ZoGM Support the show

Dec 1, 2023 • 1h 3min
Crafting Fashion Excellence with Ean Williams
Ean Williams is a former National Security Agency intelligence analyst in the United States Air Force and professional model and actor (America’s Most Wanted, A Man Called Hawk, and Anacostia). He is also a multi-award-winning event producer and fashion designer of two labels, Magnum Underwear and Corjor International. Featured in British Vogue, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Washingtonian Magazine, Time Magazine, The Hilltop, FOX 5, Voice of America, and numerous prestigious publications, his work earns elite respect from the fashion world. He is also the founder and executive director of DC Fashion Week, a non-profit organization with 39 seasons under its belt.In this episode, we talk about: What drew Ean to fashion at a young ageNavigating familial and societal expectations for young menEan's successful modeling career Dealing with rejection in the fashion industryWhat inspired Ean to launch his own fashion line, Corjor InternationalThe power of fashion to redefine our perceptions of beautyCreating impact through DC Fashion WeekAdvice for aspiring models and fashion designersThe joy of witnessing people’s dreams unfold in fashionBeauty vs. uglinessTo learn more about Ean’s work, you can find him at:Website: https://corjor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_dcfashionweek/ Support the show

Nov 15, 2023 • 50min
The Transformative Power Of Beauty with Chris Everett
Chris Everett is a seasoned facilitator of transformative experiences for individuals and organizations. He is a musician, artist, designer, strategist, coach, farmer, and co-founder of an arts nonprofit in western Wisconsin. With over three decades in brandexpression and strategy, he is a master at using beauty as a powerful medium for transformation. From his early days in graphic design to deep dives into brand strategy and organizational culture, Chris's career reflects a persistent quest to uncover the deeper meanings of the beauty that we encounter in the world around us. He is deeply influenced by the teachings of the Delicate Lodge, a lineage of Medicine Wheel wisdoms that emphasize ceremony and ritual design. Adopting the title of "minister of beauty" in 2020, Chris embodies the belief in the sacredness of deeply human work and the transformative potential of beauty. Through his diverse roles and experiences, Chris also aids others in navigating their unique evolutionary journeys.In this episode, we talk about: How music and art shaped Chris’ childhoodHow spaces can be designed to feel more welcomingChris's journey from advertising to leadership developmentHow do you create genuine transformation in design?Chris’s quest to understand diverse perspectives on beautyHow beauty can elevate the way we think and show up our relationshipWhat does it mean to be a Minister of Beauty?Creating spaces for connection in natural environmentsChris’ vision for healing broken communities To learn more about Chris’ work, you can find him at:https://www.chriseverett.world/ Links Mentioned:Patterns of Transformation - Designing Sex, Death, and Survival in the 21st Century by Ida Benedetto - https://patternsoftransformation.com/ Support the show