The Next Big Idea

In this engaging discussion, journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin shares insights from his book about the 1929 market crash. He explores how excessive leverage fueled financial disasters and the public's evolving relationship with money during the Roaring Twenties. Sorkin highlights the chaotic scenes of Black Thursday and reflects on what signals were missed leading up to the crash. He also draws parallels with today's economy, questioning if we're at risk of repeating history and discussing the role of new financial products like blockchain in shaping our future.

Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and marathon enthusiast, shares his incredible journey in running and life. He reveals the profound lessons learned through endurance sports, including how pain can enhance performance. Nick delves into his complex relationship with his father, a brilliant yet troubled man, and how family dynamics shaped him. He discusses overcoming a cancer diagnosis that struck right after a personal best and emphasizes running's role in fostering presence and creativity amid chaos. Plus, he offers advice for budding runners.

In this engaging conversation, Steven Pinker, a cognitive psychologist and bestselling author, dives into his latest work on common knowledge. He explains how awkward social moments, like the uncertainty of ordering coffee, stem from our complex mental processes. Pinker discusses the role of blushing and laughter in signaling social norms, and explores how common knowledge fuels advertising strategies, especially during major events like the Super Bowl. He also critiques cancel culture, linking it to the enforcement of societal norms and warns about the implications of norm erosion on civil discourse.

In an eye-opening discussion, Sam Kass, former senior food policy advisor to President Obama and author of The Last Supper, dives deep into the looming food crisis. He highlights the shocking vulnerability of our food supply due to climate change affecting everything from almonds to chocolate. Cass argues that fixing our food system could unite us, emphasizing the need for culture-driven policy shifts. He shares insights on promising agricultural technologies like CRISPR and AI, while maintaining a cautious optimism about our ability to overcome these challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Dave Blundin, a serial entrepreneur and MIT instructor with deep roots in AI, shares his belief that AI is under-hyped and will redefine the world. He reflects on his early fascination with neural networks, starting in the 1980s, and the vibrant AI ecosystem in Boston. Dave offers insights on the urgency of seizing AI opportunities, the challenges of chip shortages, and the significant impact of AI on healthcare and longevity. He stresses the importance of strong co-founder relationships and shares practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Angus Fletcher, an English professor and narrative cognition researcher, shares insights from his book, Primal Intelligence. He discusses how humans excel in thinking through stories, contrasting it with machine logic. Fletcher reveals how narrative skills can improve decision-making and creativity, especially in high-pressure environments like the Army. He emphasizes the importance of intuition in recognizing exceptions and the role emotions play in guiding our plans. The conversation also tackles the value of storytelling in enhancing communication and managing anxiety in a tech-driven world.

Steven Pinker, a Harvard cognitive scientist and bestselling author, delves into the intricacies of common knowledge and rationality. He explains how the hidden force of common knowledge shapes societal norms and behaviors, influencing everything from financial bubbles to personal relationships. Pinker reveals why smart individuals might still embrace irrational beliefs, highlighting the impact of vivid narratives on decision-making. His insights offer a path to improve societal rationality through education and critical thinking, underscoring the tension between logic and mythological beliefs.

Join Gaurav Suri, a researcher and co-author of The Emergent Mind, along with Jay McClelland, a renowned Stanford psychology professor and neural network pioneer. They dive into fascinating topics like how complexity arises from simple systems, the nature of intelligence in both humans and AI, and the implications of consciousness in machines. The discussion moves from distributed representations to the limits of human memory versus AI learning, leaving listeners to ponder the future of intelligence.

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at NYU, reveals startling insights from his bestseller, 'The Anxious Generation.' He connects the surge in teen depression rates to the rise of social media and smartphones since 2012. As he discusses the harm social media inflicts on childhood development, he emphasizes the need for collective action from parents and educators. Haidt also critiques the tech industry's impact on youth and advocates for protective regulations, pointing out the significant gender differences in mental health experiences amid this digital landscape.

Arthur C. Brooks, an economist and Harvard Business School professor, shares his journey from corporate despair to happiness guru. He discusses how prioritizing connections over status leads to fulfillment. Brooks reveals why smart individuals often struggle with happiness and introduces a simple test to uncover personal weaknesses. He advocates for viewing life as a startup, encouraging proactive choices and genuine relationships. Dive into the paradox of generosity and its role in happiness, alongside insights on how exercise and diet impact mood.