
The Next Big Idea
The Next Big Idea is a weekly series of in-depth interviews with the world’s leading thinkers. Join hosts Rufus Griscom and Caleb Bissinger — along with our curators, Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Susan Cain, and Daniel Pink — for conversations that might just change the way you see the world. New episodes every Thursday. Part of the LinkedIn Podcast Network.
Latest episodes

29 snips
May 26, 2025 • 18min
‘The Next Big Idea Daily’: Five Rules for Living a More Creative Life
Maggie Smith, an acclaimed poet and New York Times bestselling author, shares her insights on creativity, asserting that everyone possesses it. She encourages listeners to find creativity in everyday life through mindfulness and attention. Smith discusses how art can transform our experiences and the importance of resilience in the face of rejection. Drawing from her personal journey, she stresses that perseverance is essential for creative growth and illustrates how embracing these principles can lead to a more fulfilling life.

39 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 21min
MORAL AMBITION: Are You Wasting Your Talent?
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author known for his books 'Moral Ambition' and 'Humankind', challenges traditional notions of success. He argues that many waste their talents chasing wealth instead of tackling pressing global issues like climate change and inequality. Bregman advocates for 'moral ambition', urging a shift in focus from personal gain to social impact. He emphasizes the power of strategic activism, the evolution of empathy, and the need for individuals to redirect their careers towards causes that really make a difference.

60 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 22min
NVIDIA: Jensen Huang Bet Big on AI. What Comes Next?
Stephen Witt, author of 'The Thinking Machine', shares a captivating look at Jensen Huang’s journey from dishwasher to tech titan. He discusses Huang's early life, marked by adversity and resilience, which fueled his innovation at NVIDIA. The conversation dives into NVIDIA's revolutionary role in AI, especially how gaming technology spurred advancements in neural networks. Witt also sheds light on the company's bold strategies that turned skepticism into success, paving the way for a transformative future in artificial intelligence.

26 snips
May 8, 2025 • 53min
EXPLORATION: Why We Seek Out Big Challenges
Join Alex Hutchinson, an author and former physicist-turned-journalist, as he delves into our innate drive for exploration. He discusses the reasons humans are less adventurous today and the creativity lost in structured routines. Hear about the balance between challenge and capability, and how varying levels of difficulty can fuel growth. Hutchinson also explores the neuroscience behind our perception and the benefits of embracing risks for personal fulfillment and innovation. A thought-provoking journey into the essence of human discovery!

169 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 37min
AI 2027: What If Superhuman AI Is Right Around the Corner?
In this enlightening discussion, Daniel Kokotajlo, an AI governance researcher and founder of the AI Futures Project, dives deep into the future of AI development. He explores the possibility of superhuman AI emerging in the next few years and the risks and ethical concerns that come with it. Topics include the evolution of AI and its implications for human cognition, the governance challenges of artificial general intelligence, and the urgency for democratic accountability. Kokotajlo emphasizes the need for careful oversight to navigate the complexities of this transformative technology.

23 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 60min
THE ART OF EDITING: Graydon Carter on the Golden Age of Magazines
Graydon Carter, the former editor of Vanity Fair and co-founder of Spy magazine, shares his fascinating insights on the golden age of magazines. He reminisces about how he transformed Vanity Fair into a cultural juggernaut and discusses the art of storytelling and editing. The conversation explores the humorous nuances of Canadian culture, personal anecdotes from his journalism career, and the innovative storytelling that defined his work. Carter also reflects on significant moments in magazine history and the evolution of media consumption.

28 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 53min
FAMILY DYNAMICS: Unraveling the Mystery of Sibling Success
Susan Dominus, a New York Times journalist and author of 'The Family Dynamic', dives into the fascinating world of high-achieving families. She explores how parenting styles, sibling relationships, and shared experiences contribute to their success. From examining iconic sibling duos like the Bronte sisters to discussing the balance between support and pressure in nurturing ambition, Dominus uncovers the intricate dynamics that shape resilience and curiosity. Her insights challenge the nature versus nurture debate and highlight the powerful influence of familial bonds.

48 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 13min
ABUNDANCE: Derek Thompson on How to Actually Rebuild the American Dream
Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'Abundance', talks about redefining the American Dream. He shares insights on tackling the affordability crisis by advocating for more housing, technological innovation, and clean energy. Thompson critiques the Democratic Party's approach, urging a shift towards bipartisan solutions. He emphasizes the urgent need for reforms in governance to foster sustainable growth and confront climate challenges. The conversation is a push for a pro-growth agenda and a hopeful vision for America's future.

108 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
WHY GIVERS WIN: Adam Grant Revisits 'Give and Take'
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and Wharton professor, discusses his groundbreaking research on generosity in this engaging conversation. He reveals how our interactions define success, highlighting the benefits of adopting a giver mindset. Grant explores the dynamics between givers, takers, and matchers, demonstrating how a culture of generosity can enhance workplace performance. He also delves into the complexities of relationships and the impact of reputation on behaviors. Ultimately, he champions collaboration as a pathway to redefine success.

33 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 58min
BITCOIN: A 15-Year Quest to Unmask the Mysterious Inventor of Crypto
Join journalist Ben Wallace, author of "The Mysterious Mr. Nakamoto," as he uncovers the enigma of Satoshi Nakamoto, the elusive creator of Bitcoin. Delve into the fascinating motivations behind Bitcoin's creation, touching on libertarian ideals and the decentralization of finance. Wallace explores theories surrounding Nakamoto's identity, including candidates like Elon Musk, and discusses the implications of revealing this figure. The podcast also reflects on the potential of Bitcoin to reshape the global financial landscape.