The Next Big Idea

Adam Grant, author of 'Hidden Potential,' discusses the development of character skills, motivational tools, and learning systems that can help ordinary people achieve extraordinary things. Topics include unlocking hidden potential, demystifying extraordinary achievements, embracing discomfort for language learning success, behaving like a sponge, the power of reading, empowering individuals and tapping into collective intelligence, and the importance of character skills in achieving greater things.

Tech journalist Kashmir Hill discusses her book 'Your Face Belongs to Us' which explores the secretive startup Clearview AI and its controversial facial recognition technology. The podcast delves into the threats to privacy, the legality of scraping billions of photos, the societal and ethical implications, as well as the limitations and dangers of facial recognition and generative AI.

Daniel Pink, going through an existential crisis, discusses Brian Lowery's book on the social creation of self and its impact on society. They challenge conventional beliefs about self, explore the complexity of identity and race, discuss the socially determined and ever-changing nature of our core self, and delve into the concept of freedom. They also analyze the impact of ostracism and the power of interactions and acts of kindness.

The podcast explores the power of bittersweet emotions and the transformative impact of sadness and pain. It discusses the concept of longing as a force for creativity and love, and the significance of small moments of beauty. The podcast also delves into the concept of 'saudade' in romantic relationships, the healing power of art, and the American culture of constant positivity.

Stuart Russell, an expert in artificial intelligence, discusses the rapid development of AI, the potential termination of the human species, AGI, language models, specialized processes in the human brain, the potential of super intelligent AI, AI in education and science, and regulating dangerous technologies.

Will Guidara, transformed a mediocre brasserie into the best restaurant in the world. Explore the power of unreasonable hospitality, the lessons learned in building a best in class restaurant, the journey of 11 Madison Park during the recession, and the importance of creating memorable and genuine hospitality experiences. Also, discover their transition from restaurant ownership to relationship capital.

Walter Isaacson, legendary biographer, unpacks controversies surrounding Elon Musk, highlighting his personal journey and audacity. Isaacson discusses Musk's multiple personalities, epic missions, achievements with Tesla and SpaceX, and the role of Starlink in the Ukraine War. The chapter also explores the benefits of reading and debates about Musk's impulsiveness.

Learn how to excel and thrive in an ever-changing world. Exploring transformative journeys of individuals who've overcome challenges. Embrace change for growth and embrace imperfections. Power of core values and flexible identity. Diversify identity to improve performance. Shifting from reacting to responding in moments of change. Excel in a constantly changing world with Brad Stulberg's insights.

Laura Meckler, author of 'Dream Town: Shaker Heights and the Quest for Racial Equity,' discusses the challenges and successes of achieving racial integration and equity in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Topics include housing integration, racial achievement gaps, implicit bias in education, and efforts to address these issues through project-based learning.

Exploring the impact of increasing longevity and technology on education and careers, advocating for changing mindsets in the age-diverse workforce, revamping education and rethinking life, questioning the traditional life sequence and advocating for lifelong learning, exploring the potential of immersive and mixed reality technologies in education, challenging traditional notions of work and retirement in a post-generational society, discussing the benefits of multi-generational living and the role of companies in supporting transitions and lifelong learning.