The Next Big Idea

David Chalmers, a renowned philosopher and author of "Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy," dives deep into the tantalizing idea that we might be living in a simulation—he even suggests a 25% chance of it! The conversation spans from the authenticity of virtual experiences to the impact of technology on our perception of reality. Chalmers also explores how virtual reality could enhance sensory experiences, challenge traditional social interactions, and reshape our understanding of consciousness. It's a fascinating philosophical journey!

Join Paul Bloom, a Yale psychology professor and author, alongside Susan Cain, the acclaimed author of "Quiet." They dive deep into why we seek pain alongside pleasure, revealing surprising insights about our love for spicy food, scary movies, and chosen suffering. Bloom discusses how discomfort can lead to resilience and meaning in our lives. They explore the complexities of pleasure derived from suffering, individual preferences for discomfort, and how these experiences might enhance our connections and understanding of happiness.

Join legendary investor Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates and author of bestsellers like 'Principles.' He discusses the cyclical nature of history and warns that the U.S. is facing significant turmoil, estimating a 30% chance of civil conflict due to deepening inequality. Dalio shares insights on geopolitical tensions, the struggles between democracies and autocracies, and the implications for American unity. He also addresses investment strategies amid global uncertainties, particularly the impact of China on the U.S. economy.

Oliver Burkeman, author of "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals," engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Malcolm Gladwell about making the most of our limited time. They challenge the relentless pursuit of productivity, emphasizing the need to embrace life's finitude. Burkeman shares insights on navigating societal pressures, the complexities of happiness, and the importance of living in the moment. The conversation deftly intertwines personal anecdotes, self-worth, and the joy of running, urging listeners to find contentment beyond mere busyness.

Jill Lepore, a Harvard historian and acclaimed New Yorker writer, dives into the complexities of Elon Musk's character. She examines his ambitious space exploration goals and how they relate to sci-fi tales from his youth. Lepore also explores the phenomenon of 'Muskism,' critiquing the intertwining of innovation and capitalism while reflecting on the societal implications. The discussion raises key ethical questions about technology's rapid advancement and the duality of Musk's public image, evoking both admiration and concern.

To fret is human. That’s according to recent estimates that suggest 90 percent of the population experiences anxiety. And because anxiety, even in mild forms, can zap our confidence, squelch our sex drives, isolate us from friends and loved ones, most of us have concluded that anxiety is pretty much always a bad thing.But not neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki.In her new book, “Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion,” she argues that we should treat anxiety like a form of energy. “Think of it as a chemical reaction to an event or situation,” she writes. “Without trustworthy resources, training, and timing, that chemical reaction can get out of hand—but it can also be controlled and used for valuable good.”Today, Wendy sits down with Lauren Miller Rogen (she's a filmmaker and the co-founder, along with her husband, actor Seth Rogen, of the non-profit Hilarity for Charity, which provides a range of free services to support families impacted by Alzheimer’s) to discuss the science-backed tools you can use to worry well.

Social psychologist Wendy Wood talks about the science of habit formation and how to make positive changes that stick. Topics include overcoming chronic lateness, sustainable exercise routines, and lasting New Year's resolutions.

When Dr. Vivek Murthy became U.S. Surgeon General in 2014, he went on a listening tour. What he heard surprised him. Americans were lonely, and it was killing them. In this deeply personal conversation with Next Big Idea Club curator Susan Cain (author of “Quiet”), Murthy makes the medical case for love and friendship.

The science is clear: people who engage in spiritual practices live longer, happier, healthier lives. For the past few years, two researchers — Dave DeSteno, who runs the Social Emotions Lab at Northeastern, and Lisa Miller, founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Columbia — have been trying to figure out why. They’ve found that treating religious rituals as tools we can adapt to our individual needs and values can help all of us — staunch atheists and devout believers alike — live more meaningful, successful, and connected lives. In this episode, Dave and Lisa share what they’ve learned, discuss the fraught relationship between science and organized religion, and offer tips for making the most of your holiday rituals.

What if everything we think we know about the history of our species is wrong? That’s the provocative question at the heart of a new book by today’s guest, David Wengrow. Hailed as fascinating, brilliant, and potentially revolutionary, “The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity” debuted at no. 2 on the New York Times bestseller list. Drawing on the latest research in archeology and anthropology, it suggests that the lives of our ancient ancestors were not nasty, brutish, and short. On the contrary, they were playful, collaborative, and improvisational—and there's a lot they can teach us about how to improve the world as we know it.