The Next Big Idea

In this special episode, three writers share the hard-won wisdom they acquired running track, coaching hockey, and attending surf camp in Costa Rica. First, Olympic runner Alexi Pappas tells us what her career has taught her about self-reliance, mental health, embracing pain, and achieving her dreams. Next, John U. Bacon shares the surprising lessons he learned coaching the country's worst high school hockey team. And finally, journalist Tom Vanderbilt makes a compelling case for being an amateur athlete at any age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look up the term “Renaissance man” in the dictionary, and you'll probably find a photo of Antonio Damasio. He is a polyglot, an avid reader of fiction, a classical music aficionado, a student of modern philosophy, and an enthusiastic collector of art. This on top of his day job as a neuroscientist, professor, co-director of USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute, and author of brilliant books like “Descartes’ Error” and, most recently, “Feeling & Knowing.” Today, he chats with Rufus about where our feelings come from, how our brains and bodies interact, and the orgiastic pleasure of social admiration (and no, that is not a typo). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a lively discussion, Adam Grant chats with Annie Murphy Paul, a science writer celebrated for her insights on learning and cognition. They delve into the art of fidgeting and how it can enhance focus. Annie shares strategies to improve group brainstorms, while both explore the psychological impacts of virtual meetings like Zoom fatigue. The conversation highlights the profound connection between our physical surroundings and cognitive functions, emphasizing that our minds extend beyond our brains.

Devon Price, a social psychologist and author of "Laziness Does Not Exist," challenges the stigma around productivity. They argue that what society labels as laziness is often a misunderstanding of personal barriers. The discussion dives into the roots of motivation and the negative impacts of equating self-worth with productivity. Price promotes a redefined view of achievement, urging listeners to embrace rest as a valuable tool for creativity and fulfillment, and emphasizes the need for compassion towards others struggling with societal expectations.

Katy Milkman is a Wharton professor and author of "How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be," who spent a decade researching behavior change. In this enlightening conversation with Daniel Pink, she reveals how a simple change in weather can save you money and explains how personal experiences, like her transformation through Harry Potter, enhance motivation. Discover the effectiveness of "temptation bundling" to make chores enjoyable, and learn how fresh starts can invigorate personal growth.

In his new book, “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters,” Steven Pinker writes: “When humans set themselves the goal of improving the welfare of their fellows … and they apply their ingenuity in institutions that pool it with others’, they occasionally succeed. When they retain the successes and take note of the failures, the benefits can accumulate.” In this episode, Steven argues that those benefits would accumulate even faster if we all learned a bit of logic, got better at sniffing out fallacies, embraced institutions that safeguard empirical truths, and entertained the idea that halting, imperfect progress may be better than no progress at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Safi Bahcall, a physicist turned biotech entrepreneur and author of "Loonshots," teams up with Daniel Pink, a renowned author on motivation and productivity. They delve into how nurturing unconventional ideas can alter industries and change lives. Topics include the dynamic between artistic and operational roles in innovation, the significance of flexible organizational structures, and the balance between creativity and execution. They inspire listeners to embrace resilience and optimism, highlighting historical breakthroughs that emerged from 'loon shots'.

Christopher Cox, former chief editor of Harper's and GQ, shares insights from his book on transforming fear of deadlines into a productivity superpower. Alongside acclaimed novelist Rivka Galchen, they discuss how urgency can spark creativity and improve work processes. They delve into effective methodologies for managing deadlines, the unexpected benefits revealed through research, and how structured timelines enhance collaboration. From personal anecdotes to examples in theater and publishing, they reveal the art of thriving under pressure.

Over the past century, the average human lifespan has doubled. That astonishing statistic is the subject of a new book and PBS series by acclaimed science writer Steven Johnson called “Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer.” In this episode, he tells Rufus about the renegades who shamed milkmen, spiked public reservoirs, and rode rocket-powered sleds — all in the name of science. They discuss how inventions like vaccines, seatbelts, and sewers made the world a safer place. And they peer into a future where aging might be a thing of the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every season, we invite the authors of the best new non-fiction to distill their books into five big ideas. Then they read those ideas aloud. We call these book bites, and our app has hundreds of them. In this special episode, we’re sharing three book bites that demystify the art and science of parenting. Journalist Melinda Wenner Moyer offers evidence-based strategies for teaching your kids not to be jerks. Two educators explore the science behind the iconic TV show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” And acclaimed economist Emily Oster explains how geeking out on data can make you a better parent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices