Exploring grade inflation in schools and universities, discussing the significance of GPAs in the long run. Insights on MIT's pass/fail approach and the impacts on student engagement. Techniques for teaching grit and accountability through commitment cards. Challenges of standardizing grading policies and personal reflections on academic inflation.

The podcast discusses summoning courage when terrified, dangers of hiking vs. skiing, and Mike's stupidest act. Guests include psychologists, Olympic athletes. The impact of fear on decision-making, harnessing fear for success, and understanding Herbok Vida disease are explored. Overcoming fear through exposure therapy, fact-checking listener responses on fear and routines, and ads for home improvement, sports betting, and refreshing drinks are featured.

Discussing the impact of routines on productivity and happiness, exploring the balance between structured routines and chaotic lifestyles. Delving into the significance of morning routines for optimal productivity, featuring insights from Tony Robbins and Cass Sunstein. Teasing upcoming personality-focused series and quizzes for listeners.

Exploring closure in various contexts, from random acts of kindness to the 'Irish exit'. Delving into the psychology behind unfinished tasks and the importance of addressing negative events in relationships. Discussing the allure of uncertainty, secret admirers, and the impact of forgiveness. Fact-checking phrases, memory effects, and Valentine's Day traditions. Encouraging listeners to reflect on their closure experiences and take a personality quiz.

Delving into the balance of striving for excellence without overworking, the hosts explore the rise of perfectionism and its potential drawbacks. They discuss the importance of effort in goal accomplishment and share examples of extreme behaviors. The conversation touches on the 80% rule, practical approaches to action over perfectionism, and the distinction between high achievers and overachievers. Emphasizing the perils of perfectionism, they highlight the impact of social media on fostering unrealistic expectations and the importance of embracing imperfections for inner contentment.

Neuroscientist Sam Harris, psychologist Robert Sapolsky, and others debate the existence of free will and its implications. Topics include learned helplessness, decision-making, and personal agency in various contexts. The discussion explores the philosophical and psychological aspects of free will, challenging traditional beliefs and examining the impact on individual behavior.

Maya Angelou, John Legend, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar discuss the pros and cons of keeping secrets. They explore the reasons behind secret-keeping, the impact of secrets on relationships, and the potential positive effects of keeping good secrets. The chapter also touches on the consequences of keeping secrets in a marriage and the importance of open communication and self-acceptance for a happy life.

Warren Buffett, James Flynn, and Robert Frank discuss the flaws of meritocracy and its impact on wealth inequality. The podcast explores the history of elite university admissions, the negative effects of competition, and unequal opportunities. It also highlights the role of luck in individual success and shares stories of how random events have shaped people's personal and professional journeys.

Exploring sentimental value and attachment to objects through personal stories and research. Discussion on the significance of family heirlooms and preserving memories. Exploring the emotional connection with physical books. Debunking myths about apple seeds and discussing manifestation.

Guests Rhonda Byrne, Jim Carrey, and more discuss the scientific basis of the law of attraction, the concept of manifestation, and the power of positive thinking. They explore the potential drawbacks of blindly relying on external forces for success and emphasize the importance of goal setting and planning based on psychological science.