Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Ethan Kross, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan and author of 'Chatter' and 'Shift,' shares his insights on mastering emotions in today's chaotic world. He discusses the importance of a flexible emotional toolkit tailored to individuals. Kross highlights how negativity in media affects our emotional health and advocates for strategic news consumption. He explores the role of AI in mental wellness while emphasizing that human connections remain crucial. Ultimately, he shows how even negative emotions can fuel creativity and success.

Join Donald Miller, bestselling author and the mastermind behind StoryBrand, as he uncovers the art of storytelling in business. He emphasizes that clarity trumps cleverness in effective communication and offers insights on navigating brand messaging to build loyalty. Miller also discusses how AI is reshaping marketing while advocating for the irreplaceable value of human creativity. Plus, he shares personal anecdotes about passion and curiosity that fuel his writing and the creative process behind his latest book!

Tamara Myles, an expert in meaningful work and positive psychology, dives deep into how to make work truly matter. She reveals findings from her groundbreaking study on how leaders can foster meaning in the workplace through community, contribution, and challenge. Discussing the impacts of the pandemic, she addresses rising employee apathy and the challenges of remote work. Tamara also emphasizes the need for supportive environments that can reignite passion and connection while navigating the complexities of merit and diversity in today's organizations.

Welcome to episode #979 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Dr. Kurt Gray is a social psychologist whose work couldn’t be more relevant to our times. As a professor at UNC Chapel Hill, director of the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding, and the author of the new book Outraged - Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground, he’s helping reshape how we understand conflict in a divided world. In this conversation, Kurt unpacked why it’s not that we’re wired differently across political lines - it’s that we perceive harm differently. He introduces ideas like the “exhausted majority,” the dangers of elite-driven outrage, and the evolutionary roots of our hypersensitivity to perceived threats. We also explore the surprising role of personal narratives in reducing division, the generational shift in how people approach morality, and how resilience - not avoidance - is what we really need when engaging across differences. His work dismantles the myth that we’re hopelessly divided and instead offers a path forward - one grounded in empathy, humility, and the science of human connection. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the volume of moral outrage around you, this episode just might restore a little hope. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 55:13. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on X. Here is my conversation with Dr. Kurt Gray. Outraged - Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. Deepest Beliefs Lab. Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. UNC Chapel Hill Follow Kurt on X. Follow Kurt on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Outrage and Its Relevance. (03:07) - Understanding Political Outrage and Connection. (05:55) - The Role of Elites in Political Discourse. (09:14) - The Exhausted Majority and Misconceptions. (12:05) - Moral Perception and Human Nature. (15:04) - The Evolution of Morality and Fear. (18:08) - Tribalism and Moral Progress. (21:01) - The Impact of Words and Microaggressions. (24:03) - Generational Perspectives on Discourse. (28:18) - Understanding Generational Perspectives on Misinformation. (30:02) - The Challenge of Political Centrism. (31:58) - Navigating Independent Ideologies. (33:53) - The Impact of Technological Change on Society. (35:40) - The Role of Personal Stories in Bridging Divides. (39:34) - The Power of Personal Experiences in Conversations. (42:19) - The Competing Narratives of Victimhood. (46:51) - Moral Ambiguity in Victimhood and Survival. (49:18) - The Momentum of Change and Hope. (55:27) - Building Resilience in Difficult Conversations.

Welcome to episode #978 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Dr. Christopher DiCarlo is a philosopher, educator, author, and ethicist whose work lives at the intersection of human values, science, and emerging technology. Over the years, Christopher has built a reputation as a Socratic nonconformist, equally at home lecturing at Harvard during his postdoctoral years as he is teaching critical thinking in correctional institutions or corporate boardrooms. He’s the author of several important books on logic and rational discourse, including How To Become A Really Good Pain In The Ass - A Critical Thinker’s Guide To Asking The Right Questions and So You Think You Can Think?, as well as the host of the podcast, All Thinks Considered. In this conversation, we dig into his latest book, Building A God - The Ethics Of Artificial Intelligence And The Race To Control It, which takes a sobering yet practical look at the ethical governance of AI as we accelerate toward the possibility of artificial general intelligence. Drawing on years of study in philosophy of science and ethics, Christopher lays out the risks - manipulation, misalignment, lack of transparency - and the urgent need for international cooperation to set safeguards now. We talk about everything from the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare and sustainability to the darker realities of deepfakes, algorithmic control, and the erosion of democratic processes. His proposal? A kind of AI “Geneva Conventions,” or something akin to the IAEA - but for algorithms. In a world rushing toward techno-utopianism, Christopher is a clear-eyed voice asking: “What kind of Gods are we building… and can we still choose their values?” If you’re thinking about the intersection of ethics and AI (and we should all be focused on this!), this is essential listening. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 58:55. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on X. Here is my conversation with Dr. Christopher DiCarlo. Building A God - The Ethics Of Artificial Intelligence And The Race To Control It. How To Become A Really Good Pain In The Ass - A Critical Thinker’s Guide To Asking The Right Questions. So You Think You Can Think?. All Thinks Considered. Convergence Analysis. Follow Christopher on LinkedIn. Follow Christopher on X. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to AI Ethics and Philosophy. (03:14) - The Interconnectedness of Systems. (05:56) - The Race for AGI and Its Implications. (09:04) - Risks of Advanced AI: Misuse and Misalignment. (11:54) - The Need for Ethical Guidelines in AI Development. (15:05) - Global Cooperation and the AI Arms Race. (18:03) - Values and Ethics in AI Alignment. (20:51) - The Role of Government in AI Regulation. (24:14) - The Future of AI: Hope and Concerns. (31:02) - The Dichotomy of Regulation and Innovation. (34:57) - The Drive Behind AI Pioneers. (37:12) - Skepticism and the Tech Bubble Debate. (39:39) - The Potential of AI and Its Risks. (43:20) - Techno-Selection and Control Over AI. (48:53) - The Future of Medicine and AI's Role. (51:42) - Empowering the Public in AI Governance. (54:37) - Building a God: Ethical Considerations in AI.

Dan Heath, a bestselling author known for his influential books on organizational change, joins to share insights from his latest work, 'Reset.' He discusses the importance of momentum in fostering workplace progress and how focusing on employee experience is crucial for success. The conversation reveals why many leaders overlook vital feedback and the systemic issues behind the Great Resignation. With a blend of research and storytelling, Dan emphasizes the power of small changes in transforming stagnant organizations and enhancing job satisfaction.

Jennifer Moss, a speaker and author specializing in workplace culture and burnout, discusses critical shifts in how we view work post-pandemic. She highlights the pressing need for organizations to adapt to hybrid work models, fostering trust and flexibility. Moss addresses the impact of AI and ‘bullshit jobs’ on employee engagement and proposes innovative productivity metrics. Drawing from her research, she shares actionable solutions for creating a fulfilling work culture that values emotional connections and well-being.

In this discussion, Nicholas Carr, a thought leader on technology's effects on communication, dives into the themes of his new book, *Superbloom*. He questions how constant connectivity erodes meaningful relationships and explores the psychological toll it takes, especially on youth. Carr highlights the danger of echo chambers, the misconception that communication equals understanding, and the pitfalls of influencer culture. He raises critical concerns about authenticity in an AI-driven world, urging a re-examination of our relationship with technology.

Welcome to episode #974 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Rishad Tobaccowala is one of those rare thinkers who can seamlessly connect the dots between business, technology, media, and human behavior - so it’s always a pleasure to have him back on the show. A true industry veteran, Rishad has spent decades shaping the marketing and media landscape, from his time as Global Chief Strategist and Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe to becoming a sought-after author, advisor, and speaker. His latest book, Rethinking Work - Seismic Changes In The Where, When, And Why, dives deep into the fundamental shifts happening in the workforce, from the decline of the 9-to-5 model to the rise of hybrid work, decentralized careers, and leadership that prioritizes talent over corporate loyalty. Rishad’s first book is Restoring The Soul Of Business and his newsletter, The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past, and podcast, What Next?, are not to be missed. In our conversation, we explore the evolving role of leadership, the impact of AI on employment, and how brands must rethink trust in an era where consumers are more aligned with individuals than institutions. Rishad also shares his insights on how businesses can remain relevant by embracing change rather than resisting it, and why the future of work will require companies to shift from management-driven structures to ones that emphasize agility, learning, and human connection. Thoughtful, provocative, and always ahead of the curve, Rishad brings the kind of clarity we need as we navigate a world of constant disruption. If you want to stay relevant in a fast-changing business landscape, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:08:19. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on X. Here is my conversation with Rishad Tobaccowala. Rethinking Work - Seismic Changes In The Where, When, And Why. Restoring The Soul Of Business. The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past. What Next? Book Rishad for your next meeting on ThinkersOne. Follow Rishad on LinkedIn. Follow Rishad on Instagram. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Rishad. (03:08) - The Political Landscape of Tech and Media. (06:06) - The Power Dynamics of Big Tech. (09:03) - The Influence of Money in Politics. (11:55) - The Shift in Consumer Trust. (15:08) - The Erosion of Brand Trust. (17:52) - The Changing Nature of Work. (20:53) - The Crisis of Leadership in Business. (35:15) - The Entrepreneurial Vision and Workforce Dynamics. (36:25) - Leadership vs. Management: The New Paradigm. (37:45) - Diversity in the Workplace: Ageism and Work Styles. (38:44) - The Irrelevance of Traditional Business Models. (39:57) - The Importance of In-Person Interaction. (41:40) - The Future of Work: Hybrid and Remote Models. (43:34) - AI's Impact on Employment and Business Structure. (46:32) - The Transformation of Knowledge Work. (49:50) - Reimagining Business Strategies in the Age of AI. (52:33) - The Financial Play: Mergers and Market Relevance. (56:18) - Aligning Talent and Corporate Goals. (01:01:48) - The Future of Work: Companies as Talent Aggregators.

Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," dives into the intricacies of human communication. She explores what makes conversations effortless versus awkward and emphasizes the value of genuine dialogue over Q&A. Topics include the significant role of AI in social interactions, the necessity of empathy, and the importance of face-to-face communication in a digital world. Brooks shares her TALK Maxims, a framework to enhance personal and professional conversations.