Yuko Munakata, a developmental psychologist, discusses the unpredictable nature of parenting and emphasizes how genetics can shape a child's personality more than environmental factors. Andy Dunn, an entrepreneur, shares his journey navigating bipolar disorder while building a successful business, revealing the interplay between mental health and entrepreneurship. Yejin Choi, an AI researcher, highlights the importance of common sense in AI development and the ethical challenges of programming technology responsibly. Together, they explore the double-edged nature of modern parenting, mental health, and technology.

Hajer Sharief, an activist promoting youth empowerment, shares her insights on fostering family democracy amid authoritarianism. Amy Edmondson, a social psychologist, discusses the critical role of communication in high-pressure environments like hospitals, emphasizing psychological safety. Pete Stavros, a private equity investor, explores how employee ownership can enhance workplace engagement and community impact. Together, they unravel the secrets of effective teamwork, highlighting inclusivity, empowerment, and the importance of culture in organizations.

Join tribologist Jennifer Vail, democracy activist Yaël Eisenstat, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Education David Moinina Sengeh, and TV producer Elan Gale as they delve into the surprising role of friction in our lives. Vail discusses how optimizing friction can elevate daily performance, while Eisenstat shares her journey from critic to leader in election integrity at Facebook. Sengeh highlights the need for comfort in prosthetics, paralleling it with relationship dynamics. They collectively explore friction's potential to enhance communication and challenge societal divisions.

Guests include Machine Dazzle, a bold designer known for his vibrant styles, and Aparna Mehta, a sustainability-focused supply chain expert. Journalist Amanda Mull discusses the environmental impact of online shopping, while supermodel Cameron Russell sheds light on the darker sides of the fashion industry. They explore the power of maximalist fashion as self-expression, the crisis of clothing waste, and the push for more mindful consumerism. Together, they challenge listeners to rethink their relationship with style and the industry.

Join vibrant comedian Lilly Singh, Pussy Riot co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova, and accomplished artist Sarah Jones as they dive into the challenges of being unapologetically loud. They share personal stories of resilience against societal norms and discuss the impact of their activism. The trio explores themes of identity, representation, and the pushback loud women often face in their fight for social justice. Their insights highlight the power of their voices in defiance of oppressive systems and the necessity of creating inclusive spaces for future generations.

Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist specializing in family relationships, shares her insights on nurturing connections through effective communication. Alua Arthur, a compassionate death doula, discusses how open conversations about mortality can bring families closer together and foster gratitude in life's final moments. Valérie Courtois, an Indigenous community leader, emphasizes the importance of ecological wisdom in strengthening our relationship with the planet. Together, they explore healing, responsibility, and the transformative power of vulnerability across personal and environmental connections.

Ken Lacovara, a paleontologist and founder of a new museum in New Jersey, takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of dinosaurs. He reveals insights about the asteroid impact that led to extinction and emphasizes the critical role of fossil sites in New Jersey. The excitement of uncovering fossils, like a femur with shark bite marks, paints a picture of prehistoric life. Lacovara also discusses the importance of public engagement in preserving history and inspiring future generations to connect with our planet's deep past.

Regina Barber, a dynamic host who connects with scientists, sits down with two expert cosmologists to unravel the Big Bang theory. They explore how this concept isn’t just a single moment but a significant period in the universe's history. The discussion highlights the cosmic microwave background and its revolutionary implications for understanding the early universe. Listeners will discover how the universe cooled and evolved, shedding light on its origins and the ongoing mysteries that captivate scientists today.

Jonna Mendez, a former CIA Chief of Disguise, shares thrilling tales of espionage and the art of disguise. Holly Herndon explores the innovative intersection of machine learning with vocal artistry, raising questions of identity. Anthropologist Mary L. Gray discusses the ethical dilemmas of anonymity in ride-sharing, while digital fashion designer Gala Marija Vrbanic reveals how virtual clothing can reshape identity in a digital world. Together, they illuminate a fascinating exploration of disguise, technology, and personal expression.

Sherry Turkle, a MIT sociologist renowned for her research on digital interactions, discusses the rise of artificial intimacy and its implications on human relationships. She explores how people are turning to AI for emotional support, aiming to fulfill their needs for companionship. Artur Sychov, founder of Somnium Space, joins the conversation, examining the potential and challenges of creating digital twins of loved ones. The duo raises intriguing questions about authenticity in relationships and the impact of technology on genuine human connections.