Curious Minds at Work

Psychologist Michael Norton discusses the power of rituals in providing meaning and purpose. He explains how rituals, unlike habits, operate on an emotional level, deepening our experiences. The podcast explores the calming effect of rituals, finding joy in shared rituals, and using rituals to ease the pain of breakup. Norton's insights shed light on how rituals can impact emotions, relationships, and daily life.

Award-winning professor and author Adam Alter shares insights on getting unstuck, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and adaptability. He discusses overcoming creative challenges, valuing curiosity over perfection, and eliminating friction for better experiences. Strategies for unlocking creativity through diversity, taking action, and adopting an experimental mindset for personal growth are also highlighted.

Norman Farb, author and researcher, discusses the science of sensation and how tapping into our senses can help us feel better. Exploring topics such as using sensory experiences to stop worrying, the key to depression recovery, and mindfulness meditation. The podcast delves into how sensation influences emotions, mental health, and resilience, offering insights on personal growth and emotional well-being.

Andrew McAfee discusses the Geek Way in business, emphasizing sustainable innovation norms. The focus is on problem-solving, experimentation, and unconventional strategies for success. The podcast explores cultural evolution, company headquarters dominance in tech, analyzing corporate cultures, overcoming overconfidence, and reimagining strategies with quantum computing.

There’s more to being a workaholic than working long hours. Consider what motivates you to work more. Where you’re spending your energy. Think about the impact those longer hours have on family and friends. These are some of the distinctions Malissa Clark makes in her book, Never Not Working: Why the Always-on Culture is Bad for Business and How to Fix it. She not only shares a helpful framework for thinking about workaholism but gives us ways to recognize it. Equally helpful, she explains steps we – and our organizations – can take to undo it. Malissa’s book is a great resource for assessing workaholic tendencies and for changing them – as individuals, teams, and organizations. Episode Links Are You a Workaholic? Don’t Wear it as a Badge of Honor These are the Four Drivers of Workaholism Thomas Curran on The Perfection Trap The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Researchers discuss the increase in loneliness and its negative effects on health. Feeling like we belong can improve motivation and performance in all areas of life. Psychologist Geoffrey Cohen shares insights on combating loneliness and creating connections. Interventions and strategies to foster belonging and overcome challenges are explored in various chapters of the podcast.

Guest: Steven Rogelberg, meeting expert and author of the book, Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1. In this podcast, Steven Rogelberg discusses the importance and effectiveness of one-on-one meetings. He provides practical tips on designing and leading these meetings, emphasizing the value of reflection and attention managers can provide to their employees. The podcast also explores topics like avoiding the 'status update trap', aligning values with meetings, and gathering data on meeting activities and feelings.

Psychiatrist Anna Lembke discusses addiction beyond drugs and alcohol, focusing on our tech-induced behaviors. She explores the relationship between pleasure, pain, and addiction, and the impact of leisure time on well-being. The podcast also covers the connection between pleasure and pain, the importance of radical honesty in recovery, and the role of spirituality in healing.

Discover the importance of being intentional with how you spend your time to feel happier and more fulfilled. Learn about the connection between happiness and time, including the impact of social connections and commuting. Understand hedonic adaptation and strategies for countering it. Prioritize joy, cherish time with loved ones, and optimize your use of time through time crafting. Find purpose and significance in everyday tasks through powerful strategies.

I’ve spent a lot of time talking to guests about our relationships at work. For example, we’ve discussed how to listen better, how to navigate conflict, and how to influence others, just to name a few. What I’ve spent less time talking about are the relationships that go beyond work. That’s why I invited Kat Vellos on the show this week to talk about her amazing book, We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships.  Kat’s book is more than a callout to the power of friendship. It’s a roadmap for making new friends, and, equally valuable, it’s an owner’s manual for deepening existing friendships. It's an episode that really resonated with listeners. With the holidays approaching - and opportunities for more time with friends and family - I wanted to rebroadcast it for you. Enjoy! Episode Links How Many Hours Does It Take to Make a Friend by Jeffrey A. Hall Better Than Small Talk The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker Donald Horton and Richard Wohl and Para-Social Communication Loneliness and Social Connections Choke by Sian Beilock Non-Violent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg Kat Vellos TED Talk Happy City by Charles Montgomery Having and Being Had by Eula Biss The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.