Big Think

Join Brian Klaas, an expert in global politics and author of "Corruptible," as he delves into why psychopathic traits often lead individuals to seek power. He discusses the concept of self-selection bias in leadership, revealing how historical examples show a pattern of unworthy leaders. Klaas also proposes innovative strategies for improving leadership selection, such as probing politicians on their views of power dynamics. With insights into evolutionary psychology and systemic reform, he highlights the urgent need for integrity in our leaders.

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, an award-winning neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs, dives into the complexities of procrastination. She challenges the notion of procrastination as a flaw, introducing ‘The Triple Check Method’ to uncover its true signal. Le Cunff emphasizes finding personal ‘magic windows’ for peak productivity and advocates for mindfulness to reframe procrastination as an ally. There’s also a humorous take on the intersection of creativity and legality in entrepreneurial ventures. Tune in for a fresh perspective on productivity!

Lisa Miller, a clinical psychologist and professor at Columbia University, explores the epidemic of loneliness in our society and its connection to spirituality. She explains how the high amplitude alpha brainwaves reflect our innate interconnectedness with a shared consciousness. Miller emphasizes that through practices like prayer and meditation, we can tap into this connection, transforming our perception of isolation. Her insights reveal that despite our feelings of loneliness, we are never truly alone, as we are all part of a greater, profound unity.

Kelly Richmond Pope, a forensic accountant and professor at DePaul University, takes listeners on an enlightening journey through personal ethics. She introduces a provocative test to reveal our ethical boundaries, asking what we'd do if we thought we could get away with it. Kelly discusses her class ethics survey, where students grapple with justified expenses and shares a quirky anecdote about a mistakenly received handbag. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and accountability to cultivate ethical behavior in our lives.

Philosopher Meghan Sullivan challenges us to rethink giving as more than a numbers game. She advocates for a 'love ethic' that emphasizes emotional connection and moral character. Sullivan argues that true care involves recognizing the dignity of all individuals, including future generations. In a world fixated on efficiency, she posits that fostering genuine relationships might be the most ethical response. This refreshing perspective invites listeners to prioritize heartfelt connections over mere calculations.

Dive into the mind-bending world of black holes, where the intricacies of quantum theory and general relativity collide. Discover the history behind escape velocity and the evolution of these cosmic giants from skepticism to scientific marvel. Explore how black holes challenge our understanding of space, time, and even galaxy formation. Unravel the enigma of Hawking radiation and the holographic principle, while contemplating the rarity of complex life in the universe and humanity's role in preserving civilization amidst these cosmic mysteries.

David Krakauer, president of the Santa Fe Institute and a polymath in evolutionary biology, joins theoretical physicist Jeffrey West to unpack the mysteries of complex systems. They discuss how collaboration across disciplines fosters innovative problem-solving, especially in addressing global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation touches on the relationships between mathematics, love, and humanity's role in the universe. With a unique scholarly culture, they explore how curiosity ignites creativity and deepens our understanding of existence.

Renowned physicist Michio Kaku shares insights on extraterrestrial civilizations and humanity's place in the universe. He classifies us as a Type 0 civilization and describes what Types 1, 2, and 3 could look like, highlighting our potential evolution. Kaku discusses the challenges of detecting advanced civilizations and suggests that quantum computers might help us identify their signals, much like understanding dolphin communication. He also touches on the complexities of unidentified aerial phenomena and the rigorous analysis required to determine their origins.

Ethan Siegel, Ph.D., is an acclaimed astrophysicist and author known for his engaging science communication. In this discussion, he unpacks the origins of the universe, diving into the Big Bang theory and the concept of cosmic inflation. Siegel explains complex ideas like singularities, black holes, and the alluring possibility of a multiverse. He also highlights how the James Webb Space Telescope is revolutionizing our understanding of ancient galaxies and the universe's future. Prepare for a captivating journey through the cosmos!

Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia and author of Day Trading Attention, shares his insights on modern marketing and business strategy. He emphasizes that many brands miss the mark by failing to connect authentically with their audience. Empathy-driven advertising is key; understanding consumer needs leads to stronger engagement. Vaynerchuk discusses the evolution of storytelling in the digital age and stresses the importance of patience for long-term success. Ultimately, he advocates for a legacy mindset in building sustainable brands.