Big Think

Join Robert Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatry professor and Zen priest, as he delves into the alarming loneliness epidemic affecting 60% of people today. He reveals that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking half a pack of cigarettes daily, impacting both mental and physical health. Drawing on key research, Waldinger shares practical tips for fostering connections, suggesting that even small interactions with neighbors or cashiers can combat feelings of isolation. Discover how meaningful relationships can transform our well-being and reinforce our sense of belonging.

In this engaging conversation, journalist Karen Hao, who writes for The Atlantic, dives into the whirlwind events at OpenAI, particularly the dramatic firing and swift reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman. She explores the profound ideological rifts within the company, balancing commercialization with ethical concerns about AI. Karen sheds light on the intense emotions among OpenAI employees, who united in support of their leader during the chaos. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of governance challenges in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Robert Hazen, a leading mineralogist and professor, delves into the captivating topic of mineral evolution and its connection to life on Earth. He reveals how the universe began with just a handful of minerals, which have since diversified into thousands. Hazen highlights the shared characteristics of all evolving systems—interaction, configuration, and selection—drawing parallels between minerals and living organisms. His insights encourage us to rethink our place in the cosmos by understanding the deep interconnectedness of geological and biological systems.

Annaka Harris, a New York Times bestselling author and producer of the audio documentary series LIGHTS ON, explores the intriguing realms of consciousness. She proposes that consciousness might not just be a product of the human brain but rather a fundamental aspect of the universe. The podcast discusses mind-boggling stories such as a man writing a book with his eyelid and the eerie idea that plants might possess consciousness. Harris prompts us to reconsider our intuitions about awareness and contemplate what else may be conscious around us.

In this enlightening discussion, Abigail Marsh, a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Georgetown University, delves into the fascinating worlds of psychopathy and altruism. She reveals how psychopaths differ in brain development from a young age, impacting their empathy. Marsh highlights the rising trend of extraordinary altruists—those who risk personal safety to help others. She emphasizes that altruistic behaviors can be nurtured and suggests tests for assessing one's own level of kindness, advocating for small acts to foster a more compassionate society.

Dr. Jen Gunter, a San Francisco Bay Area OB-GYN and author, dives deep into the science of menstruation while debunking myths surrounding it. She calls out damaging ideas like 'cycle syncing' and the myth that periods detoxify the body. Gunter highlights the biological complexities of menstruation and emphasizes that understanding one's cycle is crucial for health and advocacy. She also sheds light on menstrual pain, the role of prostaglandins, and warns about potential dangers of menstrual tracking apps in today's political climate.

Janna Levin is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College and the author of Black Hole Survival Guide. In this discussion, she explores the paradoxes of black holes, suggesting we reconsider them as 'empty places' instead of dense objects. Levin reveals how black holes may have contributed to the emergence of life and explains the eerie experience of approaching one unknowingly in space. She also delves into the philosophical implications of their existence and the mysteries of time and gravity in their presence.

Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, discusses the top risks for 2025 with a focus on an increasingly fragmented global landscape. He highlights the U.S.-Mexico drug crisis as a major concern, alongside the rising tensions between the U.S. and China, predicting a new Cold War. Bremmer warns about ungoverned spaces and rogue actors, stressing the urgency to address geopolitical instability. He also examines the implications of Trumponomics and the concentration of power in democratic systems. It's a call for preparedness in a rapidly changing world.

In this enlightening discussion, Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, a neuroscientist and USC professor, explores the transformative potential of community in education. She highlights how diversity and social connections can enhance brain growth and learning experiences. Immordino-Yang argues for moving away from standardized testing to a more human-centered approach that values lived experiences and collaboration. By fostering strong social fabrics in schools, educators and students can co-create meaningful learning journeys that adapt to the complexities of the world.

The conversation challenges the notion that intelligence can be accurately measured by standardized tests. It highlights how such assessments often fail to capture a child's true potential, reducing them to mere test scores. Instead, the need for a broader definition of intelligence is emphasized, one that values ecological and adaptive thinking. This type of intelligence fosters creativity and real-world problem-solving, urging us to support learning environments that nurture these vital skills.