Big Think

In this discussion, Ryan Holiday, a bestselling author and a leading voice in modern Stoicism, challenges listeners to shed self-imposed labels. He argues that defining ourselves by titles can stifle personal growth and authenticity. Holiday shares his journey of stepping away from conventional roles, emphasizing the value of focusing on actions over identities. The conversation dives into embracing uncertainty, the lessons learned during the pandemic, and how true fulfillment comes from the process of doing rather than the accolades we chase.

Explore how technological advancements have transformed our lives, from personal computers to the rise of generative AI. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and finding solutions for a positive future. Engaging with bold ideas and expert insights, the conversation inspires listeners to question reality and unlock human potential.

Join Brian Klaas, a political scientist and author, as he dives into the fascinating interplay between choice and chance in our lives. He discusses how even the decision to hit the snooze button can ripple through time, affecting future outcomes. Klaas challenges the notion that everything happens for a reason, suggesting that random events shape our world significantly. He emphasizes the beauty of uncertainty and how embracing serendipity can lead to more fulfilling lives while highlighting the importance of our seemingly insignificant decisions.

In this engaging discussion, Carrie Berk, a remarkable author, journalist, and social media influencer with nearly 4 million TikTok followers, opens up about her battles with anxiety and the pressures of internet fame. She shares personal stories of vulnerability, including her first heartbreak at sixteen, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. Carrie reveals how therapy and a shift in perception helped her respond to anxiety positively, showcasing her journey of resilience and self-discovery in today’s digital landscape.

Dr. Robert Hazen, a leading mineralogist and geologist at the Carnegie Institution, introduces a groundbreaking concept of a second arrow of time, focused on increasing functional information in evolution. He argues that as the universe ages, it becomes more organized and purposeful, challenging traditional views of entropy. Using the coffee cup as an analogy, he illustrates how function shapes the evolution of complex systems, suggesting a new understanding of time, evolution, and reality itself.

**"Menopause isn’t the end—it’s an evolutionary power move."** Most animals die after they reproduce, but humans? We keep going. Why? The **Grandmother Hypothesis** suggests menopause is a strategic advantage—giving older women the freedom to guide, protect, and strengthen their families. But the journey there? It’s no walk in the park. From hot flashes to brain fog, the menopause transition can last up to **seven years**, bringing a storm of symptoms. What actually helps? Exercise is the gold standard, but when it comes to treatment, **hormone therapy is both misunderstood and controversial.** In this eye-opening episode, we cut through the misinformation, expose the snake oil, and reveal **what actually works.** Should you take hormone therapy? Are “bioidenticals” a scam? And how can you separate science from marketing hype? **Get the facts—because your health shouldn’t be left to influencers and guesswork.** What can you do to support your health during menopause? “If exercise were a drug, that would be the one thing that we would be giving to everybody.” If every facet of the reproduction process is based in evolution, how does menopause, something where reproduction is no longer possible, benefit our species? We think it's because of an idea called the wise woman hypothesis, says Dr. Jen Gunter, an OB/GYN and author. The wise woman hypothesis describes the idea that historically for humans, having a grandmother in your family unit meant you had an extra pair of knowledgeable hands that themselves weren't occupied with child-rearing. Someone who could go out and help gather food, build shelter, find water, and pass on historical knowledge from other generations. And so menopause represents evolution in the long game, the idea that we retain our power as we age. Dr. Jen Gunter explains both the science and common myths behind the biological process of menopause, and how to know who to trust to guide you while going through it. About Dr. Jen Gunter:Dr. Jen Gunter is an OB/GYN and a pain medicine physician. She writes a lot about sex, science, and social media, but sometimes about other things because, well, why not?She's been called X's resident gynecologist, the Internet’s OB/GYN, and one of the fiercest advocates for women’s health. She has devoted her professional life to caring for women. ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Klaas, an Associate Professor in Global Politics at UCL and an author, delves into the role of chance and chaos in our lives. He shares fascinating examples of how small, random events can pivot history, like the unexpected outcomes of WWII. Klaas discusses the illusion of control and the importance of embracing uncertainty. He also explores free will's complexities and how luck significantly influences wealth, challenging the myth of meritocracy. Finally, he investigates the psychology behind conspiracy theories and why they thrive in modern society.

Daniel Goleman, a renowned science journalist and psychologist, dives into the transformative world of emotional intelligence, a concept he popularized in his best-selling book. He discusses the four critical domains of emotional intelligence and how they underpin exceptional leadership. Goleman emphasizes that self-awareness and empathy are vital for effective relationships and navigating conflict. Best of all, he reveals that emotional intelligence can be cultivated, offering a roadmap for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and personal growth.

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.

"Understanding more about monetary policy and the economic regime that you're living under can help ease some of the fundamental uncertainties [that have been] prevalent since COVID, and help you make better decisions in your day-to-day life." In the wake of the pandemic, our economy entered into a new era marked by supply chain shortages, rapidly rising inflation, and a sharp increase in interest rates. And consumers, businesses, and governments are more uncertain than they've ever been. It's impossible to understand the changes that we've gone through over the last four years and, in a broader sense, over the last two decades without understanding the shifts in monetary policy over that time period, says Joseph Politano, an economic analyst, a data journalist, and the writer behind Apricitas Economics. We interviewed Politano on April 30th, 2024 and he explained this global economic shift. About Joseph Politano:Joseph Politano is a Financial Management Analyst at the Bureau of Labor Statistics working to support the Labor Market Information and Occupational Health and Safety surveys that BLS conducts. He writes independently about economics, business, and public policy for a better world at apricitas.substack.com. ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices