The Armen Show

In this episode, Armen Shirvanian hosts Professors Jennifer Jacquet and Becca Franks to discuss the critical issues surrounding aquaculture, sustainability, and fish welfare. They explore the rapid expansion of aquaculture, its environmental impacts, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the diverse species involved. The conversation highlights the gaps in research and the importance of policy changes to address the welfare of aquatic animals and the sustainability of marine ecosystems. This conversation explores the intricate relationships between humans and aquatic life, emphasizing the need for a reimagined understanding of our connection with ocean animals. The discussion highlights the intelligence of octopuses, the impact of the Anthropocene on marine ecosystems, and the role of shame and social approval in influencing consumer behavior regarding seafood. The speakers advocate for interdisciplinary approaches to ocean conservation and emphasize the importance of emerging research questions that can enhance our understanding and protection of marine life. Jennifer Jacquet is an American researcher and a professor of environmental science and policy at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, at the University of Miami. She also works as an associate director of research at Brown University’s Climate Social Science Network. Becca Franks is Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbia University and a B.A. in Anthropology from New York University. Franks’s research and teaching lie at the intersection of environmental and animal protection, specializing in animal behavior, aquatic animal welfare, quantitative methods, and human-animal relationships.

Derek Sivers, an author and entrepreneur, joins the discussion, sharing his insights on critical thinking and personal development. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication and the value of useful perspectives over absolute truths. The conversation touches on embracing fear to explore unique experiences, the art of storytelling in achieving success, and the challenge of cultural expectations around independence. Sivers also reflects on the evolving landscape of content creation and the need for diverse voices in podcasting.

In this episode of the Armen Show, host Armen Shirvanian explores the various ways artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can enhance everyday life. He discusses practical applications for creators, problem-solving, data visualization, and personal planning, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with AI to gain insights and improve decision-making. 00:00 Harnessing AI for Everyday Life 07:30 Enhancing Creativity and Problem Solving with AI 12:32 AI as a Personal Assistant for Planning and Maintenance

In this conversation, Armen Shirvanian and Dr. Sophie Scott-Brown explore the concept of anarchy, its misconceptions, and its relevance in contemporary society. They discuss the difference between anarchy and chaos, the nature of human behavior in relation to law and order, and the importance of individuality within community dynamics. Sophie emphasizes that anarchy is not merely a lack of governance but a potential for creative and collaborative engagement in society. The discussion also touches on the ethics of practice in anarchism, challenging the notion that it is unrealistic or utopian. In this conversation, Sophie and Armen delve into the complexities of anarchism, exploring its ethical implications, the importance of sociability, and the challenges posed by existing systems. They discuss the role of education in fostering creativity, the impact of AI on the future of work, and critique the concept of meritocracy. The dialogue emphasizes the need for critical thinking and practical steps towards embracing anarchist principles in everyday life.

In this episode of The Armen Show Podcast, Dr. Sandra Matz discusses her book ‘Mind Masters’ and the intersection of psychology and data. She explores how algorithms can predict personality traits, the importance of storytelling in psychology, and the implications of data privacy. Dr. Matz emphasizes the need for systemic changes to protect individuals’ data and how technology can enhance our understanding of ourselves and improve mental health. — Sandra Matz takes a Big Data approach to studying human behavior in a variety of business-related domains. She combines methodologies from psychology and computer science – including machine learning, experimental designs, online surveys, and field studies – to explore the relationships between people’s psychological characteristics (e.g. their personality) and the digital footprints they leave with every step they take in the digital environment (e.g. their Facebook Likes or their credit card transactions). More specifically, her research focuses on the following three questions: (1) What can people’s digital footprints tell us about their socio-psychological characteristics? (2) What can people’s digital footprints tell us about the real-life consequences of their unique psychological characteristics? (3) How can insights extracted from people’s digital footprints help individuals and businesses make better decisions? Sandra Matz works with business around the world and is a frequent keynote speaker for established businesses and institutions, including Microsoft, Trivago, or the European Commission. She was named one of the DataIQ’s 100 most influential people in data-driven marketing in 2015 and 2016, and was recognized as one of the 30 top thinkers under 30 by the Pacific Standard Magazine. Her work has been published top-tier journals such as Psychological Science and the American Psychologist, and has attracted worldwide media attention from outlets like the Independent, the BBC, CNBC, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and the World Economic Forum.

In this episode of The Armen Show Podcast, host Armen Shirvanian speaks with author Helen Chandler-Wilde about her book ‘Lost and Found,’ which explores the profound impact of losing possessions and the emotional journey that follows. Helen shares her personal experience of losing everything in a storage unit fire, discussing the significance of both practical and sentimental items. The conversation delves into themes of attachment, community, nostalgia, and the psychological aspects of hoarding. Helen emphasizes the importance of self-expression through objects and how memories are tied to our identities. The episode concludes with reflections on what can be found after loss and the journey of rebuilding one’s life. In this conversation, Helen discusses her journey of redefining what is necessary in life after experiencing a significant loss. She emphasizes the importance of curating one’s living space to reflect personal identity and emotional well-being. The discussion touches on the impact of clothing on self-identity, the significance of beauty in the home, and the power of writing as a form of self-expression. Helen encourages listeners to live authentically and to be mindful of the things they choose to keep in their lives, advocating for a minimalist approach that prioritizes personal joy and meaning. Helen Chandler-Wilde is a news and features journalist at Bloomberg. Previously she worked at The Telegraph writing long-reads, analysis and covering the human tales behind the headlines. She went to UCL where she studied social sciences and Italian and also holds a MA in journalism from City University. Helen lives in south London, and in her free time she likes to read, cook and rummage through charity shops.

In this episode of The Armen Show, Armen Shirvanian interviews Dr. Brian Jabarian, a fellow at Chicago Booth, who discusses his interdisciplinary research in economics, particularly focusing on the societal impacts of emerging technologies like AI. The conversation explores the connections between economics and philosophy, the importance of critical thinking, and the cognitive processes involved in decision-making. Dr. Jabarian emphasizes the need for bridging lab research with real-world applications and the significance of understanding the timing and accessibility of technology in society. In this conversation, Brian Jabarian discusses the critical role of data infrastructure in AI deployment, emphasizing the need for organizations to adapt their data culture. He explores the risks associated with AI deployment, particularly in the context of job interviews, and highlights the importance of critical thinking and storytelling in understanding AI’s impact. Jabarian also addresses the democratization of AI awareness and its potential use cases in scientific research, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach to effectively navigate the complexities of AI and economics.

In this episode, Armen Shirvanian reflects on the highlights of The Armen Show podcast throughout the year of 2024, discussing various themes such as travel, personal growth, beliefs, and the importance of critical thinking. He revisits conversations with guests on topics ranging from art and visual literacy to health technology and neuroscience. The episode emphasizes the significance of civic engagement, the analysis of the Constitution, and the geopolitics of resources, culminating in a discussion on cancer research and early detection. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive review of the year’s discussions and insights.

In this conversation, Dr. Azra Raza discusses the urgent need for revolutionizing cancer detection methods, emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving treatment outcomes. She highlights the challenges faced in cancer research, including the financial burdens on patients and the lack of public awareness regarding the realities of cancer treatment. Dr. Raza also introduces innovative technologies being developed for early detection and stresses the need for a paradigm shift in how society approaches cancer research and prevention. In this conversation, Dr. Azra Raza discusses the importance of empathy in cancer care, the need to redefine success in healthcare, and the challenges of early detection in cancer. She emphasizes the human aspect of suffering and the necessity of integrating emotional understanding into medical practice. Dr. Raza critiques the current state of cancer research, highlighting the focus on financial gain over patient care, and calls for a shift towards prioritizing the reduction of human suffering in healthcare. Azra Raza is the Chan Soon-Shiong Professor of Medicine and Director of the Myelodysplastic Syndrome Center at Columbia University. She has previously held positions at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Rush University, and the University of Massachusetts.

In this episode, Armen Shirvanian interviews Vince Beiser, author of ‘Power Metal’, discussing the critical role of metals in the energy transition and the environmental and geopolitical implications of resource extraction. The conversation explores the increasing demand for metals like copper and lithium, the destructive practices of mining, and the dominance of China in the global supply chain. In this conversation, Vince Beiser discusses the complexities of the supply chain, particularly in relation to metals used in electronics and electric vehicles. He highlights the impact of offshoring manufacturing to China, the challenges of recycling and the importance of reusing materials. Beiser also addresses the issues surrounding artisanal mining, the availability of metals, and the need for accurate information on these topics. He concludes with actionable takeaways for individuals to contribute to a more sustainable future. Vince Beiser is an award-winning journalist and author. He has reported from over 100 countries, states, provinces, kingdoms, occupied territories, no man’s lands and disaster zones. Vince has exposed conditions in California’s harshest prisons, trained with US Army soldiers, ridden with the first responders to natural disasters, and hunted down other stories from around the world.