Richard E. Cytowic, a neurology professor at George Washington University and author of "Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age," discusses how our Stone Age brains struggle to cope with modern technology. He highlights the negative impact of screen time on attention spans and social interactions, especially in children. Cytowic reveals how tech companies exploit psychological tactics to foster addiction, and stresses the importance of setting boundaries to regain mental health. Emphasizing silence's role in emotional intelligence, he calls for a return to deep, meaningful engagement.

Mark Lilla, a Columbia University humanities professor and author of "Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know," discusses the allure of willful ignorance in our information-saturated lives. He explores Plato's cave allegory, revealing how we dodge uncomfortable truths for comfort. The conversation delves into misanthropy's impact on knowledge, critiques of nostalgic mindsets, and the tension between certainty and evolving information. Lilla emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, especially in light of societal challenges and conspiracy theories.

“Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” might as well be an American saying; trouble is, it doesn’t always work. Journalist and author Adam Chandler joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the myth of meritocracy, his travels around the country talking with people from all walks of life who have the work ethic but success still eludes them, and what needs to change for us to really obtain that American dream. His book is “99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life.”

Hypochondria is an illness marked by intense health anxiety over perceived problems — and it’s very real. Joanne Silberner, co-founder of the Association of Healthcare Journalists, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why it’s taken so long for the mental health community to take hypochondria seriously, the new ways it’s being diagnosed, and the devastating outcomes for those who don’t find help. Her Scientific American article is “Hypochondria Is a Real and Dangerous Illness, New Research Shows.”

Sara C. Bronin, an architect, attorney, and Cornell University professor, dives into the often-overlooked world of zoning laws and their profound influence on daily life. She discusses how these laws shape everything from parks to housing and their historic role in perpetuating inequalities. Bronin advocates for reimagined zoning to foster healthier communities, addressing the need for affordable housing and mixed-use developments. Her insights reveal how zoning is not just policy, but a key to understanding urban environments and social dynamics.

Nobody actually enjoys feeling down in the dumps – but there’s a lot we can learn about ourselves when we’re not at our best. This hour, host Krys Boyd talks about how we can find fulfillment in experiencing the bittersweet parts of life, how sensitive people can use their temperament as a strength, and why being positive all the time isn’t actually very helpful.

Dennis Yi Tenen, an associate professor at Columbia University and author of "Literary Theory for Robots," explores the relationship between AI and creative work. He argues that AI shouldn’t be feared in the job market, as leveraging tools for creativity is nothing new. The conversation dives into the historical evolution of writing technology, from looms to modern AI, and the collaborative nature of storytelling. Tenen highlights how story templates engage audiences and suggests that AI can enhance, rather than replace, human creativity.

 Kids may never think you’re cool – but it is possible to at least earn their respect. David Yeager is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the cofounder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how to be a supportive mentor for youth age 10-25 – when their brains are still taking shape. His book is “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier.” 

 The concept of death can trigger an existential crisis in humans. Do animals face the same fears? Susana Monsó is associate professor of philosophy in the Department of Logic, History, and Philosophy of Science at the National Distance Education University (UNED) in Madrid. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss what animals know about dying – from mourning rituals to attempts at saving lives – and if this newfound understanding means we should treat animals differently. Her book is “Playing Possum: How Animals Understand Death.” 

Beyoncé might’ve been the first Black woman to hit No. 1 on the Billboard country album chart, but she stands on the shoulders of giants. Alice Randall, the first Black woman to write a No. 1 country hit, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the Black roots of country music, from Grand Ole Opry acts that broke boundaries, to rising stars shaping the genre’s bright future. Her book “My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future.”