Rae Wynn-Grant, a renowned wildlife ecologist and author, shares her inspiring journey from urban dreams to wildlife reality. She explores the challenges she faced as a Black female scientist in a male-dominated field. Rae discusses overcoming imposter syndrome through mentorship and the critical link between conservation and human well-being. Her experiences studying in Kenya and co-hosting a nature TV show reveal the importance of a holistic approach to conservation that prioritizes social equity. It’s a captivating tale of adventure and purpose.

Pat Dorsey, founder of Dorsey Asset Management and former Director of Equity Research at Morningstar, dives into the concept of economic moats—those unique competitive advantages that help some companies thrive amidst competition. He shares insights on how management influences these moats and illustrates his points with real-world examples like Krispy Kreme and Microsoft. Dorsey emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking in investing and explores niche markets, operational excellence, and the complexities of value chains in building profitable businesses.

Join Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin, ice hockey gold medalist Angela Ruggiero, and decathlon champion Ashton Eaton as they share profound insights on mindset and resilience in sports. They discuss the significance of mental strength, goal setting, and personal growth. The guests reflect on their Olympic legacies and the importance of gender equality in athletics. They also emphasize embracing discomfort for growth and the transformative power of visualization in both sports and life. This dynamic panel highlights the emotional journeys athletes face, encompassing both triumphs and transitions.

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, a humanitarian and chairman of The Peace Foundation in Seoul, shares his insights on secular compassion and social justice. He discusses the pressing humanitarian crisis in North Korea, emphasizing the need for awareness and support. Travel’s transformative power comes to light through his global speaking tours. He questions modern definitions of happiness, contrasting material success with joy found in purpose and volunteerism. Pomnyun also advocates for non-violence and highlights the importance of understanding global issues through a compassionate lens.

Jay Ellis, an accomplished actor and philanthropist known for his role in HBO’s Insecure, shares insights from his memoir about childhood and imagination. He reflects on his experiences as a military brat, highlighting his imaginary friend Mikey who helped him navigate trauma and societal expectations. The conversation delves into the importance of creativity, nostalgia for 90s pop culture, and the therapeutic power of storytelling. Ellis also discusses how childhood imagination shapes identity, advocating for empathy and connection through shared narratives.

John Ousterhout, a Stanford Professor and author, delves into the intricacies of software design based on his extensive academic and industry experience. He emphasizes the importance of mastering design principles to manage complexity, advocating for deep classes with simple interfaces. Ousterhout discusses innovative approaches to software education, focusing on collaboration and constructive feedback. He also critiques conventional error handling practices and highlights hiring for potential over past experience, aiming to reshape how we think about coding and design.

Gus Kenworthy, a trailblazing Olympic skier with a historic record in multiple disciplines, joins legendary diver Greg Louganis, a five-time Olympic medalist and LGBTQ+ advocate. They candidly discuss the evolution of inclusivity in sports and the ongoing challenges LGBTQ+ athletes face. With personal tales of resilience and triumph, they reflect on their emotional Olympic journeys, the significance of representation, and the need for mental health support. Laced with humor, they share their creative passions, underscoring the power of authenticity and community.

Robert Greene, an acclaimed author known for his insights on strategy and human behavior, dives into the art of mastery. He shares fascinating stories of historical figures like Darwin and Mozart, illustrating how sustained effort leads to greatness. Greene discusses the importance of decision-making in creativity and the role of emotional intelligence in innovation. He highlights the need for mental flexibility and the value of exploring anomalies to unlock creative potential, emphasizing that the secret to mastery lies within us all.

Laurel Harris and Alexandra Socha, stars of Broadway's Wicked, share their insights on the show's legacy and their transformative roles. They humorously explore how Glinda and Elphaba would navigate social media, and passionately advocate for the Alzheimer's Association, intertwining their performances with personal causes. Topics like the challenges of balancing motherhood and Broadway, vocal health, and the impact of technology on live performances are also covered. Their heartfelt Q&A reveals the emotional significance of their characters and the joy of theater.

Mary Pilon, an author renowned for uncovering hidden histories, dives into the scandalous backstory of Monopoly. She reveals that it wasn't just Charles Darrow who created the game—feminist activist Lizzie Magie laid the groundwork decades earlier. Pilon discusses the corporate manipulation of Monopoly's origins and the obsessive quest of Ralph Anspach, who fought for the truth behind its legacy. This captivating tale intertwines themes of greed, history, and the social impact of board games, turning Monopoly into a fascinating narrative of American business.