Talks at Google

Barbara Corcoran, a real estate investor and star of ABC's 'Shark Tank,' shares her riveting journey from waitress to business mogul. After her early failures, she borrowed $1,000 to launch a small real estate office, eventually growing it into a $6 billion empire. Barbara discusses the importance of resilience and authenticity in entrepreneurship. She also provides amusing insights about her Shark Tank co-investors and offers practical advice for aspiring real estate professionals navigating a competitive industry.

Neil Lawrence, the inaugural DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge, dives into his book, "The Atomic Human." He discusses the delicate balance between human intelligence and AI, revealing our unique core that machines can’t replicate. Lawrence emphasizes the historical context of AI's evolution and how misunderstandings arise from anthropomorphizing technology. He warns about the risks of becoming tools of AI rather than using it to enhance our humanity, advocating for awareness and a collaborative future with technology.

Tero Isokauppila, founder of Four Sigmatic, discusses his expertise in functional mushrooms and their remarkable health benefits. He highlights how mushrooms can enhance skin health, boost energy, and stabilize hormone levels. Tero dives into the cultural significance and historical uses of adaptogens, revealing how they help manage stress. The conversation also touches on the innovative uses of mushrooms in food and beverages, and even speculates on their intelligence and relationships with the ecosystem. Discover how to incorporate these superfoods into your daily life!

Elizabeth Block, an art historian and senior editor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dives deep into the cultural significance of hairdressing in the 19th century. She reveals how hair acted as a powerful symbol of identity, shaping women's societal roles. Block highlights the influential contributions of women of color in the hair industry and critiques the perception of hairdressing as trivial. Through her exploration, she uncovers untold stories that challenge traditional gender norms and advocate for a richer understanding of beauty practices across cultures.

Stephen Pearcy, the lead singer of RATT and author of "Sex, Drugs, RATT and Roll: My Life in Rock," dives into his wild journey through the heavy metal scene. He shares hilarious anecdotes about the vibrant Sunset Strip nightlife and his surprising collaborations, like working with Milton Berle. Pearcy discusses the balance of creativity and chaos in the band’s life, the dual edges of fame and substance use, and reflects on the unique fashion and masculinity of the 80s metal era. His story is an honest exploration of survival and nostalgia in rock ’n’ roll.

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.