Talks at Google

Talks at Google
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Oct 22, 2024 • 34min

Ep492 - Elizabeth Block | Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing

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.
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Oct 18, 2024 • 41min

Ep491 - Stephen Pearcy | Sex, Drugs, RATT and Roll: My Life in Rock

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.
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Oct 15, 2024 • 30min

Ep490 - Rae Wynn-Grant | Wild Life: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World

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.
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8 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 12min

Ep489 - Pat Dorsey | The Little Book that Builds Wealth

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.
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Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 2min

Ep488 - Missy Franklin, Angela Ruggiero & Ashton Eaton | Olympic Panel

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.
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Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 28min

Ep487 - Venerable Pomnyun Sunim | Creating Happiness and Freedom in Life

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.
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Oct 1, 2024 • 58min

Ep486 - Jay Ellis | Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?

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.
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8 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 3min

Ep485 - John Ousterhout | A Philosophy of Software Design

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.
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Sep 24, 2024 • 47min

Ep484 - Gus Kenworthy & Greg Louganis | Beyond the Podium

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.
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91 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 1min

Ep483 - Robert Greene | Mastery

Robert Greene, the acclaimed author of "Mastery," delves into the journey of achieving excellence by examining historical figures like Charles Darwin and Mozart. He reveals that mastery is within everyone's reach, debunking myths around genius. Greene discusses the importance of nurturing creativity through emotional intelligence and the dangers of groupthink. He emphasizes that a blend of childlike curiosity and adult reasoning can lead to innovative breakthroughs, showcasing how our minds are hardwired for achievement and success.

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