How To Academy Podcast

Jens Stoltenberg, Former Secretary General of NATO and Prime Minister of Norway, shares his insights from a decade of leadership. He discusses NATO's evolution during conflicts, including the urgency of the Ukraine invasion and the implications of Russia's aggression. Jens reflects on NATO's role in deterrence, the alliance’s relationship with Donald Trump, and the technological challenges ahead. He champions NATO's importance for global security while remaining cautiously optimistic about the future.

Marie Kondo, the renowned tidying expert and author, dives into the harmony of Japanese culture and the art of living with intention. She shares insights on rituals like oosoji for welcoming new year's spirits, and the balance of modern life with ancient customs. Kondo explains the concept of motainai, advocating for mindful living and repurposing objects to avoid waste. She emphasizes daily use of cherished items to spark joy and discusses the importance of family in embracing imperfection. Tune in for practical tips on tidying and finding peace in your home.

Annemarie Jacir, an Oscar-nominated Palestinian filmmaker and a trailblazer in Arab cinema, discusses her latest film, Palestine 36. The film, set during the 1936 Arab Revolt, highlights the personal stories of resilience against colonial rule. Annemarie shares the ten-year journey of bringing this ambitious project to life, including overcoming funding challenges and filming amidst crisis. She explains why Palestinian storytelling is crucial, explores complex character portrayals, and emphasizes the importance of the land in the film's narrative.

Philippa Gregory, a bestselling historical novelist and Tudor historian, delves into the life of Jane Boleyn, revealing her not as a schemer but as a survivor amidst Henry VIII’s tyranny. She discusses how Victorian biases distorted Jane's reputation and explores the silences in history that fiction can fill. Gregory suggests Jane may have acted as a spy for Thomas Cromwell and highlights the importance of women's roles at court in managing power dynamics. Ultimately, she warns against the dangers of concentrated power in today’s politics, drawing parallels from Tudor history.

Ray Nayler, a diplomat-turned-novelist known for his thought-provoking works like Where the Axe is Buried, discusses the intricate connections between dystopia and real-world scenarios. He explores the rise of authoritarianism and the impact of technology, drawing parallels between China’s social credit system and Russia. Nayler emphasizes the cathartic nature of tragedy in literature and the importance of collective activism. His insights into the fear experienced by authoritarian leaders and the potential vulnerabilities of democracy provide a captivating look at current global challenges.

Dr. Kerry Burnight, a gerontologist and author of JoySpan, explores a revolutionary perspective on aging by introducing the concept of 'joyspan.' She explains how joy differs from fleeting happiness and highlights the damaging effects of societal ageism. Kerry shares four essential practices for enhancing our joyspan: connection, growth, adaptability, and giving. With practical tips on how to embrace social ties, balance enjoyment with health, and appreciate the aging process, she's on a mission to help us redefine vitality in our later years.

Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned historian and bestselling author known for works like Sapiens, discusses pressing global issues with Ritula Shah. They delve into how nonstop algorithms transform society, the fragility of democracy amidst political turmoil, and the rise of tribalism over ideology. Harari challenges us to consider the consequences of AI on trust and communication and advocates for regulating tech to protect public discourse. He urges reconnecting with our biological roots as a foundation to unite humanity in an increasingly digital world.

Join Adam Aleksic, a Harvard-trained linguist and content creator, as he unveils how the internet reshapes language. He explores fascinating topics like how social media censorship gives rise to euphemisms, the quirky terms 'tradwife' and 'delulu', and how algorithms influence speech and identity. Aleksic discusses the evolution of accents in online culture, the viral spread of memes, and how humor accelerates language adoption. Dive into the complexities of modern communication and discover the cultural implications behind today's evolving lexicon.

Award-winning nature writer Robert Macfarlane teams up with Elif Shafak, a novelist and activist, to delve into the fascinating connection between rivers and humanity. They explore ancient tales like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the importance of rivers in retaining memory. The duo discusses shifting baselines, the urgent need for better water stewardship, and how stories can revive buried histories. With humor and depth, they advocate for hope over despair while emphasizing daily actions to connect with and protect our vital waterways.

Corinne Low, a business economist at the Wharton School and author of Feminomics, dives into the data that shapes women's lives. She redefines happiness as utility, guiding listeners on maximizing it through careful decision-making. Low emphasizes the need for men to step up at home, addresses societal expectations, and discusses reproductive capital as an asset. With practical advice on negotiation, prioritizing leisure, and countering social media pressures, she empowers women to align choices with their true values.