How To Academy Podcast

Kelly Link, acclaimed writer, discusses her transition from short stories to novel writing, capturing the essence of youth in narratives and exploring the intersection of love and horror in storytelling. She shares insights on her writing process, the transformative power of the ocean, and hints at future projects during the insightful interview.

Discover the truth behind multitasking and flow states at work. Learn from Harvard psychologist on emotional intelligence benefits for business. Explore practical strategies for neural training, mental fitness, and workplace empathy. Understand the importance of emotional intelligence in recruitment.

Novelist and diplomat Ray Nayler discusses themes of resurrecting mammoths, elephant hunting, Russian culture, and the dark reality of the ivory trade in his novella. He balances gripping storytelling with philosophical depth and explores ethical dilemmas of de-extinction and funding projects.

Dr Gemma Newman, family doctor, shares free healing practices that we can adopt into our daily lives. Topics include the power of gratitude and integrating emotions, prioritizing sleep and tips for improving sleep quality, and the healing power of love and letting go.

Novelist and historian Amitav Ghosh explores the influence of the opium trade on colonial history, its connection to the world's biggest corporations, and its relevance to America's contemporary opioid crisis.

Musician James Blunt joins BBC Six Music's Matt Everett for a conversation that quickly becomes very, very not safe for work. They discuss his filthy, funny, and possibly fictional memoir 'Loosely Based on a Made Up Story.' Blunt shares personal stories including a chaotic night at Le Doux nightclub in LA, supporting soldiers and veterans through Help for Heroes, and a moving experience of singing with Iam Tongi on American Idol. He also talks about his wedding adventure in Ibiza and the meaning behind his albums and personal songs.

Comedian Ruby Wax shares her personal struggles with mental health including her experiences in a monastery, mental institution, and therapy. She discusses challenges of maintaining mindfulness, reflections on a disastrous interview, perceptions and assumptions, depression treatment and recovery, creating a sanctuary at home, and using trips for authentic connection. She also talks about her initiative called frazzled cafe for judgment-free connections.

Physicist Carlo Rovelli and theatre-maker Simon McBurney engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the connection between partnership, art, and science. They discuss the challenge of writing science for all and the dynamic nature of imagination and memory. They also explore the role of problem-solving and creativity, and emphasize the interconnectedness of science, art, and society. Other topics include journeys, black holes and rituals, and the connection between storytelling and constellations.

Renowned psychotherapist Adam Phillips discusses what we must give up to feel more alive. Topics include questioning the assumption of life worth, exploring self-criticism and the power of choosing who to be judged by, expanding language and rethinking loss, and the art of giving up and the pursuit of aliveness.

Stanford Psychiatrist and Addiction Expert Anna Lembke discusses the new neuroscience of pleasure, pain, and balance. Topics explored include the increase in behavioral addictions and the devastating effects they have, the impact of digital media addiction on mental health, treatments for attention deficit disorder, seeking healthy dopamine through diet and exercise, and the regulation of online sex video games and exercise addiction.