How To Academy Podcast

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.

Philosopher Daniel Dennett and neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky debate whether human beings have free will. Sapolsky argues that free will is an illusion, while Dennett believes it is compatible with scientific knowledge. They discuss factors influencing decision-making, the role of biology and environment in shaping behavior, the link between free will and genetic attributes, responsibility, and the concept of being 'wired wrong' or 'wired right'.

Psychiatrist and chef Dr Uma Naidoo discusses the impact of nutrition on mental health, including the gut-brain connection, inflammation reduction, and managing anxiety through diet. She explores the benefits of intermittent fasting and suggests 'calm foods' to reduce anxiety and stress, emphasizing the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet.

Times journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera discusses the British Empire and its impact on multiculturalism, the importance of a diverse and comprehensive history curriculum, differences in historical perspectives between Germans and the British, throwing tomatoes at statues as a form of release, navigating the cultural war and online discourse, the 1948 Nationality Act and the Windrush scandal, reimagining the narrative of the British Empire, perspectives on the 'Where Do You Come From?' debate, and the power of storytelling in educating about history.

Data scientist and TED star Hannah Richie joins investor Rosa Sangiorgio to discuss combating climate anxiety. They explore topics including the impact of climate anxiety on young people, the affordability of low-carbon technologies, investing in poorer countries, and the role of youth in addressing climate change.

Economist Mariana Mazzucato discusses the important role of governments in driving innovation and shaping the economy. Testimonials highlight the impact of her entrepreneurial state concept on policy making. They discuss working together in an entrepreneurial way, frustrations of governments losing talent, and the relevance of embracing this approach. The chapter explores the need for long-term thinking, the influence of media on perception, and the value of recognizing work done by individuals in various sectors.

Dan Ariely, a world-leading social psychologist, discusses conspiracy theories and the impact of misbelief. He shares personal stories about his iconic half beard and the importance of vulnerability. The podcast also explores the role of uncertainty in creating conspiracy theories and the illusion of explanatory depth. Additionally, it discusses personality traits that contribute to the belief in false information and how these traits can lead people into the trap of misinformation.

Cambridge Professor Mary Beard has done more than anyone to bring the world of ancient Rome to life again. Comedian David Mitchell once studied history and won’t let it off the hook for the mess it’s made of everything. They came together to tell the story of our rulers -- from the emperors who ruled Britannia under the Roman occupation to the kings and queens who succeeded them and created England as we know it today.Mary's new book Emperor of Rome and David's new book Unruly are both available from our bookshop.org page. Buy either book there and help support Primrose Hill Books, our local independent bookseller partner since 2013. You can also join us live for Mary's next How To Academy event, where she will be speaking with her fellow classicist Josephine Quinn.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Those of us who suffer from anxiety either exhaust ourselves trying to cure it or resign ourselves to a lifetime of fear and worry. What if, instead of fighting our anxiety, we could turn it into a strength?Harvard's David Rosmarin has developed strategies to harness the power of anxiety to learn about ourselves, deepen our relationships with others, and achieve our deepest goals and dreams.His constructive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach will not rid you of your anxiety. Instead, it will empower you to reach your fullest potential because of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hein de Haas, a Professor focused on migration and development, debunks myths about migration in a nuanced approach. Topics include labor demand, economic opportunities, impact of immigrants, and the misconception of climate change-driven global migration. The podcast explores complexities in migration studies and public discourse, addressing challenges in communication and historical context.