Plain English with Derek Thompson

Paul Kedrosky, investor and writer known for VC work and tech-economics analysis. He explains why AI data-center CapEx could form a historic bubble. He breaks down GPU-driven costs, short asset lifespans, opaque SPV financing, and grid and private-credit risks. He flags warning signs and sketches how AI could still yield practical, revenue-generating uses.

In this conversation, Dr. Sandra Weintraub, a neuropsychologist and leading researcher on aging at Northwestern University, delves into her groundbreaking studies on 'super-agers.' She reveals that these remarkable individuals maintain cognitive resilience despite aging and even Alzheimer's pathology. Key findings highlight the importance of social engagement in preserving memory and brain health, suggesting that our memories may evolve from social interactions. Weintraub also outlines future research directions, emphasizing personalized strategies for cognitive longevity.

In this insightful discussion, John Burn-Murdoch, a savvy data journalist known for his sharp analysis on social trends, dives into the alarming shifts in American personality traits. He presents compelling data indicating declining conscientiousness and rising neuroticism, connecting these trends to smartphone distractions. John explores how changing social dynamics, especially the decline of team sports and the rise of individualism, contribute to growing anxiety and loneliness. He also speculates on how future tech could reshape these challenges.

In this enlightening discussion, David D'Alessio, Chief of Endocrinology at Duke University, and Randy Seeley, Professor at the University of Michigan, dive deep into the world of GLP-1 drugs. They explore how these medications promote weight loss by increasing satiety and affecting brain-gut communication. The pair also discuss the surprising shift from diabetes treatments to weight-loss solutions and the potential benefits for cardiovascular health. Plus, they ponder the drugs' effects on cravings and the importance of personalizing treatment approaches.

Join Jay Van Bavel, a psychology and neuroscience professor at NYU, as he dives into the nuanced relationship between smartphones and mental health. He discusses the motivation behind conducting an expert survey and the surprising consensus that social media affects sleep and attention. Jay highlights the need for balanced research on established harms versus emerging claims and examines whether delaying phone use until high school could be beneficial. With insights on social media's polarizing nature and its impact on mental health discussions, this conversation is enlightening!

Kyla Scanlon, a keen financial commentator and writer focused on Gen Z, offers insights into how this generation views the world. She breaks down Gen Z into three cohorts shaped by technology and the pandemic. The conversation dives into concepts like FAFOnomics, which embraces high-risk investing amidst uncertainty, and how attention economics fuels trends like meme stocks. They also explore institutional distrust, new work norms prioritizing outcomes over hours, and the impact of these factors on mental health and dating trends among young people.

David Kessler, a physician and former FDA commissioner, shares his personal struggles with weight and the alarming impact of ultra-processed foods on obesity. He explains how our brains are hardwired for scarcity in a world overflowing with calorie-dense options. Eric Topol, a cardiologist, discusses the concept of inflammaging, highlighting how chronic inflammation can lead to serious diseases over time. They also delve into the promising role of GLP-1 drugs, which not only help control appetite but may also reduce inflammation, offering a potential new avenue for health improvement.

In this insightful discussion, Nick Epley, a behavioral science professor at the University of Chicago, delves into the paradox of human isolation. He highlights research revealing how people often misread social interactions, leading to unnecessary solitude. Epley shares experiments showing that small conversations can significantly enhance mood, challenging the expectation that solitude feels better. He emphasizes the importance of building social habits and suggests that intentional interactions can enrich our lives and foster deeper connections.

Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and cognitive scientist renowned for her work on happiness, delves into how we can reshape our approach to joy. She discusses cognitive time travel, the balance between present pleasures and future satisfaction, and highlights the transformative power of reframing stress. Laurie also explores how brief social interactions can boost happiness and explains why acting extroverted can enhance well-being. With insights on managing time afluence and the impact of technology on social connections, this conversation offers valuable tools for enhancing joy.

Adam Mastroianni, a psychologist and writer focused on cultural change, joins the discussion about modern cultural stagnation. They explore why contemporary culture seems 'stuck,' from uniform corporate logos to Gen Z's nostalgia for 90s TV. Adam explains how rising wealth and lower risks have fostered a risk-averse society, leading to fewer innovative ideas in music and film. They even connect the decline of serial killers to improved policing. The episode offers insights into how safety and security shape cultural creativity.