Growth Minds with Sean Kim

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, author, and science communicator known for making complex cosmic concepts accessible to the public. He serves as the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Through his books, television appearances, and the podcast StarTalk, Dr. Tyson inspires curiosity about the universe and promotes scientific literacy worldwide. His engaging storytelling and wit have made him one of the most recognizable voices in modern science.In our conversation we discuss:(01:08) Mysteries that keep Neil deGrasse Tyson up at night(03:47) How scientists learn to ask the right questions(07:14) Philosophy’s role and value in modern science(10:43) Why philosophers stopped influencing physical sciences(12:54) Misinterpretations of Neil’s comments on philosophy(17:03) Becoming famous and public accountability(21:07) How scientists stay connected and exchange ideas(24:51) Choosing between teaching, science, and public outreach(28:14) Current research interests and unsolved astrophysics questions(30:43) Impact of private space travel on science(35:16) Relationship between science, politics, and the military(36:30) Why Elon Musk won’t reach Mars first(37:49) Future of space tourism and affordability(41:00) Expanding human presence across the solar system(47:35) Genetic engineering, ethics, and human evolution(49:27) Global cooperation and genetic regulation challenges(52:29) Human–AI integration and Neuralink skepticism(55:01) Future of robots and human labor(58:07) Early AI history and the Turing test(1:02:21) Skills young people need in the AI era(1:04:09) Teaching curiosity and lifelong learning(1:07:04) How Neil developed communication and teaching skills(1:09:37) Creating meaning and purpose in life(1:11:01) How Neil wants to be remembered(1:12:53) StarTalk, books, and inspiring public curiosityLearn more about Dr. Neil:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_deGrasse_TysonWatch full episodes on: https://www.youtube.com/@seankimConnect on IG: https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris is a neuroscientist and professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, where he leads the Psychedelics Division. He is internationally recognized for pioneering research on psychedelics, brain function, and mental health. His studies have revealed how substances like psilocybin and LSD can “reset” brain networks and offer therapeutic potential for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Dr. Carhart-Harris is a leading voice in the renaissance of psychedelic science, making groundbreaking neuroscience accessible to both scientific and public audiences.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) Misunderstandings people have about psychedelics(02:27) Differentiating psychedelics from drugs like ketamine, MDMA(08:39) Why people group all drugs together(14:57) History of ancestral use of psychedelics(21:46) Visions or insights during dark retreat(23:17) Biohacks for psychedelic experiences without compounds(29:10) Natural vs synthetic psychedelics and effects(32:28) Albert Hoffman’s discovery of LSD(37:45) Findings from legal LSD human studies(45:55) Comparing SSRIs and psychedelics for depression(46:27) Clarification on psilocybin as treatment(48:49) Qualitative vs quantitative measures in trials(51:34) No difference between SSRIs and psychedelics?(54:21) Hesitations about psychedelics despite effectiveness(54:56) Why clinicians hesitate to provide both options(58:04) Downsides of SSRIs versus psychedelics(1:03:46) Dependency risk of SSRIs vs psychedelics(1:07:49) Personality traits suited for SSRIs vs psychedelics(1:12:54) Microdosing versus single high psychedelic doses(1:14:48) Placebo or real effects of microdosing(1:18:57) Brian Johnson’s blueprint and psychedelics(1:20:32) Psychedelics and potential longevity benefits(1:26:01) Key takeaway and misconception to forget(1:29:04) Where to follow for book updatesLearn more about Dr. Robin:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Carhart-Harrishttps://profiles.ucsf.edu/robin.carhart-harris@CarhartharrislabWatch full episodes on: https://www.youtube.com/@seankimConnect on IG: https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Roman Yampolskiy is a computer scientist, AI researcher, and professor at the University of Louisville, where he directs the Cyber Security Lab. He is widely recognized for his work on artificial intelligence safety, security, and the study of superintelligent systems. Dr. Yampolskiy has authored numerous books and publications, including Artificial Superintelligence: A Futuristic Approach, exploring the risks and safeguards needed as AI capabilities advance. His research and commentary have made him a leading voice in the global conversation on the future of AI and humanity.In our conversation we discuss:(00:01) Background and path into AI safety(02:27) Early AI state and containment techniques(03:43) When did AI’s Pandora’s box open(04:38) How close is AGI and definition(07:20) Why AGI definition keeps moving goalposts(09:25) ASI vs AGI: future five–ten years(11:12) Measuring ASI: tests and quantification methods(12:03) Existential threats and broad AI risks(17:35) Transhumanism: human-AI merging and coexistence(18:35) Chances and timeline for peaceful coexistence(21:16) Layers of risk beyond human extinction(23:55) Can humans retain meaning post-AGI era(27:41) Jobs AI likely cannot or won’t replace(29:42) Skills humans are losing to AI reliance(31:00) Cultivating critical thinking amid AI influence(33:34) Can nations or corporations meaningfully slow AI(37:29) Decentralized development: open-source control feasibility(40:46) Any current models with real safety measures?(41:12) Has meaning of life changed with AI?(42:36) Thoughts on simulation hypothesis and implications(43:58) If AI found simulation: modify or escape?(44:54) Key takeaway for public about AI safety(45:26) Is this your core mission in AI safety(46:14) Where to follow and learn more about youLearn more about Dr. RomanWebsite: https://www.romanyampolskiy.com/⁠⁠Socials: @RomanYampolskiy⁠⁠Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Emily Balcetis is a social psychologist and associate professor at New York University whose research explores perception, motivation, and decision-making. She is the author of Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful People See the World, where she reveals how visual strategies can shape goal achievement and behavior. Dr. Balcetis’s work has been featured in major outlets like The New York Times, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review, and she is a sought-after speaker known for translating cutting-edge psychology into practical tools for success.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) — Importance of state of mind when setting goals(01:09) — Defining a new goal for oneself(02:23) — Trap of setting overly ambitious goals(05:31) — Finding the right balance in goal difficulty(05:31) — Weight loss as an example of balance in goals(07:57) — Role of willpower and caring in success(08:44) — Maintaining excitement for big goals with realistic timelines(12:22) — Motivated brain versus unmotivated brain(14:30) — Hill-climbing study and motivation through choice(20:15) — Applying motivational frameworks beyond health and performance(22:46) — Whether setting fewer goals is beneficial(26:38) — Research on the sweet spot for number of goals(31:37) — Testing personal limits for productivity and stress(36:34) — Relationship between beliefs and reality(41:51) — Eye-tracking studies in jury decisions and cybersecurity(47:25) — Common cognitive biases and ways to mitigate them(52:49) — Midpoint slump in motivation(58:09) — Dunning–Kruger effect and origins of overconfidence(60:24) — Role of self-compassion in motivationLearn more about Dr. EmilyWikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_BalcetisWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Prof. Laura Huang is a Distinguished Professor of Management and Organizational Dynamics at Northeastern University, and previously taught at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School. She has been recognized as one of the world’s top 40 business school professors and is a recipient of the 2020 Cozzarelli Prize for scientific originality. She is the author of the bestselling Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage. Her newest book, You Already Know: The Science of Mastering Your Intuition, was released on July 29, 2025. In it, she presents a groundbreaking, research-based guide to using intuition as a powerful tool for smarter decisions and lasting success.In our conversation we discuss:(01:01) – AI reliance and intuition(01:11) – Gut feeling vs intuition(03:08) – Human vs animal intuition(06:03) – Neuralink and future of instincts(09:14) – Simple vs complex problems(20:08) – Types of gut feelings(22:56) – Evolution vs learned instincts(26:45) – Loss aversion vs gains(34:04) – Cognitive biases and intuition(41:07) – Coin flip and loss aversion(48:54) – Ways to hone intuition(56:46) – Hard work and success myth(1:02:31) – Cultural differences in edge(1:05:07) – Guiding perception vs faking itLearn more about Prof. Laura HuangWebsite: https://www.proflaurahuang.com/New Book - https://www.amazon.com/You-Already-Know-Mastering-Intuition/dp/0593714768Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Daniel Jones is a psychologist and researcher best known for his expertise in dark personality traits such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. He has published widely on how these traits influence relationships, leadership, and society, making complex psychological concepts accessible to the public. Dr. Jones is also a sought-after speaker and educator, often featured in media and podcasts where he discusses the impact of personality on everyday life.In our conversation we discuss:(00:01) – Spotting psychopaths(02:13) – Survival context vs psychopathy(05:19) – Dark triad overview(10:12) – Prevalence of dark traits(14:52) – Machiavelli vs Machiavellianism(18:39) – Influence vs manipulation(26:36) – Origins: nature vs nurture(32:30) – Self-awareness of dark traits(37:39) – Dark traits in leadership(42:12) – Power tactics and society(48:36) – Trolley problem basics(52:48) – Careers suited to dark traits(1:00:28) – Self-awareness aiding manipulation(1:04:00) – Dark traits in dating(1:08:55) – Vetting romantic partners(1:13:14) – Attraction to high-empathy partners(1:17:38) – Cutting ties vs expecting changeLearn more about Dr. Daniel https://www.unr.edu/social-psychology/people/dan-jonesWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Rob Henderson is a psychologist, writer, and U.S. Air Force veteran who coined the term “luxury beliefs.” Raised in foster care, he went on to earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge and now writes for major outlets on class, culture, and human behavior. His memoir, Troubled, explores his personal journey and the impact of social class on identity and opportunity.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Luxury beliefs defined(03:10) – Modern examples of beliefs(09:11) – Changes across history(15:52) – Where luxury beliefs fit(17:04) – Skin in the game(18:59) – Consequences of status over truth(22:50) – Cancel culture and enforcement(24:44) – Decline of religion and identity(28:27) – Turning to politics for meaning(31:08) – Cultural differences in status signaling(37:08) – Pressure on young people(42:42) – Men attracting women today(46:09) – Exclusion in dating(50:40) – Polygamy as a luxury belief(52:53) – Purpose for young men(56:59) – Self-improvement before relationships(58:47) – Imposter syndrome experienceLearn more about Rob HendersonInstagram -  @robkhenderson  Newsletter - https://www.robkhenderson.com/Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Rick Hanson is a psychologist, senior fellow of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and bestselling author known for bridging neuroscience, mindfulness, and positive psychology. His work focuses on how the brain can be trained for greater resilience, happiness, and inner strength. Through books such as Hardwiring Happiness and Resilient, Dr. Hanson shares practical, science-based tools to cultivate well-being and reduce stress. He is also a popular speaker and teacher, offering workshops and online programs that integrate psychology, meditation, and neuroscience for personal growth.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Misunderstandings about relationships(04:00) – Love as a practice and skill(08:00) – Brain science and romance(12:00) – Following emotions versus awareness(16:00) – The value of mindfulness(20:00) – Acknowledging feelings and avoidance(24:00) – Negative rumination and brain circuits(28:00) – Exploring what lies beneath rumination(32:00) – Healing after heartbreak(36:00) – Building confidence and self-worth(40:00) – Imposter syndrome and motivation(44:00) – Letting go of inherited beliefs(48:00) – Practical steps for self-respect(52:00) – Choosing the right partner(56:00) – Signs of emotional availability(1:00:00) – Avoidant attachment and relationships(1:04:00) – Moving on from unavailable partners(1:08:00) – Closing thoughts and resourcesLearn more about Dr. Rick HansonBooks:Making Great RelationshipsResilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and HappinessWebsites:rickhanson.com — free resources, videos, and coursesglobalcompassioncoalition.org — initiative he promotes near the endWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Nathan Bryan is a biochemist and internationally recognized expert on nitric oxide research and its role in human health. His groundbreaking work has advanced the understanding of how nitric oxide influences cardiovascular function, metabolism, and overall wellness. Dr. Bryan has authored numerous scientific publications and books, translating complex biochemical science into practical strategies for improving health and performance. As a sought-after speaker and educator, he continues to lead innovation in nitric oxide–based therapies and nutritional interventions.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Definition and role of nitric oxide(01:13) – Lack of public awareness(03:35) – Consequences of low nitric oxide(06:08) – Link to chronic diseases(09:16) – Measuring nitric oxide levels(14:23) – Decline in younger adults(16:52) – Habits and foods that reduce levels(19:24) – History and effects of fluoride(22:58) – Global fluoride reduction examples(25:33) – Water filtration for fluoride removal(27:02) – Safety of alcohol-free mouthwash(30:48) – Alternatives to antiseptic hand products(33:16) – Toothpaste and deodorant use(35:41) – Ways to increase nitric oxide(37:19) – Sunlight exposure on different body areas(40:42) – Causes of sunburn susceptibility(42:46) – Nitrate-rich foods(45:57) – Organic produce and nitrate content(49:52) – Impact of feed quality on animal nutrition(55:52) – Breathing habits and nitric oxide(59:36) – Actionable steps for nitric oxide optimizationLearn more about Dr. Nathan:Website & products: https://n101.com/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Nitric-Oxide-Bringing-Science/dp/B0DV3VZ4QHYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrNathanSBryanNitricOxideInstagram: @DrNathanSBryanNitricOxideWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Bill Eddy, a licensed therapist and expert in high-conflict personalities, discusses the five toxic types that can disrupt your life. He reveals the traits of narcissists and adult bullies, highlighting how they differ from childhood bullies. Eddy shares practical strategies like the BIFF method for dealing with toxic individuals. He also addresses whether these high conflict traits can change and stresses the importance of building social alliances to mitigate conflict. Lastly, he provides tools for rebuilding confidence after toxic encounters.