All Time High

Architect, philosophy teacher, and artist Christiane Senra discusses beauty, time, and scarcity. Aesthetics go beyond beauty to encompass time and consciousness. She explores how art can free us from the conflict of wills and connect us to eternity. Reflecting on the illusion of scarcity and the need for love and contemplation in a technicist world.

Mark Hsieh, a scientist with broad interests and owner of Synmax, discusses global progress, the challenge of reducing carbon emissions, and Taiwan's journey from low-tech to electronics powerhouse. The podcast navigates complex world dynamics, paradigm shifts, and Taiwan's innovative strategies in semiconductor industry. Hsieh touches on democracy, technology, geopolitics, and shares insights on 'Sapiens' book, Bitcoin beliefs, and potential future topics.

Venkat Shridhar, a Wharton graduate and CEO of Akshaya Patra, oversees the world’s largest mid-day meal program, feeding 1.8 million children daily. He discusses the urgent need to address hunger and inequality at scale and the role of greed in deepening these issues. Venkat emphasizes the importance of motivated teams, connecting staff with beneficiaries for inspiration, and the necessity of purposeful capitalism. He argues for coordinated philanthropy and sustainable practices to foster long-term change, merging compassion with business.

Environmental scientist Robert Swap discusses the importance of human connection over technology, prioritizing people before products for resilience. He advocates for asking the right questions, fostering transformational relationships, and embracing minimalism. Swap emphasizes the value of surrendering control, embracing uncertainty, and going with the flow for personal growth and positive change.

Luiz Mello, an educational leader and science teacher at international schools, shares insights on the evolving landscape of education. He emphasizes the need for relationships and empathy, arguing that focusing on people rather than tasks can foster better learning environments. Luiz reflects on his experiences in places like Egypt post-Arab Spring, discussing the balance between managing technology and nurturing genuine connections. He also highlights the role of social media in education, promoting collaboration and critical thinking amidst the challenges of information overload.

Dr. Luz Claudio, a physician and environmental health professor at Mount Sinai, discusses her journey from rural Puerto Rico to New York. She emphasizes the importance of optimism amid global challenges and the need for individual responsibility over group behavior. Luz explores the clash between our instincts and rational thinking, highlighting how tribalism hinders progress. She advocates for using behavioral nudges to foster good choices and shares her mission to uplift young minority scientists, showcasing how personal identity can transform into a powerful advantage.

In this engaging discussion, veteran journalist James O'Shea shares insights from his extensive career as a former editor at the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times. He delves into the complexities of today's fast-paced journalism and the growing bias in media. O'Shea argues that current reporting prioritizes speed over accuracy, risking quality and trust. He also tackles the notion that negative news predominates because it resonates more with audiences, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to storytelling in an evolving media landscape.

Guest Fabio Scarano, ecologist and former director at Conservation International, discusses climate modeling, IPCC reports, species extinction, and the importance of imagining a desirable future. He emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions, agrarian reforms in Brazil, and the role of technology in shaping a positive future.

New York artist Amy Digi discusses how art transcends language, the therapeutic benefits of painting, and the importance of consistency. She emphasizes the importance of physical activity for children's emotional well-being and the satisfaction that comes from creating art. Amy also touches on embracing failure, self-confidence, and the joy of painting.

Thiago Alvares, a fintech entrepreneur and founder of Guia Bolso, has been pivotal in advancing open banking in Brazil. He discusses how centralization in cities like São Paulo hinders regional growth and highlights the interplay between information access and misinformation. Thiago emphasizes the need for innovative regulation to promote competition and advocates for algorithm marketplaces to combat tech addiction. He also views money as a mechanism of trust and voting power, underscoring the importance of unbiased financial tools to tackle inequality.