Modern Wisdom

Destiny, a prominent streamer and YouTuber known for his insights on men's issues and online culture, dives into the complexities of modern masculinity. He critiques the manosphere and discusses how mainstream media's neglect has pushed men's advice underground. The conversation touches on the impact of cancel culture, the rise of the Red Pill movement, and whether genuine male-female partnerships are possible. Destiny also explores the loneliness crisis among men and the contradictions within masculinity discourse, all while advocating for balanced conversations.

Sam Tatam, Head of Behavioural Science at Ogilvy Growth & Innovation and author of "Evolutionary Ideas," discusses how lessons from evolution can solve modern problems. He explains how owl wings inspired bullet train designs and hare ears influenced wind turbines. The conversation includes insights into the complexities of airline ticket pricing and why sparkling water has become a status symbol among the wealthy. Tatam also highlights innovative marketing strategies and the role of memory in enhancing consumer experiences.

Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA intelligence officer, shares thrilling insights from the clandestine world of espionage. He reveals why nuclear missile silos have alarms going off every hour and what lurks within the President's nuclear football. Bustamante discusses the CIA's intricate cover stories, the psychological challenges of undercover work, and the traits sought in agents. He also explores the moral complexities surrounding figures like Edward Snowden and how technology fuels societal discord. Expect fascinating anecdotes and a peek into the shadowy realm of intelligence.

Richard Reeves, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, dives into the pressing struggles of modern men. He discusses how men are lagging in education and labor markets, as well as their roles in family life. The conversation critiques the concept of toxic masculinity, explores gender role dynamics, and highlights developmental differences in boys and girls. Reeves also suggests the need for meaningful male representation in education and redefines fatherhood in today’s context, advocating for a collaborative approach to gender challenges.

Dr. Becky Smethurst, an astrophysicist and Junior Research Fellow at Oxford, dives into the captivating realm of black holes. She debunks common myths, revealing that these dense objects aren’t actually holes and why we should rethink their terminology. Listeners will learn about TON618, the universe's largest black hole, and the fascinating implications of black hole collisions. The podcast also explores the exciting future of astronomical observation with new telescopes that will unveil more cosmic secrets.

James Smith, an author and online trainer focused on personal development, dives into the nature of confidence and its connection to competence. He discusses the idea of faking confidence, the anxiety-confidence relationship, and whether women are inherently more confident than men. The conversation also tackles how to deal with failures, the importance of embracing discomfort for growth, and the significance of competence in building genuine confidence. Along the way, James champions the value of vulnerability and mentorship in personal development.

Dr. Stuart Ritchie, a psychologist and science communicator, unpacks the contentious world of behavioral genetics. He delves into why this field garners public disdain, especially regarding its implications for intelligence and personality. Ritchie also discusses the complexities of genetic and environmental interactions in education, critiques the replication crisis in psychology, and examines the expectation effect on mental health treatments. Expect a thought-provoking conversation about science, skepticism, and the nuanced interplay of genetics and society.

Matthew Cobb, a zoologist and author from the University of Manchester, dives deep into the world of genetic engineering. He discusses the capabilities and ethical dilemmas of CRISPR technology, questioning its potential to enhance human traits like IQ and athleticism. Cobb highlights past close calls with bioweapon leaks and emphasizes the critical need for regulation in genetic editing. The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of IVF and the implications of human gene editing, particularly reflecting on controversial instances like the gene-edited children in China.

Catherine Salmon, an evolutionary psychology researcher and professor, dives into the complexities of female attraction. She discusses why women are drawn to erotic stories and questions if modern portrayals of femininity in media match real desires. From exploring societal attitudes towards sexual imagery to the intriguing appeal of certain male traits, she challenges conventional wisdom on attraction. The conversation also touches on the surprising connections between women's fantasies, cultural narratives, and even true crime.

Russ Roberts, economist and Stanford research fellow, shares his insights on navigating life's big decisions. He discusses the limitations of economic models in matters like marriage and parenthood, emphasizing the interplay of rationality and emotion. Learn about Darwin's quirky checklist for marriage, the anxiety of procrastination, and the balance between pleasure and meaning in decision-making. Roberts also explores the uniqueness of transformative experiences and the role of self-awareness amid uncertainty, providing a refreshingly human perspective on life's choices.