Smart People Podcast

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—the workouts, the healthy food, the meditation app, the supplements—but your body still isn’t responding the way it should… this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: You can’t heal until your body feels safe. Not calm. Not relaxed. Safe. And that’s not just a mindset—it’s a biological state. Today’s guest, Dr. David Rabin, is a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and co-founder of Apollo Neuro. He’s spent decades researching how chronic stress, trauma, and even subconscious fear can hijack your nervous system and silently block your body’s ability to recover. What he’s uncovered is game-changing: the body doesn’t heal because we tell it to—it heals when it knows it can. In this conversation, we break down exactly how that works—starting with the vagus nerve, the body’s command center for switching between stress and recovery. Dr. Rabin explains why your nervous system might still be operating in fight-or-flight mode, even if your life feels perfectly fine. You’ll learn how stress re-routes resources away from the parts of your body responsible for sleep, digestion, immunity, and long-term healing—and why most of us have no idea it’s happening. We also explore how trauma can be stored in the body for years, why it doesn’t always show up in your memories, and how new tools—from psychedelics to vibration-based therapies—are helping people access deep healing without spending a decade in talk therapy. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a whole new framework for understanding stress—not just as a feeling, but as a physiological state you can learn to shift. And more importantly, you’ll leave with actionable ways to start teaching your body what safety actually feels like. So if you’ve ever wondered why you still feel stuck—even when life looks good on paper—don’t miss this one. Let’s get into it. Learn more about Dr. Rabin at drdave.io. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve been taught to fear stress, avoid it, and manage it like a toxin. But what if that belief is actually making us weaker? Dr. Sharon Bergquist has spent decades studying the relationship between stress, cellular health, and chronic disease—and what she’s discovered turns the conventional wisdom upside down. We dig into what that means at the biological level: how stress impacts our cells, how it influences everything from aging to energy to immune function, and what we can do—starting today—to tap into this incredible internal capability. You’ll learn why some of the most powerful health interventions aren’t expensive treatments or medications, but simple, often uncomfortable, actions that challenge your body and mind in the right way. So—what if the answer to health isn’t less stress, but better stress? Dr. Bergquist's book, The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier―An Essential Stress Management Companion with a Mind-Body-Soul Approach, is available now. Learn more about Dr. Bergquist at drsharonbergquist.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the federal government walked away from public education? That’s not a hypothetical—it’s part of a real plan gaining traction right now. In this episode, we break down what it actually means to defund and dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, and why it could upend the future for millions of students. Former Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. joins us to cut through the noise and explain, in human terms, what’s at risk—from student aid to civil rights protections to the very idea of equal opportunity. We also talk about King’s new book, Teacher by Teacher, and the everyday educators who shape lives in ways most people never see. You’ll hear stories that might remind you of your favorite teacher—and see just how fragile the systems are that allow those stories to happen. If you think this issue doesn’t affect you, think again. Because the decisions being made right now might change everything. Learn more about Dr. King at johnbkingjr.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the relentless chase for big goals is actually what’s making you feel unfulfilled? In this episode, hospice physician and author Jordan Grumet shares what he’s learned from those at the end of life—and why our culture’s definition of purpose may be all wrong. Instead of striving for impact, Jordan invites us to focus on the simple, joyful actions that light us up right now. You’ll learn why most of us don’t have a purpose problem—we have a meaning problem—and how to gently shift your life toward something more authentic. This is a conversation that could help you stop chasing and start living. Jordan's book, The Purpose Code: How to unlock meaning, maximize happiness, and leave a lasting legacy, is available now! Learn more about Jordan at jordangrumet.com. Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Support the Show - Become a Patron! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This isn’t another hype-filled tech episode or a doomsday warning about robots taking over. It’s a grounded, human conversation about what we lose when we hand over too much to AI—and how to hold onto what matters most. In this episode, author and technologist Faisal Hoque blends decades of innovation experience with Eastern philosophy to explore something few are talking about: how convenience-driven tech use may be eroding our freedom, critical thinking, and even relationships. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what AI can’t replace—like personal struggle, creativity, ethics, and meaning—and why those things are essential to being fully human. If you’ve ever felt uneasy about how much thinking you're outsourcing to machines, or wondered what the real cost of "efficiency" might be, this episode will resonate. It’s not about fearing the future—it’s about choosing who you want to be in it.Faisal's book, Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI, is available now!Find out more about Faisal at faisalhoque.com.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harvard professor and author Rebecca Lemov dives deep into the unsettling world of brainwashing and mind control. She discusses the pervasive influence of social media on our perceptions and highlights the concept of 'ungrounding' as a precursor to behavior change. Sharing riveting historical examples from POW experiences, Lemov unpacks how subtle manipulations affect identity. Her deeply personal insights challenge us to recognize our vulnerabilities in a society steeped in psychological influence, prompting a reevaluation of reality.

We're sharing a new show we think you'll enjoy!If you ever wonder, “Where is all our money going?”—you’re not alone. In episode 192 of Money For Couples titled, “We spend 98% of what we make—Where is it all going?”, you’ll hear real stories and practical strategies to help you align on finances, stop money fights, and build a shared financial vision. We’re going to play a portion of that episode for you now. If you want to hear more actionable strategies to build your rich life today, search “Money For Couples” wherever you listen to this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder why a routine checkup can leave you more anxious than assured? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Erika Schwartz—author of Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You—who’s on a mission to dismantle the fear culture in modern medicine. If you’re tired of endless tests and pill-pushing, get ready for real talk about where to draw the line.Think you need a dozen tests to explain why you’re tired? Dr. Erika says it’s time to get back to basics—understanding your body and trusting your instincts. We explore hormones, off-label prescriptions, and what really stands in the way of personalized care. If you’re ready to break free from worst-case scenarios and finally find a healthcare partner who listens, don’t miss this episode. Your wellness is about to get a major upgrade.Find out more about Dr. Schwartz at drerika.com.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing 'Reflections,' a new twist on our classic podcast format. In this special new series, I'm flipping the script - instead of interviewing an expert, I'm sharing my personal takeaways, insights, and action items from our previous conversation. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how our expert's wisdom is impacting my life, and discover how you can apply these lessons to your own journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sex and gender are at the center of heated debates—but what if much of what we believe isn’t rooted in biological truth? In this episode, Dr. Nathan Lents, author of The Sexual Evolution, reveals what nature and evolution really tell us about sex, gender, and human relationships. You’ll discover why diversity in biology—whether in sex, gender, or mating strategies—isn’t just common but essential for survival. We explore surprising examples from the animal kingdom, including same-sex partnerships, sex-changing species, and why monogamy is far less “natural” than we think.Dr. Lents challenges the idea of strict binaries and explains how understanding nature’s complexity can reshape how we view ourselves and others. If you’re ready to replace myths with science and gain fresh insights into what makes us human, this episode is a must-listen.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices