Smart People Podcast

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

🚨 AI is changing healthcare—are we ready? 🚨In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lloyd Minor, Dean of the Stanford School of Medicine, to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing medicine—from diagnosing diseases faster to improving patient care and even reshaping drug development. But with all the promise, there are major challenges: Can we trust AI with life-or-death decisions? Will it help fix our broken healthcare system or make things worse? Dr. Minor breaks down the good, the bad, and the future of AI in medicine, plus what you need to know about how it’s already being used today. This is the conversation that could shape the future of your health—don’t miss it! 🎧👇#AI #HealthcareInnovation #Medicine #SmartPeoplePodcastSupport 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

In this episode, Adam Galinsky, acclaimed professor and TED speaker, dives into the fascinating world of social hierarchy, influence, and inspiration. From his role as an expert witness in high-profile cases like Dominion vs. Fox News to his groundbreaking research on human dynamics, Adam shares how understanding social structures can empower us to inspire and connect with others. We explore the leader amplification effect, the surprising power of small actions, and the keys to fostering better relationships through empathy and acknowledgment.Adam also reveals how simple yet meaningful practices can help us navigate challenges and stay aligned with our values. Whether you're looking to improve your interactions, deepen your influence, or just better understand the psychology behind human connection, this conversation offers insights you won’t want to miss.Adam's book, Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others, is available wherever books are sold.You can learn more about Adam at adamgalinsky.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

Dive into the fascinating world of metabolic health and the transformative role of GLP-1 medications. Discover how neurohormonal dysregulation affects weight gain and why understanding hormonal balance is crucial. Explore the complexities of health choices as listeners navigate the trade-offs of GLP-1 treatments, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions. This heartfelt reflection offers insights on applying expert knowledge to everyday life for better health outcomes.