

Smart People Podcast
Smart People Industries
Smart People Podcast is a biweekly, interview-based podcast that features today's most well respected thought leaders engaging in authentic, insightful conversation for the benefit of the listener. The host, Chris Stemp, and his co-host/producer Jon Rojas, utilize their insatiable curiosity and relatable charm to provoke their guests into giving the interview of a lifetime. Every single guest has achieved a high level of recognition within their arena and in doing so has collected a wealth of experiences and insights that are brought to life in this top ranked podcast. Show topics include: psychology, leadership, education, technology, entrepreneurship, relationships, and much more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 6, 2025 • 15min
Reflections - The Truth About The Nature of Sex and Gender
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

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Truth About Sex and Gender: What Nature Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are with Dr. Nathan Lents
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

Feb 11, 2025 • 53min
Why AI Could Be the Key to Better, Faster, and Cheaper Healthcare with Dean of Stanford Medicine, Dr. Lloyd Minor
🚨 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

Feb 5, 2025 • 14min
Reflections - Three Tips for Inspiring Others (Adam Galinsky episode)
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

Jan 28, 2025 • 50min
How Understanding Social Hierarchies Can Help You Inspire Others and Get What You Want with Adam Galinksy
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

Jan 22, 2025 • 15min
Reflections - How GLP-1s Changed My Thinking On Medicine (Dr. Alexandra Sowa episode)
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.

Jan 15, 2025 • 57min
Weight Loss and Willpower: The Science of Metabolic Health and GLP-1s with Dr. Alexandra Sowa
In this episode of Smart People Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Sowa, an expert in obesity and metabolic health, reveals the groundbreaking science behind GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and their impact on weight loss and overall health. Dr. Sowa explains how hormones like insulin, GLP-1, and leptin influence hunger, satiety, and fat storage—and how these signals can become disrupted, leading to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. She discusses why traditional weight loss advice like "calories in, calories out" often fails, especially in the modern world of ultra-processed foods.You’ll also learn how GLP-1s interact with the brain to reduce food cravings and regulate appetite, offering new hope for those struggling with weight loss. From resetting hunger levels to addressing neurohormonal imbalances, Dr. Sowa provides actionable insights for anyone interested in improving their metabolic health. Whether you’re curious about these medications or want to better understand the science of metabolism, this episode is packed with eye-opening information.Dr. Sowa's book, The Ozempic Revolution: A Doctor's Proven Plan for Success to Help You Reverse Obesity, End Yo-Yo Dieting, and Protect Yourself from Disease, is available wherever books are sold.You can learn more about Dr. Sowa at alexandrasowamd.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

Dec 24, 2024 • 13min
Reflections - How Learning About Mysticism Has Changed the Way I Live (Simon Critchley Episode)
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

11 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 57min
What Mysticism Can Teach Us About Living Well, with Philosopher Simon Critchley
In this enlightening discussion, Simon Critchley, a distinguished philosopher and author of "Mysticism," explores how mysticism transcends religious boundaries and can enhance our lives. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the unknown and living intensely. The conversation dives into the power of music to evoke mystical experiences, the role of awe in deepening our connection with nature, and the balance between introspection and emotional intelligence. Critchley illustrates how transformative mystical moments can lead to profound joy and understanding.

Dec 11, 2024 • 14min
Reflections - My 4 Biggest Lessons from Richard Cytowic
Introducing 'Reflections,' a new twist on our classic podcast format. In this special episode, 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