
Smart People Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

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

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 4min
Stone Age Brain, Screen Age Problem - The Truth About Technology and Your Brain with Richard Cytowic
Join award-winning neurologist Richard Cytowic as he reveals the surprising reasons behind our screen addictions. Our brains, unchanged since the Stone Age, are woefully unprepared for the temptations of modern technology. Cytowic explains how ancient instincts like desire, reward and competition are hijacked by Big Tech, leading to unhealthy attachments.Discover the hidden mechanisms driving your screen behavior and, more importantly, learn practical strategies to regain control. Take the first step towards breaking the cycle of addiction and reclaim your life in the Screen Age.Richard's book, Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload, is available wherever books are sold.You can learn more about Richard at cytowic.net.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 19, 2024 • 52min
Life in the Corporate Blender: Why Change is Making Work Worse with Ashley Goodall
For decades, “disruption” and “change” have been seen as essential to business growth and success. Whether it’s a merger or re-org or a new office layout, change has become the ultimate easy button for leaders, who pursue it with abandon, unleashing a torrent of disruption on employees. The result is what our guest calls “life in the blender”—a perpetual cycle of upheaval, uncertainty, and unease.Join us this week as we discuss the current state of change in corporate America, why change is not the same as improvement, and what we can do about it.Ashley's book, The Problem with Change: And the Essential Nature of Human Performance, is available wherever books are sold.You can learn more about Ashley at ashleygoodall.com.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 2min
Eliminate Work Fatigue and Optimize Your Productivity with Neuroscientist, Dr. Mithu Storoni
Dr. Mithu Storoni, a renowned neuroscientist and author of "Hyperefficient", discusses how to reshape workplace efficiency by aligning work with our brain's natural rhythms. She challenges the notion that busyness equals productivity and emphasizes the importance of creativity in knowledge work. Storoni shares strategies for transitioning between creative and focused tasks, the role of natural light in enhancing performance, and the necessity of incorporating breaks to reduce fatigue. Her insights advocate for a cultural shift in how we approach work.