
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

Sep 11, 2024 • 55min
How to Use Economics to Maximize Your Wellbeing and Make Tough Decisions with Dr. Andrew Leigh
In this episode you will discover how the heart of economics is ultimately about wellbeing, not just income, and how understanding these connections can help us make better decisions for a more prosperous future.Andrew's book, How Economics Explains the World: A Short History of Humanity, is available wherever books are sold!You can learn more about Andrew at andrewleigh.org.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sppLinkedIn Sales Navigator - Try LinkedIn Sales Navigator and get a sixty-day free trial at linkedin.com/smartpeople. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 2min
Stress Wisely: How to Be Well in an Unwell World with Psychology Scholar Dr. Robyne
This week, we're talking stress - but not just managing it, mastering it. Join us as we explore the latest research and strategies for transforming stress into a powerful ally for achieving your goals and living a happier, healthier life. Our guest, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, shares her expertise on how to wield stress wisely and cultivate resilience in the face of chaos. Tune in for a refreshing perspective on stress and discover how to turn your biggest enemy into your greatest asset. Get ready to rethink stress and unlock a more purpose-filled life!Elle's book, Stress Wisely: How to Be Well in an Unwell World, is available wherever books are sold!You can learn more about Dr. Robyn at drrobyne.ca.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sppLinkedIn Sales Navigator - Try LinkedIn Sales Navigator andget a sixty-day free trial at linkedin.com/smartpeople. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 14, 2024 • 58min
The Rise of White Nationalism: Exploring the Online Roots of a Growing Threat with Elle Reeve
In this episode, we delve into the online origins of white nationalism, a movement that has led to devastating consequences, including the deadly Charlottesville rally and the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol. We examine how social media platforms and online forums have enabled the spread of white nationalist ideologies, often under the guise of free speech. By understanding the online roots of this movement, we can better address the dangers it poses to democracy and social cohesion.Elle's book, Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics, is available now!You can follow Elle on Twitter at x.com/elspethreeve.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 30, 2024 • 53min
The #1 Thing Holding You Back from Your Dream Job with Dr. Tessa West
Dr. Tessa West joins us to reveal the surprising reasons behind career dissatisfaction. Drawing from her new book, "Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You", Dr. West shares the 5 common psychological sources of frustration that keep us from our ideal careers. From identity crises to feeling under-appreciated, Dr. West offers a working week audit to help you identify your unique stressors and find a path forward. With insights from over 1,500 professional recruiters, Dr. West provides actionable advice to land your best role yet. Tune in to discover the #1 thing holding you back and start your journey to a fulfilling career.Tessa's book, Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You, is available now!Learn more about Tessa at tessawestauthor.com.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 16, 2024 • 56min
How to Intentionally Design Your Future with Frederik Pferdt
Frederik Pferdt, Google's first Chief Innovation Evangelist and author, shares his insights on intentionally shaping our futures. He emphasizes the need to embrace change and manage uncertainty through 'radical optimism.' Frederik introduces six principles for cultivating a future-ready mindset, focusing on turning challenges into opportunities. He encourages listeners to discover their unique 'dimension X'—personal strengths that can redefine success and empower intentional choices. Get ready to navigate the unknown with purpose!

Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 4min
How to Rewrite Your Life Story and Overcome a Lifetime of Conformity with Christina Rasmussen
Acclaimed grief educator, Christina Rasmussen, sheds light on how societal expectations and conformity can lead to a lifetime of accumulated, unacknowledged heartbreak.Learn how to recognize and validate these "invisible losses", and understand the Life Reentry® Model to help you break free from the constraints of conformity and rewrite your life story. This will finally free you from your "waiting room" - the purgatory preventing you from your true identity.Join us as we explore the unspoken losses that silently shape our lives and learn how to rewrite your story, shattering the mold of conformity and unlocking your true potential.Christina's book, Invisible Loss: Recognizing and Healing the Unacknowledged Heartbreak of Everyday Grief, is available now!Learn more about Christina at christinarasmussen.com.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 25, 2024 • 35min
Special Episode - The Optimistic Outlook - Gen Z and the power of multigenerational teams
Please enjoy this episode of The Optimistic Outlook hosted by Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens US!The original episode can be found here: https://theoptimisticoutlook.podbean.com/e/gen-z-and-the-power-of-multigenerational-teams/.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 18, 2024 • 1h
Does UV Light Actually Sterilize? The Truth About Using UV Light to Sanitize and a New Technology That Could Change Everything with Founder, John Rajchert
We have all seen the new gadgets that use UV light to “sterilize”. Everything from UV light phone cleaners to toothbrush holders, air purifiers, and water cleaners. But does it actually work? Can a simple light keep us healthier and safer?We dive into the science to separate fact from fiction and explore the surprising answers. But that's not all - we also reveal a game-changing new technology that's about to disrupt everything we thought we knew about UV light sanitation. Tune in to find out if this innovative solution is the key to a germ-free future!Learn more about John at litthinking.com/about.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 4, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Alarming Truth About Brain Surveillance and the War for Your Thoughts with Nita Farahany
Imagine a world where your brain can be interrogated to learn your political beliefs, your thoughts can be used as evidence of a crime, and your own feelings can be held against you. A world where people who suffer from epilepsy receive alerts moments before a seizure, and the average person can peer into their own mind to eliminate painful memories or cure addictions.Neuroscience has already made all of this possible today, and neurotechnology will soon become the “universal controller” for all of our interactions with technology. This can benefit humanity immensely, but without safeguards, it can seriously threaten our fundamental human rights to privacy, freedom of thought, and self-determination. Learn what is coming, what is already here, and what you can do about it.Nita Farahany is a leading scholar on the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies. She is the Robinson O. Everett Distinguished Professor of Law & Philosophy at Duke Law School, the Founding Director of Duke Science & Society and principal investigator of SLAP Lab and the Cognitive Futures Lab. Nita's book, The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology, is available now!Learn more about Nita at nitafarahany.com.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/SMARTBabbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 21, 2024 • 58min
America in Crisis: A Bold New Solution to Our Broken Democracy with Constitutional Law Scholar, Max Stearns
In this episode, Max Stearns explores the core problems behind America's political mess, showing how social media and our strict two-party system deepen divisions and block real progress. Stearns explains how our current voting system forces people to pick between two bad options, which only increases conflict and stops things from getting done. He presents a bold new idea to solve these issues, highlighting the urgent need for a big but possible change.This episode is a must-listen for anyone fed up with how things are and looking for a fresh way to make our democracy work better. Tune in to discover how we can move past bitter partisanship and create a political system that truly reflects the varied interests of all Americans.Max's book, Parliamentary America: The Least Radical Means of Radically Repairing Our Broken Democracy, is available now!Learn more about Max at blindspotblog.us/about-max-stearns.Support the Show - Become a Patron!Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcastSponsors:Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/SMARTBabbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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