Smart People Podcast

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

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

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.

Are you tired of quick fixes and short-term thinking? Do you want to make a lasting impact but feel stuck in outdated systems? In this episode we interview one of the all-time greats, Seth Godin, about his new book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans. Tune in to learn how to drive positive change, whether you’re revolutionizing an industry, sparking a movement, or building a career.Seth's book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans, is available wherever books are sold.You can learn more about Seth at seths.blog.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/sppShopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does the wealthiest country on earth run out of protective gear in the middle of a public health catastrophe? How do its parents find themselves unable to locate crucially needed infant formula? How do its largest companies spend billions of dollars making cars that no one can drive for a lack of chips?The last few years have radically highlighted the intricacy and fragility of the global supply chain. In this episode we speak with award-winning journalist Peter S. Goodman about the inner workings of our supply chain and the factors that have led to its constant, dangerous vulnerability.Peter's book, How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain, is available wherever books are sold.You can learn more about Peter at petersgoodman.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/sppShopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Mary Anderson, an author and expert in overcoming perfectionism, provides transformative insights to help high achievers break free from the constraints of perfectionism. She discusses practical strategies like the 8 Essentials that encourage embracing mistakes and instilling gratitude for success. Dr. Anderson explores the emotional ties of perfectionism, emphasizing cognitive behavioral therapy as a key tool for managing anxiety. Discover how focusing on balance, healthy self-care, and a positive mindset can unlock your true potential and happiness!

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

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

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

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