People I (Mostly) Admire

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a data scientist and author of "Everybody Lies," explores how data can transform personal lives. He delves into how self-image can improve through data analysis, illustrating the surprising impact of appearance on success and entrepreneurship. The discussion also uncovers the link between abortion legalization and crime rates, and how data reveals complex happiness factors. Listeners learn how luck and preparation interplay in achieving success, making for a fascinating dive into the power of data in everyday life.

Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, a leading soil scientist and nominee for a key role in the Department of Energy's Office of Science, discusses the profound importance of soil for both climate health and agricultural sustainability. She emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness about soil degradation and its critical role in carbon storage. The conversation highlights the impacts of thawing permafrost on climate change, innovative carbon capture methods, and the challenges of balancing educational policies with student accountability, intertwined with personal stories of cultural identity.

Dan Gilbert, a Harvard psychologist and author of 'Stumbling on Happiness,' shares his incredible journey from high school dropout to esteemed professor. He discusses the end of history illusion, examining how our perceptions of identity change over time. Gilbert emphasizes the importance of saying no to non-essential commitments to prioritize happiness. He highlights the value of social connections over material wealth and recounts his unique lifestyle powered by a transformational experience aboard a school bus, advocating for diverse educational pathways.

Join linguist and social commentator John McWhorter as he challenges the notion that good intentions are enough to uplift Black America. He dives into the fascinating origins of Creole languages and examines the surprising evolution of the term 'motherf*cker.' McWhorter critiques the complexities of anti-racism movements, urging a focus on grassroots efforts. He also addresses educational disparities affecting Black children, advocating for phonics-based literacy programs. It's an eye-opening discussion on language, identity, and societal progress.

Beatrice Fihn, the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization ICAN, advocates passionately for global nuclear disarmament. She discusses the urgent need to place disarmament at the forefront as geopolitical tensions escalate. Fihn critiques traditional deterrence theories and the hypocrisy of nuclear non-proliferation amid current conflicts. She also highlights the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare and the pressing need for public advocacy to shape international policies, urging a collective fight for a world free of these weapons.

Joshua Angrist, a Nobel Prize-winning economist from MIT, dives into the fascinating world of natural experiments. He discusses how the draft lottery and military conscription during the Vietnam era provide unique insights into economic outcomes. Angrist also shares his research on educational policies in Israel, revealing unexpected findings about class size and student achievement. Listeners will be intrigued by creative strategies for buying homes in competitive markets and how psychological factors play a key role in negotiations.

B.J. Miller, a palliative care physician and advocate for humane end-of-life approaches, tackles the often-taboo subject of death. He urges listeners to rethink dying as a natural part of life and suggests integrating conversations about death into education. The discussion critiques conventional medical practices and promotes compassion in end-of-life care. Miller also shares personal stories that highlight the beauty in dying and the importance of meaningful conversations to foster comfort and acceptance.

Join best-selling author and naturalist Sy Montgomery as she shares her enchanting experiences with animals. Discover how a jolly pig named Christopher taught her about social connections and the emotional depth of creatures like octopuses, which she believes have souls. Montgomery challenges human superiority, highlighting bonds across species and the ethical dilemmas of animal welfare. Her heartfelt anecdotes and transformative insights remind us of the wisdom animals impart, revealing profound lessons about love, patience, and compassion.

In this discussion, Jennifer Doudna, a Nobel laureate and trailblazer in gene editing, shares her insights on the revolutionary potential of CRISPR technology. She voices concerns about humanity's readiness to handle such transformative advances responsibly. The conversation touches on the real-world impacts of gene editing in medicine and agriculture. Doudna highlights the ethical dilemmas and public perceptions associated with these innovations, suggesting a future where society learns to navigate these powerful tools safely.

David Helfand, a Columbia astrophysicist, shares his unique perspective on academia, notably his choice to turn down tenure for a more unconventional path. He discusses the challenges posed by traditional tenure systems and champions performance-based contracts for greater innovation. Helfand delves into engaging science education, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in students. He also highlights an alternative school in Canada that redefines education, advocating for a fresh approach that values exploration and personal growth over conventional success.