People I (Mostly) Admire

Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox, brings her engineering expertise to the forefront as she discusses the promises of the autonomous vehicle industry. She shares insights on the revolutionary vision Zoox has for a driverless future and addresses the hurdles they face, including societal trust and technical challenges. Aicha also reflects on personal happiness, emphasizing the importance of embracing joy and risk-taking. With her unique background and innovative mindset, she inspires listeners to reimagine mobility and the future of transportation.

Sendhil Mullainathan, a MacArthur 'Genius Grant' recipient and author, explores the concepts from his book 'Scarcity.' He discusses how financial stress impacts cognitive functions and productivity, urging a redesign of social programs to alleviate cognitive overload. Sendhil also highlights the collaboration between humans and machines, emphasizing that technology complements rather than competes with human intelligence. He shares insights on enhancing creativity through appreciating others' ideas, and how this can lead to innovative thinking.

Sendhil Mullainathan, a renowned professor and MacArthur

Rahm Emanuel, former senior advisor to Presidents Clinton and Obama and author of 'The Nation City,' discusses the unique role mayors play in solving real-world issues. He highlights how local leaders stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing data literacy and practical decision-making. Emanuel shares his complex opinions on historical presidents and reflects on maintaining a public persona, revealing how personal experiences shape political identity. The conversation also touches on urban revitalization and the importance of equitable opportunities in cities.

David Epstein, a best-selling author known for his book "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World," discusses why early specialization may not be the golden ticket to success. He explores how frustration can actually enhance learning and debunks the 10,000-hour rule for expertise. The conversation shifts to the increasing global IQ scores and the evolving cognitive abilities of children today. Epstein critiques traditional math teaching methods, advocating for a generalist approach in skill development and promoting curiosity and adaptability in problem-solving.

Maya Shankar, a behavioral economist who shaped policy in the Obama administration and now influences Google, dives into the power of behavioral economics. She discusses how people respond to change and shares her personal journey, from a Juilliard violin prodigy to learning Mandarin after adopting two daughters. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of nudging, the importance of personal growth, and rediscovering joy through music. Maya's insights blend science and storytelling, offering a fresh lens on meaningful change.

Travis Tygart, CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, is known for unveiling Lance Armstrong's doping scandal. He discusses the ethical dilemmas athletes face in the competitive world of sports, emphasizing the importance of integrity. Tygart also highlights innovative testing methods like the athlete biological passport. The conversation dives into the psychological effects of cheating, and the broader implications for sports ethics, particularly in light of the Horse Integrity Safety Act. Prepare for a riveting exploration into the fight against cheating!

Angela Duckworth, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'Grit', dives into the dynamic relationship between grit and achievement. She discusses managing goal hierarchies and the importance of flexibility in pursuing objectives. The conversation also touches on the profound impact of parental support on resilience and self-esteem, alongside the challenge of balancing relentless goal pursuit with genuine happiness. With personal anecdotes, Duckworth highlights the value of mindfulness and meaningful engagement in one's endeavors.

Peter Leeson, an economist known for his exploration of quirky historical topics, dives into the bizarre practice of medieval judicial ordeals and their parallels to modern judicial systems. He argues that trial-by-fire was less barbaric than believed and unveils the democratic nature of pirate governance. The conversation is filled with humor, touching on Leeson's personal journey to becoming a competitive golfer and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness in life and love. The blend of economics, history, and personal anecdotes keeps the discussion fascinating.

Dambisa Moyo, a renowned economist and author of bestsellers like 'Dead Aid,' dives into the limitations of foreign aid in Africa, suggesting it often fosters dependence instead of growth. She discusses how corporate boards can play a vital role in addressing societal challenges and contrasts the differing approaches of Western and Chinese aid strategies. Moyo also promotes innovative ideas, such as incentivizing vaccinations with lotteries, and emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in economic problem-solving.