Monica Bertagnolli, director of the National Institutes of Health, discusses challenges in medical research like innovation, federal funding, data privacy, and advancing cancer treatment. She shares personal journey and reflections on academic research.

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, a groundbreaking psychologist, discusses Bias and Noise in decision-making, highlighting the impact on accuracy. They explore the Origins of Behavioral Economics and the intersection of economics and psychology, emphasizing the need for intuitive solutions. The podcast delves into perception of environmental cleanup and embraces change and wisdom, offering insights on making fulfilling life choices.

Google researcher Blaise Agüera y Arcas discusses designing AI algorithm for U.S. Navy at 14, discoveries about Johannes Gutenberg, and mind-blowing A.I. moments. Talks about academia vs entrepreneurship, challenges in big companies, data sharing dilemmas, transparency in tech industry, philosophical debates on A.I. consciousness, and societal identity shifts.

Rajiv Shah discusses leading major humanitarian efforts post-Haiti earthquake, the importance of taking bold gambles based on data, and owning up to mistakes. He shares insights on global health impact through strategic vaccination initiatives and the need for pandemic preparedness. The podcast also touches on navigating career expectations in an Indian American community and compensating talent in nonprofit organizations.

Author Charles Duhigg shares insights on improving communication. The value of asking deep questions and sharing personal stories. Exploring the habit loop and success of a bestselling book. Challenges in crafting the movie Frozen. Evolution of social media platforms and data ownership.

Cat Bohannon, researcher and author, discusses the evolution of female anatomy, childbirth challenges, and the flaws in the human reproductive system. Topics include the purpose of breast milk, the biological reasons behind menstruation, and the impact of female bonds on human evolution. The podcast explores historical wet nursing practices, population bottleneck in human ancestors, and contrasting societal structures of chimpanzees and bonobos.

Economist Daron Acemoglu discusses the lingering effects of colonialism, the winners and losers of new technology, and the evolution of democracy. He also explores the impact of automation on jobs and the shift towards profit prioritization. The conversation delves into the societal implications of technological advancements and the importance of human agency in AI development.

Journalist Walt Hickey talks about why China hasn’t produced hit movies yet, how he got his own avatar in Madden NFL, the influence of media consumption, the evolution of villains in action movies, the globalization of Hollywood, and analyzing the influence of movies and culture.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, bodybuilder, actor, governor, and author, discusses his success in various fields and shares advice on overcoming doubt and handling tough situations. He emphasizes the importance of visualization and setting big goals, and highlights his impressive debate performance during his run for governor. Schwarzenegger also talks about his transition to comedy and finding support from Ivan Reitman. Overall, he shares valuable insights on achieving success in multiple domains.

Physicist Helen Czerski talks bubbles, explosives, and the impact of ocean waves on history. She explores carbon movement in the ocean, misconceptions about ocean temperatures, and telling stories of the physics of the ocean. They also discuss changing the prison incentive structure and the importance of education in prisons.