People I (Mostly) Admire

Monica Bertagnolli, the Director of the NIH and former head of the National Cancer Institute, shares her remarkable journey from a Wyoming cattle ranch to leading medical research. She discusses the critical role of federal funding in advancing innovations like mRNA vaccines and CRISPR. Bertagnolli highlights the need for more community engagement in clinical trials and confronts the challenges of self-censorship in healthcare decision-making. With personal narratives interwoven, she emphasizes the importance of transparency and patient involvement in improving cancer care.

In a heartfelt tribute, Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate and pioneer in behavioral economics, reflects on his groundbreaking work. He discusses his influential book 'Noise,' elucidating how errors in judgment, influenced by bias, impact decision-making, particularly in the justice system. Kahneman shares insights on his early life and collaboration with Amos Tversky, highlighting the roots of behavioral economics. The conversation navigates the complex relationship between psychology and economic behavior, leaving a lasting impression on understanding human choices.

Blaise Agüera y Arcas, a Google Research Fellow and author of 'Who Are We Now?', shares insights on artificial intelligence and its impact on identity. He recounts designing a groundbreaking algorithm for the U.S. Navy at just 14, revealing how historical innovations like Gutenberg's printing press connect to today's tech landscape. The discussion dives into how AI's evolution raises philosophical questions about consciousness and intelligence, alongside patterns in identity shaped by emerging technologies and social contexts.

Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation and former head of USAID, dives into his vast humanitarian experience. He shares gripping tales from the 2010 Haiti earthquake response, stressing the need for data-driven decisions. Shah discusses the importance of embracing mistakes while pursuing ambitious goals. He also reflects on the challenges in public health, highlighting his work on global vaccination strategies at the Gates Foundation. Lastly, he critiques the disparity in nonprofit compensation, advocating for fairer remuneration to enhance philanthropic impact.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg as he delves into the art of great conversations. He shares insights from his new book, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness and the transformative power of vulnerability in dialogues. Learn about techniques to foster genuine connections, even in challenging discussions, and uncover how personal stories can break social norms to deepen relationships. Duhigg's exploration of habit loops further illustrates how understanding ourselves can enhance our interactions with others.

Cat Bohannon, a researcher and author of "Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution," dives deep into the fascinating interplay between female biology and human evolution. She discusses the challenges of human childbirth, the true purpose of breast milk, and critiques the reproductive system. The conversation also touches on the historical significance of gynecology, evolving mating strategies, and the societal impact of these innovations on women’s health and survival, offering a thought-provoking perspective on gender dynamics.

Daron Acemoglu, a prominent MIT economist and co-author of "Why Nations Fail," dives into the lasting impacts of colonialism on today’s economy. He discusses how new technologies often favor the elite, creating stark income inequality. The conversation touches on the evolution of democracy and governance, shedding light on how historical institutions shape economic outcomes. Acemoglu also critiques the paradox of innovation: while technology can drive growth, it frequently leaves less-educated workers behind.

Walt Hickey is a journalist and data expert, author of "You Are What You Watch." He dives into why China's film industry struggles to produce hits and shares his quirky experience of having an avatar in Madden NFL. The conversation explores the role of eye tracking technology in media engagement and how it impacts audience interaction. Additionally, they discuss the emotional responses to cinematic experiences, contrasting the Star Wars prequels with the originals while reflecting on cultural exports and their global influence.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, former governor of California and iconic bodybuilder, shares insights from his multifaceted career. He discusses the importance of a clear vision and ambitious goals in achieving greatness. From overcoming skepticism in bodybuilding to mastering debate strategies with humor, Arnold emphasizes resilience. He also touches on environmental advocacy, urging a shift in focus from climate change to pollution. Throughout, his message revolves around collaboration and the transformative power of storytelling.

Physicist Helen Czerski, known for her engaging approach to complex science, dives into the fascinating world of physics. She discusses how studying bubbles can reveal crucial insights about ocean dynamics and climate change. Helen shares her thrilling experiments with eggs and explosives, illustrating fundamental principles in physics. She also highlights Walter Munk's contributions during WWII, showcasing how science impacts history. Overall, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity and making science relatable in understanding our world.