People I (Mostly) Admire

Acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog shares insights about his journey as a writer first, emphasizing that he doesn't want to be defined solely by his films. He reflects on the challenges of making 'Aguirre, The Wrath of God' with limited resources and discusses his experiences working as a rodeo clown. Herzog reveals heartfelt memories from his childhood in post-WWII Germany and highlights the importance of creative spirit. He also touches on the impact of fame, his role in 'The Mandalorian,' and the fascinating intersection of technology and storytelling.

Michael D. Smith, a Carnegie Mellon professor and author of "The Abundant University," tackles the pressing crises in higher education. He argues that the system is outdated and controlled by inequities, much like the entertainment industry. The skyrocketing tuition costs are unsustainable and exacerbate socioeconomic disparities. Smith envisions innovative strategies to reform higher education, focusing on access, personalized learning, and aligning educational outcomes with market needs. He challenges the status quo, urging for meaningful change.

Fei-Fei Li, a professor at Stanford and a pioneer in computer vision, discusses her audacious project of downloading a billion images to enhance AI's recognition capabilities. She reveals how the ImageNet contest spurred innovation and collaboration in AI research. Li reflects on her immigrant journey, highlighting resilience and mentorship. The conversation also addresses the ethical implications of AI, emphasizing the necessity of developing technology that enhances human welfare for a better future.

Nate Silver, the founder of FiveThirtyEight, is a renowned data scientist celebrated for his election predictions. In this conversation, he delves into the difficulties of making accurate forecasts, particularly in politics and economics. Silver discusses the art and science of election predictions and critiques common statistical models. He also explores the surprising correlation between COVID-19 death rates and political affiliations, illustrating how bias can cloud judgment. His journey emphasizes the importance of data literacy and adapting to the unpredictable nature of human behavior.

Abraham Verghese, a physician and best-selling author, shares insights on the vital role of empathy in healthcare. He distinguishes between curing and healing, advocating for more patient interaction over screen time. Verghese reflects on his early life in Ethiopia, navigating identity, and the pivotal moments during the AIDS epidemic that shaped his career. He emphasizes the necessity of maintaining compassion in an increasingly technology-driven medical landscape, using storytelling to bridge gaps in understanding and highlight serious societal issues.

Claudia Goldin, a Nobel laureate in Economics and professor at Harvard, delves into the gender wage gap and the complexities surrounding it. She discusses how inflexible jobs and family duties hinder women's earning potential. Goldin highlights the concept of 'greedy work' and the uneven distribution of household labor, especially during COVID-19. She advocates for policies like universal preschool and equitable parental leave. Additionally, Goldin shares insights on negotiating careers and the historical barriers women faced in economics, blending personal stories with broader societal implications.

Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, shares his 37-year journey advocating for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. He discusses shifting perceptions of psychedelics from 'recreational' use to therapeutic potential. Doblin explains the intricacies of MDMA therapy, emphasizing its transformative impact on neuroplasticity and mental health. With humor and heart, he also reflects on his unconventional bond with a pet wolf, symbolizing deeper connections and healing. The conversation highlights both the rigorous research behind these therapies and the urgent need for societal change in mental health approaches.

Psychologist Thomas Curran, an expert on perfectionism from the London School of Economics, argues that perfectionism often stems from a sense of never being enough. He highlights its negative effects in education, mental health, and the economy. Curran discusses the emotional toll on writers and how social media aggravates feelings of inadequacy. He addresses parental expectations and critiques the role of capitalism in promoting perfectionist ideals, ultimately advocating for a healthier 'good enough' mindset to combat these pressures.

Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb dives into the possibility of extraterrestrial technology and challenges conventional thinking. He discusses the peculiar interstellar object 'Oumuamua and its controversial nature, exploring theories of it being an artificial construct. Loeb also examines recent congressional hearings on unidentified anomalous phenomena, shedding light on military encounters with unusual flying objects. With a call for the Galileo Project, he advocates for a data-driven approach to studying alien life, urging a reassessment of humanity's place in the cosmos.

Reginald Dwayne Betts, a Yale Law graduate and MacArthur Fellow, discusses his journey from prison to poet and advocate. He emphasizes the power of literature in transforming lives through his nonprofit, Freedom Reads, which builds libraries in prisons. Betts shares personal stories of how reading Dostoevsky and other authors helped him navigate moral dilemmas during incarceration. He also reflects on the emotional challenges of reintegration into society and the ongoing battle against imposter syndrome, highlighting the importance of second chances.