You Are Not So Smart cover image

You Are Not So Smart

Latest episodes

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14 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 19min

308 - Magical Thinking - Matt Tompkins

Join Oxford-educated psychologist and magician Matt Tompkins, author of The Spectacle of Illusion, as he unravels the fascinating tale of Clever Hans, the horse misinterpreted as a genius. Discover how the Clever Hans Effect showcases the often unseen cues influencing our beliefs. Explore the allure of magical thinking in modern life, the intriguing overlap between magic and psychology, and how critical thinking can be enhanced through creative tools. Tompkins reveals the balance between skepticism and belief, enriching our understanding of perception and memory.
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40 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 9min

307 - Concordance Over Truth Bias

Samuel Woolley, a disinformation expert, joins Katie Joseff, a misinformation researcher, and Michael Schwalbe, a postdoctoral fellow studying polarization. They discuss the newly identified cognitive distortion called concordance over truth bias, which leads people to favor information that aligns with their beliefs. The conversation dives into how psychological factors influence susceptibility to fake news, the challenges of identifying biases, and the implications of misinformation in a polarized society. Their insights urge a call for critical thinking and intellectual humility.
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Feb 3, 2025 • 52min

306 - I Never Thought of it That Way - Mónica Guzmán (rebroadcast)

Mónica Guzmán, author of "I Never Thought of It That Way" and a senior fellow at Braver Angels, shares her insights on fostering productive conversations in today's polarized world. She highlights the dangers of shaming and encourages curiosity to bridge divides. Personal narratives play a crucial role in understanding differing ideologies, and Guzmán discusses how storytelling can transform dialogue. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing our knowledge limits and the impact of social media on human interaction.
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24 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 17min

305 - Supercommunicators - Charles Duhigg (rebroadcast)

In this engaging discussion, Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, shares insights from his latest book, Supercommunicators. He explores the science behind building connections in conversations, emphasizing emotional and social dialogue. Duhigg highlights the importance of active listening, emotional reciprocity, and storytelling in enhancing communication skills. The conversation also delves into how diverse perspectives enrich dialogues and the skills that define a 'super communicator,' making every interaction impactful.
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Jan 6, 2025 • 51min

304 - Nobody's Fool - Dan Simons and Christopher Chabris (rebroadcast)

Dan Simons, a psychology professor focusing on visual cognition, and Christopher Chabris, a cognitive scientist and chess master, tackle the pitfalls of decision-making in an information-saturated world. They delve into inattentional blindness using the famous Invisible Gorilla experiment, revealing how our focus can blind us to reality. Topics include truth bias in communication, navigating scams, and the necessity of critical thinking. Their new book, Nobody's Fool, serves as a guide to recognizing cognitive vulnerabilities and combating misinformation.
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32 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 44min

303 - The Dress - Decoder Ring

Willa Paskin, host of the Decoder Ring podcast, dives into the cultural phenomenon of 'The Dress,' which became a viral sensation debating its colors. She discusses how this controversy highlights deep psychological insights into perception and cognition. Paskin explores the interplay of social media and individual interpretation, revealing how factors like light conditions and personal beliefs shape our understanding of color. The conversation also touches on the importance of cognitive empathy in navigating differing perspectives in our increasingly polarized world.
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120 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 2min

302 - A More Beautiful Question - Warren Berger

Warren Berger, an author and questionologist, delves into the art and science of questioning, revealing its impact on innovation and learning. He emphasizes how effective questions can drive creativity and critical thinking. The conversation touches on the curiosity of children and the importance of asking 'why' to uncover deeper truths. Berger also shares humorous anecdotes, such as the chatty cockatoo Clementine, to illustrate the comfort found in rituals and the necessity of questioning in education and democracy.
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76 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 58min

301 - Cognitive Dissonance - Part Two

Join Dr. Sarah Stein Lubrano, a political scientist specializing in cognitive dissonance, as she reveals how conflicting beliefs shape political behavior. She explores classic studies, showcasing how financial incentives can alter self-perception and belief systems. Delve into the struggle against cognitive biases in future predictions and the vital roles of gratitude and optimism. Sarah also emphasizes the importance of relationships in fostering change and highlights the societal shifts caused by Millennial migration, advocating for stronger community connections.
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94 snips
Nov 11, 2024 • 57min

300 - Cognitive Dissonance - Part One

Discover the fascinating psychology behind a doomsday cult that stood firm despite their failed predictions. Explore the concept of cognitive dissonance as members cling to their beliefs, even when faced with overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Hear stories of how individuals rationalize their convictions and the lengths they go to avoid changing their minds. This captivating discussion also touches on the psychological dynamics at play when beliefs are challenged, revealing the complex ways we process contradictory information.
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21 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 9min

299 - Debunkbot

Thomas H. Costello, a psychology professor at American University, Gordon Pennycook from Cornell University, and MIT's David G. Rand discuss their innovative tool, Debunkbot, which leverages AI to tackle conspiracy theories. They delve into how this GPT-powered model successfully engages users with evidence-based dialogues, effectively reducing conspiratorial beliefs. The conversation explores the psychology behind misinformation, the complexities of belief systems, and how AI can facilitate empathetic communication to shift deeply held views.

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