You Are Not So Smart

Professor Neil Theise, the author of Notes on Complexity,  provides an introduction to the science of how complex systems behave – from cells to human beings, to ecosystems, the known universe, and beyond – and we explore if Ian Malcolm was right when he told us in Jurassic Park that "Life, um, finds a way."Previous EpisodesNeil Theise's WebsiteNotes on ComplexityConway's Game of LifeThe Santa Fe InstituteTechnosphereHow Minds ChangeDavid McRaney’s TwitterYANSS TwitterNewsletterPatreon

Greg Satell, a communication expert and author of 'Cascades' and 'Mapping Innovation', dives deep into the dynamics of societal change. He discusses how understanding psychology can help navigate resistance and inspire collective action. Drawing from the Orange Revolution, Satell emphasizes the power of emotional resonance in communication. He highlights how small actions can ignite significant social movements, while stressing the importance of preparation and collaboration in driving transformational change.

Britt Frank, a licensed neuropsychotherapist and trauma specialist, dives into her book, 'Align Your Mind,' exploring the complexities of our inner selves. She discusses Parts Work and Internal Family Systems therapy, highlighting how our mind is a collective of parts. Listeners learn about 'micro yeses'—small steps for change—and how to embrace their multifaceted nature. Frank redefines the inner critic as a protective ally and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in personal growth for a more authentic life.

Andy Luttrell, a social psychologist and host of the Opinion Science podcast, dives into the revolutionary work of Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. They discuss how cognitive biases, such as the famous Linda problem, challenge conventional economic rationality. Luttrell explores the birth of behavioral economics, highlighting key concepts like bounded rationality and prospect theory. The importance of precise questioning in understanding decision-making is emphasized, revealing how our perceptions shape reality and necessitating a shift in our understanding of rationality.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.