You Are Not So Smart

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Michael Morris, a renowned cultural psychologist from Columbia University and author of "Tribal," discusses how our genetic makeup encourages collaboration and cooperation. He argues for viewing humanity as an 'us' species rather than a 'them' species, which can help tackle social issues and create a more harmonious society. The conversation delves into tribal psychology's implications on societal events, the instincts that drive us to work together, and lessons from cultural practices that promote inclusivity and understanding.

Brian Brushwood, a renowned podcaster celebrated for his captivating tales of scams, elaborates on the making of his show, The World's Greatest Con. He unveils the fascinating story of Project Alpha, where two teenagers pulled off an elaborate hoax to question the scientific rigor of paranormal research. The conversation dives into the cultural fascination with the supernatural, the rivalry between psychic Uri Geller and skeptic James Randi, and how magic intersects with science, all while stressing the importance of critical thinking.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Tessa West, a psychology professor at NYU, dives into the intricate emotions of job satisfaction and how they mirror romantic relationships. She discusses the disconnect between our feelings and the narratives we create about our work, revealing how this often leads to misguided career decisions. Tessa also introduces the concept of 'Job Therapy,' outlining key drivers of job dissatisfaction and offering strategies to regain joy in our professional lives, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.