unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

The podcast features Nigel Biggar, a theologian and author, discussing the moral narrative of colonialism and historical accuracy. They debate the balance between facts and political objectives, critique activist historians, and explore the Ethics and Empire Project's examination of empires across cultures. The conversation delves into the complexities of colonialism, anti-colonial critiques, and the impact of European powers on indigenous populations.

Christina Maslach, a psychology professor, discusses the evolution of burnout with Greg LaBlanc. They cover the history of burnout, the impact of work quality and environment on burnout, and the six core needs for employee well-being. The conversation delves into distinguishing burnout from exhaustion and the importance of addressing workplace stressors for individual and organizational well-being.

Professor David Myers explores the overlap of psychology with philosophy and the impact of genetics vs. environment on happiness. They discuss the 'religion factor' in personal happiness, the balance between intuition and analytical thinking, and the influence of teachers on student success. The podcast delves into the tech revolution's mental health impact, the intersection of psychology and religion, and the implications of heavy social media usage on children's well-being.

Georgetown University Professor Jason Brennan discusses the flaws of democracy and proposes epistocracy as a better alternative. They explore voter ignorance, social affiliations, and the influence of expertise in decision-making. The conversation delves into the challenges of rational voting behavior, the limits of crowd wisdom, and alternatives to representative democracy. Jason also shares insights on pursuing a PhD and navigating career paths in academia.

Michael Strevens, a philosophy professor, delves into the irrational elements in modern science. He discusses the motivations and aesthetics driving scientific progress, touching on the balance between empirical data and intellectual context. The podcast explores the human aspects of scientific inquiry, revealing the joy of understanding causal models. Strevens reflects on the rule of science and the significance of adhering to agreed-upon rules in scientific research.

Explore the essence of human connections with Robin Dunbar, discussing the impact of friendship, religion, and storytelling on our well-being. Discover the evolutionary forces behind social bonds and the practical applications for modern-day relationships and organizational cultures. Dive into the dynamics of friendship, group sizes, and the collegiate system's intense bonding experiences at universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

Discover the transformative power of simple interactions like asking about someone's day. Nicholas Epley and Greg delve into social nuances, cross-cultural engagement, and the impact of technology on interactions. Uncover the science of social cognition and how it can enrich personal and professional relationships.

Exploring the dominance of left-leaning ideologies in academia, John Ellis and Greg discuss the consequences of political correctness and identity politics. They highlight the impact on traditional scholarly perspectives and society's dialogue. The conversation raises questions about the sustainability of ideological shifts and the need for diverse viewpoints in academic departments.

Mark Kurlansky discusses the historical significance of salt, cheese, and dairy products in shaping economies and cultures. He also explores the link between food choices, nonviolence, and the impact of 1968 on societal attitudes towards war. The conversation delves into the evolution of cookbooks, the shift towards critical thinking in education, and the need to reconsider the food economy.

Exploring the complexities of the American healthcare system, Vivian Lee and Greg dissect the employer-based insurance model, payment models, and incentives, revealing the stark consequences of shifting healthcare costs to employees. They discuss the financial motivations of health providers versus patient demands, highlighting the constant conflict between escalating costs and quality care.