unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Investigative health science journalist and author Gary Taubes discusses the history of diabetes research and challenges modern misconceptions. They explore flawed scientific research, nutritional epidemiology studies, resistance to dietary dogma, and the evolution of diabetes treatment. Taubes highlights the impact of WWII on obesity research and the need for open-minded dietary guidelines.

Nicholas Dirks, President and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences, discusses challenges in maintaining academic freedom, faculty governance, and student activism in universities. They explore the balance between research and teaching, fostering interdisciplinary studies, and adapting to the demands of the 21st century while preserving academic freedom and intellectual debate.

Elisabeth Rosenthal, senior editor at KFF Health News, discusses the complex healthcare pricing system, revealing how multiple intermediaries inflate medical bills. They explore the profit-driven motives behind rising costs, emphasizing the need for transparency in billing. The podcast delves into the impact of private equity in healthcare and the challenges individuals face navigating pricing and insurance complexities.

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.