unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Richard V. Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men and author of a critical book on modern male struggles, discusses the emerging gender gap affecting men in education and the workforce. He highlights how acknowledging men's disadvantages shouldn't detract from women's rights. Topics like redshirting boys in school and the evolving dynamics of the labor market, where emotional intelligence is prized over physical strength, illuminate the complexities of gender disparities. Reeves advocates for a balanced approach to address issues across both genders.

Venture capitalists Mike Maples, Jr. and Peter Ziebelman dive into the unpredictable world of start-ups. They share insights from their book, highlighting how successful founders often blend artistry with vision. The duo discusses the significance of recognizing radical ideas, the crucial role of inflection points in innovation, and the balance between persistence and adaptability. They explore the dynamics of investor relationships, emphasizing that treating customers as partners can redefine success, and how evolving business education is adapting to nurture future entrepreneurs.

Richard Wiseman, a psychology professor, magician, and author, explores the quirky intersections of psychology, magic, and real-world applications. He delves into how NASA's moon landing mentality can inspire teamwork and creativity. Wiseman discusses the public's obsession with luck and the importance of empirical research in everyday life. He uncovers how interactive learning can enhance education and shares insights on deception, highlighting how magic shapes our understanding of perception. Expect a fascinating blend of science and storytelling!

David Courtwright, an emeritus professor of history at the University of North Florida, dives into the evolution of addiction from traditional substances to modern digital vices. He discusses how society’s search for pleasure has shaped addiction throughout history. Courtwright examines the concept of 'limbic capitalism' and its role in addiction, including food engineering and gambling's transformation into a state revenue source. The conversation also touches on the societal impacts of digital addiction and the responsibilities of manufacturers and governments in this complex landscape.

David Stasavage, a political expert from NYU and author of several books, explores the historical roots and evolution of democracy. He discusses how economic factors shaped democratic growth in Europe, contrasting it with China's bureaucratic systems. The conversation delves into the role of technology in governance, the necessity for rulers to gain consent, and the complex relationship between taxation and political rights. Stasavage also reflects on today's democratic landscape and the implications of declining trust in government.

Carl Benedikt Frey, Dieter Schwarz Associate Professor of AI & Work at the Oxford Internet Institute, dives into the intersection of automation and economic growth. He discusses how historical technological shifts mirror today’s challenges, revealing the balance between job displacement and new industry creation. The conversation explores who benefits from AI's rise, the political implications of tech advancements, and the critical need for societal adaptation to ensure sustainable productivity. Insightful and thought-provoking, it's a deep look at our future workforce.

Daniel Markovits, the Guido Calabresi Professor of Law at Yale, explores how meritocracy, intended to promote equality, has morphed into a new aristocracy. He highlights the irony of meritocracy perpetuating inequality and eroding the middle class. The discussion touches on the heritability of elite status, the precarious state of non-elite workers amid technological change, and the moral dilemmas facing professionals like lawyers. Markovits challenges listeners to consider the societal implications of wealth concentration and the cultural shifts needed to address these issues.

In a fascinating discussion, Paula S. Fass, an emerita professor of history at UC Berkeley, shares insights on how American childhood has transformed over the centuries. She explores the overlooked significance of childhood in shaping culture and politics, tracing shifts in parenting from independence to helicopter parenting. The conversation highlights the impact of historical thinkers like Locke and Rousseau, the evolution of educational practices, and how changing family dynamics affect modern parenting. The unique nature of American childhood may be fading, sparking thought-provoking reflections.

Paolo Zannoni, Executive Deputy Chairman at Prada and author of 'Money and Promises,' dives into the fascinating history of finance. He discusses how wooden sticks shaped banking and why silver coins vanished in England. Zannoni highlights Italy's pivotal role in modern banking and explains the crucial relationship between trust and transparency in financial systems. The conversation also connects historical transactions to today’s blockchain technology, showcasing how understanding finance's past can provide insights for managing current crises.

Gregory Makoff, a physicist turned banker and Harvard Kennedy School fellow, dives into the gripping saga of Argentina's $100 billion debt crisis. He unpacks the complexities of sovereign debt without international bankruptcy laws, shedding light on the lengthy U.S. court battles that challenged traditional creditor rights. The discussion highlights aggressive tactics used by hedge funds, the intricate dynamics within judicial decisions, and the evolving role of the IMF in global finance, revealing how these factors reshape sovereign debt law.