Wendy Smith, a professor at the University of Delaware and author of "Both/And Thinking," joins to discuss how embracing paradoxes can enhance decision-making and creativity. She highlights the shift from binary choices to a more nuanced perspective, enriching both personal and leadership dilemmas. Wendy shares insights on combating polarization through nuanced thinking, the emotional complexities leaders face, and the importance of understanding identity in decision-making. Plus, she humorously tackles ice cream dilemmas as perfect examples of 'both/and' thinking!

Steve Martin, faculty director at Columbia Business School and a bestselling author on persuasion, explores how the science of influence can reshape workplaces. He introduces the 'influence equation'—a blend of evidence, economics, and emotion—as a framework for ethical persuasion. Steve discusses practical strategies for making small tweaks that drive meaningful behavioral shifts and emphasizes the need to embed behavioral insights across organizations. His insights are valuable for anyone looking to harness influence effectively in their professional interactions.

In a world filled with job uncertainty and holiday anxieties, the discussion reveals how our brains often amplify stress through negativity bias. Listeners learn effective strategies like reframing self-talk and practicing gratitude to improve emotional management. The power of healthy habits, including quality sleep and digital detoxes, is emphasized alongside the importance of social connections. An inspiring journey of fostering rescue dogs highlights personal growth and the joy of selfless acts. Join the conversation and discover stress-busting techniques.

Brad Shuck, a psychology and organizational behavior professor at the University of Louisville, discusses the transformative power of gratitude in workplace culture. He emphasizes that true engagement stems from recognizing employee contributions, challenging the notion that perks like pizza parties suffice. Brad highlights the critical role of leaders in shaping a bottom-up culture and fostering psychological safety. He offers practical strategies for revolutionizing workplace environments, ensuring employees feel valued and innovation flourishes.

Join Annie Duke, a renowned decision strategist and author, as she explores the mind-bending implications of immortality. The conversation kicks off with a quirky babysitting prank that sparked her fear of death. Can you imagine 80-year-old presidents and archaeology becoming a snooze? They tackle emotional ramifications like outliving loved ones, societal shifts, and even the risk of boredom. With a dose of humor, they delve into the ethical dilemmas and practical challenges of a world where living to a thousand could be the norm.

In this discussion, guest Jennifer Totsi-Kharas, a Professor of Organizational Behavior at Babson College and co-author of "Is Your Work Worth It?", sheds light on the intricate nature of work. She explores the downsides of pursuing a calling, like burnout and over-commitment. The conversation reveals surprising insights into job satisfaction between orchestral musicians and prison guards. Jennifer emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that harmonizes passion with practicality, helping listeners rethink their relationship with work.

Christopher Michaelson, a professor of ethics and business law and co-author of "Is Your Work Worth It?", delves into the profound question of work's role in life. He explores whether work should be a calling or a burden, and warns that the pursuit of a calling can lead to burnout. Sharing poignant insights, including research from 9/11 victims, he emphasizes redefining success beyond financial achievements and considering how our '90-year-old self' would view our current choices regarding work and life balance.

Hosts reflect on their experiences from a conference focused on the fragility of democracy. They highlight the alarming rise of autocracies and the importance of social norms in safeguarding democratic values. The discussion emphasizes the impact of political polarization and media on public discourse. A strong call to action urges listeners to prioritize democratic principles over party loyalty, stressing the power of voting and community engagement. It’s a mix of insights and a reminder to celebrate democracy with fun activities like baking for the polls!

Kurt and Tim highlight the importance of voting as a vital part of democracy, especially in Philadelphia. They discuss fun ways to engage in the electoral process, like baking treats while researching candidates. The joy of sharing baked goods at polling places connects the community and reflects historical traditions. They emphasize that every vote truly matters and encourage listeners to take ownership of their vote while supporting others in their civic duties. It's a celebration of democracy and collective responsibility!

AJ Jacobs, an author and journalist celebrated for his humorous takes on serious topics, joins Kurt and Tim to discuss a playful makeover for the U.S. Constitution. They debate potential changes, like Supreme Court justices’ term limits and clarifying the Second Amendment. The conversation also touches on making the amendment process more accessible and learning from global governance practices. Finally, they explore how community engagement can usher in collective happiness, emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity.