Harvard Thinking

Join memory experts Dan Schacter, a professor known for his insights on memory errors, Dr. Margaret O'Connor, a neurology specialist focused on Alzheimer’s, and neuroscientist Venki Murthy, who studies neural circuits of perception. They delve into how memory is a constructive process rather than a mere recording. Discover how sensory cues like smell can trigger vivid recollections, the role of distinctiveness in memory retention, and practical strategies for enhancing recall such as spaced repetition and chunking.

Many diets claim to be good for you. But the Mediterranean diet rises to the top with its research-proven benefits: it’s been shown to increase life expectancy; decrease risk for dementia; improve mental health and cognitive function; and lower the risk of heart disease for nearly every demographic. What is it that makes the diet so great? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas discuss the Mediterranean diet with nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo and Mediterranean diet expert Miguel Ángel Martínez-González about how people can make nutritional changes that work for them day to day.

Sleep deprivation is a form of torture, yet we are depriving ourselves of quality sleep more than ever. Six out of 10 adults in the U.S. aren’t getting enough sleep, which leads to negative mood, low energy, poor cognitive function, and can even take years off your life. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins, psychiatrist Tony Cunningham, and epidemiologist Matthew Weaver about why we should – and how to – get better sleep.

Join literary minds James Wood, a critic and author; Lauren Groff, an acclaimed novelist; Nick White, a short story writer; and Sam Marks, a playwriting lecturer, as they dissect the art of storytelling. They explore how stories ignite from random ideas and character evolution. Lauren shares her approach to embracing draft failures, while James debates plot versus character-driven tension with Sam. The conversation also highlights the value of reading aloud and the importance of personal touch in writing. A treasure trove for aspiring authors!

People under 50 are experiencing higher risk of some cancers. While overall cancer rates are declining, the incidence of 14 cancer types have increased in younger people. Why? It could be related to lifestyle choices, environmental factors, or an individual’s genetics. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with global cancer trend expert Tim Rebbeck, oncologist Kimmie Ng, and epidemiologist Tomotaka Ugai about how people under 50 can best mitigate their cancer risk.

Literacy rates in the U.S. have been in decline for a while now. Experts are combing the data for answers. Researchers are examining the role of curricula, teacher training, and classroom best practices to figure out: How do we help our kids read better? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with policy expert Martin West, teacher educator Pamela Mason, and reading researcher Phil Capin about how to best support our students.

Mahzarin Banaji, an experimental psychologist from Harvard known for her work on implicit bias, joins Bob Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry and director of the Harvard Study on Adult Development, to explore the power of change. They discuss how change is not only possible at any age but often essential for a fulfilling life. The conversation dives into cognitive biases, the importance of narratives in fostering empathy, and the dynamics of personal transformation, emphasizing that embracing change can lead to greater happiness and self-acceptance.

It’s a new era in the fight against cancer. The disease still kills nearly 10 million people worldwide every year, but advances in genomic sequencing and artificial intelligence have ushered in a new era of research. Treatments can now be personalized to patients and someday we might even have vaccines that can prevent the disease altogether. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas, cancer researcher Levi Garraway, radiologist Connie Lehman, and cell therapy expert Cathy Wu talk about how close we are to turning a corner on cancer.

Things aren’t what they used to be: they’re actually better. Yet even though many measures show how much progress we’ve made, many people feel like things are worse than ever. How do we change this perspective? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with positive psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, global governance expert Jane Nelson, and evidence-based optimist Steven Pinker about choosing optimism.

Join Don Ingber, a pioneering cell biologist, Mary Johnson, an environmental health scientist, and Philip Demokritou, a nanotechnology expert, as they dive into the alarming presence of microplastics in our bodies. They explore the staggering amount of plastic produced annually and its harmful effects on health. Discussions reveal how plastic additives like phthalates disrupt endocrine systems, especially in vulnerable populations. The trio also highlights innovative biodegradable solutions and the collective responsibility needed to address this pressing environmental crisis.