Sarah Eustis-Guthrie, cofounder of the now-closed Maternal Health Initiative in Ghana, shares her heartfelt journey through founding and shutting down a charity. She discusses the emotional toll of accountability and the difficult decision to close when impact fell short. The conversation reveals the significance of transparency in charity work, the complexities of postpartum family planning, and the challenges of distinguishing genuine insights from misconceptions in developing healthcare programs. Sarah emphasizes the need for reevaluation and adaptability in the nonprofit sector.

Join notable guests like Ezra Klein, a journalist whose insights on parenting reveal the unexpected joys of raising kids, and Emily Oster, an economist sharing data-driven advice for family life. Holden Karnofsky discusses the surprise fun of parenthood, while Bryan Caplan reflects on homeschooling. The conversation explores the complexities of parental happiness, the reality of balancing work and family, and the everyday joys of connecting with children. Dive into evidence-based insights and personal anecdotes for a richer understanding of modern parenting.

Anil Seth, a neuroscientist and director at the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science, delves into what makes us conscious. He presents the idea that perception is a 'controlled hallucination' shaped by our brain's predictions. The discussion tackles intriguing topics like the phenomenon of blindsight and the implications of split-brain studies. Seth suggests that consciousness in animals—and even machines—may reflect our own. His excitement for future research reveals the mysteries still surrounding the nature of consciousness.

Delve into the power of a single vote and its potential to influence election outcomes. Explore the importance of being informed and the challenges that come with making a decision at the polls. Discover arguments against voting, including the risks of choosing the wrong candidate and the effort required for adequate political knowledge. Learn about alternative ways to make an impact, like donating to campaigns or driving voter turnout, and understand the broader implications that elected officials have on society and governance.

Sébastien Moro, a science writer and video blogger known for his work on animal cognition, dives into the extraordinary intelligence of fish. He discusses surprising fish abilities, such as memory, problem-solving, and even self-recognition. Moro reveals that some fish outperform primates in cognitive tests and have complex social structures, including pair bonding and cooperation. He also explores the emotional lives of fish, emphasizing their capacity for pain and social learning, challenging our perceptions of underwater minds.

Nate Silver, author of "On the Edge" and creator of FiveThirtyEight, dives into the complexities of risk-taking and analytical thinking. He discusses the concept of 'the River,' a group excelling but often overestimating their judgment. Nate critiques effective altruism, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses while emphasizing the importance of personal trust in altruistic actions. He also explores decision-making in tech, ethical implications of AI, and the pitfalls of instant feedback in shaping behavior, all revealing the nuanced dynamics of modern decision-making and philanthropy.

Peter Godfrey-Smith, a philosopher renowned for his insights on biology and consciousness, joins the discussion. They explore why intelligent species like octopuses and dolphins haven't formed complex civilizations despite their capabilities. The conversation weaves through ethical dilemmas of wild animal welfare and the intricacies of human intervention in nature. Godfrey-Smith also delves into the role of culture in human advancement versus mere intelligence, and the intricate bond between consciousness, adaptation, and life on Earth.

Luisa Rodriguez, an advocate for emotional well-being, and Keiran Harris, who explores the philosophy of free will, dive into the complexities of guilt and shame. They discuss how a lack of enduring guilt can reshape moral accountability and its implications for personal relationships. The conversation touches on 'Jerk Syndrome' and how emotional resilience can lead to greater self-acceptance. They also challenge traditional ideas of justice, suggesting a more compassionate approach that prioritizes understanding over punishment.

Venki Ramakrishnan, a Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist, discusses innovative ideas in anti-aging science. He explores what we may learn from long-lived species and highlights promising areas such as caloric restriction and the targeting of senescent cells. The conversation also delves into cryonics and ethical considerations surrounding youth-enhancing therapies. Venki emphasizes the balance between scientific optimism and the need for rigorous validation in understanding aging and enhancing longevity.

Ken Goldberg, a robotics expert and professor at UC Berkeley, discusses the intricate challenges of robotic perception and navigation. He highlights why training robots is tougher than training language models and explores the engineering hurdles that must be overcome for practical applications. Topics include the potential roles of robots in homecare and agriculture, the impact of robotics on employment, and the exciting developments in tactile sensing. Goldberg also reflects on how robots still struggle with human-like object manipulation, despite recent advancements.