80,000 Hours Podcast

Howie Lempel, a mental health advocate and Chief of Staff at 80,000 Hours, shares his candid journey with depression and anxiety. He speaks about losing a cherished job and spending a year in recovery, shedding light on the stigma surrounding mental health. Howie advocates for a practical approach to well-being, emphasizing the importance of seeking help rather than solely relying on willpower. He discusses the relationship between mental health and career challenges, underscoring the significance of supportive environments and open communication for those struggling.

Leah Garcés, President of Mercy For Animals, shares her remarkable journey of transforming adversaries into allies in the chicken industry. She recounts her eye-opening collaboration with chicken farmer Craig Watts, highlighting the harsh realities farmers face and the potential for change through empathy. The discussion delves into the ethical dilemmas of animal welfare advocacy, the need for innovative strategies, and the rising demand for plant-based alternatives among consumers, showcasing the power of storytelling in driving meaningful reform.

Christian Tarsney is a philosopher at Oxford's Global Priorities Institute, focusing on ethics and decision theory. He delves into the concept of 'future bias', explaining how people often value future experiences more than past ones, even preferring more pain in the past over less in the future. The conversation also addresses moral fanaticism and the ethical implications of long-termism, emphasizing the importance of balancing present and future considerations in decision-making. Tarsney challenges listeners to rethink their views on morality and time.

Mike Berkowitz, the executive director of the Democracy Funders Network, discusses the fragility of liberal democracy in the U.S., emphasizing the difference between laws and customs. He highlights the risks of partisanship and the importance of reforming the political system to uphold democratic norms. Topics include the aftermath of the 2020 election, the fight against voter suppression, and the role of local journalism in a healthy democracy. Berkowitz advocates for cross-ideological collaboration to combat rising polarization and sustain democratic integrity.

Explore the unveiling of a new podcast feed designed to introduce effective altruism. Listen to a curated collection of ten essential episodes that simplify complex ideas and challenge listeners to think clearly about important issues. Discover key topics like longtermism and various approaches to pressing global problems. This is a perfect gateway for newcomers and a helpful tool for recommending the philosophy to others interested in making a difference.

Nina Schick, author of "Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse," dives into the daunting world of disinformation and synthetic media. She explains why fears surrounding deepfakes may be exaggerated, yet warns of their potential to reshape societal trust. Nina argues that misinformation is as critical as climate change, highlighting the erosion of trust in media. She discusses lessons from Estonia on combating disinformation and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to authenticate media. The conversation raises vital questions about ethics and accountability in the age of deepfakes.

In this engaging discussion, Kelly Wanser, founder of SilverLining and advocate for climate intervention research, tackles the urgent need for geoengineering solutions. She highlights innovative methods like cloud manipulation and the ethical complexities surrounding their use. Kelly points out that even with ideal efforts, some global warming is now unavoidable, making proactive strategies critical. The conversation delves into public perception, the risks of misuse in warfare, and the necessity for global cooperation in navigating climate challenges.

Ezra Klein, a leading journalist at Vox and The New York Times, discusses the urgent issues often overshadowed in the media, like AI's impact compared to tax debates. He advocates for prioritizing topics like animal rights and sustainable food solutions, emphasizing their societal importance. Klein critiques the polarization in politics and journalism, urging for a shift towards effective altruism. He highlights the need for a new narrative in media, encouraging journalists to engage audiences meaningfully while balancing their responsibilities with the complexities of modern existence.

Andy Weber, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, dives into the urgent issues of bioweapons and nuclear threats. He argues that advances in genetic sequencing could render bioweapons obsolete and enhance global health security. Weber highlights the lingering dangers from the Soviet era and the need for robust investments in health technologies. He also addresses the complexities of nuclear arms control and the strategic dynamics that shape today's security landscape, making a compelling case for proactive measures to prevent catastrophe.

In this engaging discussion, bestselling author Brian Christian delves into AI's alignment problem, drawing from his insights in 'The Alignment Problem.' He connects dopamine and reinforcement learning to the human experience, illustrating how curiosity affects both humans and AI. Brian shares fascinating stories, like a student teaching a military vehicle to drive itself and the evolution of neural networks. He emphasizes the importance of designing AI with aligned values to address societal challenges while navigating ethical dilemmas and technological advancements.