The Psychology Podcast

Today it’s great to have Sam Harris on the podcast. Sam is the author of five New York Timesbest sellers, including The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, and Waking Up. The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction. His writing and public lectures cover a wide range of topics—neuroscience, moral philosophy,religion, meditation practice, human violence, rationality—but generally focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live. He also hosts the Making Sense Podcast, which was selected by Apple as one of the “iTunes Best” and has won a Webby Award for best podcast in the Science & Education category. Topics [0:17] Sam and Scott discuss materialism and consciousness [2:59] Sam makes his case for determinism [11:08] Sam and Scott discuss “the self” and free will [24:50] Sam’s take on why determinism eases human suffering [29:23] Sam’s thoughts on the "responsibility paradox" [36:30] The link between the responsibility paradox, cancel culture, and politics [43:57] Sam’s thoughts on pride [48:17] Sam’s reflections on love, hate, and Trump [1:08:00] Sam’s defense of objective morality [1:15:51] Why we ‘should’ prevent suffering and promote collective wellbeing [1:30:23] What if reincarnation was real? [1:33:37] Would it be good to change someone’s intuition of right and wrong? [1:39:40] How emotions and values are linked [1:45:09] Why we need to scale values [1:48:12] Sam’s issue with the is-ought problem [1:56:49] Why Sam maintains that free will and determinism are incompatible [2:02:45] Why the self is an illusion [2:08:53] Sam’s exploration of mystery Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to have Sam Harris on the podcast. Sam is the author of five New York Times best sellers, including The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, and Waking Up. The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction. His writing and public lectures cover a wide range of topics—neuroscience, moral philosophy,religion, meditation practice, human violence, rationality—but generally focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live. He also hosts the Making Sense Podcast, which was selected by Apple as one of the “iTunes Best” and has won a Webby Award for best podcast in the Science & Education category. Topics [1:57] Sam’s reflections on his childhood [7:18] Sam’s interest in martial arts [8:04] Sam’s experience with MDMA [12:09] How Sam ended up on the Dalai Lama’s security detail [16:39] Sam’s experience with meditation teacher Sayadaw U Pandita [23:12] Dualistic vs Nondualistic mindfulness [24:34] Sam’s experience with Dzogchen meditation [28:27] Sam’s dream about Dilgo Khyentse [34:15] Sam’s experience with fiction writing [37:50] Scott questions Sam’s position on free will [41:33] Sam’s disagreement with Daniel Dennett [42:41] Sam’s take on free will and human interaction [46:38] Why Sam thinks we’re getting “free will” wrong Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging discussion, Simon Baron-Cohen, a leading psychologist and director at Cambridge's Autism Research Centre, delves into the fascinating connection between autism and human invention. He shares insights on how autistic traits can spark creativity and systemizing abilities that contribute to significant innovations. Baron-Cohen also distinguishes between autism and psychopathy, discusses empathy's role, and highlights the importance of nurturing neurodiversity. His thoughts on language and the unique capacities of autistic individuals provide a fresh perspective on their contributions to society.

Today it’s great to chat with Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas on the podcast. Dr. Jennifer Aaker is the General Atlantic Professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a leading expert on how purpose and meaning shape individual choices and how technology can positively impact both human well-being and company growth. Her work has been widely published in lead in scientific journals and featured in The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and Science. A recipient of the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award and the MBA Professor of the Year, Aaker counts winning a dance-off in the early 1980s among her greatest feats. Naomi Bagdonas is a Lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and an Executive Coach. She helps leaders be more creative, flexible and resilient in the face of change by facilitating interactive sessions for Fortune 100 companies and coaching executives and celebrities for appearances ranging from Saturday Night Live to the Today Show. Formally trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Bagdonas performs at comedy venues and teaches improv in San Francisco’s county jail. Her constant stream of foster dogs describe her as gullible and full of treats. Topics [3:15] Why the world needs more humor [6:06] Humor at the expense of others/4 Styles of humor [8:49] Origin story of “Humor, Seriously” [12:51] The bottom-line value of humor [18:19] How to infuse humor in the workplace [22:05] Jennifer’s thoughts on humorlessness [24:58] Cultivating the comedian’s toolbox [28:30] How to create your own signature joke [30:17] Scott and Naomi’s experiences at Upright Citizen’s Brigade [34:11] The link between humor and mental health [37:45] The relationship between status and humor [42:17] The value of self-deprecating humor [44:10] The importance of context in humor [50:22] One of Jennifer’s pranks on her students [51:21] Biological vs cultural dimensions of humor [54:58] How humor reflects elements of our society [58:27] Should there be moral rules for comedy? [1:03:13] Why truth and misdirection are at the core of comedy Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to have Adam Grant on the podcast. Adam is an organizational psychologist at Wharton, where he has been the top-rated professor for seven straight years. He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of four books that have sold millions of copies and been translated into 35 languages. His work has been praised by J.J. Abrams, Bill and Melinda Gates, and many others. Grant’s TED talks have been viewed more than 20 million times, and he hosts the chart-topping TED podcast WorkLife with Adam Grant. He has been recognized as one of the world’s 10 most influential management thinkers, Fortune’s 40 under 40, Oprah’s Super Soul 100, and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Adam received distinguished scientific achievement awards from the American Psychological Association and the National Science Foundation. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife Allison and their three children. Topics [4:17] What is rethinking? [7:02] “Preachers, prosecutors, and politicians” [8:08] Why we need to cultivate a scientific attitude [11:48] The path to being effective [12:17] Linking character and success [16:10] Adam’s new construct of character [20:42] The importance of authenticity and integrity [25:05] The role of consistency in exercising our values [30:37] The role of integrity in politics [33:07] The tension between personality and pursuing values [36:08] “A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing” [38:32] The trap of cognitive entrenchment [40:50] The importance of having diverse interests [41:40] Cognitive underpinnings of thinking again [42:31] Actively open-minded thinking [45:53] The benefits of disagreeableness [51:42] Selfishness as the 6th factor of personality [57:31] Why “agreeing to disagree” is wrong [1:00:04] How to destabilize stereotypes [1:05:25] Psychological safety in universities [1:09:40] What “good faith” means [1:11:18] Crossing psychological safety with accountability [1:12:59] What Scott thinks Adam should rethink [1:17:26] The importance of benevolence and universalism Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation with Steven Kotler, a bestselling author and human performance expert, listeners dive deep into the realms of human potential and creativity. Kotler shares insights on navigating the flow state and emphasizes the significance of grit and confidence in overcoming challenges. He differentiates between 'impossible' and 'Impossible,' asserting that extraordinary achievements are reached through persistence. The discussion also touches on the role of fear as a compass and the necessity of resilience amid failures for personal growth.

Today it’s great to have the legendary Noam Chomsky on the podcast. Noam is a public intellectual, linguist, and political activist. He’s the author of many influential books, including Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media, and his latest book with Robert Pollin called Climate Crisis and The Green New Deal: The Political Economy of Saving The Planet. Chomsky is also known for helping to initiate and sustain the cognitive revolution. He’s the Laureate Professor of Linguistics at The University of Arizona and Institute Professor Emeritus at MIT. Topics [02:06] The cognitive revolution of the ‘50s and ‘60s [03:49] Noam’s first encounter with behaviorism [12:41] What it was like to be part of the cognitive revolution [17:49] Implicit learning and artificial grammar [26:30] Noam’s view on modern-day behavioral genetics [28:05] Noam's thoughts on intelligence [32:02] Noam’s take on creativity [38:41] Chomsky's view vs. Foucault's view [42:49] Noam’s thoughts on modern-day social justice movements [45:50] Is there such a thing as human nature? [49:06] Identity vs. human nature [54:54] Noam’s views on race consciousness in America [59:16] Why Noam thinks Trump is the worst criminal in human history [1:00:34] How can democrats appeal to Trump supporters? [1:03:47] Cancel culture [1:05:10] The complexities of the slogan "defund the police" [1:08:36] Noam reflects on his life regrets [1:10:17] Chomsky's life advice Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it’s great to chat with Rich Roll on the podcast. Named one of the 25 fittest men in the world by Men’s Fitness and the guru of reinvention by Outside, Rich is a globally renowned ultra-endurance athlete, wellness advocate, best-selling author, husband, and father of four. He shares his inspirational stories of addiction, redemption, and optimal health in his number one best-selling memoir Finding Ultra. Rich has also been featured on CNN, the cover of Outside Magazine, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. His latest book, Voicing Change, features timeless wisdom and inspiration from the widely popular Rich Roll Podcast, one of the top one hundred podcasts in the world with over 100 million downloads. Topics [04:09] Rich’s three major transformations [05:29] How Rich overcame his alcoholism [10:12] Rich’s grit and his life as a functional alcoholic [11:12] Learning how to outwork everybody [12:20] Rich’s personality structure during his schooling years [13:55] The relationship between endurance and drug abuse recovery [17:47] Life after rehab [23:22] Changes made during his early 40s and the motivation behind his fitness routines [25:30] You are what you eat [28:10] Spiritual exploration through active meditation [30:07] Addictive nature of the flow state [32:36] Embracing your authenticity [36:01] How humans are all victims of their character defects [39:00] Growth and self-actualization [42:48] How the media interprets Rich’s story [46:08] The psychologically rich life [49:17] The apology narrative [51:21] Why choosing growth is a daily struggle [53:41] Rich’s third transition [58:25] The overnight success culture [1:01:40] Rich’s advice to people trying to adopt a vegan lifestyle [1:02:47] Focus on controlling the controllable Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Your life story is your leadership story.” - Douglas Conant Today it’s great to have Douglas “Doug” Conant on the podcast. Conant is the CEO and founder of Conant Leadership, a mission driven community of leaders and learners who are championing leadership that works. He served as the CEO of Campbell Soup for 10 years and is also the former president of Nabisco and former chairman of Avon. He’s a New York Times bestselling author and his new book is called The Blueprint: 6 Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights. Topics [02:14] Doug’s early struggles in his career [04:19] Turning inwards to unlock your potential in life [07:11] Merging “work self” with “real self” into one cohesive identity [11:15] Improve leadership in real time [14:45] Overview of The Blueprint and its 6 Practical Steps [21:31] The practice of declaring yourself to build productive relationships [25:12] More candor is better than less [26:41] Your life story is your leadership story Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today it's great to have Olga Khazan on the podcast. Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic, covering health, gender, and science. Prior to that, she was The Atlantic's Global editor. She has also written for the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Forbes, and other publications. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project's Journalism Fellowship and winner of the 2017 National Headliner Awards for Magazine Online Writing. Topics [02:23] The origin of Olga Khazan's weirdness [04:02] The natural tendency of loner kids to flock together [07:35] The state of our polarized society [08:53] How outcasts bond over the mutual feeling of being different [10:17] Changing social norms without changing people's attitude [11:45] The implications of normalizing everything [12:29] Why most people find it hard to be different [14:10] Gender issues when upholding the norm [16:13] The relationship between tribal instincts and farming [18:03] Why most people tend to overgeneralize stuff [19:34] Why American's warm more towards English speakers than non-English speakers [21:15] Social stresses and how it is related to loneliness [23:59] The link between adverse health outcomes and racial disparities [25:09] Perceived versus real social treatment [26:25] The relationship between weirdness and creativity [28:27] How being different can help you find your true self or your true love [35:48] How to be different [37:06] Comfort with discomfort [39:30] "The weirder you are the fewer and the more precious are the people who truly accept you" [40:35] Why non-conformists desire to improve the lives of others Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.