The Next Big Idea Daily

Jonathan Vigliotti shares stories from Small-Town America on the front lines of climate change. Topics include survivor narratives, scientific warnings, human impact on natural disasters, inadequate flood risk assessment, and the urgency of climate action.

Former FCC chairman Tom Wheeler discusses the need to regulate big tech companies in the digital age. He compares the power dynamics of tech giants to historical industrial barons, emphasizing the necessity of protecting public interest. Wheeler suggests innovative regulatory practices and the creation of a specialized digital agency to address modern technological challenges.

Jacqueline Alnes, a former DI runner, shares her journey of uncovering the dark side of wellness culture after mysterious neurological symptoms derailed her athletic career. The podcast explores societal stigmas around illnesses, the seduction of extreme wellness communities online, and the importance of inner work for genuine healing.

Authors Rob Cross and Karen Dillon discuss the hidden impact of small stressors and how they can lead to burnout and health issues. They highlight strategies for managing micro stresses in daily life and improving well-being and relationships by building multi-dimensional lives and diverse connections.

Harvard professor Michael Norton discusses how rituals can add meaning to our lives, shifting from habit to intentional actions. Explore personalized rituals honoring loved ones, relationship rituals, and the emotional depth they bring to daily experiences.

Frank Bruni, longtime New York Times columnist, discusses the erosion of civility and compromise in our democracy in 'The Age of Grievance.' Topics include the fixation on victimhood, blame in American society, negative partisanship, decline in American optimism, and fostering unity amidst grievances.

Ecologist David Scheel, author of 'Many Things Under a Rock: The Mysteries of Octopuses', discusses the emotional parallels between humans and octopuses and how environmental changes impact octopus populations. He also explores the cognitive abilities and social interactions of octopuses, their adaptive behaviors, and relationships with other marine creatures.

Author Meg Jay discusses the challenges faced by individuals in their twenties, including mental health struggles like anxiety and substance abuse. She emphasizes the importance of real-life experiences, skill building, and positive choices for improved mental health and overall happiness.

Farnoosh Torabi, creator of So Money, shares valuable life lessons on using fear as a catalyst for growth and success. The podcast challenges the idea of fear as an obstacle, encouraging listeners to embrace it for personal development. Torabi discusses how fear can lead to opportunities, especially in financial and parenting decisions.

Author John Miles shares powerful principles from 'Passionstruck' to unlock purpose and chase intentional living. Topics include embracing reinvention, managing negative influences, self-criticism, setting boundaries, and choosing intentional living over distractions.