The Next Big Idea Daily

What makes perps tick, victims so gullible, and whistleblowers so morally righteous? Kelly Richmond Pope reports. Her book is “Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry.”📱 Follow The Next Big Idea Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen📩 Want more bite-sized insights from the best new nonfiction delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our Book of the Day newsletter

Mary-Frances O’Connor, a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, dives into the profound connection between grief and our physical health. She highlights how loss can alter vital health markers like blood pressure and heart rate, showcasing the body's response to emotional turmoil. O'Connor emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions during mourning and explores effective coping strategies. Ultimately, she reveals how the stress of loss can also present opportunities for healing, helping us navigate our grief with a deeper understanding.

Microsoft insiders share secrets behind the tech giant's innovative success over 50 years. They highlight how structured strategies like hackathons and collaborative thinking spark creative solutions. The shift to a subscription model illustrates the importance of emotional connections and responsible innovation in building customer trust. Case studies like Bing and Xbox One showcase the transformative power of engagement in redefining success.

Steve Magness, an author and performance coach for elite athletes, dives into powerful insights from his latest book. He explores how mindsets shape our goals, shedding light on self-sabotage and the societal pressures that keep us in survival mode. Magness emphasizes the importance of genuine connections in overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable excellence. By fostering diverse interests and nurturing authentic relationships, he reveals how we can shift from merely surviving to truly thriving in life.

Tim Robey, a film critic and author of 'Box Office Poison,' dives into the dark art of Hollywood flops. He discusses how catastrophic releases like 'Queen Kelly' and the troubled production of 'Dr. Doolittle' reflect shifting industry trends. Robey highlights 'Catwoman' as a warning for female superheroes, revealing the gender biases in Hollywood. He also examines the challenges faced by creative visionaries like Charlie Kaufman in a landscape resistant to innovation. Each failure offers lessons that shape the future of filmmaking.

Will Packer, a celebrated film and television producer with numerous box office hits, discusses the concept of healthy arrogance and its pivotal role in success. He shares personal anecdotes that inspire listeners to recognize their own potential. The conversation highlights how this confidence fosters collaboration in the film industry and helps resolve conflicts, as illustrated by a tense production moment. Packer also emphasizes breaking down big goals into smaller steps and building strong relationships to maintain momentum and navigate life's challenges.

Andrew Brodsky, a management professor and communication expert, unveils his PING framework for mastering virtual communication. He discusses the evolution of digital interactions and their challenges, highlighting how misinterpretations can occur. With examples like the Fyre Festival, he illustrates the gaps between expectations and reality in messaging. Brodsky emphasizes the role of nonverbal cues, adaptability, and the superiority of face-to-face interactions for conveying genuine emotions, warning against over-reliance on AI in relationships.

Nancy Reddy, an award-winning writer and professor, dives into her book, "The Good Mother Myth." She challenges the unrealistic expectations surrounding motherhood and discusses how societal norms often lead to feelings of inadequacy. Reddy emphasizes the importance of genuine support and community for mothers. She also critiques traditional views on parenting, advocating for recognition of the diverse contributions of all caregivers, and how breaking these myths can lead to a more inclusive understanding of family roles.

Catherine Price, a journalist and author known for her insights on digital addiction, shares compelling advice on how to improve your relationship with your smartphone. She highlights the detrimental effects of excessive phone use on mental well-being and interpersonal connections. Catherine advocates for writing a breakup letter to your phone and introduces a 30-day plan to regain focus. She also discusses practical strategies like app deletion and creating phone-free zones, urging listeners to reconnect with real-life experiences beyond the screen.

Richard Reeves, a scholar at the Brookings Institution and author of "Of Boys and Men," dives deep into the challenges facing boys and men today. He discusses the alarming academic gender gap and the need to redefine masculine identity for fostering equality. Reeves also highlights the socio-economic struggles, especially among black and working-class men, and criticizes the stagnant political dialogue on these issues. His insights spark a vital conversation about reforming representation and supporting fatherhood.