The Next Big Idea Daily
Next Big Idea Club
What if engaging with great ideas could become one of your daily habits? What if some of the best tips for living better and working smarter were served up with your morning coffee, a hit of motivation guaranteed to start your day right? That’s the idea behind The Next Big Idea Daily. We work with hundreds of non-fiction authors — experts in productivity, creativity, leadership, communication, and other fields. They distill their big ideas into bite-sized chunks, and we offer you one each morning.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 23, 2024 • 15min
A Brief History of Intelligence
Max Bennett explains the evolution of intelligence from primitive worms to mammals with neocortex. He also discusses the challenges of AI safety and the risks associated with AI systems misunderstanding human intentions, with a focus on the paperclip problem and the evolution of mentalizing in early primates.
5 snips
May 22, 2024 • 16min
How Small Actions Can Have a Big Impact
Harvard-trained physicians Adaira Landry and Resa Lewiss share insights on setting meeting limits, creating a compassionate email culture, drafting powerful recommendation letters, and breaking down tasks for success in the workplace.
May 21, 2024 • 15min
No-BS Secrets to Success
Jim VandeHei, co-founder of Politico and Axios, shares his journey to success. He highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, surrounding oneself with selfless individuals, and using soft skills for effective leadership. Learn how honest feedback and a happiness matrix can enhance productivity and relationships.
May 20, 2024 • 14min
What 20th Century Anarchy Can Teach Us About Contemporary Polarization
Author Steven Johnson discusses the rise of politically motivated bombings in the early 20th century, highlighting the surge of anarchist violence and societal threats. He explores the unintended consequences of Alfred Nobel's invention of dynamite, manipulated by political radicals for terrorist attacks.
11 snips
May 17, 2024 • 17min
A Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control
Former Google on-site therapist Katherine Morgan Schafler challenges listeners to rethink perfectionism, discussing adaptive vs maladaptive perfectionism and the importance of self-compassion for personal growth. She explores the transformative power of self-compassion in managing stress and embracing inherent worth.
May 16, 2024 • 16min
What a CBS News Correspondent Saw on the Front Lines of the Climate Crisis
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.
May 15, 2024 • 15min
Can Big Tech Be Reined In?
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.
May 14, 2024 • 17min
When Extreme Wellness Causes Real Damage
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.
May 13, 2024 • 16min
Are You Suffering From Microstress?
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.
May 10, 2024 • 10min
Forget Habits. You Need Rituals.
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.
