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
Apr 25, 2024 • 16min
“Nuclear War: A Scenario” by Annie Jacobsen
Annie Jacobsen, national security expert, delves into the chilling realities of nuclear warfare, discussing the global nuclear arsenal, the policy of 'launch on warning,' and the consequences of a potential nuclear conflict. She explores the grim scenario of selecting nuclear targets under time pressure, highlighting the complexities of modern nuclear warfare and the urgent need for awareness and preventative measures.
Apr 24, 2024 • 16min
"Catastrophe Ethics: How to Choose Well in a World of Tough Choices" by Travis Rieder
Travis Rieder, expert in ethics and decision-making, explores navigating moral dilemmas in a complex world, emphasizing individual responsibility in collective threats like climate change. He discusses the inadequacies of traditional moral tools in addressing modern challenges and the perpetual balancing act between moral obligations and personal well-being.
Apr 23, 2024 • 13min
"Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer" by Steven Johnson
Author Steven Johnson discusses the impact of modern science on human longevity, highlighting advancements like vaccines. The podcast explores historical breakthroughs in healthcare, societal acceptance of life-extending tech, and implications of extended life expectancy on global sustainability.
9 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 17min
"Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully" by Elaine Lin Hering
Elaine Lin Hering, a lecturer at Harvard Law School, discusses breaking the cycle of silence and fostering open communication. Topics include the impact of silence in the workplace, encouraging diverse voices, leadership influence on communication dynamics, and empowering individuals to embrace authenticity and self-discovery.
11 snips
Apr 19, 2024 • 13min
"Which Way Is North: A Creative Compass for Makers, Marketers, and Mystics" by Will Cady
Will Cady, Reddit's Global Brand Ambassador, shares surprising tips for unlocking creativity in a chaotic world. Topics include using anxiety as a creative force, the seven-direction meditation system, curiosities as insights for creativity, and the influence of the heart on perception.
32 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 18min
"The Ancient Art of Thinking For Yourself: The Power of Rhetoric in Polarized Times" by Robin Reames
Robin Reames, grew up in a conservative family, discusses the power of rhetoric in navigating polarized times. Topics include the impact of words, historical context of rhetoric, truth perception, fragility of facts in language, and addressing disagreements through shared values.
Apr 17, 2024 • 13min
"The Return of Great Powers: Russia, China, and the Next World War" by Jim Sciutto
CNN anchor and national security analyst, Jim Sciutto, discusses the looming threat of another world war due to escalating tensions between major powers like China and Russia. He delves into historical lessons of standing against expansionist aggression and analyzes the current global power dynamics, focusing on Russia, China, and the US.
Apr 16, 2024 • 14min
"Anxious Eaters: Why We Fall for Fad Diets" by Janet Chrzan & Kima Cargill
Nutrition and psychology expert Janet Chrzan along with renowned professor of clinical psychology Kima Cargill discuss the cultural and psychological underpinnings of fad diets. They explore how these diets offer identity, status, and transformation within social groups, and delve into the correlation between fad diets, self-transformation, and consumerism in American culture.
8 snips
Apr 15, 2024 • 12min
"The Great Money Reset: Change Your Work, Change Your Wealth, Change Your Life" by Jill Schlesinger
Jill Schlesinger, CBS News analyst and author, shares tips on aligning financial goals with personal aspirations. She delves into the steps for conducting a financial reset, emphasizing the importance of diversification and long-term planning. Schlesinger discusses embracing change, financial resilience, and proactive planning for a more fulfilling and secure future.
Apr 12, 2024 • 13min
"The Way Home: Discovering the Hero's Journey to Wholeness at Midlife" by Ben Katt
Ben Katt explores how the hero's journey can lead to fulfillment at midlife, emphasizing shedding the false self for inner healing, prioritizing personal calling over conventional paths, and embracing uniqueness for empowerment and purpose.
