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
Feb 1, 2024 • 12min
"The Myth That Made Us How False Beliefs about Racism and Meritocracy Broke Our Economy (and How to Fix It)" by Jeff Fuhrer
False narratives about post-racism and meritocracy condone economic disparities. Explore the role of race in the economy, effects of discrimination, impact of profit maximization on inequality and poverty.
Jan 31, 2024 • 9min
"Free Will: An Opinionated Guide" by Alfred R. Mele
Alfred Mele, a philosophy professor, challenges the notion that free will does not exist. He discusses the illusion of free will and its connection to moral responsibility. Mele counters neuroscientific arguments against free will and highlights the lack of scientific evidence supporting it as an illusion.
Jan 30, 2024 • 14min
"Nobility in Small Things: A Surgeon's Path" by Craig Smith
Heart surgeon Craig Smith, with over 40 years of experience, reflects on his vocation and what it means to be a servant leader. Topics discussed include professionalism in various professions, navigating uncertainties during the COVID pandemic, impact of personal responsibility on a doctor's wellness, and the importance of first impressions and recognizing essential workers.
8 snips
Jan 29, 2024 • 14min
"Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication" by Vanessa Van Edwards
Vanessa Van Edwards, speaker, researcher, and bestselling author, discusses the power of cues in charismatic communication. Learn how charisma can be developed as a skill by understanding and utilizing specific visual and vocal signals. Discover the importance of awareness, alignment of different channels, and the significance of using cues in communication to build trust and convey ideas effectively.
5 snips
Jan 26, 2024 • 15min
"Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World" by Scott Shigeoka
Discover the transformative power of curiosity as a superpower and skill. Learn how curiosity fuels learning, connection, and transformation. Explore the three directions of curiosity and the DIVE framework. Uncover the potential of curiosity to create a more just and sustainable society.
8 snips
Jan 25, 2024 • 11min
"How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion" by David McRaney
David McRaney, a science writer specializing in belief, opinion, and persuasion, shares science-backed tips on opening someone's mind. He explores the resistance to change, motivations behind belief, and the limitations of presenting facts to change someone's mind. He emphasizes the significance of conversations in promoting understanding and learning.
Jan 24, 2024 • 13min
"The Perennials: The Megatrends Creating a Postgenerational Society" by Mauro Guillén
Mauro Guillén, Wharton professor, discusses the concept of perennials who defy generational stereotypes and embrace flexibility in various aspects of life. They explore the need for cultural change, government policies, and organizational restructuring to fully embrace a post-generational society. They also discuss the changing landscape of retirement in a world with increased life expectancy and the role of technology in creating new opportunities for seniors.
Jan 23, 2024 • 18min
"Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go: A Modern Guide to Navigating Loss" by Gina Moffa
Psychotherapist Gina Moffa discusses the art of losing and her book 'Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go,' providing a map through the hinterlands of loss. Topics include understanding the impacts of non-death losses, the traumatizing nature of loss, the rhythms of grief, and the importance of self-compassion.
4 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 13min
"All In: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams" by Mike Michalowicz
Bestselling author Mike Michalowicz shares his proven formula for building an unstoppable team in any workplace. Topics include matching talents to tasks, the importance of skill assessment and workplace safety, and leading with humanness and realness in the face of remote work challenges.
5 snips
Jan 19, 2024 • 12min
"The Good Life Method: Reasoning Through the Big Questions of Happiness, Faith, and Meaning" by Meghan Sullivan & Paul Blaschko
Philosophers Meghan Sullivan and Paul Blaschko discuss the complexity of happiness and the value of asking meaningful questions. They reflect on the importance of direct attention in relationships and the impact of technology. Stoic philosophy and the pursuit of virtue and reality are also explored as paths to happiness.
