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
Jan 4, 2024 • 11min
"What the Taliban Told Me" By Ian Fritz
Ian Fritz, author of a memoir about coming-of-age in a lost war, explores the impact of language learning and insights gained as an Air Force cryptologic linguist in Afghanistan. The podcast also talks about the power of listening, the irony in killing certain ideas while keeping the idea of the Taliban alive, and the importance of asking for help and listening to others' stories.
Jan 3, 2024 • 16min
"Nuts and Bolts: Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World (in a Big Way)" by Roma Agrawal
Structural engineer Roma Agrawal discusses small inventions that shaped the world, including the scarcity of nails and the revolution of lenses. She shares personal stories about the impact of these inventions on her life, such as their role in her daughter's IVF process. The podcast also explores the effects of lenses on photography, the unsung heroes of engineering and science, communication history, and the evolution of breast pumps.
Jan 2, 2024 • 16min
"Sweat: A History of Exercise" by Bill Hayes
Bill Hayes, award-winning journalist, explores the origins of exercise, its historical evolution, the value of sweat in ancient Greece, and the impact of Christianity on exercise. He also discusses the scientific evidence for exercise benefits and the pioneering research by Jeremy Morris.
Jan 1, 2024 • 10min
Best Of: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing (with Brad Stulberg)
Brad Stulberg, Master of Change, discusses the concept of rugged flexibility for navigating change and disorder. He highlights the importance of setting expectations and practicing self-distancing techniques. Brad also introduces the concept of behavioral activation and taking productive action to engage with change.
6 snips
Dec 29, 2023 • 16min
Best Of: Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey
Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey discuss the four pillars of happiness: family, friendship, work, and faith. They explore the importance of positive and negative emotions, emotional management, and strategies for understanding and managing happiness to build a happier life.
Dec 28, 2023 • 14min
Best Of: Rainn Wilson ("The Office") on Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution
Actor Rainn Wilson discusses the benefits of spirituality in solving problems. They explore the need for a spiritual revolution and the impact of pandemics on society. The podcast delves into death, spirituality, and the meaning of life, emphasizing the value of contemplating mortality. It also explores spiritual truths across different faith traditions and the importance of harmony between science and faith, service to others, justice, and fostering joy.
Dec 27, 2023 • 17min
Best Of: Shankar Vedantam on the Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain
The podcast explores the role of self-deception in human flourishing, including its impact on happiness in relationships. It also discusses the paradox of self-deception in larger groups and institutions, as well as the resistance of our brains to accept climate change. The speaker shares a personal experience with an eye surgeon and suggests approaching conspiracy theories with compassion and curiosity.
Dec 26, 2023 • 14min
Best Of: How to Find Balance in the Age of Indulgence (with Anna Lembke)
Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist and author, discusses the scientific discoveries behind the pursuit of pleasure leading to pain. She explores the challenges of living in an abundant world and the addictive nature of online products. Dr. Lembke also provides strategies for restoring balance and improving mental health.
6 snips
Dec 25, 2023 • 9min
Best Of: Amy Edmondson on the Science of Failing Well
Award-winning Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson discusses the science of failing well and the importance of learning from failure. She emphasizes the concept of intelligent failure and distinguishes it from mistakes, highlighting its value in acquiring new knowledge. The chapter also explores the need for organizations to embrace failure, create incentives for learning and adaptation, and prioritize intelligent failures that provide valuable information.
Dec 22, 2023 • 16min
"Needy: How to Advocate for Your Needs and Claim Your Sovereignty" by Mara Glatzel
Mara Glatzel discusses the importance of acknowledging and prioritizing our needs for fulfillment and self-care. She emphasizes the transformative power of tending to our needs and the need to shift from working on ourselves to working with ourselves and advocating for our needs.
