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
Dec 7, 2023 • 14min
"We, the Data Human Rights in the Digital Age" by Wendy H. Wong
Wendy Wong, a political scientist at the University of British Columbia, discusses the importance of data privacy, the need for human rights in the digital age, and the influence of big tech companies on speech and information governance.
Dec 6, 2023 • 12min
"Fool Proof: How Fear of Playing the Sucker Shapes Our Selves and the Social Order—and What We Can Do About It" by Tess Wilkinson-Ryan
Psychologist Tess Wilkinson-Ryan discusses the fear of playing the fool and its impact on human behavior. She explores risk aversion and smaller hustles in everyday situations. The podcast delves into power imbalances and how they influence perceptions of exploitation, using examples of new moms and institutions. Wilkinson-Ryan emphasizes the importance of focusing on goals and values to avoid falling into sucker phobias.
Dec 5, 2023 • 12min
"Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind" by Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn, founder of Bonobos and mental health advocate, shares his harrowing experience with bipolar disorder, emphasizing the need to normalize mental illness. Topics include seeking a correct diagnosis, the power of vulnerable disclosure, reflections on family dynamics, facing shame and guilt, and building a stronger partnership through therapy.
Dec 4, 2023 • 14min
"Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary" by Ozan Varol
Discover how embracing idiosyncrasies can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Learn about the power of asking better questions, and how changing your environment can boost creativity and problem-solving.
7 snips
Dec 1, 2023 • 17min
"The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying about What People Think of You" by Michael Gervais
Psychologist Michael Gervais discusses the fear of people's opinions (FOPO), how it hinders personal growth, and influences decision-making, self-worth, and perceptions of success. The podcast explores society's emphasis on the self and its contribution to FOPO, as well as the evolutionary reasons behind our fear of social disapproval. It also delves into the impact of our performance-obsessed culture and the pursuit of excellence on our lives and self-worth.
6 snips
Nov 30, 2023 • 13min
"Apprentice Nation: How the 'Earn and Learn' Alternative to Higher Education Will Create a Stronger and Fairer America" by Ryan Craig
Exploring the potential of apprenticeships as an alternative to college in creating economic opportunity. Addressing the skills and experience gap faced by college graduates in the digital age. Examining the widening experience gap caused by AI automation and the role of apprenticeships in bridging it. The idea of an apprentice nation to address information asymmetry in the college system and provide work opportunities with advancement prospects.
Nov 29, 2023 • 11min
"Is Math Real?: How Simple Questions Lead Us to Mathematics’ Deepest Truths" by Eugenia Cheng
Explore the significance of questioning in mathematics to uncover its deepest truths. Discover fascinating concepts like cyclic groups and binary operations and how 'one plus one' is not always equal to two. Learn about the impact of the traditional math curriculum and the need for a shift towards promoting understanding and encouraging questions.
Nov 28, 2023 • 13min
"The Age-Proof Brain: New Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity, and Fight Off Dementia" by Marc Milstein
Marc Milstein, expert in strategies to improve memory, protect immunity, and fight off dementia, discusses practical strategies to lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. Topics include brain health maintenance, minimizing inflammation, preserving cognitive function, and the importance of learning new things for memory improvement.
Nov 27, 2023 • 14min
"How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself" by Michelle P. King
Michelle P. King, researcher of organizations and workplace dynamics, discusses the challenges of mental health in the workplace and the role of collaboration and understanding in informal interactions. She emphasizes the importance of informal networks, soft skills, and intentional learning for career success, and explores the positive impacts of 'paying it forward' in the workplace.
Nov 24, 2023 • 17min
"How to Calm Your Mind: Finding Presence and Productivity in Anxious Times" by Chris Bailey
Chris Bailey offers a guide to achieving calm, navigating anxiety, and staving off burnout. Topics include the role of dopamine in productivity and anxiety, the power of a stimulation fast to increase productivity, understanding burnout and its triggers, and finding balance between the analog and digital worlds.
