Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

Biographer Walter Isaacson shares his experience shadowing Elon Musk for two years, discussing Musk's addiction to risk, determination to reach Mars in his lifetime, micromanaging tendencies, attention to detail, and the metaphorical meaning behind a failed rocket launch. The podcast raises important questions about human nature and features advertisements from the Kavli Foundation and Starbucks.

Laurel Braitman, a grief-stricken adventurer, helps doctors effectively communicate through storytelling about medical mistakes. The podcast explores their love for exploration and science, their journey to embrace vulnerability, and the power of storytelling in healthcare to foster empathy and patient care.

Carl Safina, a renowned conservationist, shares his experience of rescuing a baby owl during Covid lockdown, reflecting on our frayed relationship with nature. He discusses the fascinating mating and parenting behaviors of screech owls, the impact of his relationship with the owl family on his understanding of human-animal relationships, and the contrasting views on community between Western and Eastern cultures. The chapter concludes with the author's excitement upon hearing the call of a new male owl.

Joe Henrich, who studies how culture has shaped human evolution, discusses the influence of culture on the evolution of Homo erectus, the importance of diversity for innovation and the impact of immigration, the evolution of gods and the role of rituals, the significance of rituals and the consequences of secularization, and the benefits of ritualistic behavior in promoting cooperation.

Kashmir Hill, New York Times technology reporter, discusses her book 'Your Face Belongs to Us' and the erosion of privacy through technology. She investigates Clearview AI, a secretive company involved in facial recognition technology. The chapter explores the pros and cons of facial recognition technology, emphasizing the importance of cautious deployment and proper training. They also explore strange questions, compulsive talkers, and the dangers of technology.

Matthew Walker, author of best-selling book Why We Sleep and host of the Matt Walker Podcast, discusses the effects of sleep aids, the connection between sleep and Alzheimer's disease, and strategies for communicating with someone who has incorrect facts.

A brilliant violinist in her teens, her world came crashing down when an injury ended her career even as it was beginning. Remarkably, she turned that loss into a PhD in neuroscience, a stint in the White House and a popular podcast about others also navigating drastic changes in their lives.

Do you believe people are worse now than they use to be? That smarter people are happier people? That you know when to quit a conversation? Wrong on all counts, according to Adam Mastroianni, a social psychologist. He’s also a professional improv performer and uses those skills teaching business school students.

Neuroscientist Nancy Kanwisher talks about specialized brain regions for recognizing faces and identifying food. The podcast explores super recognizers, brain structures, and the correlation between face recognition ability and IQ. It also discusses brain responses to music, theory of mind, and initiating authentic conversations.

She managed to write a lyrical, moving book about her journey to a massive glacier in Antarctica that, if it collapses into the ocean, would cause a catastrophic rise in sea level. Unexpectedly, it’s also a book about her difficulty in choosing motherhood in a time of radical climate change.