Bird Flu is a Real Concern. Learn the Facts with Former National Security Council Director for Medical and Biodefense Preparedness
Pandemics are on the rise. Will bird flu be next? The government says it’s monitoring the situation, but should we worry? According to former National Security Council Director for Medical and Biodefense Preparedness and expert on emerging infectious diseases, Luciana Borio, the answer is yes. Not only because bird flu is dangerous, but because the government may be giving us happy talk. The more you know, the better. So join us.
Learn How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection with Charles Duhigg
Want to become a super communicator? You can, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg. Here, the author of Supercommmunicators shares the neuroscience and key principles everyone can use in their daily life. One example: Ask others how they feel about their life, rather than about the facts of their life.
“Being charismatic or clever or smart is not an ingredient of being a super communicator.”
“People who are good at connecting ask questions … 10 to 20 times as many questions.”
It’s Time We Take A Good, Hard Look At War
As war rages in Ukraine and Gaza, these questions are being asked: Are wars inevitable? Where will the next major conflict break out? Are the U.S. and China headed for war? Are women leaders less warlike than men? Can wars be avoided? Listen, as Margaret MacMillan, one of the world’s leading war historians, provides answers. Don’t miss this one.
Are America and the West Really In Decline with Niall Ferguson
The decline of America and Western civilization is being discussed more loudly these days. But is it true or inevitable? Is the U.S. a waning influence, unraveling from within mainly due to extreme divisiveness? Niall Ferguson, one of the world’s most renowned historians, shares his well-informed perspective. It’s a convo that demands attention.
Kara Swisher Holds Back Nothing - on Bezos, Zuckerberg, Cook, etc.
Kara Swisher is Silicon Valley’s premiere chronicler, filled with wisdom and insight on tech companies and the out-sized egos who found and run them. Here, she shares her take on the industry and on Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, the Google co-founders and others, who she’s known since their companies were mere start-ups.
Cass Sunstein Reveals How to Become Famous: lost Beatles, lost Steve Jobs, lost Mona Lisas, lost Tom Bradys and other missed superstars
The world is filled with talented, amazing people, but only a few find fame and success. What’s the essential magic behind Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Steve Jobs and others? Here, Cass Sunstein, author of “How to Become Famous,” shares his keen insights into the essential attributes of hugely successful people. Want to join them? Join us.
“There are plenty of Steve Jobs out there. We tend to think he's unique. But there are Steve Jobs, parallel amazing people, who never made it.”
A Bold, Fresh, Stunning Look At The U.S. Constitution
A.J. Jacobs spent an entire year living as America’s Founding Fathers did 200 years ago. Really. He learned they envisioned a very different balance of power than exists in Washington today. How out of whack are things? How should the Constitution be interpreted? Is there too much free speech? Don’t miss this remarkable conversation.
Former Oxford University Head and Terrorism Expert - Finally, A Knowing, Clear-Eyed Look At Terrorism
Terrorism is roiling the Middle East and is a fact of life in many places around the world. How should civilized societies respond? What is an effective approach? Dame Louise Richardson, an Irish expert on the topic, has some surprising and insightful answers. The topic is timely and affects us all. Don’t miss this very necessary conversation.
How Taylor Swift, Barbie and Louis Vuitton Redefined Movies, Music, Art and Fashion: The Billion Dollar Marketing Era
We live in an age of hyper-marketing, when the marketing of events like Taylor Swift and the “Barbie” movie overwhelm the offering itself and takes on a life of its own. Here, Natasha Degen, marketing and cultural analyst extraordinaire, dissects how marketing is blurring the lines between movies, music, art and fashion, and reveals the secrets behind today’s most talked about cultural events and personalities.
The Keys To Ending Conflict, From A Negotiator Who Knows
People and countries are at each other’s throats these days. How can some of this conflict be resolved? Here, world-class negotiator William Ury reveals the innovative techniques that have helped him resolve some of the world’s most malignant conflicts. You’ll almost certainly be able to put these techniques to use in your own life.
An Other-Worldly Talk About Other Worlds With The Chillest Astrophysicist Alive
According to Janna Levin, “the chillest astrophysicist alive” (says Wired Magazine), there’s a great probability that other life exists in the universe. But what form might this life take? What the heck are black holes? How many planets are out there? And why should we give a hoot about all this? Be sure to listen to this other-worldly conversation.
Why Do We Keep Getting Walloped By Black Swan Events? Is The World On The Edge Of Chaos? Tune In.
“We have this notion that we have more control than ever, but I think we have it less and less,” says the brilliant Brian Klaas. Don’t miss this mind-bending chat about flukes, chance and random events. Also, how seemingly inconsequential actions have life-changing consequences, the eternal clash between chaos and order, and how to live successfully in a world on the edge of chaos.
The Battle for Your Brain: The Emerging World of Neurotechnology, Brain Hacking and Thought Control (repost)
Brain sensors embedded in watches. Earbuds that decode our brainwaves. Neurotechnology that reads our emotions and thoughts, and can be used to manipulate them. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s science fact. Don’t miss this chilling and cautionary talk with Duke professor Nita Farahany, author of The Battle for Your Brain.
Climate Future: What We Know and Don’t Know About Our Future
Current debates over climate change are focused almost entirely on reducing emissions - which is something we should do - but we also need to answer the question, how should we be adapting?
MIT’s Robert Pindyck shares what we know and don’t know and how we can adapt given the enormous climate uncertainty.
“Let’s suppose we do have an increase in temperature of 3 degrees. What would happen?”
Liespotting — An Expert Reveals How To Know When You’re Being Deceived. Honestly.
There’s an epidemic of deception taking place, and while some lying has a valid function, it helps to know when you’re being deceived. Expert Pamela Meyer reveals why we lie, how to spot deception in work and life situations, and how she knew Bill Clinton’s claim that he “never had sex with that woman” was bs.
AI That’s More Powerful Than Humans Is Coming. How Will We Be Able To Control It?
Super intelligent AI is coming that will make today’s AI seem primitive. It will be vastly more powerful than humans, have access to extensive real-time data about almost everyone, and be able to control our lives. A world-leading authority on the topic, Stuart Russell, reveals what must be done for humanity to get the best from AI and avoid the worst.
“The arrival of super intelligent AI is like the arrival of a superior alien civilization…”
Look Again: The Power of Noticing What Was Always There
Our lives are filled with joyful, positive experiences — a beautiful sunset, a good meal, laughter with someone we love — but we tend to forget them quickly. Here, a groundbreaking neuroscientist, Tali Sharot, explains how we can make the feeling of joy linger, the phenomenon of habituation and why we should “break up the good experiences, but swallow the bad ones whole.”
These Times Demand This Fascinating Look At How Abraham Lincoln Kept America One Country
With political contentiousness now at a fever pitch and with Presidents Day in mind, there’s much to be gained by learning about the savvy genius and deep kindness of Abraham Lincoln. Here, acclaimed author Ed Achorn provides a fascinating, warts-and-all look at how this brilliant and inspiring man helped keep America one country.
Starbucks Board Chair Mellody Hobson’s Life Sounds Like Fiction, But It’s Fact. Here, She Discusses Her Success.
Mellody Hobson’s life—from her tough Chicago childhood to becoming Starbucks board chair to her marriage to George Lucas — has shattered stereotypes. Here, the president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments talks about pursuing excellence, how to become indispensable, tricks for managing time, the need to take risks, and much more.
Taste What You’re Missing: Surprising Stories and Science About Why Food Tastes Good
Chew on this: The way food looks, smells, and even sounds affects how much we like it. We have taste buds in our stomach. Adding salt to grapefruit makes it sweeter. There’s an amazing story behind why we love some foods and not others. Everyone who eats should listen to this conversation with food expert extraordinaire, Barbara Stuckey.