Think Bigger, Think Better: Science, Philosophy, Business, And Our Human Future

Behavioral Science and the Future of Work are two elements of the subtitle of my new book IMPACT: Using Science to Change Behaviors, Hearts, and Minds. These are two of the most discussed and most important trends in business today, and I'm excited to share my discussions with Charlotte and Kelly with you. And, the paperback version of IMPACT came out in September 2019, available on Amazon and from other online book retailers. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/32JmBWR

Michelle and I discuss her new book and why personal connections are so important to doing business today. We talk about how to network if you're a shy person (or just hate the term "networking"), and how important it is to add value to your relationships. We also run through the seven mindsets of a connector and the connector spectrum so you can get a feel for how you're connecting with other people in your industry and beyond. And, we discuss the importance of focusing on your similarities with other people and why you should connect with people over things beyond what you do for work. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2YkJ1Lx

Michael and I talk about how businesses are beginning to apply behavioral science in their approaches to both employee engagement and consumer behavior. We discuss how the field is only in its infancy and how much more we have to learn, and we talk about some firms and practitioners that are paving the way for some serious innovation in the application of behavioral science. Michael also touches on the role of gamification in behavioral science and where we're already seeing behavioral science change consumer decision-making. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2ud0kkD

Dr. Monahan and I talk about why she decided to write the definitive text on behavioral science in business and what inspired her to start studying it in the first place. We discuss extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation and what's better for employee's health and performance; the psychological state of the workforce today; and how to apply behavioral science to organizational change and development. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2IH9G1T

Parag Khanna and I talk about his new book and what inspired him to write about the Asian century. We also chat about what Western countries who are turning away from Asia (e.g. the United States) are risking by turning their backs on one of the most economically dynamic regions in today's world. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2Iia9rs

As plastic sits out there in the oceans, salt, sun, UV, and wave action turn your plastic bottles into microplastics, which get eaten by sea-dwelling animals and throw off the whole ecosystem and food chain. Julie Andersen, of Plastic Oceans International, and I talk about the basics of why plastic is so bad for our environment, just how big the problem really is, and what activists can do to get involved in changing our plastic consumption habits and norms. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2FVanTb

Scott and I talk about how he became an ant biologist, why he's so fascinated by evolution, and ways humans are guiding our own evolution – for example, through online dating, IVF, having children later, and more. Scott outlines the main arguments against the idea that humans are done evolving, and points out that we're not as special as we might think when it comes to avoiding evolution. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2FBrKre

We're kicking off the year with a great conversation about some of today's biggest international issues and with a fantastic guest, Professor Richard Baldwin. We begin with a discussion about the history of globalization and how it's ebbed and flowed over time. We also talk mercantilism, Trump's trade policy, the rapid growth of China, and Richard's globalization theory, the Great Convergence. Richard and I also talk about the state of Brexit and what's likely to happen economically in Britain's near future. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2s5tbX2

In this episode, the Minister shares his views on the Paris Accord, talks about steps being taken around the world to implement the 1.5 degrees C temperature cap, and describes how New Zealand's climate change efforts compare to those of other countries.  He also talks about how young leaders can get started in politics and how he's incorporated a passion for sustainability into every aspect of his long and varied career. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2QyLd2F

Marijuana is approved for medical and recreational use in six states, for medical use only in about another 12, and another 10 have decriminalized it to varying extents. This new world of deregulation brings financial opportunities for states and entrepreneurs, health benefits for medical users, but also risks akin to the risks of the supplement industry. Joining us to talk about these huge shifts is Alex Romero, the COO of LandRace Group LLC. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2Sl3hcK

Andrew Hermalyn, the 30-year-old President of 2UGrad, joins us today to talk about how 2U provides the digital infrastructure universities need to attract, enroll, educate, and support students at scale while delivering high-quality outcomes. With the 2U platform, students can pursue their education anytime, anywhere, without quitting their jobs or moving - and university clients can improve educational outcomes, skills attainment, and career prospects for a greater number of students. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2PmTPZs

Today's amazing guest, Jesus Mantas of IBM, joins us to talk about Artificial Intelligence, its main consumer and business applications, and how IBM is addressing the risks of AI. He is, in some ways, typical IBM: a geek through and through, exemplified by his engineering background and lifelong fascination with AI. But he is a geek who specializes in helping businesses exploit new technology for consumer and business benefit, and he is helping lead one of history's most groundbreaking companies into a future of responsible, transparent Artificial Intelligence. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2Ddou4Z

Our culture - the norms, beliefs, and assumptions that drive behavior - suggests that kids are in constant danger. Despite all the statistics pointing in the opposite direction, parenting culture treats those of us who give our kids some more independence in the world as subpar parents at best and negligent at worst. Today’s guest, Lenore Skenazy, the "Worst Mom in America," founder of Free Range Kids and President of the non-profit Let Grow, and my new hero is on a mission to change the culture of fear that says our kids are constantly in danger and hampers their development as a result. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2ys7zHY

Are spirituality and atheism incompatible?  Today’s guest – philosopher, speaker, and author Nick Jankel – would argue no. Nick broke with organized religion at a young age, but the rest of his life has been spent filling this gap with all of the things that typically come along with organized religion sans the dogmatic teachings. In this episode, we spend some time talking about growing up – how in life you find your purpose and must do battle with some psychological dragons along the way.  Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2y64qgH

On today's episode, I’m going to talk about Trump - not too much about his policies but more about his leadership, asking the question: How, from the perspective of a leadership scholar and former CEO of a leadership consulting firm (myself), are his leadership skills? Join me this week as we think bigger and broader about the Trump presidency and what is unfolding within his administration. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2N3orZY

What is the meaning of life? Is it being happy, as many contemporary authors and self-help gurus will tell you? With all due respect to those who’ve made a career out of that message, there is more to it – and the big idea is called human flourishing. Businesses need to make money, but is business just a money-engine, or can it engender human flourishing? How can businesses challenge that energy? Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2PGhlwd

The final frontier: Will we settle other planets, moons, or farther still? Is Elon Musk’s vision of colonizing Mars (starting with short trips in 2020) realizable, or Silicon Valley hubris? Why, when we have so many Terran problems to solve, should we devote resources to space? To discuss space and the work of The Planetary Society, we have their Senior Editor Emily Lakadawalla on the show.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2MzQWTD

Our episode today covers depression, which affects one in six Americans. 20% of women and 10% of men will have an episode during their lifetimes. An important question is whether this may grossly understate the case; whether, because of stigma, depression is vastly under-diagnosed. Join me and Steve Hollon as we talk depression, diagnosis, medical treatment pros and cons, and what you can do to help yourself and those around you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2w22W6d

Almost a decade ago, I traveled to San Diego to play in a World Series of Poker event. This kid sat next to me: headphones, beard, hat backward. I don’t usually talk to the players much, let alone 21-year-old college students, but this guy and I got on like a house on fire. He was just 21 and I was 50, but we found so much common ground, and we’ve been good friends since. Cultural tourism This worldly 20-something (now 30-something) has just returned from a nine-month trip "cultural tourism" through South America on a school bus. He visited the rich and poorest, indigenous and rural communities, artists, scientists, and politicians.  The journey was Odyssian, with severe hardship, cultural clashes, injury, and danger: in this podcast, we barely capture the intensity.  His stories will inform and touch your heart.  Tune in for a different kind of conversation on Think Bigger, Think Better this week. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2B9RPND

This podcast probes a culture of fake news, post-truth, Trump, and many of the other phenomena from the last few years that corrupt our “information space.” As information age citizens, we depend on good information (facts) to make decisions as voters and consumers. I’m discussing some of the more mind-bogglingly convoluted conspiracy theories and how the internet has allowed some of this claptrap to flourish. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2H1TemK