3 Takeaways

Why Bad Cops Stay and Schools Fail - The Hidden Union Problem (#240) Mar 11, 2025

Public employee unions have a death grip on the operating machinery of government. Bad cops can’t be fired, schools can’t work, and politicians sell their souls for union support. The devil is in the astonishing details, and Philip Howard, a brilliant leader of government and legal reform, provides them here. Good news: there is a solution.

How to Not be Manipulated: A Clever, Crafty PR Exec Reveals Tricks of His Trade (#239) Mar 04, 2025

Warning: People are out to manipulate you. How? With very sophisticated, deceptive PR techniques. Here, one of Washington’s most wily manipulators of news, Phil Elwood, reveals tricks of his trade — like astroturfing and detonating bombs in a safe location. The more you know about these tricks, the less likely you’ll be conned by them.

The Power of Leaderless Organizations: How Decentralized Groups are Changing the World (#238) Feb 25, 2025

What happens when there’s no one in charge? You’d think chaos would reign—but in reality, leaderless organizations are thriving, disrupting industries, and shaping the future. In this episode of 3 Takeaways, New York Times bestselling author Ori Brafman explains why decentralized networks—from Wikipedia to Bitcoin to social movements—are more resilient, adaptable, and powerful than we might expect.

Whole Foods CEO on The Future of Food: More Than Taste (#237) Feb 18, 2025

Food. People are demanding more from it these days than taste. They want food to meet their personal health needs. They want it produced using methods that improve the health of the planet, respect the people who grow it, and more. Here, the visionary CEO of Whole Foods Market, Jason Buechel, shares his thoughts on the food of the future and how to satisfy peoples’ appetite for it.

NBCUniversal Vice Chair Bonnie Hammer: Life Lessons for Getting Ahead (#236) Feb 11, 2025

NBCUniversal Vice-Chair Bonnie Hammer didn’t climb to the top by following the rules—she rewrote them. In this conversation, she dismantles the biggest career myths, reveals what really drives success, and shares why sweating the small stuff can make or break you. Packed with no-nonsense advice, game-changing insights, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in ambition, leadership, and career strategy—without the clichés.

The CIA’s Secrets: Spy Missions, Cyber Wars & Covert Operations (#235) Feb 04, 2025

The CIA may not be thrilled with this conversation. Here, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and highly regarded CIA expert Tim Weiner reveals stunning details about the agency’s espionage and covert activities. Learn about the CIA’s greatest successes and failures, its best weapon, how China and Russia are spying on the U.S., and much more.

Former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz: Tackling Global Warming and Energy Solutions (#234) Jan 28, 2025

Energy is complicated. As global demand continues to grow, so does the need for realistic, climate-friendly solutions. Are renewables the answer? How about nuclear power? What is China’s role? Listen, as former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz provides smart answers to daunting questions about energy, and examines the threat of nuclear war.

Former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO James Stavridis Does Not Mince Words (#233) Jan 21, 2025

When Admiral James Stavridis (Ret) talks, everyone from Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump listens. Here, the brilliant former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO shares his thoughts on the U.S. relationship with China; how to fundamentally remake the Middle East; why the U.S. buying Greenland isn’t as crazy as it sounds; the impact of AI on the power of nations; and more.

Top Takeaways of 2024 (#232) Jan 14, 2025

The episode you’ve been waiting for is here: our Top Takeaways of 2024. Listen to some of the world’s smartest, most influential thinkers, business leaders, innovators, technologists, and other newsmakers — including Eric Schmidt, Mellody Hobson, Atul Gawande, Fareed Zakaria, Jill Abramson, Stephen Breyer, Niall Ferguson and others. You don’t want to miss this episode.
If you'd like to listen to any of the full episodes:

Historian Niall Ferguson is episode 199.

Mellody Hobson is episode 184.

Former New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson is episode 206.

Norway's Ine Eriksen Søreide is episode 213.

Former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is episode 220.

Extraordinary food expert Barb Stuckey is episode 183.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is episode 225.

Negotiation expert William Ury is episode 193.

Global health surgeon Dr. Atul Gawande is episode 182.

Bioethicist Peter Singer is episode 224.

Former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is episode 227.

Journalist Fareed Zakaria is episode 209.

And, executive coach Marshall Goldsmith is episode 221.

AI: How It’s Being Used Now, What’s Next, and What’s After That (#231) Jan 07, 2025

There’s a lot being said about AI these days that’s science fiction. One person who knows the facts is David Schmaier, President and Chief Product Officer of Salesforce. Here, he talks in detail about the many unseen ways AI is being used now, how it will profoundly stimulate innovation and benefit humanity, the rise of robots, and more.

The Science and Skill of Superforecasting (#230) Dec 31, 2024

Imagine how much better your decision making would be if you could better predict the future. It’s possible, with superforecasting. In fact, a team of superforecasters won a forecasting tournament conducted by the U.S. intelligence community. What do superforecasters actually do, and how can you become a better forecaster? Don’t miss this talk with superforecaster, and CEO of Good Judgement Inc, Warren Hatch.

The Search for Another Earth (#229) Dec 24, 2024

Is there another planet in the universe like Earth? Is there life elsewhere? And if so, how advanced is it? Join us as Sara Seager — astronomer, planet hunter, MIT professor, and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient — presents a mind-blowing progress report on the rigorous search for Earth’s planetary twin and other life in the universe.

A Blueprint for Reimagining Our Cities (#228) Dec 17, 2024

Our cities need to be revitalized to make them more appealing. But how? Seth Pinsky, CEO of 92NY and former CEO of New York City's Economic Development Corporation, has answers. Here, he talks knowingly about creative ways to stimulate growth; how to combat the skepticism that government can deliver on its promises; the importance of what he calls magnetic infrastructure; and more.

Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea (#227) Dec 10, 2024

China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are all determined to subvert America. Nobody knows more about this than former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who has worked for three presidents and five secretaries of state. Hear what this foreign policy expert says America must do to remain dominant, how AI will impact the world order, and much more.

Secrets of a Wildly Successful TV Writer (#226) Dec 03, 2024

Ever wonder why some movies and TV shows are so powerful and gripping? What makes for a deeply compelling story? Why George Clooney is so popular? Listen as Neal Baer, Hollywood TV writer and producer extraordinaire, talks about the craft and magic of storytelling in a way that will benefit almost everyone — including you.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt on AI: Shaping the Next Era of Humanity (#225) Nov 23, 2024

Eric Schmidt is astonishing. Here, the former CEO of Google and one of the world’s most brilliant technologists talks with visionary wisdom about Artificial Intelligence and its impact on business, healthcare, warfare, climate change, human survival and more. Don’t miss this chance to learn how AI powers we have not yet imagined will affect our daily lives.
Eric’s new book, which is fascinating, is Genesis.

200 Billion Animals Are Killed for Food Each Year (#224) Nov 19, 2024

Chew on this: Approximately 200 billion animals are raised for food each year, often in horrific conditions. The contribution of these animals to climate change is greater than the emissions of all the cars being driven around the world. There is a solution. Listen, as Princeton bioethicist Peter Singer explains both the problem and a simple answer.

I’m a Doctor. ChatGPT’s Bedside Manner Is Better Than Mine. (#223) Nov 12, 2024

For better and for worse, artificially intelligent communication is inexorably making its way into medical care. How will this affect the doctor-patient relationship? Can AI convey human empathy and emotion? What will the impact be on your health? According to Dr. Jon Reisman, there’s no turning back. Listen, and learn what the future will hold.

Loonshots: How Lunatic, Moonshot Ideas Become Real and Change the World (#222) Nov 05, 2024

It’s not easy for huge, breakthrough ideas — the kind that truly change the world — to see the light of day. Here, physicist, entrepreneur and author Safi Bahcall talks in detail about the creativity and determination required, plus the obstacles to overcome, and cites fascinating examples including James Bond, Lipitor, Apple, Airbnb and others.

Blunt Wisdom From the World’s Top Executive Coach (#221) Oct 29, 2024

If there’s such a thing as a secret to success, Marshall Goldsmith knows it. Known as the world’s top executive leadership coach, he’s worked with many CEOs, founders and billionaires and has a deep understanding of how to change behaviors, how to lead, and ultimately, how to succeed in both your career and life. Listen and benefit from what he knows.

Former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer Speaks His Piece (#220) Oct 22, 2024

Rarely does a former Supreme Court justice reveal what’s on their mind like Stephen Breyer. Listen to what this wise man says about the tug of war between constitutional originalism and contextualism, political partisanship on the court, structural reforms such as term limits, the invaluable lesson he learned from Senator Ted Kennedy, and more.

Secrets of Legendary Investor Howard Marks (#219) Oct 15, 2024

Warren Buffett doesn’t need investment advice. But he does listen to fellow billionaire and co-founder of Oaktree Capital Howard Marks. Here, the legendary investor shares his insights on the market, the psychology of investing, why low interest rates can lead to unwise behavior, and why “always good, sometimes great, never terrible” describes his remarkable career.

What’s Ailing Capitalism, and How to Heal It (#218) Oct 08, 2024

Serious doubts about capitalism are being raised these days, and for good reason. Too many people are being left behind. But is capitalism really failing? Is socialism the answer? Ruchir Sharma, Chairman of Rockefeller International, says capitalism is being ruined by the expanding role of government. Is he correct? Listen and decide for yourself.

AI and Healthcare: A Dose of Good News (#217) Oct 01, 2024

Sam Hazen has seen the future of healthcare, and it works. The CEO of one of the world’s largest healthcare providers, HCA, is using artificial intelligence and robotics to improve patient health and hospital services, make healthcare more affordable, and more. Don’t miss this dose of good news about healthcare.

Highlight on Politics: 5 of the World’s Sharpest Minds in Politics (#216) Sep 24, 2024

Election fever is heating up, and no matter how you plan on voting, these 3 Takeaways excerpts provide valuable insight into our political challenges, plus thoughts on how to resolve them. Guests include Yale Law School Professor Amy Chua; former political consultant and presidential advisor Karl Rove; White House advisor to four U.S. presidents David Gergen; political commentator and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will; and journalist extraordinaire Fareed Zakaria.

Chew on This: The Founder of Whole Foods Is Bananas for Capitalism (#215) Sep 17, 2024

The story of Whole Foods is the story of its founder, John Mackey, and it’s nothing short of astonishing. Here, this charismatic entrepreneur talks about the fundamentals of success, his own superpowers, why capitalism is a powerful force for progress, and what he believes is the most important thing in life. (It’s not money.) Feast on this conversation.

Former Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on Investing, Entrepreneurship, and Trump (#214) Sep 10, 2024

With no exaggeration, Wilbur Ross is brilliant, successful, blunt, compelling, and completely devoid of baloney. Here, he reveals his thoughts on investing, China, entrepreneurship, serving as U.S. Commerce Secretary, the greatest threat to America, working for Donald Trump, and more. When Wilbur Ross talks, be sure to listen.

Norway’s Former Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs: Are Chaos and Upheaval the New Norm? (#213) Sep 03, 2024

The world is on a wild ride — two wars, massive immigration, fractured political parties. Are chaos and upheaval the new normal? Norway’s former Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ine Eriksen Søreide, shares her wise perspective on the threat of Russia, the critical role of the U.S., coping with immigration and more.

Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet: Leading with Integrity, Truth, and Empathy (#212) Aug 29, 2024

Authentic political leadership is in short supply these days. There’s no better person on the topic than the first female President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet. Elected to office twice, she achieved remarkable reforms and had a stunning approval rating of 84%. Here, she talks about the need to tell the truth, defend democracy, be empathetic, and more.

Highlight on Law & Justice: Six Experts Share Powerful Ideas on Crime and Punishment (#211) Aug 20, 2024

With an election coming up, crime and punishment are a hot topic. Listen to this specially curated episode of 3 Takeaways as some of the sharpest minds on the subject share their insight. Guests include top legal reform expert, Christina Swarns; former Harvard Law School Dean, Martha Minow; Judge Jed Rakoff; founder of the Innocence Project, Barry Scheck; former New York City Police Commissioner, Bill Bratton; and Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of Homeland Security.

Close Calls: The Terrifying Threat of Nuclear War (#210) Aug 13, 2024

How would a nuclear war start and unfold? How close are we to thermonuclear annihilation? Annie Jacobsen, a weapons expert and Pulitzer Prize finalist, knows. Here, using insider information, she dramatically outlines how close we’ve come to Armageddon, what nuclear winter would entail, and much more. Don’t miss this chilling but necessary episode.

Fareed Zakaria Makes Sense of a Crazy World (#209) Aug 06, 2024

Massive, mind scrambling changes are taking place in society and politics these days. Nobody makes more sense of it than Fareed Zakaria. Listen, as he talks with his typical brilliance about the problems with our political parties, the need for open markets, how to fix the U.S. Supreme Court — and why he believes enormous optimism is justified.

Vietnam: From Great Foe to Great Friend (#208) Jul 30, 2024

It’s a story that seems unimaginable. Fifty years after the end of our brutal war with Vietnam, the two countries are now good friends, close trading partners, allies in many important ways. How did this remarkable reconciliation occur? What does it mean for the future? Don’t miss this engrossing talk with U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc Knapper.
“Our current friendship with Vietnam reflects a journey that a Hollywood scriptwriter could not have written.”

What Einstein and Brie Larson Have in Common (#207) Jul 23, 2024

What do Einstein, Mozart, Walt Disney, Brie Larson and many other talented and successful people have in common? The experience of being stuck — of being mired in a rut and struggling to accomplish. Here, NYU professor Adam Alter provides a detailed, actionable, and fascinating blueprint for how to get out of the rut. Be sure to listen and learn.
“Colossal talents have experienced the same kinds of procrastination and productivity issues the rest of us do.”

Hear, Here. A Fresh Take on the News Media’s Flawed Coverage of Joe Biden with a Former NY Times Executive Editor (#206) Jul 16, 2024

The news media’s coverage of Joe Biden’s mental fitness is itself a major news story. Here, Jill Abramson, a former Executive Editor of the NY Times, provides fresh insight on the failures of the media, the White House’s aggressive cover-up, what it all means for journalism in general, and more. Don’t miss one of our most important conversations ever.

A Former Prime Minister of Israel Speaks Bluntly (#205) Jul 09, 2024

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has a special perspective and wise insights into the battle against Hamas. Here, he shares his thoughts and suggestions on ending the war, securing the future for Israel, dealing with Iran, the need for a Palestinian state, and more. There’s reason to be both hopeful and concerned.
“To eliminate Hamas as if it didn't exist is impossible. … It is an ideology, and no military action can remove ideology from the face of the earth.”
“I am more worried about the solidarity of Israeli society than I am about the enmity of our outside enemies.”

How AI is Rewiring and Rotting our Brains (#204) Jul 02, 2024

Slowly but surely, AI is taking over. What does it mean to live in an age where we can outsource our thinking to machines? According to Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, it's no less than a fundamental restructuring of what it means to be human and a questioning of our essence. Learn how to future-proof yourself and maintain what makes us human.

“If you want to future-proof yourself in the age of AI … the worst thing you can do is be lazy.”

“If we are at the mercy of AI, free will isn't even an illusion anymore. It’s just completely gone.”

Highlight on Education: A Specially Curated Episode (#203) Jun 25, 2024

Want to get smarter about education? Listen to this specially curated episode of 3 Takeaways — with former Presidents of Harvard University, Larry Summers and Larry Bacow; former Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan; former head of Oxford University, Dame Louise Richardson; former Academic Dean of the Kennedy School, Iris Bohnet; Nobel Prize laureate, Joshua Angrist; and founder of online Khan Academy, Sal Khan.

Bird Flu is a Real Concern. Learn the Facts with Former National Security Council Director for Medical and Biodefense Preparedness (#202) Jun 18, 2024

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 (#201) Jun 11, 2024

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 (#200) Jun 04, 2024

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 (#199) May 28, 2024

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. (#198) May 21, 2024

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 (#197) May 14, 2024

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 (#196) May 07, 2024

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 (#195) Apr 30, 2024

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 (#194) Apr 23, 2024

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 (#193) Apr 16, 2024

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 (#192) Apr 09, 2024

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.
“I find it impossible to believe we're magically the only experiment in life when we look at our own galaxy, which is a collection of 300 billion stars.”

Why Do We Keep Getting Walloped By Black Swan Events? Is The World On The Edge Of Chaos? Tune In. (#191) Apr 02, 2024

“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 (#190) Mar 26, 2024

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 (#189) Mar 19, 2024

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. (#188) Mar 12, 2024

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? (#187) Mar 05, 2024

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 (#186) Feb 27, 2024

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 (#185) Feb 20, 2024

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 (#184) Feb 13, 2024

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 Why Food Tastes Good (#183) Feb 06, 2024

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.

The One And Only Dr. Atul Gawande In An Eye-Opening, Wide-Ranging Talk About Global Health (#182) Jan 30, 2024

Surgeon, professor, public health leader, bestselling author, global healthcare legend. Listen as Dr. Atul Gawande talks about the astonishing success of modern medicine, how countries that spend far less on healthcare than the U.S. achieve similar outcomes, the global effort to increase lifespan, the future of healthcare, and much more.

Top Takeaways of 2023 (#181) Jan 23, 2024

3 Takeaways brings you conversations with people who are changing the world. The world’s foremost thinkers, business leaders, writers, politicians, scientists and other newsmakers share three key insights to help you understand the world in new ways that can benefit your life and career. In this special year-end episode, we present the most powerful and compelling takeaways of 2023.

Can you guess which takeaway is from each guest before we tell you who it is? The guests include former Director of the CIA, former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, CEO of Chevron, former Foreign Minister of Israel and other amazing guests.

Top Takeaways of 2023 include excerpts from the following episodes:

An Eye-Opening, Cautionary Look At The Problematic Clout Of A Few Giant Index Funds (#180) Jan 16, 2024

Four index funds are now so large they have unprecedented, concentrated power in public companies, enabling them to exert enormous influence over our politics and economy. While the cause for concern is clear, the solution is not. Join us, as Harvard law professor John Coates shines a bright light on this serious and growing problem.
“Two companies control 10 to 15 to maybe 20% of all of the stock of all the companies on all the U.S. stock exchanges.”

The CEO of U.S. News & World Report On Why Today’s Most Critical News Story May Be The News Media Itself (#179) Jan 09, 2024

Credible journalism is crucial for democracy, and trust in our news media is alarmingly low. The CEO of U.S. News & World Report, Eric Gertler, explains why and talks bluntly about the dramatic rise of opinionated and fake news, the impact of a generation getting its news from social media, transitioning from analog dollars to digital dimes, and more.

Made New Year’s Resolutions? An Expert Shares Scientific Strategies To Achieve Lasting Change (#178) Jan 02, 2024

Many people have important personal goals they want to achieve, but come up short. Here, behavioral change expert and Wharton professor Katy Milkman shares scientifically proven strategies for affecting deep personal change. Two key insights: Willpower alone usually isn’t enough. It helps to make difficult tasks enjoyable.
Katy Milkman is the author of the bestselling book How To Change.

Top Dog: An Expert On The Science Of Winning Shares Powerful Tips And Strategies To Improve Performance (#177) Dec 26, 2023

Ashley Merryman is an expert on the science of winning and has helped Olympic and professional athletes, Fortune 100 execs, and military leaders compete more successfully. Here, she reveals strategies that have transformed the world of elite performance — including how to thrive under pressure, benefit from a loss, and more.
She is the co-author of Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing.

A Legal Reform Expert Discusses The Horrors Of Our Criminal Justice System And How To Improve It (#176) Dec 19, 2023

It’s no secret the U.S. criminal justice system is failing people of color. But the issue is bigger and more horrific than people think. Here, Christina Swarns, a top criminal legal reform expert, discusses wrongful convictions, false confessions, plea deals, the critical role of DNA — and most important, what can be done to improve the system.
Christina Swarns has argued and won before the U.S. Supreme Court. She is the Executive Director of the Innocence Project, which gets wrongfully convicted people out of prison.

How Will Dramatically Declining Birth Rates Reshape Our World? A Population Expert Weighs In. (#175) Dec 12, 2023

The birth rate in many countries is plummeting below what’s needed to maintain the population. In China, it’s estimated the population will shrink by 50%. In the U.S., by about 20%. Should we hit the panic button? According to American Enterprise Institute scholar, Nick Eberstadt, the answer is a thoughtful “no.” Listen and find out why.

Former Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar Details Previously Unknown Reasons For The Stunning Success of Operation Warp Speed (#174) Dec 05, 2023

Operation Warp Speed achieved in 7 months what normally takes 8–12 years. Former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, reveals in fascinating detail how it was done — the key people involved, how it was influenced by the Manhattan Project, the government’s critical, groundbreaking partnership with the drug industry, and more.

At A Time Of Great Global Volatility, The U.S. Economy Is Far Outperforming All The Other Major Countries. Listen And Learn Why. (#173) Nov 28, 2023

News flash: By every measure that matters, the U.S. economy is dramatically outperforming the industrialized world. The Provost of King's College at Cambridge University, Gillian Tett, explains why. She also shares brilliant insights on the enormous volatility in the world, the future of globalization, why Brexit is a disaster, and more.

An Expert On Higher Education Talks About Critical Skills Not Being Taught At Universities (#172) Nov 21, 2023

There’s great debate these days about the merits of a college education. Here, an expert on the topic, Harvard’s David Deming, weighs in with facts and insights on how colleges fail and succeed, the essential skills universities need to teach, how a college education fights inequality, the true usefulness of college, and more.

A Former Israeli Foreign Minister Discusses The War With Hamas And What It May, And May Not, Achieve (#171) Nov 14, 2023

As war rages between Israel and Hamas, former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami shares some remarkable insights about the encirclement of Israel by well-armed Iranian proxies; the possibility the war will spread; the rise of antisemitism in America and Europe; and a possible path to peace. Don’t miss this important conversation.

Chevron CEO, Mike Wirth, On The Race To Meet The World’s Energy Needs With Lower Carbon Solutions (#170) Nov 07, 2023

Can the world make an orderly transition from fossil fuels to lower carbon solutions? Chevron CEO, Mike Wirth, believes we can, but there are major challenges ahead. Join us as he shares his thoughts on EVs, fusion, carbon capture, geothermal, and other technologies. The future is coming. Will the world be ready? Listen to find out.

A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, And Have We Really Thought This Through? (#169) Oct 31, 2023

Attention Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos: What on earth are you thinking?! Settling in space is fraught with monumental challenges. Here, serious and funny spaceheads Kelly and Zach Weinersmith discuss some of them — the effects of partial gravity on sex and having babies, food and energy production, laws that govern space society, and more.

Karl Rove Takes A Riveting, No-Holds Barred Look At The Frightening State Of American Politics (#168) Oct 24, 2023

Karl Rove, former political consultant and presidential advisor, shares his take on the current ugliness in American politics … the critical challenges of the Republican and Democratic parties … the immorality of Donald Trump … the corruption of Joe Biden … and how America can be healed. Don’t miss this riveting talk with a remarkable man.

What’s Really Happening Along Our Mexican Border, From A Plain-Spoken Texas Congressman (#167) Oct 17, 2023

According to U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales, whose district runs along the majority of Texas’ border with Mexico, the border is “essentially open and anyone can cross.”
Here, with blunt honesty, he talks about the scope of the problem, its horrifying impact, how little is being done to address it, and our desperate need for genuine solutions.

Former Chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia On Why Both the US and China Are Guilty Of False Narratives About The Other (#166) Oct 10, 2023

The U.S. and China are locked in an economic battle that threatens world stability. According to former Morgan Stanley Asia Chairman Stephen Roach, both nations are equally at fault for relying on false narratives to accuse the other. Listen, as he shares both countries’ perspectives and answers the critical question: Is there a way out?

President of Rockefeller Foundation and Former Head of USAID Raj Shah on Big Bets and Transforming The Face of Human Poverty On The Planet (#165) Oct 03, 2023

Imagine a world in which no child starves to death and electricity is available to just about all. Raj Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, has a plan for making it happen: making big bets — the kind that have worked to vaccinate 900 million children and stop the spread of Ebola. Learn why thinking big is key to solving big challenges. Raj's new book is Big Bets.

Why The Use Of Group Identity To Pursue Social Justice May Fail To Achieve Its Noble Goals (#164) Sep 26, 2023

The attempt across much of America to achieve social justice by advantaging people based on their identity is noble and well-intended. It’s also misguided and destined to fail. So says Yascha Mounk, a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Listen as he explains the need for a shared humanity.

How Inequality Affects the Way We Think, Live, and Die (#163) Sep 19, 2023

Why does the feeling of inequality lead some people to make self-defeating decisions? Why does feeling poor sometimes have a more powerful effect on people than actually being poor? How can people avoid the damage caused by feeling “less than?” Keith Payne, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina, has answers.

A World-Leading Tech Analyst Shares His Insights on AI, Job Creation, Chinese EVs, Crypto, and More (#162) Sep 12, 2023

The world is filled with speculation about the impact of AI, automation and other technologies. Here, a world-leading tech analyst, Benedict Evans, shares his unique insights into what the near- and long-term future will hold, especially for jobs. Other topics include ChatGPT, crypto, Chinese EVs, virtual reality, blockchain, and more.

The Science of Failure – Right Kind of Wrong with Harvard Business School’s Amy Edmondson (#161) Sep 05, 2023

Failure will happen. Count on it. Especially in today’s complex, uncertain world. Here, Harvard professor Amy Edmonson explains how we can transform our relationship with failure, how people and organizations can fail wisely, and how we can use failure as powerful fuel for success. You may never look at failure the same way again.

The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business: Setting the Table with Union Square Hospitality Group Founder & Chairman Danny Meyer - repost (#160) Aug 29, 2023

“Business, like life, is all about how you make people feel. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard. In the end, what’s most meaningful is creating positive, uplifting outcomes.”
Danny Meyer, founder and Chairman of Union Square Hospitality Group, whose restaurants have won an unprecedented 28 James Beard Awards, several three Michelin stars, and a Julia Child Award, says he once thought he was primarily in the business of serving good food but learned that food is secondary to something that matters even more. He shares on delivering uplifting outcomes and outstanding hospitality.

A Top National Security Expert Explores The Critical Role Cybersecurity Plays In America’s Security (#159) Aug 22, 2023

Along with major technological advances come major security threats. Here, the Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies, Anne Neuberger, reveals some of America’s most serious threats and some of the steps we’re taking to counter them. There’s good reason to feel both worried and secure.

Learn The Latest Findings On How Working Remotely Effects Productivity, Hiring, Real Estate, And More (#158) Aug 15, 2023

Working remotely is having a dramatic impact across a wide swath of society — including how and where we live, how business is run, real estate values, hiring practices, and more. But its impact on productivity is minimal. Here, Stanford’s Nick Bloom shares his latest findings on working from home and what we can expect in the future.

The Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Our Critical Need To See “The Other Side of The Story” (#157) Aug 08, 2023

Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired Admiral Bill Owens, fervently believes we need to see “the other side of the story” — the perspective of other countries and people. With that in mind, wait till you hear his surprising thoughts on China, Taiwan, Russia, the war in Ukraine, and other hot button issues of the day.

Yale Professor Zoe Chance Reveals Smart, Simple Ways To Influence People To Get What You Want (#156) Aug 01, 2023

Becoming more influential is within your grasp, and it doesn't mean becoming a selfish ass — says Yale professor Zoe Chance, who teaches the wildly popular course Mastering Influence and Persuasion. Here, she shares brilliant, simple strategies — including the “magic question” to ask — to get what you want in a graceful way.
“The bedrock principle of influencing behavior is … to have people react unconsciously in a favorable way.”

How An Innovative, Global Vaccine Alliance Accomplished What No Other Organization Could (#155) Jul 25, 2023

Now for some wonderful news. There’s a global public-private alliance that has done what no other organization could: helped vaccinate almost half the world’s children, about a billion, against deadly and debilitating diseases. Learn about Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, from its CEO Seth Berkley, and the innovative funding mechanisms that have helped it succeed.

Livewired: Creating New Senses for Humans (#154) Jul 18, 2023

A wristband that enables deaf people to “hear.” Brain implants that enable you to control a robotic arm. Neurotechnology that enables blind people to “see.” In this mind-boggling talk, Stanford neuroscientist David Eagleman reveals how the brain’s plasticity and breakthroughs in neurotech are enabling us to ask: How do you want to experience the universe? What kind of senses and body do you want to have?

Learning from the Best: A Nobel Laureate's Journey to Understand the Secrets of School Quality (#153) Jul 11, 2023

Why do some schools routinely produce high-performing students? How truly important is class size? Why do charter schools typically outperform regular schools — is it the schools themselves, the students they attract, or a combination of both? Get ready to be educated on crucial issues of education by Nobel Prize laureate Joshua Angrist.

Former Ford and Boeing CEO Alan Mulally On Love By Design, The Secret Behind Two Remarkable Turnarounds (#152) Jul 04, 2023

How did legendary business leader Alan Mulally rescue both Ford and Boeing? With a detailed set of principles and practices he calls love by design. Inspired by the teachings of his parents, this cultural manifesto stresses love and respect for all participants, radical honesty and humility, and an ironclad commitment to the greater good.

War In The Age of AI. A Chilling, Mind-Blowing Talk With A Former Pentagon Defense Expert (#151) Jun 27, 2023

The transformation to AI-enabled warfare is happening at breakneck speed. The stakes are huge and — given the sophistication and vulnerability of the weapons systems — so are the risks. Former Pentagon defense expert Paul Scharre explains in chilling detail how the future of global security is at stake and how AI changes everything.

Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked (#150) Jun 20, 2023

Tech companies, including Apple, Facebook, Netflix, and others, go to great lengths to hook us and keep us addicted to their devices and programs. The deliberateness and details of how they do it are shocking. And the addiction is so harmful, many tech execs (like Steve Jobs) don’t allow their own kids to use the devices. Listen, and learn from NYU’s Adam Alter.

Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (#149) Jun 13, 2023

Why do we have so many incompetent male leaders in both government and the private sector? According to a University College London professor, we focus too much on stylistic indicators like charisma and confidence. What are the best traits for effective leaders? Are female leaders different? Who are examples of great leaders? Listen and learn.

Hear, Here: The President and CEO of NY’s Metropolitan Museum On Its Critical Role In Modern Life (#148) Jun 06, 2023

New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is a beloved and important cultural icon. Here, its President and CEO, Dan Weiss, shares his brilliant insight into the essential role of art museums in contemporary life, the astonishing growth of the Met’s online audience, how technology helps satisfy the human need to connect with art, and more.

Learn Why A Nobel Prize Winning Economist Says Extreme Global Poverty Is “Entirely Solvable” (#147) May 30, 2023

Now for some good news: According to Abhijit Banerjee, a Nobel Prize winner for his work fighting poverty, extreme global poverty is “entirely solvable.” Hear what this practical visionary says about the necessity and limitations of aid, why the poor often end up with harmful healthcare, and the surprising optimism of many who are impoverished.

Turnaround Time: The Remarkable Warmth and Wisdom of Former United Airlines CEO, Oscar Munoz (#146) May 23, 2023

Fasten your seatbelt. One month after becoming CEO of United Airlines, Oscar Munoz had a massive heart attack. Hear what this warm and wise man born in Mexico says about leadership, beating death, his immigrant experience, DEI, the return of supersonic air travel, the inevitability of flying cars, and much more.

Now Hear This: Non-Humans Communicate Highly Complex Information Through Sound (#145) May 16, 2023

Breakthroughs in bio-acoustic technology are enabling scientists, including Karen Bakker, to “hear” an astonishing assortment of sounds made by animals, insects, and even plants. The implications are stunning, will impact environmental governance, and may fundamentally alter our relationships with other species.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Reveals Why It’s Useful To Sometimes Get Your Teeth Kicked In (#144) May 09, 2023

One of America’s most popular governors, Phil Murphy (Dem. NJ), lowers his guard and reveals what life is really like as governor, what surprised him most about the job, why he’s a work in progress, his thoughts on partisanship, how he’s been successful in four different careers, and more.

Magic Words: Cutting-Edge Revelations on Language That Can Dramatically Increase Your Impact (#143) May 02, 2023

Some words have extraordinary power to help us persuade others, build stronger relationships, improve customer satisfaction, and captivate audiences. Here, Wharton professor Jonah Berger reveals six key types of magic words that can dramatically increase your impact and help you get what you want. Words matter, especially these.

Airbnb Global Head of Hosting on Travel and Work, What Some Of The Most Fabulous Airbnbs Are, And Curiosity As A Core Value (#142) Apr 25, 2023

Don't miss this wide-ranging conversation with Airbnb Global Head of Hosting Catherine Powell on the new importance of travel, the blurring of business and leisure travel, what some of the most unusual and fabulous Airbnb experiences are, how a company actually executes on core values like curiosity and the keys to post-pandemic leadership.

Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People). Get Invaluable Insights and Practical Tips from Harvard Business Review Contributing Editor (#141) Apr 18, 2023

The workplace is filled with challenging situations and people, and how we handle them plays a major role in our success. Here, Harvard Business Review contributing editor and noted workplace expert Amy Gallo discusses the benefits of both friction and humility, provides tips for how to succeed at difficult conversations, and offers important communication do’s and don’ts.

The Man Who Led the Creation of Moderna’s Covid Vaccine Shares His Powerful Insight and Vision: Tal Zaks (#140) Apr 11, 2023

As Moderna’s Chief Medical Officer, Tal Zaks spearheaded the creation of the company’s revolutionary Covid vaccine. Here, this visionary scientist talks about the game changing impact AI will have on drug development, emerging treatments for cancer and other diseases, the real safety profile of mRNA vaccines, and more.
“A revolution in drug development is coming thanks to AI and machine learning, and it’s going to be fascinating.”

The Lords of Easy Money: How the Fed Broke the American Economy, and the Inevitable Pain Ahead (#139) Apr 04, 2023

Buckle your seat belt. Chris Leonard, author of The Lords of Easy Money, explains in searing detail how the Federal Reserve’s years of easy money have led to bank failures, market turmoil, income inequality and more — and why the necessary corrective action is “going to be really ugly.” Major mistakes were made. Now what?
Chris Leonard's book, The Lords of Easy Money, was The Wall Street Journal's Best Book of the Year and a New York Times bestseller.

A Former OSHA Head Exposes the Science of Deception That Allows Dangerous Chemicals To Go Unregulated (#138) Mar 28, 2023

There is massive, well-funded deception that enables many toxic chemicals and products to go unregulated — says former OSHA head David Michaels. He calls it the science of deception and the manufacture of doubt. Listen, as he explains in shocking detail how corporations pay for corrupt science and disinformation to influence government agencies, and where it’s happening today.
“We have this image that the government is protecting us [from toxic chemicals] and I saw from the inside that this is not the case.”

A Noted MIT Dean on the Age of AI and the Rapidly Evolving Relationship Between AI and Humans (#137) Mar 21, 2023

AI is transforming society. We can still determine how. MIT dean and co-author with Henry Kissinger and Eric Schmidt of The Age of AI, discusses how and why we need to partner with this foundational technology. He also shares some surprising examples how AI is being integrated into the basic fabric of human activity.

“It’s critical that we do not interact with AI as if it were human.”

Blackstone Vice Chairman Byron Wien's Eye-Opening Surprises for 2023 Plus Invaluable Life Wisdom (#136) Mar 14, 2023

Blackstone’s Byron Wien is known for his annual, and remarkably prescient, Ten Surprises. Here, he shares some fascinating 2023 predictions on U.S. presidential politics, interest rates, China, and a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. He also reveals some invaluable life lessons that have helped make him a huge success.
Byron Wien is Vice Chairman of the Private Wealth Solutions Group at Blackstone.

The Battle for Your Brain: The Emerging World of Neurotechnology, Brain Hacking and Thought Control (#135) Mar 07, 2023

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.

Belonging: How To Combat The Serious Isolation That’s Wreaking Havoc on Our Health and Happiness (#134) Feb 28, 2023

We are biologically wired to need connection with others, but live in an age of serious and debilitating isolation. What are the ramifications of this to our health and happiness, and even to our longevity? Stanford’s Geoffrey Cohen brilliantly diagnoses the problem and offers stunningly simple solutions.

These Times Demand a Clear-Eyed Look at Threats to America. Stanford’s Frank Fukuyama Provides It. (#133) Feb 21, 2023

Are liberal democracies in long-term decline? Why is the U.S. so intensely polarized and how can it recover from it? What is the serious problem with identity politics? Internationally acclaimed political scientist and author, Stanford’s Frank Fukuyama, has valuable answers.

Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Alan Blinder on Cryptocurrencies, Soft Landings and What's Really Happening with the US Economy Now. (#132) Feb 14, 2023

The one and only Alan S. Blinder, former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve and member of President Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisors, shines a brilliant light on some of today’s hottest economic topics — including the politicization of economic policy, the criminality of cryptocurrency, the likelihood of a soft landing, the prospect of a national digital currency, and more.

Liespotting — An Expert Reveals How To Know When You’re Being Deceived. Honestly. (#131) Feb 07, 2023

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.

Classified: The Complex and Bizarre World of Government-Imposed Racial Classification. Listen, and Learn. (#130) Jan 31, 2023

At a time when government-imposed racial and ethnic classifications are increasingly used to determine peoples’ rights, it’s important for them to make sense. According to law professor and author David Bernstein, they definitely do not. They’re absurd, have negative consequences, and are widely manipulated by “identity entrepreneurs.”

General David Petraeus Continues His Brilliant Analysis of the Ukraine War — Plus China, Cyber and Other Threats (#129) Jan 24, 2023

Former CIA Director and General David Petraeus (Ret.) continues his brilliant, in-depth analysis of the Ukraine war, including whether or not Putin will use nuclear weapons and the risks of a wider war. Also hear his expert views on China, the battlefield of cyberspace, threats posed by Iran, N. Korea and Islamic terrorists, plus the stunning new importance of NATO. Don’t miss this remarkable talk with a remarkable man.

Former CIA Director David Petraeus Provides His Expert, Riveting Take on the Russia Ukraine War (#128) Jan 17, 2023

Former CIA Director and General David Petraeus (Ret.), one of the most brilliant military leaders of our generation, talks as only he can about the Ukraine war — how it will end, the likelihood of Putin going nuclear, the risk of a wider war, the weapons Ukraine needs to prevail, and more. Be sure to listen to Part 2 of this engrossing talk next week.

The Good Life Unpacked: Discovering What Makes Us Thrive with the Heads of Harvard's 80-Year Study (#127) Jan 10, 2023

Unlock the secrets to a fulfilling life with Bob Waldinger and Marc Shulz, the heads of Harvard's 80-Year Study of Adult Development, the longest, most in-depth, longitudinal study of human life and thriving ever done. Discover what a good life is, and how we can all have a better one. Even small choices, it turns out, can shape our lives and help us thrive. Learn the simple ingredients that make a good life, the U-shaped curve of happiness and how it's never too late to start. Get ready to be inspired and leave with three actionable takeaways!

How to Change: An Expert on the Science of Personal Change Reveals Proven, Powerful Strategies (#126) Jan 03, 2023

Deep personal change that enables you to achieve your goals is absolutely possible. The key: Identify what’s standing in your way, then employ strategies to overcome it. Here, Katy Milkman, Wharton professor and author of the bestseller How to Change, shares many of these powerful strategies. Here’s one: Make hard things fun.

Which are the 10 Most Powerful and Compelling Takeaways of 2022? Listen and Find Out. (#125) Dec 27, 2022

3 Takeaways features revealing conversations with the world’s foremost thinkers, business leaders, writers, politicians, scientists and other newsmakers, who each share three takeaways they consider vital. In this special year-end episode, we present the 10 most powerful and compelling takeaways of 2022.
Can you guess which takeaway is from each guest? The guests include:
- former Prime Minster of Australia
- former Chief of MI6
- the founder of the world's largest hedge fund
- 7 amazing other guests

Top 10 Takeaways of 2022 include:

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd: War Between China and the US (#95)

Political Commentator George Will: Insights on American Government Today, and Where the Democratic and Republican Parties Have Both Gone Wrong (#87)

The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business: Setting the Table with Union Square Hospitality Group Founder & CEO Danny Meyer (#75)

Why We Laugh: The Many Shapes and Forms of Laughter with Neuroscientist Sophie Scott (#99)

Former MI6 Chief Sir Alex Younger: Putin's Miscalculations Invading Ukraine, Why Putin May Become More Desperate and Dangerous, Realities of a Spy and the Importance of Trust and Alliances (#83)

Reporting from War Zones with CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward: How What's Reported Differs From the Situation On the Ground (#86)

An Urgent Warning on the Times Ahead with the Founder of the World's Largest Hedge Fund: Ray Dalio (#89)

Business Revolution: Tech, Talent, Purpose, Social And More with Fortune Media CEO Alan Murray (#92)

Ask For More: 2 Questions to Negotiate Almost Anything with Columbia Law School Mediation Clinic Director Alex Carter (#106)

How Worried Should We Be About Dysfunctional Government? A Gifted Constitutional Expert Weighs In (#120)

Former Senator Phil Gramm Explodes the Myth of American Inequality in an Eye-Opening Conversation (#124) Dec 20, 2022

According to former Senator Phil Gramm, inequality in the U.S. is grossly overstated largely because it fails to take into account massive government aid to low income earners. The implications of this are huge, especially given the current debate about remaking capitalism. Don’t miss this important conversation.

The U.S. and the Holocaust: What did America Know and Do During the Greatest Atrocity of Our Time with Ken Burns' Co-Directors (#123) Dec 13, 2022

What was America’s response to the Holocaust? What did we know and not know, do and not do, as the catastrophe unfolded? These questions resonate today, when the refugee crisis, immigration and antisemitism are making headlines. Don’t miss this powerful conversation with the co-directors of the new Ken Burns documentary film The U.S. and the Holocaust, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein.

Superabundance: Separating Fact From Myth About Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet (#122) Dec 06, 2022

Contrary to conventional wisdom, we are not living in an age of dwindling resources. Generations of people have been taught that the world's rapidly growing population is consuming the planet's natural resources at an alarming rate. But after analyzing the prices of hundreds of commodities and products over the last 100 years, Marian Tupy and Gale Pooley found that resources became more abundant as the population grew.
To their surprise, they found that we create ever more value out of natural resources, and that now is a time of superabundance and human flourishing. Don’t miss this compelling rationale for optimism.

Chip War: the Fight for the World's Most Vital Technology and the Staggering Vulnerability of the U.S. (#121) Nov 29, 2022

The world as we know it relies on computer chips, and the most important ones are made largely in Taiwan. This renders the U.S. shockingly vulnerable as China continues saber rattling in the region. Don’t miss this enlightening talk with economic historian and author Chris Miller.

How Worried Should We Be About Dysfunctional Government? A Gifted Constitutional Expert Weighs In (#120) Nov 22, 2022

Congressional gridlock has created a vacuum that undermines key principles of the Constitution, raising concerns about the country’s future. Yet constitutional expert extraordinaire Kannon Shanmugam believes our future is bright. Learn why.

Why the Lies We Tell in Public Are So Destructive with Duke's Timur Kuran (#119) Nov 15, 2022

Hiding what we really think can have devastating social consequences, and helps explain the rise of Donald Trump, why Harvey Weinstein got away with it for so long, the unreliability of election polls, and much more. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation with Duke’s Timur Kuran.

Complicit: When Good People Turn a Blind Eye to Rape, Thievery, and Fraud. With Harvard’s Max Bazerman (#118) Nov 08, 2022

Countless people knew what Harvey Weinstein, Elizabeth Holmes, and the Catholic Church were doing – but remained silent. Why do good people allow the horrific behavior of others? Harvard professor Max Bazerman explores this complicity and offers solutions.

A Mind-Blowing Look at How Our Brains Create Our Reality. With Renowned Neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett (#117) Nov 01, 2022

Our brains run the show and determine how we relate to the world. Discoveries from the front lines of neuroscience show our brains are creators (as opposed to spectators) of reality and also creator of our emotions. Don’t miss this enlightening talk with Lisa Feldman Barrett, one of the world’s most cited scientists for her groundbreaking research in psychology and neuroscience.

What Does the Work of The Future Look Like? With MIT Professor David Autor (#116) Oct 25, 2022

Why will tech and automation never lead to the demise of human work? What qualifies as “good” work? What role will robots and AI play in the fast-approaching future? David Autor, MIT professor and co-chair of the MIT Task Force on The Work of The Future, provides answers in this riveting and enlightening conversation.

The Person You Mean To Be and A More Just Future with Social Scientist Dolly Chugh (#115) Oct 18, 2022

It’s counter-intuitive but true: letting go of being a good person is key to becoming a better one, and often times it starts with acknowledging our unconscious bias. Social scientist and best-selling author Dolly Chugh offers phenomenal insight that can benefit us both at home and in the workplace.

Is This Time Different? Eight Centuries of Financial Folly with Famed Economist Ken Rogoff (#114) Oct 11, 2022

Harvard economics professor and former IMF Chief Economist Ken Rogoff is one of the world’s preeminent economic thinkers. Here he brilliantly dissects today’s U.S. economy and bluntly explains what must happen to tame inflation and sustain growth – and the major role China may play.
He is the co-author of This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly.

Why Having Too Little Makes People Perform Worse and Become More Impatient, Impulsive and Careless: Princeton Behavioral Scientist Eldar Shafir (repost) (#113) Oct 04, 2022

Learn how scarcity of anything - money, food or social connections - affects our daily lives and leads us astray. Scarcity reduces both intelligence and control. Having too little preoccupies and taxes the mind, making life much harder. "Even smiling and being pleasant is hard when your mind is taxed. The employee snaps at rude customers ... The parent snaps at the child ... The server rings up the wrong item.”
Find out about the latest cutting edge behavioral science and how we can all manage scarcity for better satisfaction and success with Princeton behavioral scientist Eldar Shafir.

Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow: The Value of a College Education and Investing in the Future (repost) (#112) Sep 27, 2022

Lawrence Bacow, President of Harvard University, shares how he sees the future of education and the values he leads by at Harvard. Learn the role of universities in a democracy, the importance of teaching students to think critically and why he believes the value of a liberal education is higher than ever.

Harvard Business School’s Bill Sahlman: What I’ve Learned Reading 10,000 Business Plans and Investing in Hundreds of Startups (repost) (#111) Sep 20, 2022

Of the 10,000 business plans Bill Sahlman has read, only 3 companies met their plan. Find out what it takes to succeed. Entrepreneurs have to be really good at running tests and execution trumps idea. Jeff Bezos is the most effective experimentalist in history. Bill Gates did not invent word processing, the spreadsheet, or presentation graphics; rather he took ideas and out executed everyone else.

When Women Lead: A Groundbreaking Look at Bias, Leadership and the Future of Work with CNBC’s Julia Boorstin (#110) Sep 13, 2022

The deck is still stacked against women in the workplace. Learn how some women dramatically defy the odds, and what both men and women can learn from them to succeed. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation with CNBC Senior Correspondent Julia Boorstin.

The Exponential Age: How Accelerating Technology is Transforming Business, Politics and Society with Tech Seer Azeem Azhar (#109) Sep 06, 2022

Technology is advancing at exponential speed, and humanity is having serious trouble keeping up. Azeem Azhar, a tech seer who has founded and sold four companies, shares his unique insights into what he calls the “exponential gap” and its impact on business and society.

Explore Grand Mysteries of Space, Time, Life, and the Cosmos – With World-Renowned Physicist Brian Greene (#108) Aug 30, 2022

He’s been called “a successor to Einstein.” Here you’ll see why, as physicist Brian Greene offers profound insights into our place in the universe, how the world ends, the possibility of a parallel universe, and the cosmic pursuits of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. Don’t miss this brilliant and deeply stimulating conversation.

Climate Future: What We Know and Don’t Know with MIT’s Robert Pindyck (#107) Aug 23, 2022

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.

Ask For More: 2 Questions to Negotiate Almost Anything with Columbia Law School Mediation Clinic Director Alex Carter (#106) Aug 16, 2022

Did you know that by asking better questions, you get better answers and better results from negotiations, as well as conversations? Learn what the 2 best questions are, and why these 2 questions work almost magically in negotiations as well as in conversations - including those with spouses, children, and colleagues.
Negotiation is not a zero-sum game. It’s an essential skill for your career that can also improve your closest relationships and your everyday life.
Alex Carter is Director of Columbia Law School’s Mediation Clinic. Her Wall Street Journal bestselling book is Ask For More.

Former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler: Our Loss of Privacy Is Worse Than You Think, No Matter What You Think (#105) Aug 09, 2022

Your entire life is an open book of information collected by tech companies. According to Tom Wheeler, former head of the Federal Communications Commission, the privacy problem is shockingly large, getting bigger, and has frightening consequences. What, if anything, can be done? Listen and find out.

The Leadership These Times Demand – with Vik Malhotra, McKinsey’s Chairman of the Americas (#104) Aug 02, 2022

Being a leader of any organization today may be more difficult than ever. What enables some leaders to thrive while others fail? What are some of the qualities and actions vital for success?
Vik Malhotra, McKinsey and Company’s Chairman of the Americas, shares his insights from interviewing and advising today’s elite business leaders. He is a co-author of the New York Times bestseller, CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest.

Unconscious Bias is Real, So Are the Solutions: Harvard Kennedy School Former Academic Dean Iris Bohnet (repost) (#103) Jul 26, 2022

How can we reduce or neutralize unconscious bias? It’s a critical question these days – especially with DEI in mind – answered by an expert: Iris Bohnet, the former Academic Dean of the Kennedy School and co-Director of the Women and Public Policy Program. She calls it “unfreezing” our minds, and offers some surprisingly simple solutions.

Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan: Education Runs on Lies (repost) (#102) Jul 19, 2022

“Education runs on lies. That’s probably not what you’d expect from a former Secretary of Education, but it’s the truth.” Arne Duncan exposes the lies and the broken system that have caused American kids to fall behind. He also shares what really works.

When Willpower Isn’t Enough: Psychologist Wendy Wood Reveals Keys to Success (#101) Jul 12, 2022

The research is in, and it shows that a large part of being successful is understanding how to form the right habits. In fact, forming habits can be more important than willpower and self-control.
Wendy Wood, noted USC Psychology Professor, shares some of her research findings and simple strategies that enable many people to live successful, satisfying lives. She is the author of Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick.

The Age of DNA: Ginkgo Bioworks Co-Founder Jason Kelly (#100) Jul 05, 2022

Steve Jobs once said that the biggest innovations in the 21st century would be at the intersection of biology and technology. Nature offers tantalizing examples of the magical properties of biology—self-assembly, self-repair, self-replication and more.
Jason Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks, shares his dream of harnessing nature by reading and writing DNA to program cells like we program computers.
Ginkgo is a synthetic biology company that programs cells for customers in the pharmaceutical, food, agriculture and energy industries.

Why We Laugh: The Many Shapes and Forms of Laughter with Neuroscientist Sophie Scott (#99) Jun 28, 2022

Laughter, it turns out, is not primarily a response to humor. Neuroscientist Sophie Scott CBE shares why we laugh, how it works and the many sins it covers.
We explore how laughter bonds us, where it breaks us, and the ways we use it. We should all bring a greater sense of understanding and intention to our laughter. Sophie Scott is a neuroscientist and professor at UCL whose research focuses on the science of laughter.

Princeton’s Endowment Manager Andy Golden on Investing Today (#98) Jun 21, 2022

The president of Princeton University Investment Company (PRINCO), which manages Princeton’s endowment, talks about investing in today’s world. Andy Golden shares how he selects partners, evaluates investments, and creates a winning environment. PRINCO recently earned nearly a 50% return in a single year.
Andy also explores the differences in long term and short term investing and how a ten year time horizon is short term for endowments. PRINCO is one of the highest performing endowments in the world.

How We Can Defeat The Next Pandemic and The Future of Medicine: Dr. Eric Topol (#97) Jun 14, 2022

Dr. Eric Topol explains how we can prepare for the next pandemic, including having stockpiles of variant proof vaccines for the families that are most likely to cause pandemics besides coronavirus and influenza. He also shares recent breakthroughs in medicine which will improve accuracy and diagnosis.
Dr. Topol is the founder of Scripps Research.

Presidential Advisor David Gergen: Democracy in Peril and New Leadership (#96) Jun 07, 2022

David Gergen, White House Advisor to four presidents, warns us about our failing democracy. He shares how our current government has moved from being able to work across the aisle to create win-win outcomes to creating a win-lose environment stoked by an environment of anger. He reminds us that Millennials and Gen Z are capable and available to step up to the plate if we would just let them, and gives us insights into what makes great leaders.
David Gergen has advised both Republican and Democratic presidents including Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. He is currently a senior political analyst at CNN and professor at Harvard. His newest book is Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made.
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Former Australian Prime Minister and China Scholar Kevin Rudd: War Between China and the US (#95) May 31, 2022

Just as there was nothing inevitable about WW1 which came about because of flawed decisions by political and military leaders, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd worries that mutual non-comprehension and deep suspicion may lead the US and China into war. He believes that an armed conflict between China and the US is a real possibility. The Chinese Communist Party would see itself as fighting for its very survival in a war and a conventional war could easily escalate into one involving weapons of mass destruction, if Chinese forces begin to lose.
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has studied and lived in China and has worked with China’s leaders, including Xi Jinping, for decades. His new book is The Avoidable War: The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict Between the US and Xi Jinping’s China.

The Revenge of Power: How Power is Shifting in the 21st Century with Moises Naim (#94) May 24, 2022

Power is easier to get, harder to use and easier to lose. Moises Naim explores how power is changing across all sectors of society. Power has shifted from country leaders to public squares, large companies to start-ups, and large armies to insurgents. Being in charge isn’t what it used to be! But at the same time, power is also concentrating in some sectors. Autocrats are reinventing politics and gaining power using 21st century tools - populism, polarization and post-truths - and undermining democracies around the world.
Moises Naim is a Venezuelan journalist and former editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy magazine. He was Minister of Trade and Industry for Venezuela, director of Venezuela’s Central Bank, and executive director of the World Bank. He is the author of The End of Power and The Revenge of Power.

From Hawk to Dove, Negotiating Peace after War: Former Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos (#93) May 17, 2022

President Santos received the Nobel Peace Prize for bringing Colombia's more than 50 year civil war to an end. His unique and humble leadership style allowed him to pivot from being a hawk to a dove on war, and this change is mirrored in his transition from climate change denier to climate change fighter. These 180 degree pivots are unprecedented for a world leader.
He describes the almost impossible challenges he faced ending a civil war with millions of victims, and delves into how he was ultimately able to broker peace. He led the war as a war hero and negotiated peace as president. His monumental accomplishments are inspired by the heartbreaking stories of victims.

Business Revolution: Tech, Talent, Purpose with Fortune Media CEO Alan Murray (#92) May 10, 2022

Fortune Media CEO Alan Murray shares the dramatic changes in business today due to the tech revolution, which is disrupting so many businesses, and the purpose revolution which is causing companies to re-think what they should be doing.
He believes that fundamental changes in the ways businesses operate today are forcing them to pay more attention to people and the planet.
It used to be that 80% of the value of the Fortune 500 came from physical assets but now over 85% of the value is intangible assets including intellectual property, software, brand value and the human emotional connection that comes from brand value. Since intangibles, which is where the value lies today, are things that are much more closely tied to people - it's human ingenuity that creates the intellectual property, it's human emotion that creates the brand value and the brand connection - business leaders are paying much more attention to people. Alan shares how that is changing the purpose of corporations and the role of the CEO today.
He also talks about how business has changed due to the pandemic, remote work, Black Lives Matter, rising inequality, global warming and the Ukraine Russia war.
Unless businesses are responsive to their employees, their customers and their communities, Alan believes they will lose. The biggest changes, he says, are yet to come.
His new book is Tomorrow’s Capitalist.

World Famous Architect Robert A.M. Stern on Architecture and Design: What Makes His Buildings Special? (#91) May 03, 2022

Robert A.M. Stern, who designs the most sought after buildings in the world, shares how he sees architecture and design, and what makes his buildings so special that they regularly set records for the highest price per square foot, even when they're not in the best neighborhoods.
He explains how his buildings are informed by the past but situated in the future, how he sees detail and ornament as the grace notes of architecture, and how he favors second glance architecture, as opposed to “screamers”. The new J.P. Morgan building going up in New York City, he says, is “a screamer on Park Avenue and [may] be the final death of that once noble and coherent boulevard.” He also shares what and why he wants “to connect” and how making a building is a symphony.

Justice, Punishment and Forgiveness: When Should Law Forgive? (#90) Apr 26, 2022

Former Harvard Law School Dean Martha Minow argues for greater forgiveness by the law and the justice system. Using examples from around the world, she shares how forgiveness can lower crime and reduce incarceration.
She warns about the highly punitive American justice system which forgives bankruptcy but not misdemeanors.
The very same kind of crime in the United States and in Sweden or in Finland, will produce in the United States perhaps a 20 years' sentence, and in one of those Scandinavian countries, maybe 5 to 10 years. The US is far more punitive, and Martha argues there is no evidence that that produces lower rates of crime. In fact, the US has higher rates of crime.
What‘s the right balance between forgiveness and punishment? It's not an easy question. A justice system needs to hold people accountable for their crimes and be fair, treating people the same, but when should the law forgive and allow for fresh beginnings? Martha Minow is the perfect person to ask. She’s written a book titled When Should Law Forgive?

An Urgent Warning on the Times Ahead with the Founder of the World's Largest Hedge Fund: Ray Dalio (#89) Apr 19, 2022

Legendary investor Ray Dalio, who predicted the 2008 financial crisis, shares a similar urgent warning about what he sees ahead. He believes the times ahead will be radically different from what everyone today has experienced in their lifetimes, and he wants people to be prepared. Bill Gates said, “…super-provocative, super-important… A lot of facts line-up to create a scary picture that’s hard to refute.”
Based on his study of the rise and fall of superpowers and history’s most turbulent periods, Ray is issuing a warning about the confluence of three major events that last happened between 1930 and 1945.
He talks about debt creation, printing money, inflation, wealth disparity, populism and the rise of a great power to challenge the existing world order.
Ray Dalio founded and built Bridgewater Associates into the largest hedge fund in the world and shares how to protect assets during the tempestuous and inflationary period ahead.
His new book is Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed and Fail.
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A British Minister on Why Being a Politician Is the Worst Job Imaginable, Brexit and a View of the US and the World: Rory Stewart (#88) Apr 12, 2022

Rory Stewart provides an unconventional perspective on the US and the world, including the mistake of our all-in and all-out mentality, politics without detail and how politicians live in a perpetually paranoid universe and don’t accomplish much in their lives.
It doesn't matter whether you're talking about Afghanistan, climate change or populism in the US and Europe, Rory believes the fundamental problem is a problem of jargon and abstraction. Let's take Afghanistan. President Biden left Afghanistan, because instead of focusing on the fact that the US actually only had 2,500 soldiers on the ground, was doing very little fighting and had had no casualties for 18 months, he labeled it a "forever war". And by doing so, he convinced himself and 70% of the American people that we were still back in 2012 in this huge military operation which no longer existed. And the same basic problem underlies all our politics, which is that we are now in a world of politics without detail.
Rory also shares an ally’s perspective on the US, what Europeans see as a joke, and the 50% likelihood that China will make an aggressive move to reincorporate Taiwan.
Rory Stewart is a British diplomat, politician, author and explorer who has walked solo across Afghanistan. He has served across the UK government as Secretary of State for International Development, Minister of the Environment, Minister of State for Justice, and as Chair of the House Commons Defense Select Committee.
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Political Commentator George Will: Insights on American Government Today, and Where the Democratic and Republican Parties Have Both Gone Wrong (#87) Apr 05, 2022

We sit down with George Will and discuss what conservatism means today and where the Republican and Democratic Parties have both gone wrong - the Republican Party with Donald Trump and the Democratic Party by being “dominated by a tail that wags the bigger dog.” Progressives, he says, are at most a third of the Democratic Party, but they are 90% of Joe Biden's agenda now and they are “in the saddle riding poor Joe Biden.”
He shares how Joe Biden squandered one of the great opportunities of modern politics and how the Democratic Party is disobeying Thomas Jefferson's admonition to not undertake large departures on slender majorities. As for the Republican Party, he talks about Donald Trump’s effect on the Party, how the Party has strayed from its roots and what it means to be a Republican today.
He also worries that from Elizabeth Warren on the left to Ted Cruz on the right, the political class is united by a constant powerful imperative for deficit spending.
George Will is a political commentator, columnist and author of 16 books. He has won a Pulitzer Prize and is a regular contributor to the Washington Post.
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Reporting from War Zones with CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward: How What's Reported Differs From the Situation On the Ground (#86) Mar 29, 2022

This week we talk with Clarissa Ward, CNN’s Chief International Correspondent, who has been reporting from Ukraine, and who has covered hot zones and wars in Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Syria and Afghanistan and been based in Baghdad, Beirut, Beijing and Moscow. She shares the remaking of the world from the front lines and how the situation on the ground differs from what’s reported.
She provides a deeply personal and inside scoop on the news. Find out why TV doesn’t provide a full picture of reality and what she’s learned from her extensive time covering conflicts and wars.
She also talks about a reporter’s responsibility in being a vessel, the mental health toll of reporting from war zones and the surprising advantages to being a woman reporting from the Middle East.
Clarissa is known for her courage, compassion and riveting reporting. She speaks seven languages and has received multiple awards, including Peabody, Murrow and nine Emmy awards.
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The Secret Life of Words - What Our Words Say About Us and What We Can Learn From Others Words: Dr. Jamie Pennebaker (#85) Mar 22, 2022

Ever wondered if we could predict people’s actions through their words? Renowned social psychologist and linguist Dr Jamie Pennebaker shares how words can give away our secrets, feelings and inner state of mind from Putin’s language which predicted his invasion of Ukraine to poets whose use of the word “I” can predict a higher risk of suicide.

Dr. Pennebaker’s groundbreaking research in computational linguistics analyzing and counting the frequency of words, shows that our most forgettable words, such as pronouns I, me and my, can be the most revealing.

He explains what the words Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Joe Biden use (and even the ones they don’t use) reveal about their inner feelings and the “tell” that predicted Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

He also talks about how American Presidents have become more likeable and less analytical, the differences in men’s and women's words, and how writing about traumatic experiences can help people heal and improve their physical health.
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David Novak, Former CEO OF Yum! Brands on Motivating a Work Force, Staying Humble and Taking Charge of Your Career (#84) Mar 15, 2022

From humble beginnings growing up as a trailer park nomad, David rose to be the CEO of Yum! Brands (Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC) where his successful techniques as a leader helped double the number of restaurants and increased market capitalization over 8 times. He has been recognized as one of the best performing CEO’s by Barron’s, Fortune and Harvard Business Review.
This week we talked about his people first approach, the essential traits leaders need, the importance of mindset and why purposeful recognition is the strongest motivational tool for leaders in any field.
He explains how sometimes we have to say no in order to get what we want, as well as describes why people cried when he gifted them a rubber chicken!
David continues to campaign to create more leaders by creating the student leadership program Lead4Change.
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Former MI6 Chief Sir Alex Younger: Putin's Miscalculations Invading Ukraine, Why Putin May Become More Desperate and Dangerous, Realities of a Spy and the Importance of Trust and Alliances (#83) Mar 08, 2022

Former MI6 Chief Sir Alex Younger – with his years of experience as a spy - shares how Putin miscalculated with his invasion of Ukraine, why he can’t back down and what the long term impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the US exit from Afghanistan may be on Xi Jinping’s plans for Taiwan. He also provides insights on threats in our globalized world and reveals what it takes to be a successful spy, how to out-think the opposition and how spies, while professionally cynical, are romantics at heart.
“My career has showed me what well-motivated individuals, brave individuals can do, and that's been an enormous privilege.”
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Growing Alibaba into the World's Largest Online Commerce Company with 1 BN Customers: Alibaba Group President Michael Evans (#82) Mar 01, 2022

Sometimes, and mostly outside of China, Alibaba is referred to as the Chinese Amazon, but in reality, it’s very different and much larger.

Alibaba Group president Michael Evans shares how Alibaba grew to become the world’s largest online commerce company serving nearly 1 billion customers each month, how it’s different than its Western counterparts, and what international companies need to know in order to succeed in the China consumer market.

Michael also shares how he sees the future of retail and how Alibaba creates new businesses that are innovative and different from what you see elsewhere. He also explains how Alibaba is using its platform to help its merchants understand consumer trends, manufacture more efficiently and make the future greener.

Former CEO of New York Federal Reserve Bank Bill Dudley on Inflation and Fiscal Recovery in the US, Regulating Cryptocurrencies and Why Current Fed Policies Benefit the Rich and Not the Poor (#81) Feb 22, 2022

We talk with Bill Dudley, the former President and CEO of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, about the US economy - where it is headed and what could happen, how the pandemic affected it, why Fed policies benefit the wealthy and what $5 trillion in government spending means for GDP. He also shares his thoughts about cryptocurrencies and how stricter regulation could bring wider adoption. Does he think the Fed is Too Hawkish, too Dovish or in “Alice In Wonderland”?
Bill Dudley is an American economist - who joined the Federal Reserve on the eve of the 2008 financial crisis after a 20 year career at Goldman Sachs.
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ClassPass Founder Payal Kadakia on Building ClassPass into a Billion Dollar Company, Living a Plan A Life and Achieving Your Potential (#80) Feb 15, 2022

Learn how Payal Kadakia built a start up into a billion dollar unicorn in her 20’s despite many setbacks, and what her most important decisions were. Payal shares what living a Plan A life means, how the moment that enabled her to launch her life was one of the lowest moments of her career, and what leadership characteristics enabled her to succeed.

Payal is the founder of ClassPass, the world’s largest health club aggregator with over 30,000 health clubs in 28 countries. ClassPass offers a revolutionary membership that lets members use health clubs and book unlimited fitness classes for a subscription fee.

Payal is also the author of LifePass: Drop Your Limits, Rise to Your Potential: A Groundbreaking Approach to Goal Setting.

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Why Platform Companies (Facebook, Amazon, Airbnb and Uber) Are the Opposite of Traditional Companies, Why They Become So Enormous, and How They Can Be Effectively Regulated: Marshall Van Alstyne (repost) (#79) Feb 08, 2022

Marshall Van Alstyne shares why platform companies dominate traditional businesses and why 7 of the 10 largest companies in the world are platform companies. Learn how they outcompete traditional companies while employing just a tiny fraction of the number of people, how they are completely different from companies of the past, and why platforms beat products all the time.

Boston University professor Marshall Van Alstyne is the co-author of the international bestseller Platform Revolution and he is one of the world's experts on network business models.

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The Future of Artificial Intelligence: Head of Columbia University’s Creative Machines Lab Hod Lipson (repost) (#78) Feb 01, 2022

We are at an inflection point in artificial intelligence today. Find out what the next 3 waves of artificial intelligence will bring — including creativity and consciousness. Learn why AI is accelerating and what we can do to ensure tech is used for good.

Hod Lipson is the head of Columbia University’s Creative Machines Lab, which pioneers new ways to make machines that create, and machines that are creative. His work focuses on evolutionary robotics, design automation, rapid prototyping, artificial life, and creativity.

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Is Tribalism Always Bad? How Group Identity or Tribalism Has Taken Over our Political System with Yale Law School Professor Amy Chua (repost) (#77) Jan 25, 2022

Yale Law School professor Amy Chua shares how group identity has caused bitter partisanship in the U.S. and the failure of U.S. policies in Vietnam and other countries. Learn how children as young as 4 years old identify with groups and consistently display systematic, unconscious bias toward other groups. Amy argues that tribalism has taken over America's political system and that the way forward lies in remembering what makes the country special.

Amy Chua is the author of 5 books and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

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Free World Class Education to Anyone Anywhere: Building the World’s Largest Online Learning Platform with Khan Academy Founder & CEO Sal Khan (repost) (#76) Jan 18, 2022

Find out how the founder and CEO of Khan Academy, Sal Khan, built the world’s largest online learning platform, his vision for scaling free educational resources, and how he is reimagining education.

Khan Academy is a free remote learning platform that offers lessons for all ages. Today more than 133 million registered users access Khan Academy in dozens of languages in more than 190 countries.

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The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business: Setting the Table with Union Square Hospitality Group Founder & CEO Danny Meyer (#75) Jan 11, 2022

Danny Meyer shares how to deliver outstanding hospitality, how he thinks restaurants will be different post pandemic and what continues to get him excited each day.

Danny is the founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, which comprises some of New York’s most beloved and acclaimed restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, Shake Shack, The Modern, Maialino, and many more.

Danny and USHG’s restaurants have won an unprecedented 28 James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Restaurateur, several three Michelin stars, and a Julia Child Award. He has also been recognized by Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America and TIME 100 “Most Influential People”.

”You may think, as I once did, that I’m primarily in the business of serving good food. Actually, though, food is secondary to something that matters even more. In the end, what’s most meaningful is creating positive, uplifting outcomes for human experiences and human relationships. Business, like life, is all about how you make people feel. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard.”

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Always Be Learning: The Top 10 Takeaways of 2021 From Our Guests (#74) Jan 04, 2022

This week we are highlighting the Top 10 Takeaways of 2021 with guests ranging from CEOs and founders to best-selling authors and even the Director of the U.S. Secret Service. These individuals left us feeling motivated and inspired!

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The Top 10 Takeaways of 2021 include:

Sherry Turkle episode #39 The Empathy Diaries and How Tech Changes Us and Our Relationships: MIT’s Sherry Turkle

Pat Brown #55 Solving the World's Biggest Problem and Creating the Impossible Burger with Impossible Foods Founder Patrick Brown

William Green #40 How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life: William Green

Ellen Marie Bennett #43 Hard Won Wisdom From An Entrepreneur: Ellen Marie Bennett

Sandra Sucher #46 What Leaders and Corporate Boards Can Learn From Boeing’s Mistakes: Harvard Business School’s Sandra Sucher

Ken Chenault #51 General Catalyst Chairman and Former American Express Chairman & CEO Ken Chenault: Leadership, Race & Creating Diverse Workforces

Angela Duckworth #52 The Secret to Outstanding Achievement with Character Lab Founder and CEO Angela Duckworth

Elizabeth Nyamayaro #47 None Of Us Are Too Small To Make A Difference: Humanitarian & Author Of I Am A Girl From Africa Elizabeth Nyamayaro

Bill Bratton #58 Community, Race and the Arc of Policing in America: Former NYC and LA Police Commissioner Bill Bratton

James Murray #45 Secret Service Director James Murray: The New Cyber Physical Nexus & How To Protect Ourselves From Cyber Risk

Achieving Your New Year's Resolutions: The Science of Getting To Where You Want To Be with Best-Selling Author Katy Milkman (repost) (#73) Dec 28, 2021

Wall Street Journal best-selling author Katy Milkman shares science-based ways to create change in our lives. Learn how to understand your impulses and make them work for you, rather than against you.

Katy is an advisor on how to spur positive change. She is a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the best-selling author of How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.

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Harvard Professor, Robert Waldinger: What the Good Life Actually Looks Like Based on Harvard’s 75 Year Study (repost) (#72) Dec 21, 2021

Find out what the good life actually looks like based on Harvard's 75-year study of more than 700 men from when they were teenagers through old age, with the director of the study, Robert Waldinger. Learn the single most important thing that keeps us healthy and happy as we go through life and what predicts who will stay healthy and live longer.

To learn more about Robert Waldinger and the Harvard Study of Adult Development, visit https://robertwaldinger.com.

This episode was originally released Dec. 22, 2020.

Harvard Business Review Editor in Chief Adi Ignatius: The New World of Work and the Biggest Trends in Business (#71) Dec 14, 2021

Adi Ignatius, Editor in Chief of Harvard Business Review, shares the biggest trends in the business world right now and how he sees the new world of work – including the future of the workplace, innovation and leadership.

As Editor in Chief he oversees editorial activities at HBR, HBR.org, and HBR's book-publishing unit. He was previously deputy managing editor of Time and bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal in Beijing and Moscow.

Adi is the editor of two books: "President Obama: The Path to the White House" and "Prisoner of the State: The Secret Diaries of Premier Zhao Ziyang." Both made the New York Times' bestseller list. He is the host of the Harvard Business Review video series “The New World of Work” - candid conversations on talent, tech, and the future of business.

Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow: The Value of a College Education, Investing in the Future and Free Speech (#70) Dec 07, 2021

Lawrence Bacow, President of Harvard University, shares how he sees the future of education and the values he leads by at Harvard. Learn the role of universities in a democracy, the importance of teaching students to think critically and why he believes the value of a liberal education is higher than ever.

“I owe my life to higher education. I think it’s been an engine of opportunity for so many.”

Lawrence Bacow is the former President of Tufts University and past Chancellor and Chair of the Faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He was raised in Pontiac, Michigan, by parents who were both immigrants. He earned his undergraduate degree from MIT and three graduate degrees from Harvard

Army General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal: "The Greatest Risk Is Us" - So What is the Solution? (#69) Nov 30, 2021

Former Commander of Afghanistan General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal shares lessons from Afghanistan, the impact of the withdrawal, what makes a great leader and what he is most proud of in his career. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates has described General McChrystal as, "Perhaps the finest warrior and leader of men in combat I have ever met." Learn what General McChrystal believes to be the biggest risk facing the U.S. and the solution.

Gen. McChrystal rose to four-star general in the U.S. Army and Commander of both the International Security Assistance Force and Commander of the U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. He previously served as Director of the Joint Staff and as Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command.

He is the author of several books, including Leaders and Risk, and is currently a senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and co-founder of the McChrystal Group, a leadership consulting firm.

World Renowned Thinker and Harvard Professor Steven Pinker: Human Action Can Improve the World (#68) Nov 23, 2021

Steven Pinker shares why there is so much irrationality in the world – including conspiracy theories, and belief in fake news and medical quackery. Learn why he is optimistic about the future of democracy and the world, despite so much negativity and partisanship happening today.

Steve is one of the world’s most renowned thinkers. He is a Harvard University psychology professor and author. Bill Gates called one of Steve’s books his new favorite book of all time.

His most recent book is Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters.

NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum: On the Future of Sports, Sports as Entertainment, Enhancing the Audience Experience and How the NBA Engages over 2 Billion People (#67) Nov 16, 2021

NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum shares on the future of sports, enhancing the audience experience, virtual reality, gaming and e-sports.

People are interested in what their favorite athletes and teams are doing off the court as well as on. Mark shares how entertainment driven strategies enhance the overall experience while growing the audience.

Under Mark’s leadership, the NBA has formed NBA Africa, launched NBA Academies around the world, and created the Jr. NBA Global Championship.

In 2016, Mark was named to Forbes’ list of the Top 25 Most Influential Minorities in Sports.

Start with Understanding: Change People's Minds Under Impossible Conditions with Best Selling Author and Wharton School Professor Jonah Berger (#66) Nov 09, 2021

Have you ever wondered how you could change someone’s mind or make something go viral? Jonah Berger shares what works to change people’s minds – even under almost impossible conditions – and how to make things “catch on.”

Jonah Berger is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an internationally bestselling author. He is a world-renowned expert on change and on word of mouth, social influence, viral marketing, and how products, ideas, and behaviors catch on. He has taught tens of thousands of students and executives, and advised hundreds of companies including Apple, Google and Nike.

He is the author of The Catalyst: How to Change Anyone’s Mind and Contagious: Why Things Catch On

Creating the Life You Want (Before It's Too Late): Former President of Hearst Magazines Michael Clinton (#65) Nov 02, 2021

Michael Clinton, former President of Hearst Magazines, provides practical advice on creating the life you want.

Michael has created an extraordinarily rich and multi-layered life. He is the part owner of a vineyard in Argentina, a private pilot, and has traveled to 124 countries. Additionally, Michael has run a marathon on all seven continents. While at Hearst he helped create Food Network Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, and HGTV Magazine.

In addition, Michael is the author of the book Roar: Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It’s Too Late).

How to Build an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time: Square Co-Founder Jim McKelvey (#64) Oct 26, 2021

Learn how Square Co-Founder Jim McKelvey successfully created and built Square, how (as a start-up) Square beat Amazon, and other tips he has for the 3 Takeaways audience. Jim shares why sometimes doing nothing is the best response.

Square lets anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Android mobile device and a bank account accept credit card payments. Jim McKelvey co-founded Square in 2009 with Jack Dorsey.
Jim is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist, artist, and author of The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time.

Building the Largest Asset Management Firm in the World: Co-Founder & Former Vice Chairman of BlackRock Barbara Novick (#63) Oct 19, 2021

Co-founder of BlackRock Barbara Novick shares how she and her co-founders built the largest investment management firm in the world with $9 trillion under management and clients in over 100 countries. Learn the keys to BlackRock’s success. Barbara transitioned from Vice Chairman of BlackRock to Senior Advisor in 2021.

Live A Better, Happier Post Pandemic Life: The 3 Macronutrients of Happiness with Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks (#62) Oct 12, 2021

Happiness expert and Harvard Kennedy School Professor Arthur Brooks shares how you can get better at, practice and share happiness and live a better happier post pandemic life. He also talks about how he managed to accomplish three complete job changes over his career.

Arthur is a Harvard professor, PhD social scientist, bestselling author, and columnist at The Atlantic whose focus is providing a roadmap to living a happier better life. Before joining the Harvard faculty, he was president of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), one of the world’s leading think tanks, and before that he was a classical French hornist. He is the author of 11 books.

Arthur is the host of the podcast “The Art of Happiness with Arthur Brooks.” His next book, From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life, will be published in 2022.

An Insider’s Perspective on Venture Capital: Sierra Ventures Founder and Advisor Peter Wendell (#61) Oct 05, 2021

Peter Wendell founded Sierra Ventures, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm that has invested more than $2 billion in a wide variety of successful technology companies. Peter co-teaches Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, “Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital” course with former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt. He is a trustee of Merck and was chairman of the board of Princeton University Investment Company (PRINCO), which manages Princeton University’s endowment.
Peter provides an insider’s perspective on venture capital. Find out how start-ups can secure funding and grow to become unicorns – start-ups valued at over $1 billion. There are currently more than 800 unicorn start-ups worldwide.

How Courageous Companies Thrive by Improving the Lives of Everyone They Touch with Former Unilever CEO Paul Polman (#60) Sep 28, 2021

Paul Polman is the former CEO of Unilever, one of the largest companies in the world with over 300 brands. Paul helped redefine what being a good company means long before it was acceptable to think about anything besides profits. Paul shares how Imagine, a movement that he co-founded, brings together a critical mass of CEOs across the value chain to move industries toward sustainable impact goals such as climate change and inequality. Learn more about what a good company is and how your business can thrive by giving more than it takes.

Paul is the author of the highly anticipated book Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take.

Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic: Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb (#59) Sep 20, 2021

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb gives an inside account of the system wide failure across the U.S. government that left the country blind amidst the global covid pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, he was in regular contact with all the key players in the government and the drug and diagnostic companies. Find out how we can better prepare for the next health crisis – be it a deadlier covid variant, a flu pandemic, or a man-made biological threat.

Scott is the author of Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic.

Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America: Former NYC and LA Police Commissioner Bill Bratton (#58) Sep 14, 2021

Former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton shares what he thinks good policing looks like, reforms needed in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the arc of policing and the reasons crime is up in many major cities. He talks about different approaches to policing including broken windows, rapid response and community policing as well as the crisis in relations between the Black community and the police. While he and his team slashed crime rates and created the revolutionary data-driven program CompStat, his career has not been without controversy. He is the only person to have led the police departments of the United States' two largest cities – New York and Los Angeles.

Bratton is currently the chairman of the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Council and author of The Profession.

Cryptocurrencies, Digital Assets, NFTs and the Future of Blockchain, Including Even for Social Good: Galaxy Digital Founder and CEO Mike Novogratz (#57) Sep 07, 2021

Mike Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Galaxy Digital, shares on cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, digital assets, and the possibilities of blockchain. Learn how the first Tweet, a single sentence by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, sold as an NFT for millions of dollars and why it was worth so much. He also shares how blockchain can even be used for social good. In prisons, for example, it could be used to record solitary confinements and make criminal justice more transparent.

This discussion should not be relied on for investment advice.

“The last thing a fish would ever notice would be water.” Seeing the “Water” - A Different View of The World: Gillian Tett (#56) Aug 31, 2021

Gillian Tett, Chair of the Editorial Board and Editor at Large, U.S. of the Financial Times uses her perspective as an anthropologist to explain a wide variety of business and cultural phenomena. She predicted the 2008 financial crisis. Discover how she sees the world today including new phenomena such as crypto currencies, nonfungible tokens (NFTs), artificial intelligence and gaming.

Her new book is Anthro Vision: A New Way to See in Life and Business. Anthropologist Ralph Linton said, “The last thing a fish would ever notice would be water.”

Solving the World's Biggest Problem and Creating the Impossible Burger with Impossible Foods Founder Patrick Brown (#55) Aug 24, 2021

Meat production is one of the world’s greatest contributors to climate change. Patrick Brown, the creator of the Impossible Burger and the Founder of Impossible Foods, wanted to figure out how to make delicious, affordable meat from plants that is better for the environment and consumers. Learn about his journey from Stanford University professor to creating the Impossible Burger and how he built Impossible Foods into the multibillion-dollar company it is today.

The Latest Findings in Behavioral Science and How They Can Make Your Life Better: Harvard Professor & Nudge Co-Author Cass Sunstein (#54) Aug 17, 2021

Cass Sunstein is a professor at Harvard and one of the founders of behavioral science. He has written two books with Nobel Laureates, including Nudge with Richard Thaler. We are unknowingly influenced by our environments, by how choices are framed, by the people we are with, and a myriad of seemingly insignificant factors. Learn the latest findings in behavioral science and how they can be used by everyone - governments, businesses and individuals - to make people's lives better.

Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper: The Greatest Threat Facing the World Right Now and Individual Rights to Privacy (#53) Aug 10, 2021

Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper discusses the greatest threats, cyber, surveillance, the information being collected on each one of us and individual rights to privacy. Learn how we can protect ourselves against future health or biological threats.

The Secret to Outstanding Achievement: Character Lab Founder and CEO Angela Duckworth (#52) Aug 03, 2021

Angela Duckworth is the Character Lab Founder and CEO and a University of Pennsylvania Professor of Psychology. Angela studies the character traits and habits which predict success. She has studied West Point cadets, National Spelling Bee finalists, teachers, sales people and students to determine who is successful and why. A few characteristics emerged as significant predictors of success. Angela shares what the character traits for success are and how we can nurture them.

General Catalyst Chairman and Former American Express Chairman & CEO Ken Chenault: Leadership, Race & Creating Diverse Workforces (#51) Jul 27, 2021

Former American Express Chairman and CEO and current General Catalyst Chairman and Managing Director Ken Chenault, shares his thoughts on leadership, race, creating diverse workforces, responsible innovation, and his hope for the future. Ken covers his early life, growing up, his experience leading American Express for nearly two decades through crises and digital transformation, and the advice he gives founders and CEOs building innovative, enduring companies backed by General Catalyst.

Upon Ken’s retirement from American Express, Warren Buffett, the company’s largest shareholder stated, “Ken's been the gold standard for corporate leadership and the benchmark that I measure others against.” Ken is recognized as one of the business world’s experts on brands and brand management. He has been honored by multiple publications including Fortune Magazine, which named him as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders in its inaugural list in 2014 and, most recently, in 2021.

Ken serves on the boards of Airbnb, Berkshire Hathaway, Chief, Guild Education, and the Harvard Corporation. He is a co-founder of OneTen, a coalition of leading executives coming together to upskill, hire and advance one million Black Americans over the next 10 years into family-sustaining jobs with opportunities for advancement. He also serves on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution’s Advisory Council for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Risk vs. Opportunity in the Market: Investing the Assets of Michael Bloomberg with Steve Rattner (#50) Jul 20, 2021

Manager of Michael Bloomberg’s personal and philanthropic assets, Steven Rattner, shares what he is investing in now and how he views the opportunities and risks in the market. As a former Counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury and former head of Obama’s Auto Task Force, he also provides insights on government.

Steve is also the Economic Analyst for MSNBC’s Morning Joe and a Contributing Writer for the The New York Times Op-Ed page.

Unconscious Bias: What Works To De-Bias How We Live, Learn and Work with Harvard Kennedy School's Academic Dean Iris Bohnet (#49) Jul 13, 2021

Iris Bohnet, the Academic Dean of the Kennedy School and co-Director of the Women and Public Policy Program, shares how simple, evidence-based changes can reduce and neutralize the biased behaviors in classrooms, police departments, and boardrooms; and in hiring and promotion. She is a behavioral economist, combining insights from economics and psychology to improve decision-making in organizations and society.

Designing the Future With Materials That Sense, Adapt, Heal & Grow: Founder of MIT's Self-Assembly Lab Skylar Tibbits (#48) Jul 06, 2021

Imagine homes that can grow themselves whenever and wherever they’re needed or buildings that can adapt to their environment. We’re limited only by our creativity in designing materials that physically sense, adapt to their environment, heal themselves and grow. Skylar Tibbits shares how we can design simple and elegant materials that harness nature without electronics and batteries.

None Of Us Are Too Small To Make A Difference: Humanitarian & Author Of I Am A Girl From Africa Elizabeth Nyamayaro (#47) Jun 29, 2021

Elizabeth Nyamayaro is the author of I Am A Girl From Africa, Special Advisor at the United Nations World Food Programme and founder of the HeForShe movement. She shares her near death experience and how she used adversity to create an opportunity to do greater things.

What Leaders and Corporate Boards Can Learn From Boeing’s Mistakes: Harvard Business School’s Sandra Sucher (#46) Jun 22, 2021

Boeing’s fall from grace didn’t happen overnight. Sandra Sucher shares five key mistakes made by the CEO and the board of directors.

Secret Service Director James Murray: The New Cyber Physical Nexus & How To Protect Ourselves From Cyber Risk (#45) Jun 15, 2021

Secret Service Director James Murray is responsible for the Investigative and Protective missions of the Secret Service. He shares how the Secret Service trains its agents and protects against new types of risk such as the cyber physical nexus. He also shares how we can protect ourselves from cyber risk.

Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence & Synthetic Biology To Usher In A New Age of Drug Discovery: James Collins (#44) Jun 08, 2021

James Collins, co-inventor of the technology behind Covid vaccines, shares a revolutionary approach to drug discovery. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, he discovered an amazing new class of antibiotics, which he named halicin after Hal, the murderous robot in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Professor Collins' patented technologies have been licensed by over 25 biotech, pharma and medical devices companies. He is known as one of the founders of the new field of synthetic biology and is a professor at MIT and affiliated with the Broad Institute and the Wyss Institute.

Hard Won Wisdom From An Entrepreneur: Ellen Marie Bennett (#43) Jun 01, 2021

Ellen Bennett created a multi-million dollar business with clients ranging from 2 star Michelin restaurants to Martha Stewart and Google, without any design or business experience. She shares her hard won and unconventional wisdom of what worked. Her new book is Dream First, Details Later.

How to Get People to Say Yes: The Godfather of Influence Dr. Robert Cialdini (#42) May 25, 2021

Warren Buffett recommends Dr. Robert Cialdini’s book, Influence, which has sold over 5 million copies, as one of the best business books of all time. Dr. Cialdini shares his latest findings on how we can all use the tactics of influence and persuasion to get people to say “yes” to us.

The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be: Katy Milkman (#41) May 18, 2021

Wall Street Journal best-selling author Katy Milkman shares science-based ways to create change in our lives. She is a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and author of How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.

How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life: William Green (#40) May 11, 2021

William Green shares investing and life lessons from the world’s legendary investors. Learn the surprisingly simple rules they follow to stack the odds in their favor in both investing and in life. Discover their common approaches to investing, such as sublime indifference to crowd sentiment. William Green is the author of Richer Wiser Happier.

The Empathy Diaries and How Tech Changes Us and Our Relationships: MIT’s Sherry Turkle (#39) May 03, 2021

Founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self Sherry Turkle shares her personal discoveries with empathy and how tech changes our relationships. She also reveals the implications of constant connection and artificial intimacy.

Losing Trust & Faith in Institutions - Why It’s Happening and the Unexpected Consequences: Yuval Levin (#38) Apr 27, 2021

Yuval Levin, Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and founding editor of National Affairs, talks about the collapse of trust in our institutions – public, private, civic and political – and its surprising consequences. He explains why it has happened and how we can rebuild lost trust.

Investing in Positive Social Outcomes with Social Impact Bonds: Tracy Palandjian (#37) Apr 20, 2021

Learn from Tracy Palandjian, CEO and co-founder of Social Finance, about using impact investing and social impact bonds for a wide range of social purposes from improving high school graduation to reducing recidivism. Social Finance has mobilized over $150 million to transform the lives of more than 20,000 individuals across a wide range of issue areas including workforce development, education, and health.

Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan: Education Runs on Lies (#36) Apr 13, 2021

“Education runs on lies. That’s probably not what you’d expect from a former Secretary of Education, but it’s the truth.” Arne Duncan exposes the lies and the broken system that have caused American kids to fall behind. He also shares what really works.

A Unique Model of Innovation - Making Breakthrough Discoveries and Turning Them Into Real World Products At an Unheard of Pace: Don Ingber (#35) Apr 06, 2021

The Wyss Institute For Biologically Inspired Engineering accounts for 25% of Harvard’s intellectual property startups each year, with discoveries and startups ranging from healthcare to energy, robotics, architecture, and manufacturing. Find out from Wyss founding director Don Ingber how their unique model works and how they make breakthrough discoveries in such a wide range of fields and bring them to market so quickly.

Getting The Odds On Your Side: Legendary Investor Howard Marks (#34) Mar 30, 2021

Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management with $150BN under management, talks about the most important things in investing and how the real accomplishment is to have profit potential disproportionate to the risk. Learn how to get the odds on your side and find out why diversification is not a magic elixir and why stock prices could go much higher.

Harvard Business School’s Bill Sahlman: What I’ve Learned from Reading 10,000 Business Plans and Investing in Hundreds of Startups (#33) Mar 23, 2021

Of the 10,000 business plans Bill Sahlman has read, only 3 companies met their plan. Find out what it takes to succeed. Entrepreneurs have to be really good at running tests and execution trumps idea. Jeff Bezos is the most effective experimentalist in history. Bill Gates did not invent word processing, the spreadsheet, or presentation graphics; rather he took ideas and out executed everyone else.

Former Secretary of the Treasury and President of Harvard, Larry Summers: The Big Trends Shaping the World Today (#32) Mar 15, 2021

Former Secretary of the Treasury and President of Harvard Larry Summers talks about the defining trends of the 21st century, including how we are going to achieve collective solutions, the shift in the center of gravity of the world’s economy and culture to the east, the upcoming transformation in education, the hard choices facing the leading universities, and the exponential growth in what information technology will be capable of.

Former Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd: What China’s Leader Xi Jinping Really Wants (#31) Mar 09, 2021

Former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, who has known China’s leader Xi Jinping for decades, reveals how Xi Jinping sees China and the world, and what he really wants. Find out why America needs its allies more than ever before and what the U.S. and its allies can do.

A Long Term Perspective on Climate Change - When Earth Was 20 Degrees Warmer and Crocodiles Roamed Antarctica with Princeton’s Danny Sigman (#30) Mar 02, 2021

Did you know that Antarctica used to be ice-free and earth used to be 20 degrees warmer than it is now? Find out why climate change then wasn’t a problem, and why it is now with Princeton University’s Daniel Sigman. Also find out how climate change caused horses to grow from the size of large house cats to their size today.

Why The Innocent Plead Guilty and Jury Trials Are Now a Myth with Judge and Former Prosecutor Jed Rakoff (#29) Feb 23, 2021

97% of people plead guilty, they plea bargain, even if they’re innocent. No one can take the risk of going to trial, even innocent people, because if they're convicted they'll face huge amounts of time in prison. The possibility of being acquitted by a jury is almost gone. Find out why the innocent plead guilty and why the innocent no longer have trials from Judge Jed Rakoff, who’s seen it from all sides as a judge, former prosecutor and former criminal defense attorney.

Working for Jeff Bezos and the Secrets of Amazon’s Success: Colin Bryar and Bill Carr (#28) Feb 16, 2021

With nearly 30 years of combined Amazon experience, former Amazon Vice Presidents Colin Bryar and Bill Carr reveal the proven way Amazon innovates and scales businesses. Colin spent all day every day with Jeff Bezos for 2 years as his technical advisor. Bill led the launch and growth of the Kindle, Amazon Music, and Prime Video. Find out how Amazon’s success is due to a well-defined set of principles and practices which they reveal here and illustrate with stories. Find out also what Jeff Bezos is really like and why his siblings hated to go to movies with him.

Nobel Laureate, Daniel Kahneman: His Latest Findings on "Noise" and Flaws in Human Judgement (#27) Feb 09, 2021

Learn about Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman’s latest findings on “noise” and how there is more noise and flaws in human judgement than you think — Find out why you should see a doctor in the morning and go to court after lunch.

Tom Friedman: On the World Getting Flatter and More Fragile, and Elephants Flying (#26) Feb 02, 2021

Tom Friedman, author, New York Times columnist, and winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, talks about the world getting flatter and more fragile; abolishing recessions and interrupting the natural laws of capitalism; why the U.S. needs a healthy Republican Party; and how the world AC (After Corona) will be very different from the world BC (Before Corona).

How Right and Wrong Change with Technology with Juan Enriquez (#25) Jan 26, 2021

We all think we know what’s right and wrong but we don’t because right/wrong changes over time. Our great grandchildren might be shocked by people eating meat, and the risks of pregnancy, childbirth and unedited genes. Find out which things we're doing now that will be viewed as wrong, and learn about the almost inconceivable things that will become “right" because of new technology. Will genetic engineering of humans for space travel become acceptable? Bigger brains? More compact bodies? Different species of humans to increase our odds of survival?

Princeton Psychology Professor, Eldar Shafir: Why Having Too Little Makes People Perform Worse and Become More Impatient, Impulsive, and Careless (#24) Jan 19, 2021

Learn how scarcity of anything — money, food or social connections — affects our daily lives and leads us astray. Scarcity reduces both intelligence and control. Having too little preoccupies and taxes the mind, making life much harder. "Even smiling and being pleasant is hard when your mind is taxed. The employee snaps at rude customers ... The parent snaps at the child ... The server rings up the wrong item.” Learn about the latest cutting edge behavioral science to find out how the poor can escape the scarcity trap and how we can all manage scarcity for better satisfaction and success.

Harvard’s Chair of Astronomy, Avi Loeb: Why We Are Not Alone and Are Very Common Like Ants On A Sidewalk (#23) Jan 12, 2021

Find out why Harvard’s Chair of Astronomy Avi Loeb says we are not alone in the universe and that there are more intelligent and sophisticated civilizations than ours. Learn about the evidence that we aren't the “smartest cookie in the jar.” Find out when we were visited by another civilization and how we can create life on other planets by launching what he calls "Noah's spaceship.”

Marshall Van Alstyne: Why Platform Companies (Facebook, Amazon, Airbnb and Uber) Are the Opposite of Traditional Companies, Why They Become So Enormous, and How They Can Be Regulated (#22) Jan 05, 2021

Find out why platform companies dominate traditional businesses and why 7 of the 10 largest companies in the world are platform companies. Learn how they outcompete traditional companies while employing just a tiny fraction of the number of people, how they are completely different from companies of the past, and why platforms beat products all the time.

Former Foreign Minister of Mexico, Jorge Castañeda: America Through Foreign Eyes (#21) Dec 29, 2020

Jorge Castañeda, former foreign minister of Mexico, provides a unique perspective on America and the world, including American interventions abroad, American exceptionalism and how it has changed over time, and how Latino immigrants are changing the US. Learn how transforming inventions into consumable goods continues to be an almost uniquely American talent and capability.

What the Good Life Actually Looks Like Based on Harvard’s 75 Year Study with the Director of the Study, Robert Waldinger (#20) Dec 22, 2020

Find out what the good life actually looks like based on Harvard's 75 year study of over 700 men from when they were teenagers through old age, with director of the study, Robert Waldinger. Learn the single most important thing that keeps us healthy and happy as we go through life and predicts who will stay healthy longer and live longer. To learn more about Robert Waldinger and the Harvard Study of Adult Development, visit https://robertwaldinger.com.

CEO of Marriott, Arne Sorenson: On the Future of Travel and, as a CEO of the Year, How To Be A Great Leader (#19) Dec 08, 2020

Find out from CEO of Marriott Arne Sorenson, head of the world’s largest hotel chain, and one of the world’s best leaders (as a “CEO of the Year” and leader of one of the most admired companies), what he thinks about the future of travel, work, and cities and what it takes to be a great leader.

Former Under Secretary of State, Nicholas Burns: On American Foreign Policy Under President Biden and What It Can Accomplish (#18) Dec 01, 2020

Find out what President Biden can accomplish internationally and what an activist US policy looks like from Ambassador Nicholas Burns, former Under Secretary of State, Ambassador to NATO and Special Assistant to the President.

Princeton Professor, Robert George: On Why Supreme Court Justices Are Unlike Umpires and Are Political (#17) Nov 24, 2020

Find out how Democratic and Republican judges’ decisions differ and how judges’ decisions can be predicted based on whether they are Democrats or Republicans.

John Cleese of Monty Python: On Creativity and How Everyone Can Be More Creative (#16) Nov 17, 2020

John Cleese opens up about how he gets his best ideas and how everyone can be more creative. He also provides insights on comedy and humor.

Head of Columbia University’s Creative Machines Lab, Hod Lipson: On the Future of Artificial Intelligence (#15) Nov 10, 2020

We are at an inflection point in artificial intelligence today. Find out what the next 3 waves of artificial intelligence will bring — including creativity and consciousness.

President Obama’s Chief Pollster, Joel Benenson: On What He’s Watching Most Closely Now and What the Path Forward is for Republicans and Democrats (#14) Oct 29, 2020

Find out the 3 keys to success for campaigns; who has the best polls (Fox News); what the biggest shifts in the electorate are; what he's watching most closely now; and the path forward for both parties.

President of Pew Research Center, Michael Dimock: On the Attitudes and Trends Shaping America Today (#13) Oct 27, 2020

Find out how what America is looking for in a leader has changed. In addition, not only are there doubts about the mechanics and logistics of the U.S. election, but also the American public is going into it with deeper doubts about the qualifications of the voters in the first place. Learn how Americans’ attitudes are shaping the country.

Yale Professor, Amy Chua: On How Group Identity and a Failure to Realize Its Importance Has Caused the Rise of Partisanship and the Failure of U.S. Foreign Policy (#12) Oct 20, 2020

Find out how group identity has caused bitter partisanship in the U.S. and the failure of U.S. policies in Vietnam and other countries, from an original thinker who has received support from across the political spectrum. Learn how children as young as 4 years old identify with groups and consistently display systematic, unconscious bias toward other groups. Learn how America can move forward.

Former Ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul: What Vladimir Putin Is Really Like and What He Wants Now (#11) Oct 13, 2020

Get an inside account from former Ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, who’s known Putin for nearly 30 years, on what Vladimir Putin is really like, what he wants now, what's going on in Russia and U.S. relations, and when regime change will happen in Russia.

Harvard Professor, Alex Keyssar: On What Could Go Wrong With Voting in the 2020 U.S. Election and When Congress Picks the President (#10) Oct 06, 2020

Find out why Americans don’t elect a president by popular vote, how the U.S. ended up with the convoluted system of voting it has today, and why it’s been so hard to change it.

Former Ambassador to Israel and Egypt, Dan Kurtzer: An Inside Perspective on Israel and the Middle East (#9) Sep 29, 2020

Find out from former ambassador to both Israel and Egypt, Dan Kurtzer, why Bahrain and the UAE really signed agreements with Israel, the surprising reasons they’re great for Israel, and if we’ll see a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia soon.

MIT Professor, Andrew McAfee: On Prospering From Fewer Resources & Getting More From Less (#8) Sep 22, 2020

Most people believe that taking better care of the planet means reducing consumption, learning to share and reuse, and restraining growth. Is that argument correct? Find out from Andrew McAfee, director of MIT’s Digital Initiative, why it's not true.

Former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt: On AI, Tech, COVID-19, and Making the World A Better Place (#7) Sep 15, 2020

Find out how former Google CEO Eric Schmidt sees the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and tech. As leader of NY Governor Cuomo's COVID-19 task force, he also provides insights on the world post-COVID, as well as the opportunities and talent that he is investing in through Schmidt Futures and his new podcast Reimagine.

Former Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff: On National Security Issues Today (#6) Sep 08, 2020

Michael Chertoff, a former Secretary of Homeland Security, federal prosector, judge and Assistant U.S. Attorney General, provides a unique perspective on national security issues today, including using federal troops in cities, criminal justice, immigration, terrorism and health threats.

Founder of Khan Academy, Sal Khan: On Scaling to One Billion Students (#5) Sep 01, 2020

Find out how the founder of Khan Academy built the world’s largest online learning platform, what he is doing now, and how he is reimagining education.

JetBlue Chairman, Joel Peterson: Leadership and Building a Winning Culture (#4) Aug 21, 2020

Learn how to inspire others, navigate through crises, and launch new ventures from the man who helped build JetBlue and served as advisor to hundreds of other companies, including seven start-ups which are now worth over $1 billion.

Richard McGregor: China’s Secretive Ruling Chinese Communist Party (#3) Jul 31, 2020

Richard McGregor, former Financial Times bureau chief, tells how China’s secretive ruling Communist party is “like God,” and how it is responsible for China’s economic rise, human rights record, turbulent history, and relations with the U.S. Learn what the Party and its leader, Xi Jinping, want now.

Harvard Law Professor, Richard Lazarus: The Century’s Biggest Environmental Law Case and What It Took to Win (#2) Jul 31, 2020

Environmental lawyer and activist Richard Lazarus talks about The Paris Agreement and its legacy, his new book The Rule of Five, the current administration’s undoing of EPA acts, and offers a poignant reminder of the difference one person can make.

Founder of the Innocence Project, Barry Scheck: Why People Are Wrongfully Convicted and What We Can Do About It (#1) Jul 29, 2020

Founder of the Innocence Project Barry Scheck, answers all questions related to wrongful convictions. Barry Scheck has freed hundreds of wrongfully convicted people from jail, many of whom spent decades in jail for crimes they didn’t commit. Wrongful convictions are not an aberration but a result of the way the system is designed. What can we do to reduce wrongful convictions and free innocent people from jail? Tune in to find out. Also check out the Netflix series The Innocence Files, which is based on Barry Scheck and his work.

3 Takeaways Podcast Trailer Jul 27, 2020

3 Takeaways features intimate conversations and insights from the world’s best thinkers, business leaders, writers, politicians, scientists and other newsmakers. Each episode ends with the 3 key takeaways the leading figure has learned over their career. Hosted by Lynn Thoman.

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