Smart People Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Stone Age Brain, Screen Age Problem - The Truth About Technology and Your Brain with Richard Cytowic Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

Join award-winning neurologist Richard Cytowic as he reveals the surprising reasons behind our screen addictions. Our brains, unchanged since the Stone Age, are woefully unprepared for the temptations of modern technology. Cytowic explains how ancient instincts like desire, reward and competition are hijacked by Big Tech, leading to unhealthy attachments.

Discover the hidden mechanisms driving your screen behavior and, more importantly, learn practical strategies to regain control. Take the first step towards breaking the cycle of addiction and reclaim your life in the Screen Age.

Richard's book, Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload, is available wherever books are sold.

You can learn more about Richard at cytowic.net.

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Life in the Corporate Blender: Why Change is Making Work Worse with Ashley Goodall Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

For decades, “disruption” and “change” have been seen as essential to business growth and success. Whether it’s a merger or re-org or a new office layout, change has become the ultimate easy button for leaders, who pursue it with abandon, unleashing a torrent of disruption on employees. The result is what our guest calls “life in the blender”—a perpetual cycle of upheaval, uncertainty, and unease.

Join us this week as we discuss the current state of change in corporate America, why change is not the same as improvement, and what we can do about it.

Ashley's book, The Problem with Change: And the Essential Nature of Human Performance, is available wherever books are sold.

You can learn more about Ashley at ashleygoodall.com.

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Eliminate Work Fatigue and Optimize Your Productivity with Neuroscientist, Dr. Mithu Storoni Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

Today, most office workers are expected to operate with industrial-era efficiency. Yet the work that matters most in our technology-dominated workplace–generating brilliant ideas, solving complex problems, and learning–can’t be manufactured like outputs on an assembly line. Instead, we need a new, HYPEREFFICIENT way of working: rather than imposing the rhythms of work on our brains, Dr. Mithu Storoni proposes we impose the rhythm of our brains on our work.

Storoni explains that our brains function like a car’s engine, with multiple gears that put our brains in optimal mode for different mental challenges. Drawing on the latest research, she shows us how to seamlessly shift our brains into the best gear for the tasks we need to be doing, so we can perform at our best throughout the day, every day.

Dr. Storoni's book, Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work, is available wherever books are sold.

You can learn more about Dr. Storoni at mithustoroni.com.

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What’s Your Strategy? How to Drive Progress in Your Business and Your Life with Seth Godin Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

Are you tired of quick fixes and short-term thinking? Do you want to make a lasting impact but feel stuck in outdated systems? In this episode we interview one of the all-time greats, Seth Godin, about his new book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans. Tune in to learn how to drive positive change, whether you’re revolutionizing an industry, sparking a movement, or building a career.

Seth's book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans, is available wherever books are sold.

You can learn more about Seth at seths.blog.

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How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain with Peter Goodman Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

How does the wealthiest country on earth run out of protective gear in the middle of a public health catastrophe? How do its parents find themselves unable to locate crucially needed infant formula? How do its largest companies spend billions of dollars making cars that no one can drive for a lack of chips?

The last few years have radically highlighted the intricacy and fragility of the global supply chain. In this episode we speak with award-winning journalist Peter S. Goodman about the inner workings of our supply chain and the factors that have led to its constant, dangerous vulnerability.

Peter's book, How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain, is available wherever books are sold.

You can learn more about Peter at petersgoodman.com.

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Overcome Perfectionism and Unlock Your Full Potential with Dr. Mary Anderson Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

Are you tired of feeling trapped by the pressure to be perfect? In this episode, Dr. Mary E. Anderson, author of The Happy High Achiever, shares practical strategies to help you overcome perfectionism and unlock your full potential. You'll learn how to recognize and challenge the limiting thoughts and behaviors holding you back, and discover science-backed tools to cultivate happiness, confidence, and success.

Dr. Anderson reveals the 8 Essentials that have transformed her clients' lives, from navigating uncertainty to leveraging gratitude for success. Join us as we explore the liberating power of embracing imperfection and embracing your true potential.

Dr. Anderson's book, The Happy High Achiever: 8 Essentials to Overcome Anxiety, Manage Stress, and Energize Yourself for Success―Without Losing Your Edge, is available wherever books are sold!

You can learn more about Dr. Anderson at maryandersonphd.com.

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How to Use Economics to Maximize Your Wellbeing and Make Tough Decisions with Dr. Andrew Leigh Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode you will discover how the heart of economics is ultimately about wellbeing, not just income, and how understanding these connections can help us make better decisions for a more prosperous future.

Andrew's book, How Economics Explains the World: A Short History of Humanity, is available wherever books are sold!

You can learn more about Andrew at andrewleigh.org.

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Stress Wisely: How to Be Well in an Unwell World with Psychology Scholar Dr. Robyne Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

This week, we're talking stress - but not just managing it, mastering it. Join us as we explore the latest research and strategies for transforming stress into a powerful ally for achieving your goals and living a happier, healthier life. Our guest, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, shares her expertise on how to wield stress wisely and cultivate resilience in the face of chaos. Tune in for a refreshing perspective on stress and discover how to turn your biggest enemy into your greatest asset. Get ready to rethink stress and unlock a more purpose-filled life!

Elle's book, Stress Wisely: How to Be Well in an Unwell World, is available wherever books are sold!

You can learn more about Dr. Robyn at drrobyne.ca.

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The Rise of White Nationalism: Exploring the Online Roots of a Growing Threat with Elle Reeve Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we delve into the online origins of white nationalism, a movement that has led to devastating consequences, including the deadly Charlottesville rally and the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol. We examine how social media platforms and online forums have enabled the spread of white nationalist ideologies, often under the guise of free speech. By understanding the online roots of this movement, we can better address the dangers it poses to democracy and social cohesion.

Elle's book, Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics, is available now!

You can follow Elle on Twitter at x.com/elspethreeve.

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The #1 Thing Holding You Back from Your Dream Job with Dr. Tessa West Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Tessa West joins us to reveal the surprising reasons behind career dissatisfaction. Drawing from her new book, "Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You", Dr. West shares the 5 common psychological sources of frustration that keep us from our ideal careers. From identity crises to feeling under-appreciated, Dr. West offers a working week audit to help you identify your unique stressors and find a path forward. With insights from over 1,500 professional recruiters, Dr. West provides actionable advice to land your best role yet. Tune in to discover the #1 thing holding you back and start your journey to a fulfilling career.

Tessa's book, Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You, is available now!

Learn more about Tessa at tessawestauthor.com.