Keep Talking

Walter Robinson is an investigative journalist, an editor-at-large at "The Boston Globe," and is the Donald W. Reynolds Visiting Professor of Journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.This is a rebroadcast of episode 42, from 2022.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:58) A path to journalism(10:00) The power and state of the Catholic Church during the late 80s and 90s(21:40) "The Boston Globe's" "Spotlight" team(28:10) The Catholic Church's reputation before the Spotlight team's investigation(35:59) What was revealed in the church's internal documents(40:56) The Church's consistent strategy of protecting abusive priests(46:58) Nearly every bishop in every diocese knew about abuse and participated in a cover-up(53:27) The role of the Church's celibacy vow in incentivizing abuse(59:36) What explains the abusive behavior of Catholic Church priests?(01:04:06) Women's second-class status and the role of a free press(01:07:55) The need for a full confession from the Church(01:15:48) The role of investigative journalism today and why it matters(01:20:43) The importance of investigative journalists to think outside the box

Mark Clifford is president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong and the author of "The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kong's Greatest Dissident, and China's Most Feared Critic."------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:57 Mark's relationship with Jimmy Lai06:40 Jimmy's journalism in Hong Kong10:41 The source of Jimmy's devout anti-communism18:27 Jimmy's interest in journalism21:35 Was Jimmy optimistic about Hong Kong's future?24:27 China's public enemy #133:22 Jimmy's core principles39:40 Lessons from Jimmy's example44:14 Hong Kong and JImmy's future49:47 Jimmy's eccentricities and flaws

James Hollis is a Jungian psychoanalyst and the author of many books, including "A Life of Meaning," which is the primary subject of our conversation.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro01:05 Why Jim wrote "A Life of Meaning"05:28 The shadow08:38 Why confront one's shadow?10:48 The numinous and finding your calling25:20 Lethargy is a threat to living29:55 A modern culture of distraction32:28 Jim's decision to become a public educator37:02 Jim's growth beyond his family of origin44:30 Psychopathology 48:26 Sin: missing the mark55:15 Fear - the spirit of evil is negation of the life force by fear 58:50 Jim is a "recovering nice person"

Daniel Lieberman is a psychiatrist, the SVP of mental health at Hims & Hers, and the author of the best-selling book, The Molecule of More.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:59) What would humans be without dopamine?(01:29) Donating dopamine to phones, not friends(03:58) What is dopamine?(07:53) What are the signs of someone with high dopamine?(11:56) How can high dopamine people live wisely?(18:50) Can workaholics change their insatiability? (22:22) "The modern devil is cheap dopamine"(28:58) What does a wise future look like re: smartphones?(31:37) Dopamine in relationships and love(38:46) Skills to develop to sustain long-term relationships(43:11) Are we on the cusp of a conservative cultural shift?(48:02) Modern dopamine and men in society(54:42) What advice does Daniel give to his sons?(57:14) What's next for Daniel?

Orna is an Israeli sociologist, a teacher at Tel Aviv University, and the author of the landmark book, "Regretting Motherhood." This is a rebroadcast of episode 78, from 2023.

Robert Plomin is a British-American scientist, a psychologist and behavioral geneticist, and the author of the bestselling book, Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) The history of nature vs nurture debate(15:40) "All parents are nurture-ists - until their second child."(18:54) Identical twin studies(39:16) Lessons from the film "Three Identical Strangers"(41:20) How much influence do parents have on their kids?(58:40) Genes and psychology(01:10:55) A better model for psychology(01:16:35) How should society look, based on the truth and power of genes?(01:27:03) Nucleus genomics in NYC for polygenic information

Derek Sivers is a TED speaker, an essayist, a businessman, a musician, one of my favorite thinkers on the planet, and the author of many books including his most recent, Useful Not True: Whatever Works For You.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) Your actions reveal your values(03:25) Obvious to you, amazing to someone else(05:19) How Derek thinks about money(13:03) Deep happy vs. shallow happy(21:00) Following an innate drive and desire(24:07) 18 months of feeling adrift(30:04) To find direction: read a lot and wait for energy(31:18) The power of heroes and anti-heroes(36:05) Egotists and hedonists(40:00) Changing your mind and keeping your identity small(44:37) Think of yourself as a student, not a preacher(47:42) Personal growth over wealth growth(53:00) Prioritizing openness(56:59) What lifestyles or beliefs is Derek against?(01:04:50) The downside of optimism in Derek's personal life(01:14:24) Dating, marriage, and the role of women in Derek's life(01:23:55) How to save a life with $2,000(01:27:50) Derek's thoughts on philanthropy(01:33:54) "Useful Not True"(01:38:39) A prequel to "How To Live"(01:41:13) "Useful Not True": the truth of many answers and perspectives

Anna Lembke is a psychiatrist, Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic, and the author of "Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence."This is a rebroadcast of episode 35, from 2022.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:57) Anna Lembke's interest in studying addiction(04:34) Defining addiction and the "gremlin theory" of addiction(15:19) Characteristics of an addict(23:48) The stigma around addictions(26:46) Characteristics of a healthy person living today(33:50) The importance and role of struggle in a good life(41:04) The impact of modern addictions on society today(46:54) Habit change ideas and the role of struggle in a good life(52:11) How to know if you're becoming an addict(58:45) The effective and ethical way to address addiction(01:03:58) Workaholism as an addiction(01:20:13) The connection between shame and a “never enough” attitude towards work

Russell Foster is a sleep expert, a professor of circadian neuroscience, a fellow of the Royal Society, and the author of Life Time.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:55) Views on sleep through time(03:34) Why we have de-prioritized sleep(05:39) Where should sleep rank in our health priorities?(08:22) How do we know we're getting enough sleep?(11:59) The historic and current cost of sleep deprivation(17:44) Why does sleep exist?(21:53) What is happening biologically while people sleep?(27:59) Sleep and mental illness(38:09) What those with mental illness can do to stabilize their sleep(01:00:25) Sleep for new parents(01:03:35) How would a healthy society approach sleep?

Nick Pollard, "The People Displeaser," is a speaker and life coach who advocates for honest, authentic living through mindful boundaries, free of people-pleasing.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) When Nick's was homicidal and suicidal(04:09) Nick's father(09:10) How Nick got his life together(18:08) Why Nick focuses on people-pleasing(23:25) Symptoms of a people-pleaser(26:44) Why do people become people-pleasers?(31:23) Your rules for life and a personal bill of rights(37:23) Establishing personal boundaries(42:39) Confronting fear and quotes from Jim Hollis(49:16) People-pleasers often have few same-sex friends(57:11) When should former people-pleasers leave relationships?(01:09:15) Nick's relationship deal-breakers

Pico Iyer is a novelist, a travel writer, and the author of many books, including his most recent, "Aflame: Learning From Silence," which is the subject of this conversation.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:00) Intro(00:58) Santa Barbara, June 1990(04:25) The New Camaldoli Hermitage(07:30) Pico's life when he first went to New Camaldoli(11:08) Silence elicits gratitude, what's shared and what's essential(16:10) Intentionally turning off technology(22:39) Creating a wise amount of "cathedral time"(25:53) Embracing silence as a non-religious person(32:03) Leonard Cohen exploring his inner landscape in silence(36:05) How Pico has developed from his 100+ hermitage visits(41:35) Saying no in order to prioritize space for silence(47:07) How to begin a life with more silence and contemplation(50:41) Silence as an antidote to despair(54:36) What Pico has learned from the Dalai Lama

Orville Schell is an author, a journalist, a China scholar, and the director of the Asia Society's Center on U.S.-China Relations.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) Orville's entering China in the 1970s(07:10) Was was China like in the 1970s?(10:09) The palpable fear in China in the 1970s(14:55) The details of Mao Zedong the Cultural Revolution(20:40) What preceded Communism in China?(25:32) Why was Communism appealing to Chinese revolutionaries? (30:11) China in the 1970s and how it reopened to the world(37:10) Why did China not become free after the 1980s?(41:39) 1989 and Tiananmen Square(45:28) China in the next few years(52:19) How might China become free?(55:26) Why China matters

Joseph Goldstein is an author, the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and is one of the most influential and important figures to bring vipassana meditation practices into the American mainstream.A rebroadcast from 2022.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:45) How Joseph ended up in Asia a young man(04:39) Reason for interest in Buddhism and meditation(08:59) Immersing in the study of the mind(12:41) The Buddha's teachings(18:52) Joseph's psychological state when first exposed to Buddhism and meditation(21:01) The daily habits, discipline, and rituals to try to achieve Enlightenment(27:14) Deciding to devote his life to meditation(30:11) Communicating to his mother his desire to devote his life to Buddhism(32:59) Metaphysical views pre and post meditation(37:46) Buddhism is non-theistic(40:14) What is the Dharma?(44:48) Integrating Buddhist teachings with practice and The Noble Eightfold Path(53:37) The first step to use mindfulness to ease psychological suffering(01:01:24) Awareness versus the weather pattern of one's mind(01:04:30) Using mindfulness to respond, rather than to react(01:15:37) Dealing with grief(01:24:50) How can we improve our lives by being mindful?

James Hollis is a psychoanalyst, one of the world's most prolific Jungian thinkers, and the author of many books, including "Living An Examined Life."A rebroadcast from 2021.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:02) Jim's transition from academia to psychoanalysis(06:24) The decision to pursue psychoanalysis as a full-time profession(10:59) Gathering the courage to pursue psychoanalysis(18:19) What about Jung's work resonated with Jim?(30:16) Jim's process of helping people navigate the transitionary phases of their lives(41:31) The most pressing issues Jim sees facing Americans(48:24) The primary blockers to growth and self-healing(51:54) Discerning the difference fears you should avoid and fears you should face(57:01) Exhausted relationships vs. relationships that need endurance(01:09:02) The ratio of men vs. women seeking counsel and therapy and how it's changed over the years(01:13:21) Why most men tend to suppress their innermost emotions(01:19:49) Jim's explanation of Joseph Campbell's ‘hero's journey'(01:25:31) How to live an examined, authentic life

Elizabeth Economy is a political scientist, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, a China expert, and the author of multiple books, including "The World According to China" and "The Third Revolution: Xi Jinping and the New Chinese State."------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) Xi Jinping's father's story(07:16) The Cultural Revolution(12:02) "China's Holocaust" between 1950's-1970's(13:10) Why Marxism resonated in China(21:43) Darker aspects of the Cultural Revolution(33:48) The rise of Xi Jinping and the rise of China's economy(38:33) The meme of Xi Jinping as Winnie the Pooh(41:43) Xi Jinping's personality and vision for China(46:27) The near-term future of U.S-China relations(53:00) What America can do to win Cold War 2.0

James Holland is a historian and the author of many books, including Normandy '44: D-Day and the Epic 77-Day Battle for France.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:46) The state of the world in June 1944(14:48) What was D-Day like for an average Allied soldier(21:13) Is D-Day the most important military conflict in history?(27:01) "Steel not flesh"(32:43) The Atlantic Wall(41:08) Cooperation and morale among the Allied troops(45:31) Dick Winters and men like him(51:15) Why James has committed so much of his life to WWII history(54:45) How can we best honor and remember veterans?

Noam Dworman is a businessman, the co-host of the podcast "Live From The Table," and the owner of the world-famous Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village, NYC.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:59) How The Comedy Cellar came to be(02:38) Noam's dad, Manny(07:05) Why did Manny start The Comedy Cellar?(10:42) Notable comics early at The Comedy Cellar(12:00) The way to fame for comics pre-internet(14:32) Identifying comedic talent(18:36) Patrice O'Neal(24:12) How Noam took over The Comedy Cellar(27:37) The scene at The Comedy Cellar in early 2000's(29:52) Why The Comedy Cellar is so popular(32:19) The design of The Comedy Cellar venue(36:58) Quotes from Noam about free speech(38:11) Louis CK, free speech, and woke culture(43:58) How the left has changed regarding free speech(47:22) Comedy as a refuge(50:23) Defining wokeness and a story about Noam's daughter(56:30) The state of wokeness and cancel culture(59:02) Comedians and intellectuals with courage(01:02:58) What's next for Noam and The Comedy Cellar

Sir Richard Evans is a historian, and the author of many books, including The Third Reich Trilogy, The Pursuit of Power: Europe 1815–1914, and Hitler's People: The Faces of the Third Reich, which is the primary focus of this conversation.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) The young Hitler(04:11) The Nazis were conservative, middle class Germans(10:20) How Hitler rose, his talents as a speaker(19:52) The Reichstag Fire and The Enabling Act(27:57) The romantic and personal life of Hitler(31:39) Hitler's romantic interest in Joseph Goebbels's wife(35:52) Demythologizing the Nazis: a story of Himmler in the sauna(39:27) "Ordinary Men" by Christopher R. Browning(44:50) The story of Dr. Karl Brandt(49:34) Why history and studying the Nazis matters(52:19) Threats to freedom and democracy in the modern world(54:22) Donald Trump is not a fascist

Glenn Loury‬ is an economist, a professor at Brown University, a podcaster, an essayist, and is the author of "Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative" and the essay "The Case for Black Patriotism."A rebroadcast from 2022.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:01) Get to know Glenn Loury(03:56) South Side of Chicago culture when Glenn was a boy(06:11) Fatherhood at 18, working at RR Donnelley & Sons, and Mr. Andres(15:01) Opportunity launches Glenn to Northwestern and MIT(19:34) The culture and opportunity of MIT(28:48) The first African-American tenured economics professor in Harvard, at 33(37:30) Glenn's interest in politics and his heterodox political philosophy(47:44) A memorable incident with Glenn's uncle Alfred(55:35) How Glenn's conservatism informs his views on the campus(01:01:57) Glenn's defense of Western culture(01:06:43) "The Case for Black Patriotism"(01:23:17) An American Living "The American Dream"

Greg Lukianoff is a journalist, an attorney, the co-author of "The Coddling of the American Mind," and the President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Greg puts it well when he calls freedom of speech "the eternally radical idea."A rebroadcast from 2022.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:00) Intro(00:58) Greg's interest in free speech(06:35) Free speech: "the eternally radical idea"(10:55) What happens in societies without free speech(17:14) How free speech creates a more peaceful society(24:17) Key observations from "The Coddling of the American Mind"(34:32) Social media's effect on free speech(43:35) Examples of cancel culture(50:22) Respect for free speech must begin early in one's life(57:42) What is the point of education?(01:03:37) Antifragility and the importance of growth through struggle(01:08:48) How overcoming mental health struggles informs Greg's beliefs

Robert Greene is the author of many best-selling books, including "The 48 Laws of Power," which is the primary subject of our conversation. A rebroadcast from 2022.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) ‘Power' as explained in "The 48 Laws of Power"(04:33) Robert's depression before writing "The 48 Laws of Power"(09:03) Why are people reluctant to talk about power?(13:44) The link between the desire for fulfillment and power(17:58) From powerless to powerful: Robert's story(22:30) Human's desire to gain power through autonomy and authenticity(27:19) How to live a life that increases one's power(33:00) The importance of self-mastery(38:03) Lincoln's quote about power(44:22) Is power inherently neutral, neither good nor bad?(47:49) Carl Jung's quote on "the shadow"(52:20) What are examples of America's shadow?(56:07) The importance of integrating one's shadow(01:04:56) How can the American center hold, given our polarization?(01:12:07) Four laws of power for modern times(01:14:44) The relationship between power and love

Merle Bombardieri is a clinical social worker, a psychotherapist and the author of "The Baby Decision: How to Make The Most Important Choice of Your Life."------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) How Merle got involved in helping people decide about kids(07:21) How Merle decided whether to have kids(09:44) Maintaining neutrality when going through exercises(13:34) Being childfree should be the default(17:57) Role models for the childfree(21:00) When is not having kids a growth decision?(23:05) Is Merle disappointed that one of her kids is childfree?(26:30) Exercises for straight couples to decide whether to have kids(36:02) Long-term ambivalence should result in being childfree(38:50) How to better understand what it's like to have kids(40:48) What do the childfree not understand about parenthood?(42:30) "As a child-free person, you have a right to be ordinary.”(44:30) Suggestions for someone who wants to be childfree and has no support(49:05) Who should become parents?(56:49) Are we getting better at having this conversation?(58:34) The importance of growth for the child-free

Vejas Liulevicius is a historian, an author, and a professor whose "Great Courses" lectures include "Turning Points in Modern History" and "War, Peace, and Power: Diplomatic History of Europe, 1500–2000."------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) Rome, Greece, and the Enlightenment(12:57) Contrasting the Enlightenment to other political philosophies of its time(22:07) The American Revolution and the American Experiment(30:47) Alexis de Tocqueville and "Democracy in America"(34:24) The Weimar Republic and the Rise of Nazism(46:41) How Hitler rose and what culturally preceded dictatorship in Germany(54:16) The 2024 U.S. Presidential election and our point in history(58:20) The Great Courses

Mark Galeotti is a historian, an essayist, a podcaster, and the author of many books including "A Short History of Russia: How the World's Largest Country Invented Itself, from the Pagans to Putin."------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) Czarist Russia at the beginning of the 20th century(03:50) The Russian Revolution(08:00) World War I and The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk(11:52) Lenin and Stalin(17:00) The Great Terror(21:02) Russia during World War II(28:15) How close were the Nazis to taking over the Soviet Union?(29:50) Russia and The Cold War(37:05) Why Soviets no longer believed in Marxism(39:35) The life and rise of Vladimir Putin(45:35) Putin, Yeltsin, and the turn of the century(51:56) How do we misunderstand the modern Russian government?(55:05) Alexei Navalny(59:20) The war with Ukraine

Konstantin Kisin is an author, an essayist, and the co-host of the YouTube channel and podcast Triggernometry. A rebroadcast from 2022.------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(1:00) Transition from Soviet Union to wealth in post-collapse Russia(4:00) Impact of the Soviet collapse on ordinary people's lives(6:31) Personal resilience shaped by tumultuous childhood experiences(8:30) Lack of education about the Soviet experience in the West(11:06) The Russian Revolution and its implications for society today(11:20) Overview of the dictatorship of the proletariat concept.(12:55) Impact of property expropriation on wealthy families during the revolution.(14:03) Consequences of collective farming in Soviet society.(16:12) The Soviet Union's attempt at equality led to widespread poverty.(19:02) Insights on the Russian psyche from democratic experiments in the 90s.(23:42) Describing the chaotic aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse.(25:12) Painful experiences shaped Russian society during the 1990s.(27:11) Russia's surrender to terrorists: a psychological shock for citizens.(29:07) Vladimir Putin emerged as a strongman leader in chaos.(30:46) Boris Yeltsin's legacy and Putin's rise to power explained.(36:57) Freedom of expression as the foundation of Western society.(39:09) The importance of free speech and its recent threats discussed.(40:11) The roots of political correctness and free speech erosion.(41:34) Exploring the dangers of hierarchical ideologies in society.(43:15) The natural dynamics between men and women in relationships.(45:23) Martin Luther King's vision for character over skin color.(46:00) Concerns about societal divisions and their historical implications.(48:14) The universal threat of believing some people are superior to others.(49:00) Thought-provoking quotes(54:00) The West and the importance of individual rights(1:00:41) George Kennan's insights on containment and Western values.(1:01:13) Concerns about identity politics and its impact on society.(1:02:41) The danger of losing a unified national identity.(1:05:41) Internal division as the real threat to powerful nations.(1:08:30) Contextualizing slavery and colonialism in world history.(1:12:31) The role of comedy in challenging mainstream narratives.

Randy Nesse is a psychiatrist, a professor, and the author of "Good Reasons for Bad Feelings: Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry."------------Book Dan to do an interview or a meeting------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:40) Why low mood exists(04:23) Giving up goals can improve your mental health(06:48) When is it appropriate to give up goals?(11:50) "In what situations was this emotion useful across our evolutionary history?"(21:51) How Randy developed an evolutionary framework(28:25) Examples of working with depression from Randy's career(36:40) Freud, Jung, and mental illness(49:23) Exposure therapy(54:11) Quotes from "Good Reasons for Bad Feelings"(59:55) Partner choice and selfish genes

Richard Wrangham is a professor at Harvard, a primatologist, and the author of multiple books including "The Goodness Paradox: The Strange Relationship Between Virtue and Violence in Human Evolution."------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:50) How humans have removed alpha male bullies(09:59) Christopher Boehm's "Hierarchy in the Forest"(16:06) Implications of human's self-domestication through violence(22:03) Bullying male behavior that would lead to execution(28:45) How the threat of violence influenced our moral impulses(34:23) Psychopathy and reactive aggression in adult men(45:25) How can someone spot a psychopath?(50:07) Jane Goodall and how Richard views human nature(01:02:53) Cooking and fire(01:03:13) Richard's views on removing the y chromosome(01:10:39) Removing genes for extreme aggression rather than men altogether

Robert Plomin is a British-American scientist, a psychologist and behavioral geneticist, and the author of the bestselling book, "Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are."------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:53) The power of DNA in making us who we are(03:40) Debunking the nurture-focused perspective(10:40) Robert's views on his own genetic predisposition to weight gain(22:59) How personalized, low-cost DNA sequencing will effect people's lives(30:21) Clarity around genetic risk will improve with time(31:49) The probabilistic, nuanced truth of genetic influence (38:20) Clarifying randomness and the nurture aspect of who we are(43:57) Identical twins(49:36) Quotes from "Blueprint"(58:41) A quote about child rearing from Tig Notaro(01:02:00) How genetic truths can make people more compassionate(01:04:52) Merging evolution and psychology(01:15:23) How should society evolve and improve because of these truths?(01:18:23) B.F. Skinner and the power of nature in the extremes

Brian Hare is a professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University and is the co-author of the book "Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity."------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:46) The origin and ideas of "Survival of the Friendliest"(07:38) The story of human survival and dominance(20:20) What is meant by "friendliness"?(26:40) Tribal identity and darker aspects of human cooperation(35:15) Political polarization in America(46:12) The work of Braver Angels and overcoming political division(52:30) Is it ever appropriate to dehumanize?

Stephen Kinzer is a historian, a Senior Fellow in International and Public Affairs at Brown University, and the author of various books including, "Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control."------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:00) What was MK-Ultra? Who was Sidney Gottlieb?(08:55) The U.S.'s collaboration with Nazi and Japanese torturers(14:43) The historical context that justified MK-Ultra(24:25) Examples of torture from the MK-Ultra program(30:53) LSD and MK-Ultra(39:14) The eventual conclusion from the MK-Ultra program(43:21) Speculating on the full scope and details of the MK-Ultra program(49:13) Stephen's ethical judgments on Gottlieb(53:25) Has Stephen received pushback for his revelations?(57:04) Is something like MK-Ultra happening now?(59:47) Why do so few Americans know about MK-Ultra?

Helen Fisher was an anthropologist, a professor, an author, and was one of the world's experts on the science of love.This is the final summer rebroadcast of 2024, episode 47 of "Keep Talking," the most-downloaded audio episode from this show. Helen sadly died on Saturday, August 17, 2024. She was charming, brilliant, and a gem of a human being, and I wanted to honor her by reposting her episode as the final summer rebroadcast of this year.During our conversation, Helen talks about her background interest in love, the role that love plays in human existence, the evolutionary purpose of love, how the subconscious influences who we fall in love with, how to know if you aren't in love, and wisdom she would provide to improve one's probability for healthy romance and a compatible mate choice.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro (01:05) How Helen got interested in studying love (05:18) Trailblazing the academic study of love (06:22) What is love? (11:01) Love and love decisions are life's most important choices (12:46) Understanding "love maps" and the unconscious as it relates to love (22:15) Millennials and "slow love" (27:56) When are you not in love? When is it time to end a relationship? (37:58) Identifying great compatibility matches (41:53) Mitigating the risks of neuroticism from torpedoing a relationship (48:30) Attachment styles and compatibility (54:46) Identifying the root cause of depression (56:46) Ending a relationship when indifference is present (01:08:00) Designing a lifestyle that makes you a better and authentic partner (01:11:27) The role of marriage in human life (01:15:30) Helen getting married in her mid-70's

Richard Reeves is a writer, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and the author of "Of Boys and Men."This is a rebroadcast of episode 67 of "Keep Talking," one of the most important conversations from this show. Richard presents data detailing how boys and men are falling behind in education and employment, that men represent three out every four "deaths of despair," and the confusion over what is good about being a man and what it means to be a man as gender roles have significantly changed.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(00:31) How Richard realized men are falling behind(04:07) The data re: men falling behind in education(07:27) The structure of education helps women's natural abilities(11:51) A response to the indifference of male decline(16:31) Stories of suffering of modern men(19:55) Men are "opting out" not "acting out"(25:07) What would men be doing without porn and video games?(26:44) Big stats and small stats that reveal the decline of men(30:21) A sense of agency is crucial for men who are struggling(36:56) Jim Hollis' work for men(38:11) Jordan Peterson is a gigantic listening ear for men(43:31) The Andrew Tate phenomenon(50:56) Jordan Peterson's rage and empathy(56:34) Divorce and its effect on men(01:02:09) What is the evolutionary purpose of men?(01:06:11) Children need positive relationships with their fathers; married parents less so(01:15:04) Solutions to increase male flourishing

Kevin Kelly is a photographer, a futurist, an editor, and the author of multiple books, including "Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier," the subject of our conversation.This is a rebroadcast of episode 75 of "Keep Talking," one of my favorite episodes. On his 68th birthday, Kevin wrote "68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice" for his children - an essay that went viral. He wrote two more birthday advice essays for years 69 and 70. Now, after cleaning those nuggets up and adding 150 more, he has written a treasure-trove of wisdom, created and given to the world by one of America's most perceptive thinkers.This is my favorite kind of book, and Kevin has created a masterpiece that I will consult for the rest of my life. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to become just a little bit wiser, a little bit better, a little bit more thoughtful.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------(00:00) Intro(01:02) Why Kevin began sharing advice(03:28) "68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice" popularity(05:34) 10 pieces of advice(07:49) You are what you do(11:47) Character is about how you deal with power(19:02) Look back 25 years from today to decide(22:27) The three things you need(36:22) Cultivate 12 people who love you(40:42) Money is to allow you to do great work(41:58) A perfect day to Kevin Kelly(44:22) Success and wealth(46:03) What's the point of obtaining wisdom?

Traver Boehm is an entrepreneur, a speaker, the author of "Today I Rise" and "Man UNcivilized," and the founder of the UNcivilized Movement, "dedicated to ending the unnecessary suffering in men to end the suffering caused by men."------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro 00:38 How Traver got into men's work 05:47 Living as an unconscious man for 40 years 11:00 Integrity and the book "How To Be A Man" by Robert Masters 16:33 Advice for men who feel out of integrity 28:11 Asking men: what do you want? 39:39 Shame, and how men can ask for what they need 55:29 Selecting women and the importance of male tribe 01:06:59 Male isolation and how to find good men 01:13:25 Vulnerability and how much Traver has changed

Orna Donath is a professor at Tel Aviv University and is the author of the landmark book "Regretting Motherhood." During our conversation, Orna talks about the lessons from her research, her own "silent knowing" that she didn't want to be a mom, the importance of knowing oneself, and her new research of elderly, childless women in Israel. Orna also talks about the role of fear in pressuring women to become a mom, her yearly dialogue with a dozen women who are trying to decide whether to have kids, healthy models for childless women, and her interviews with childless men.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:52 Stories of women who have regretted having kids 05:24 What has been traumatic to women about becoming mothers? 10:20 The role of fear in pressuring women to have kids 16:57 The lack of healthy models for women without kids 23:47 Lessons from elderly, childless women 29:07 Lessons from women who are wrestling with whether to have kids 36:13 Meaning and purpose in life without kids 42:43 Quotes in praise or Orna and her work 44:34 Men who don't want to have kids55:02 Addressing questions Orna wants to answer

Roy Baumeister is a professor and a prolific author of many books, including "Willpower" and "Is There Anything Good About Men?" During our conversation, Roy talks about men as nature's "play things," his thinking on how homosexuality persevered through evolution, the truth about men in society, lessons from the book "Self-Made Man" by Norah Vincent, the importance of male cooperation in creating civilization, free will, how he's changed his mind, and more.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:37 Men are nature's "play-things"05:09 There are more men at the extremes07:28 How do gay people exist?11:34 Lessons from "Self-Made Man" by Norah Vincent15:53 Men and women were "designed" with different skills21:06 What is good about men?31:07 Why are men wired for cooperation?37:17 Quotes from "Is There Anything Good About Men?"38:42 The tragedy of the male sex drive46:29 What is interesting to Roy right now?54:31 In what ways has Roy changed his mind?01.01:57 Who does Roy go to for information and truth?

Ian Marcus Corbin is an essayist and a philosopher at Harvard Medical School who works on loneliness in society. During our conversation, Ian defines loneliness, discusses Robert Putnam's book Bowling Alone, the importance of close social relationships, the decline in civic participation in America, the risk of isolation to human beings and society, and the recent assassination attempt of Donald Trump.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:38 Defining loneliness 05:29 Growing evidence of modern loneliness 07:29 Robert Putnam's work in "Bowling Alone" 19:17 Advice for combating loneliness 22:48 What causes loneliness? 27:30 The Harvard study on happiness - good relationships are most important 31:37 How to prioritize a wise, flourishing life 38:38 Trade-offs between working for money and having meaningful work 44:22 Loneliness and the threat of totalitarianism 46:17 The assassination attempt of Donald Trump 51:52 Loneliness and modern men 58:22 The lack of a script for men today 1:00:31 What communities or societies are flourishing today?

Joe Henrich is a professor and the author of multiple best-selling books, including The Secret of Our Success and The WEIRDest People in the World. During our conversation, Joe talks about the interplay of genes and culture in human evolution, the importance of our "collective brains," what we misunderstand about human nature, what he's learned from visiting other indigenous cultures, how culture influences testosterone levels in men, how we might help modern, struggling western men, what we've learned about menopause from grandmother killer whales, the frontier of knowledge in human nature, and more.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:37 We're not individually intelligent 02:49 The reason for green and blue eye color in humans 06:01 A unique psychological aspect of status and prestige in humans 08:55 Human's competitive superpower: our ability to sweat 11:53 A story from Joe's experience with the Machiguenga in the Amazon 16:37 The variability and stability of human nature 18:37 What Westerners misunderstand about human nature 21:23 The link between prestige, good information, and human survival 23:41 Ideas to help modern men 28:21 Where Joe thinks our culture is heading with dating and mating 32:18 We have far more female ancestors as male ancestors 34:07 Testosterone in men in monogamous and non-monogamous cultures 37:02 Big 5 personality traits are not found in non-WEIRD cultures 40:53 Gerontocracy mating cultures in Africa 43:56 What we learn about menopause from grandmother killer whales 46:39 Joe's views on cultural relativism 51:23 Why Joe is so interested in human nature 56:19 What is our best understanding of what it means to be human? 59:10 Joe's forthcoming new book

David Blankenhorn is an author, an activist, a community organizer, and the co-founder and President of Braver Angels. During our conversation, David talks about polarization in the United States, the workshops that Braver Angels puts together to bring together politically opposed Americans for conversation and common ground, the threat of division to the future of the country, the receding of a "civil religion" in the U.S., the importance of approaching disagreements with a sense of goodwill, and having hope in this dark time.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:37 The state of civic friendship in America04:27 The growth of Braver Angels11:22 What motivates Braver Angels' members?16:46 The work and mission of Braver Angels23:29 We're less polarized than we've been told27:34 Who is benefiting from social division?33:12 Habits to maintain one's humanity40:23 Politics replacing civic virtues in modern times49:37 George Kennan's threat of internal division55:34 The example of Daryl Davis

Robert Glover is a therapist, a speaker, and the author of multiple books, including his best-seller, No More Mr. Nice Guy. During our conversation, Robert talks about choosing a woman who chooses you, the importance of male tribe for men, being open-hearted, and his newest venture: integration nation.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:37 "Choose a woman who chooses you" 20:39 Marriage, relationships, and male purpose 25:12 Being open-hearted as a man and red pill 34:12 The importance of male tribe to men 53:12 Integration nation and Robert's legacy

Shawn T. Smith is a clinical psychologist and the author of various books, including his best-seller, The Tactical Guide to Woman. During our conversation, Shawn talks about green flags in women, depression as a symptom rather than an illness, advice for men who are depressed, shame and love, the importance of tribe and purpose in a man's life, and the lack of scripts for healthy men in modern culture.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro01:22 Green flags in women 03:53 Prioritizing the long-term over the short-term 05:57 The importance of habits 08:31 Love and shame in a man's life 17:08 The importance of having a male tribe 20:48 Men's hunger for talking honestly about relationships 23:29 Depression in men 26:28 Causes of depression in men 29:37 Depression is like a fever - a symptom, not the cause 33:19 Vetting women with no optionality 36:52 Purpose in a man's life 43:51 The role of men and fathers in society 50:40 Dealing with pushback while striving toward goals 53;00 Advice Shawn would give to his young daughter

James Fadiman is a researcher, an author, and one of the world's leading experts on microdosing psychedelics. During our conversation, Jim talks about finding one's microdosing "sweet spot," the potential benefits of microdosing, how a healthy society might approach psychedelics, the future of psychedelics in America, and his own spiritual and religious worldview.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro 00:38 Finding your microdosing "sweet spot" 06:23 Microdosing quantities for psilocybin 10:05 Potential benefits of microdosing 15:11 What is happening in the brain with microdosing? 20:10 Are there specific strands of psilocybin that are best for microdosing? 24:12 How commonly-used should microdosing be in a healthy society? 30:06 The future of psychedelics in America 36:29 Is there a forthcoming backlash to psychedelics? 42:44 What kind of people might be helped by microdosing? 56:48 Jim's spiritual and religious views

Dr. William Davis is the author of many best-selling books, including Wheat Belly and Super Gut. During his second appearance on this podcast, Bill talks about the potential benefits of adding probiotics like lactobacillus reuteri to one's microbiome, the benefits of fermented foods, the many negative side effects of wheat, how modern diets seem to contribute to various mental illnesses, and a diet that he would recommend to live a healthy life in modern times.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:42 What Bill has learned in the past two years 07:55 Lactobacillus reuteri 15:14 How to improve one's microbiome 20:07 Fermented foods 23:50 "Diseases of civilization" 27:40 The modern diet and antibiotics 31:33 Bill's views on a healthy diet and lifestyle 47:52 The link between mental illness and diet 55:14 Habits and supplements to increase health

Bill Wasik is the editorial director for the New York Times Magazine and the author of a variety of books, including his newest - co-written with his wife Monica Murphy - Our Kindred Creatures: How Americans Came to Feel the Way They Do About Animals. During our conversation, Bill talks about the dawn of the animal rights movement in post-Civil War America, the lives and work of Henry Bergh and George Angell, and the creation and mission of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.Bill also talks about the industrialization of meat production, the invisibility of animal suffering today, and his own lifestyle related to animal rights.------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:37 How Americans treated animals in the mid-19th century 03:54 Animal blood sport in the 19th century 07:28 Religious and philosophical outlooks on animals in the 19th century 12:25 Who was Henry Burgh? 16:16 The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 22:22 The legal power of the ASPCA 28:21 Who was George Angell? 33:10 The goal: reduce suffering, not eliminate meat consumption 38:55 Industrializing meat production, and the invisibility of animals today47:20 How this book has influenced Bill and his lifestyle

Oliver Burkeman is a journalist and an author of multiple books, including his bestseller, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. During our conversation, Oliver talks about being an insecure overachiever, his historic obsession with productivity, learning to say no to things you want to do, the 80/20 principle, and how modern life rewards winners with an unending, lifetime supply of intense work.He also discusses getting clear on what matters to you in life, the work and ideas of James Hollis, and, when facing a big life decision, asking the question, "does this choice diminish or englargen me?"------------Book a meeting with Dan------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:49 Oliver's struggles with time management 03:58 "The mistaken belief that it can be cured"06:53 How Oliver has addressed his productivity addiction 12:29 The importance of saying no 16:57 Insecure overachievers and people pleasers 21:52 Today, the reward for winning is a lifetime of intense work 28:25 Human's concept of time over time 32:15 Time management in other cultures 37:33 When deciding, ask: "Does this choice englargen or diminish me?" 45:03 Quotes from James Hollis and Carl Jung 51:14 Closing comments about "Four Thousand Weeks"

Derek Sivers is an author, a TED speaker, a businessman, a musician, and one of my favorite thinkers on the planet. During our conversation, Derek talks about pursuing mastery, having enough, what success means to him, how he thinks about money, having and raising a kid, and more.Derek's book Hell Yeah or No is one of my all-time favorites, and his essays have had a huge influence on my life. I love Derek's originality, his enthusiasm for life and ideas, and most importantly, his generosity, kindness, and friendliness.------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodesBook a meeting with Dan------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:37 Written off from an early age02:45 How Derek knew he wanted to be a musician08:55 Transitioning from a musician to a businessman15:45 Having enough22:33 Money28:20 The importance of quiet, journaling and solitude40:50 Freedom and children54:53 Giving away $22 million01:03:57 Lifestyle creep01:08:39 Why Derek chooses freedom01:11:19 Envy and maintaining minimalism01:19:30 Success01:21:26 Quotes from Derek's essays01:26:07 Dan's New Zealand story01:35:11 Small actions can have big consequences01:37:28 Reach out to Derek: https://sive.rs/contact

Hemant Mehta is an author, a YouTuber, and an atheist activist. During our conversation, Hemant talks about his journey to atheism, the threat of Christian nationalism to secular society, and the atheist and secular movements. He also addresses the loss of community felt by those who leave religion, and the life and legacy of Daniel Dennett, including his work with The Clergy Project.------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:37 Hemant's personal and religious background 06:58 Hemant's experience losing his religious belief 08:40 Has Hemant's atheism changed him? 11:30 What persuaded Hemant to become an atheist? 14:49 Modern instances of religious overreach into secular society 20:37 Hemant's definition of atheism 22:57 What motivates Hemant's work 30:50 Christian nationalism in America 36:25 Reasons for optimism 42:19 The loss of community as people leave religion 46:58 Does Hemant have doubts about his atheist convictions? 49:22 Who does Hemant go to for information? 55:49 Dan Dennett and The Clergy Project

D.J. Taylor is a novelist, a literary critic, and the author of two biographies of George Orwell: Orwell: The Life, and Orwell: The New Life. During our conversation, D.J. talks about Orwell's life, why Orwell's books, particularly his two on totalitarianism, Animal Farm and 1984, have endured so many years after his death, and the relevance of his ideas and insights to modern times.------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:49 Who was George Orwell? 03:03 Why is Orwell so intriguing to D.J. Taylor? 05:01 Orwell's relevance over the past 20 years 08:21 How did Orwell capture totalitarianism so clearly? 13:30 The totalitarian impulse in Orwell 18:06 Orwell's commitment to his beliefs 21:59 A power of facing unpleasant facts 26:47 The void filled by the decline of religion 30:15 What was Orwell for? 34:58 Orwell's final years on Jura 38:48 Criticisms of Orwell 45:19 How would Orwell view modern times? 52:07 Euphemism and Newspeak today 54:43 Famous quotes from Orwell 55:45 Why does Orwell endure?

Camilla Kring is an author, a global speaker, and is the founder of B-Society, an organization fighting for "chronotype equality." During our conversation, Camilla talks about night owls and morning birds, why humans have a wide spectrum of sleep cycles, our cultural bias towards early birds, the damage done to night owls who are asked to fit into a morning bird society, and how we might be able to provide greater time autonomy to people to live in accordance with their own rhythms.------------Camilla's org, B-SocietyKeep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro00:41 An "A person" vs "B person"02:42 Social jet lag of night owls04:17 Evolutionary reasons for night owls11:17 How society became biased against night owls15:32 Are night owls lazy?21:02 The range of preferred sleeping cycles in humans26:29 The guilt of and bias against night owls32:14 Advice for night owls who can't control their schedule36:12 How AM sunlight and light exposure helps people37:22 The importance of sleep43:18 Chronotypes and a quote from "Why We Sleep"48:46 Can night owls turn into morning birds?54:32 Is our society chronically sleep-deprived?58:25 How does a sane society approach sleep?

Sarah Everts is a science journalist, an associate professor at Carleton University, and the author of "The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration." During our conversation, Sarah talks about how sweating was an evolutionary superpower for humans, what sweat is, why some people sweat more than others, the history of the antiperspirant industry, and why we receive such psychological benefits from sauna exposure and exercise-induced sweating.------------Keep Talking SubstackRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------00:00 Intro 00:50 Sarah's interest in sweat 02:20 Sweating as an evolutionary advantage 13:08 Why do some people sweat more than others? 19:29 Is being able to easily sweat a sign of health? 24:30 Ethnic differences in sweating 29:05 How advertising created the antiperspirant industry 39:35 The benefits of heat and sweating 51:45 Forcing your heart to exercise

Sherry Ning is an author and an essayist, whose Substack, "Pluripotent," has some of the best writing I've come across on human nature, purpose, and how to live. During our conversation, Shelly talks about creating one's own path, success, open-mindedness, beauty, nostalgia, spirituality, and religion.------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------Rate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------00:00 Intro00:36 A purpose to write 2:37 Trait openness 6:12 Real diversity is found in human personality 8:37 Fame 10:29 WEIRD people 12:45 For happiness, ask: what will make me miserable? 15:47 Success and going your own way 26:36 Open-mindedness and particularity of taste 34:06 Wildflowers: beauty and toughness 39:52 The death of Sherry's father43:27 Nostalgia and good times 49:49 What modern writer does Sherry enjoy? 52:26 Sherry's religious and spiritual beliefs