THINK BIGGER, THINK BETTER
35 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 37 ratingsTHINK BIGGER, THINK BETTER presents the 21st century’s leading entrepreneurs, scientists, philosophers, public intellectuals, and business and political leaders as they discuss the most important issues of today. Join your host Paul Gibbons and his guests as they explore themes such as: progress and technology, reason and emotions, ethics and business leadership, science and health, media and society, politics and education, pseudoscience and marketing hype, neuroscience and decision making. To support us on Patreon, go to patreon.com/paulgibbons
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Episodes
Behavioral Science and the Future of Work with Charlotte Blank and Kelly Monahan
October 24, 2019 11:03 - 52 minutes - 72 MBBehavioral Science and the Future of Work are two elements of the subtitle of my new book IMPACT: Using Science to Change Behaviors, Hearts, and Minds. These are two of the most discussed and most important trends in business today, and I'm excited to share my discussions with Charlotte and Kelly with you. And, the paperback version of IMPACT came out in September 2019, available on Amazon and from other online book retailers. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/3...
The Connector's Advantage and the New Era of Networking with Michelle Tillis Lederman
May 13, 2019 09:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBMichelle and I discuss her new book and why personal connections are so important to doing business today. We talk about how to network if you're a shy person (or just hate the term "networking"), and how important it is to add value to your relationships. We also run through the seven mindsets of a connector and the connector spectrum so you can get a feel for how you're connecting with other people in your industry and beyond. And, we discuss the importance of focusing on your similarities...
How Behavioral Science Is Already Affecting Consumers and Shaping the Future of Business with Michael Barbera
March 21, 2019 09:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBMichael and I talk about how businesses are beginning to apply behavioral science in their approaches to both employee engagement and consumer behavior. We discuss how the field is only in its infancy and how much more we have to learn, and we talk about some firms and practitioners that are paving the way for some serious innovation in the application of behavioral science. Michael also touches on the role of gamification in behavioral science and where we're already seeing behavioral scien...
Why Is Behavioral Science the Hottest Thing in Business? With Kelly Monahan
March 01, 2019 10:00 - 57 minutes - 46 MBDr. Monahan and I talk about why she decided to write the definitive text on behavioral science in business and what inspired her to start studying it in the first place. We discuss extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation and what's better for employee's health and performance; the psychological state of the workforce today; and how to apply behavioral science to organizational change and development. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2IH9G1T
The Future is Asian with Parag Khanna
February 14, 2019 10:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBParag Khanna and I talk about his new book and what inspired him to write about the Asian century. We also chat about what Western countries who are turning away from Asia (e.g. the United States) are risking by turning their backs on one of the most economically dynamic regions in today's world. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2Iia9rs
Is Plastic Pollution a Threat to Our Oceans or Us? with Julie Andersen of Plastic Oceans International
January 31, 2019 10:00 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBAs plastic sits out there in the oceans, salt, sun, UV, and wave action turn your plastic bottles into microplastics, which get eaten by sea-dwelling animals and throw off the whole ecosystem and food chain. Julie Andersen, of Plastic Oceans International, and I talk about the basics of why plastic is so bad for our environment, just how big the problem really is, and what activists can do to get involved in changing our plastic consumption habits and norms. Get full show notes and more in...
Human Evolution: How CRISPR babies, online dating, and technology are changing our future with Scott Solomon
January 18, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBScott and I talk about how he became an ant biologist, why he's so fascinated by evolution, and ways humans are guiding our own evolution – for example, through online dating, IVF, having children later, and more. Scott outlines the main arguments against the idea that humans are done evolving, and points out that we're not as special as we might think when it comes to avoiding evolution. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2FBrKre
Globalization: Trade, Trump, Brexit, and the Great Convergence with Richard Baldwin
January 03, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 111 MBWe're kicking off the year with a great conversation about some of today's biggest international issues and with a fantastic guest, Professor Richard Baldwin. We begin with a discussion about the history of globalization and how it's ebbed and flowed over time. We also talk mercantilism, Trump's trade policy, the rapid growth of China, and Richard's globalization theory, the Great Convergence. Richard and I also talk about the state of Brexit and what's likely to happen economically in Brita...
Climate Change, the Paris Accord, and Sustainable Business with Rt Hon James Shaw, Minster for Climate Change, New Zealand
December 13, 2018 10:00 - 46 minutes - 64.8 MBIn this episode, the Minister shares his views on the Paris Accord, talks about steps being taken around the world to implement the 1.5 degrees C temperature cap, and describes how New Zealand's climate change efforts compare to those of other countries. He also talks about how young leaders can get started in politics and how he's incorporated a passion for sustainability into every aspect of his long and varied career. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2QyLd2F
Marijuana - Medical, Legal, and Industry Overview with Alex Romero
December 03, 2018 10:00 - 57 minutes - 79.1 MBMarijuana is approved for medical and recreational use in six states, for medical use only in about another 12, and another 10 have decriminalized it to varying extents. This new world of deregulation brings financial opportunities for states and entrepreneurs, health benefits for medical users, but also risks akin to the risks of the supplement industry. Joining us to talk about these huge shifts is Alex Romero, the COO of LandRace Group LLC. Get full show notes and more information here:...
Will Ed Tech bring Universities into the 21st Century? with Andrew Hermalyn of 2U
November 13, 2018 08:00 - 36 minutes - 49.8 MBAndrew Hermalyn, the 30-year-old President of 2UGrad, joins us today to talk about how 2U provides the digital infrastructure universities need to attract, enroll, educate, and support students at scale while delivering high-quality outcomes. With the 2U platform, students can pursue their education anytime, anywhere, without quitting their jobs or moving - and university clients can improve educational outcomes, skills attainment, and career prospects for a greater number of students. Get...
Artificial Intelligence, IBM, and the Future of Work with Jesus Mantas
October 31, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 84.7 MBToday's amazing guest, Jesus Mantas of IBM, joins us to talk about Artificial Intelligence, its main consumer and business applications, and how IBM is addressing the risks of AI. He is, in some ways, typical IBM: a geek through and through, exemplified by his engineering background and lifelong fascination with AI. But he is a geek who specializes in helping businesses exploit new technology for consumer and business benefit, and he is helping lead one of history's most groundbreaking compa...
Free-Range Parenting: An Interview with America's Worst Mom - Lenore Skenazy
October 22, 2018 07:00 - 55 minutes - 76 MBOur culture - the norms, beliefs, and assumptions that drive behavior - suggests that kids are in constant danger. Despite all the statistics pointing in the opposite direction, parenting culture treats those of us who give our kids some more independence in the world as subpar parents at best and negligent at worst. Today’s guest, Lenore Skenazy, the "Worst Mom in America," founder of Free Range Kids and President of the non-profit Let Grow, and my new hero is on a mission to change the cul...
Spiritual Atheist and 21st Century Leadership with Nick Jankel
October 08, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 90.3 MBAre spirituality and atheism incompatible? Today’s guest – philosopher, speaker, and author Nick Jankel – would argue no. Nick broke with organized religion at a young age, but the rest of his life has been spent filling this gap with all of the things that typically come along with organized religion sans the dogmatic teachings. In this episode, we spend some time talking about growing up – how in life you find your purpose and must do battle with some psychological dragons along the way. ...
Trump Leadership Scorecard
September 26, 2018 07:00 - 55 minutes - 77 MBOn today's episode, I’m going to talk about Trump - not too much about his policies but more about his leadership, asking the question: How, from the perspective of a leadership scholar and former CEO of a leadership consulting firm (myself), are his leadership skills? Join me this week as we think bigger and broader about the Trump presidency and what is unfolding within his administration. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2N3orZY
Human Flourishing: The True Purpose of Business
September 07, 2018 07:00 - 39 minutes - 55.1 MBWhat is the meaning of life? Is it being happy, as many contemporary authors and self-help gurus will tell you? With all due respect to those who’ve made a career out of that message, there is more to it – and the big idea is called human flourishing. Businesses need to make money, but is business just a money-engine, or can it engender human flourishing? How can businesses challenge that energy? Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2PGhlwd
What’s New in Space Exploration with Emily Lakdawalla of The Planetary Society
August 31, 2018 07:00 - 57 minutes - 46.7 MBThe final frontier: Will we settle other planets, moons, or farther still? Is Elon Musk’s vision of colonizing Mars (starting with short trips in 2020) realizable, or Silicon Valley hubris? Why, when we have so many Terran problems to solve, should we devote resources to space? To discuss space and the work of The Planetary Society, we have their Senior Editor Emily Lakadawalla on the show. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2MzQWTD
Depression: How Can You Spot It? What Can You Do? With Steve Hollon
August 24, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 88.1 MBOur episode today covers depression, which affects one in six Americans. 20% of women and 10% of men will have an episode during their lifetimes. An important question is whether this may grossly understate the case; whether, because of stigma, depression is vastly under-diagnosed. Join me and Steve Hollon as we talk depression, diagnosis, medical treatment pros and cons, and what you can do to help yourself and those around you. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.l...
Cultural Tourism the Millennial Way: South America by School Bus
August 17, 2018 10:00 - 53 minutes - 74.4 MBAlmost a decade ago, I traveled to San Diego to play in a World Series of Poker event. This kid sat next to me: headphones, beard, hat backward. I don’t usually talk to the players much, let alone 21-year-old college students, but this guy and I got on like a house on fire. He was just 21 and I was 50, but we found so much common ground, and we’ve been good friends since. Cultural tourism This worldly 20-something (now 30-something) has just returned from a nine-month trip "cultural tour...
Fake News, Post-Truth, Filter Bubbles, and Trump
May 30, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBThis podcast probes a culture of fake news, post-truth, Trump, and many of the other phenomena from the last few years that corrupt our “information space.” As information age citizens, we depend on good information (facts) to make decisions as voters and consumers. I’m discussing some of the more mind-bogglingly convoluted conspiracy theories and how the internet has allowed some of this claptrap to flourish. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2H1TemK
Making decisions in VUCA times – lessons from top poker pro Annie Duke
May 18, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBMy guest this week is Annie Duke. For two decades, Annie was one of the top poker players in the world. In 2004, she bested a field of 234 players to win her first World Series of Poker bracelet. Now she combines her academic career in cognitive science with her prowess as a poker player and is in great demand by hedge funds and venture capitalists to consult and speak on decision making under uncertainty. On top of that, her passion for making a difference has helped raise millions for ch...
Educating and Parenting Gifted Children: with Off the Charts author Ann Hulbert
May 08, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.9 MBMy guest this week is an expert in the field of the psychology of child prodigies. In her latest book, Off the Charts: The Hidden Lives and Lessons of American Child Prodigies, Ann investigates the story of gifted children including Bobby Fischer, Shirley Temple, Barbara Follett, and Henry Cowell, all of whom had achieved phenomenally by the time they reached puberty. In this wide-ranging interview, we cover much of her book has to offer. Get full show notes and more information here: http...
How to Spot Quackery! Chiropractic, Vitamins, Chelation, Homeopathy, and Other Health Frauds
April 23, 2018 10:00 - 55 minutes - 77.2 MBQuackery is all around us – the promotion of fraudulent or ignorant medical practices, often preying on the gullible. We have Stephen Barret, M.D. on the show to give us his thoughts on these dark pseudosciences. Tune in and see what can be learned from this enlightening conversation with a real Quack antagonist and watchdog. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2K4F8UJ
What Is Evidence-Based Management? Prof Rob Briner
April 06, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBBusiness schools do not teach evidence-based approaches to decision-making, and in many areas, the evidence is insanely poor. My guest Rob Briner, and I veer from the basic to the quite technical – if you aren’t a manager or business person, listen for the deeper themes for decision making in public policy and democracies. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2q86obA
Learning Styles, Neurobabble, and Other Psychological Myths with Scott Lilienfeld
March 23, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBJoin Scott and I for an in-depth discussion on today's topics: psychological myths, neuroscience, and mental illness. Learn how many of the things you believe might be mythology and, if they're false, how many of them might be harmful. Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/2IGlv4p
Stoicism, Atheism, Pseudoscience, Scientism with Massimo Pigliucci
March 09, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 114 MBJoin Massimo and me as we cover modern Stoicism, atheism, placebo effects, pseudoscience, and scientism. Learn why people believing in astrology or creationism should worry the rest of us, why we should care, and what some of the worst excesses of scientism are today. This is a deep-dive into many belief systems affecting our society that you don’t want to miss! Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/2Ide8Bd
Embodiment: The Body and Its Role In Personal Change with Mark Walsh
February 23, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 94.6 MBIn contemporary psychology, who we are, and how we grow, learn, and change are mental phenomena. On today’s episode of THINK BIGGER, THINK BETTER, we look at a radical new view – the body and its role in change. You won’t find this topic discussed in textbooks; the ideas my guest Mark Walsh shares today are found in very few places – workshops, personal development courses - and even then in very few of those. Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/2CcUmGh
Populism, Trump and Brexit: History and Causes with Arun Swamy
February 13, 2018 11:00 - 51 minutes - 70.3 MBWhat most populist movements share is an anti-establishment orientation, a claim to speak for the people against the elites, opposition to liberal economics and globalization, and often (but not always) a penchant for authoritarian governance. Join Dr. Swamy and I as we go deeper into this discussion on today's populist movements, the contrasting approaches of left-wing and right-wing populism, and the substance behind the movements we see in the U.S., Europe, and the rest of the world. Ge...
Fake News - What It Is and What It Is Not with Paul Levinson
January 26, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBToday, Paul explains to us what Fake News really is, how it affects our democracy, and what we as citizens can do about it. This is a very timely discussion for all of us to acknowledge how our media has changed and whether or not it can be reformed. If you've been confused about how to spot Fake News and how seriously you should take its spread, listen in to today's discussion! Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/2Bojaq1
Are Neuroscience and Evolutionary Biology Useful Guides for 21st Century Humans? With Bob Samuels
January 12, 2018 11:00 - 44 minutes - 60.8 MBWelcome, everyone, to this edition of THINK BIGGER, THINK BETTER. In this episode, we talk to Bob Samuels – a true polymath, psychologist, philosopher, and social scientist from the University of California, Santa Barbara where he teaches Public Discourse, Psychology, and Rhetoric. We discuss the importance of reason and how to teach it, as well as the difference between science, pseudoscience, and “scientism” ... and much more! Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly...
Can we (Or Should We) Teach Children Philosophy? with Jana Mohr Lone
December 29, 2017 11:00 - 47 minutes - 65.9 MBOn today’s show, we welcome Jana Mohr Lone of the Center for Philosophy for Children. The questions we tackle today are: “Do you have to be a grownup to study those questions? Can kids think about them? Should kids think about them?” Plug in and listen as we discuss how teaching kids philosophy could impact the entire world. Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/2ldlV8t
Critical Thinking – a Threat to Society or the Path to Better Living? With Linda Elder
December 15, 2017 08:05 - 45 minutes - 62.8 MBThis week, we invited Educational Psychologist Dr. Linda Elder, to the show to talk about critical thinking. In this episode, we explore what critical thinking is, how can we apply it to any issue, how it helps those with opposing views to communicate with one another, and why Texas tried to ban critical thinking in schools. Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/2iI2mDm
Is It Time to Rethink Democracy in America? - With Parag Khanna
December 15, 2017 08:02 - 52 minutes - 72.3 MBMany clever political scientists and philosophers have put their minds together to studying democracy and writing about its problems. Today, I’m honored to welcome one of the best – Parag Khanna, a global strategist and bestselling author, as well as a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre on Asia and Globalization at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. In this episode, we discuss how the U.S. is showing up in the world today as an example of de...
The Impossible Presidency with Jeremi Suri
December 14, 2017 16:29 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBIn his latest book, The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America’s Highest Office, Jeremi examines the evolution of the office of the President of the United States and the men who have held that position. We discuss how the role has changed and why many of our most recent presidents seem to have failed so miserably. Join us for this exploration of the American presidency and how today’s situation fits in the arc of history. Get full show notes and more information here: http:...
Welcome to the THINK BIGGER, THINK BETTER Podcast
December 14, 2017 16:28 - 6 minutes - 9.04 MBWhat this show is all about and what you can expect in the upcoming episodes. Visit http://paulgibbons.net/podcasts for more information.