Smart People Podcast

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. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Do you want to make a lasting impact but feel stuck in outdated systems?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. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp LinkedIn Sales Navigator - Try LinkedIn Sales Navigator and get a sixty-day free trial at linkedin.com/smartpeople. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp LinkedIn Sales Navigator - Try LinkedIn Sales Navigator and get a sixty-day free trial at linkedin.com/smartpeople. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp LinkedIn Sales Navigator - Try LinkedIn Sales Navigator and get a sixty-day free trial at linkedin.com/smartpeople. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist inspires you to shape your own future, navigate ambiguity and uncertainty with intention, and transform problems and challenges into profound opportunities. We don’t have to be afraid of what the future holds. Rather than bracing for what happens next, Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt argues that you can be making what happens next. You can respond to unexpected challenges—big and small—by turning them into opportunities with six principles for developing a “future-ready mindstate”. Frederik's book, What's Next Is Now: How to Live Future Ready, is available now! Learn more about Frederik at frederikgpferdt.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Acclaimed grief educator, Christina Rasmussen, sheds light on how societal expectations and conformity can lead to a lifetime of accumulated, unacknowledged heartbreak. Learn how to recognize and validate these "invisible losses", and understand the Life Reentry® Model to help you break free from the constraints of conformity and rewrite your life story. This will finally free you from your "waiting room" - the purgatory preventing you from your true identity. Join us as we explore the unspoken losses that silently shape our lives and learn how to rewrite your story, shattering the mold of conformity and unlocking your true potential. Christina's book, Invisible Loss: Recognizing and Healing the Unacknowledged Heartbreak of Everyday Grief, is available now! Learn more about Christina at christinarasmussen.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please enjoy this episode of The Optimistic Outlook hosted by Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens US! The original episode can be found here: https://theoptimisticoutlook.podbean.com/e/gen-z-and-the-power-of-multigenerational-teams/. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have all seen the new gadgets that use UV light to “sterilize”. Everything from UV light phone cleaners to toothbrush holders, air purifiers, and water cleaners. But does it actually work? Can a simple light keep us healthier and safer? We dive into the science to separate fact from fiction and explore the surprising answers. But that's not all - we also reveal a game-changing new technology that's about to disrupt everything we thought we knew about UV light sanitation. Tune in to find out if this innovative solution is the key to a germ-free future! Learn more about John at litthinking.com/about. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine a world where your brain can be interrogated to learn your political beliefs, your thoughts can be used as evidence of a crime, and your own feelings can be held against you. A world where people who suffer from epilepsy receive alerts moments before a seizure, and the average person can peer into their own mind to eliminate painful memories or cure addictions. Neuroscience has already made all of this possible today, and neurotechnology will soon become the “universal controller” for all of our interactions with technology. This can benefit humanity immensely, but without safeguards, it can seriously threaten our fundamental human rights to privacy, freedom of thought, and self-determination. Learn what is coming, what is already here, and what you can do about it. Nita Farahany is a leading scholar on the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies. She is the Robinson O. Everett Distinguished Professor of Law & Philosophy at Duke Law School, the Founding Director of Duke Science & Society and principal investigator of SLAP Lab and the Cognitive Futures Lab. Nita's book, The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology, is available now! Learn more about Nita at nitafarahany.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/SMART Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Max Stearns explores the core problems behind America's political mess, showing how social media and our strict two-party system deepen divisions and block real progress. Stearns explains how our current voting system forces people to pick between two bad options, which only increases conflict and stops things from getting done. He presents a bold new idea to solve these issues, highlighting the urgent need for a big but possible change. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fed up with how things are and looking for a fresh way to make our democracy work better. Tune in to discover how we can move past bitter partisanship and create a political system that truly reflects the varied interests of all Americans. Max's book, Parliamentary America: The Least Radical Means of Radically Repairing Our Broken Democracy, is available now! Learn more about Max at blindspotblog.us/about-max-stearns. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/SMART Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you could rewind your life to the very beginning and then press play, would everything turn out the same? Or could making an accidental phone call or missing an exit off the highway change not just your life, but history itself? And would you remain blind to the radically different possible world you unknowingly left behind? In our episode this week, myth-shattering social scientist Brian Klaas dives deeply into the phenomenon of random chance and the chaos it can sow, taking aim at most people’s neat and tidy storybook version of reality. The good news is, we can USE this understanding of randomness and chaos to our advantage, to see the world more clearly, and to focus on the things that matter. Brian's book, Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters, is available now! Learn more about Brian at brianpklaas.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/SMART Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guy Kawasaki is a marketing legend and the first Chief Evangelist Officer at Apple in 1984 when he helped launch and market the first Macintosh computer. In this episode, Guy brings us back to the early days of Apple and tells us what it was truly like working alongside Steve Jobs. He explains his rise and fall at Apple, and what he learned from the best entrepreneur of our generation. He then explains how he has taken his professional experience and put it into his new book, Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference. Guy delivers a practical, tactical, and sometimes radical discussion of how to make a difference in the world and live a fulfilling life. Guy's book, Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference, is available now. Learn more about Guy at guykawasaki.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/SMART Factor - use code smart50 to get 50% off at factormeals.com/smart50 Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The real estate market is the topic of many conversations these days. Are we in a bubble? Is Real Estate still a good investment? Is AirBNB destroying communities? What is the future of real estate agents after the recent lawsuit? In this week's episode we sit down with Dave Liniger, the Founder and President of Re/Max, the worlds largest Real Estate firm, to discuss all of these questions and more. Dave is the chairman of RE/MAX, the Denver based global real estate company that he cofounded with his wife, Gail, in 1973. RE/MAX is the leading franchisor of real estate offices throughout the world and has expanded to more than 9,000 offices in over 110 countries, with over 140,000 sales agents. He is highly respected internationally for his vast knowledge of the real estate and franchising industries. Although he retired as the CEO in 2018, he continues to lead the company as chairman of the board. Dave's book, The Perfect 10: 10 Leadership Principles to Achieve True Independence, Extreme Wealth, and Huge Success, is available now. Learn more about Dave at daveliniger.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/SMART Factor - use code smart50 to get 50% off at factormeals.com/smart50 Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we are living through a revolution in biology. Giant strides are being made in understanding why we age—and why some species live longer than others. Could we eventually cheat disease and death and live for a very long time, possibly many times our current lifespan? Venki Ramakrishnan, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and former president of the Royal Society, takes us on a riveting journey to the frontiers of biology, asking whether we must be mortal. Covering the recent breakthroughs in scientific research, he examines the cutting edge of efforts to extend lifespan by altering our physiology. Venki's book, Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality, is available now. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/SMART Factor - use code smart50 to get 50% off at factormeals.com/smart50 Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are talking with one of the most prolific authors in decades, Charles Duhigg. You may know him from his NYT Bestselling Books, “The Power of Habit,” and “Better Faster Stronger.” His books have sold more than 5 million copies worldwide! In our episode this week, we are talking about his new book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. Communication is a superpower and the best communicators understand that whenever we speak, we’re actually participating in one of three conversations: practical (What’s this really about?), emotional (How do we feel?), and social (Who are we?). If you don’t know what kind of conversation you’re having, you’re unlikely to connect. These are the things you need to do to become….a supercommunicator. Charles' book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, is available now. To learn more about Charles, go to charlesduhigg.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Babbel - Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/spp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices