Big Think

Primatologist Frans de Waal inadvertently popularized the term ‘alpha male.’ Now, he’s debunking common stereotypes to explain what an ‘alpha male’ really is – empathetic and protective. All social animals establish hierarchies, but being an “alpha male” is not merely about strength or intimidation, according to primatologist Frans de Waal. An alpha male can often be a figure admired for empathy and protectiveness. De Waal criticizes the misconception of the term as synonymous with a bully. He further explores the concept of gender, arguing its flexibility and highlighting the existence of significant individual variability in behavior among primates. De Waal emphasizes empathy as a key factor in social cohesion, suggesting it might hint at morality among primates. Despite our advancements, he believes humans are fundamentally similar to primates emotionally and socially. 0:00 What is an alpha male? 1:25 ‘Chimpanzee Politics’ and the 1980s cultural fervor 2:20 The alpha male is not a personality type 3:34 Sex & gender: Donna the chimp 5:38 We’re apes with technology and college degrees ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Frans de Waal: Dr. Frans B. M. De Waal is a Dutch/American behavioral biologist and primatologist known for his work on the behavior and social intelligence of primates. His first book, Chimpanzee Politics (1982), compared the schmoozing and scheming of chimpanzees involved in power struggles with that of human politicians. His scientific work has been published in hundreds of technical articles in journals such as Science, Nature, Scientific American, and outlets specialized in animal behavior. His popular books - translated into 20+ languages - have made him one of the world's most visible primatologists. His latest books are Mama’s Last Hug (Norton, 2019) and Different: Gender Through the Eyes of a Primatologist (Norton, 2022). De Waal is C. H. Candler Professor Emeritus at Emory University and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Utrecht University. He has been elected to the (U.S.) National Academy of Sciences as well as the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2007, Time declared him one of "The World's 100 Most Influential People Today." ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The abstract numeral that changed everything, according to mathematician Talithia Williams. Before the introduction of zero, mathematics was a tangible subject, where numbers held weight and substance. With zero came the concept of a mathematical “nothing;” it turned our solid understanding of values into something theoretical. This development, the addition of zero, led scientists to begin exploring more conceptual ideas, like dark matter and black holes. Without zero, we wouldn’t have discovered equations like E=mc², which fundamentally rely on the concept of nothingness and balance to describe the relationship between energy and mass. Including zero and other abstract numerals like negative numbers, gave us the framework to think about the absence of things. This “nothing number” gave us access to a new layer of understanding, potentially even leading us to new solutions for problems that were unapproachable beforehand Folllow this Podcast for daily Episodes -------------------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Being aware of your mindsets is the difference between living a conscious life, where you're making choices in accord with what you actually want and going where you actually wanna go, versus being on autopilot and having those mindsets subconsciously drive all of your decisions." Chapters: 0:00 Our mindsets’ influences 0:50 Linear vs. Experimental 2:50 3 subconscious mindsets 4:58 The experimental mindset 6:30 Designing experiments 8:35 Habit vs. Experiment 🔥 Are Your Mindsets Secretly Controlling Your Life? We all have default ways of seeing the world—our *mindsets*. And these mindsets silently shape everything: our decisions, relationships, feelings, and even the path we take in life. But here’s the catch: most of us aren’t even aware of them. 💭 The Turning Point The speaker shares their journey—initially chasing traditional success: good grades, a job at Google, and startup life. But despite achieving all of it, they felt empty. It wasn’t until their startup failed that they paused to ask: *What do I really want?* This question led them to neuroscience, curiosity, and ultimately, fulfillment. ⚠️ The 3 Mindsets Holding Us Back 1. Cynical Mindset – Low ambition, low curiosity. You’re checked out and stuck in survival mode. 2. Escapist Mindset – High curiosity, low ambition. You binge-watch, dream-plan, and avoid responsibility. 3. Perfectionist Mindset – High ambition, low curiosity. You’re overworking, chasing success, but losing joy. These mindsets are fluid—not fixed traits. You can shift them. 🔬 Enter: The Experimental Mindset This mindset thrives on *both* high curiosity and ambition. It embraces uncertainty, treats failure as data, and turns life into a series of small experiments—each one helping you grow. 🧪 How to Build It: The Pact Method A “pact” is a mini-experiment: - Purposeful: You care about it. - Actionable: You can start it *now*. - Continuous: You repeat it regularly. - Trackable: You only track if you did it—yes or no. It’s not a habit, KPI, or resolution. It’s a test to see what *actually* works for you. **📊 Internal vs External Data** After an experiment, analyze both: - **External**: Did it bring recognition, money, results? - **Internal**: Did it *feel* good? Was it energizing or draining? The speaker tried becoming a YouTuber. It “succeeded” externally—but internally, it felt awful. So they quit. That’s the power of self-awareness. **🧠 Neuroscience Backs It Up** When we’re curious, our brain lights up the same way it does when we’re thirsty. Curiosity isn’t fluff—it’s fuel. **✨ Final Message:** Your mindset determines whether you live consciously or on autopilot. Choose curiosity. Run tiny experiments. Design a life that’s yours. About Anne-Laure Le Cunff: Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and writer. A former Google executive, she went back to university to earn a Ph.D. In Psychology & Neuroscience from King’s College London. As the founder of Ness Labs and author of its widely read newsletter, she writes about evidence-based ways for people to make the most of their minds, navigate uncertainty, and practice lifelong learning. Her work has been featured in peer-reviewed academic journals and mainstream publications such as WIRED, Forbes, Rolling Stone, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and more Folllow this Podcast for daily Episodes -------------------------11:20-17 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Washington University professor John Inazu tells us how we can make peace inside a raging culture war. What explains the high levels of political polarization in American society today? To writer and law professor John Inazu, the answer is not necessarily that the media has become more biased — there has always been bias in the news, after all. The more likely answer is that the “volume” of the information we encounter has been turned way up, thanks to technology. For example, while we used to have limited access to the news through the newspaper and nightly broadcasts, we can now get constant updates on social media, email, and news apps. Often, the result is that we seek out information that confirms our beliefs and we have trouble connecting with people whose opinions differ from our own. Inazu suggests we can break out of our ideological bubbles through “confident pluralism,” which he describes as a framework that uses the values of tolerance, patience, and humility to help people better engage with each other. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About John Inazu: John Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. He teaches criminal law, law and religion, and various First Amendment seminars. His scholarship focuses on the First Amendment freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion, and related questions of legal and political theory. He is the author of Liberty’s Refuge: The Forgotten Freedom of Assembly (Yale University Press, 2012) and Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving Through Deep Difference (University of Chicago Press, 2016), and co-editor (with Tim Keller) of Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference (Thomas Nelson, 2020). Inazu holds a B.S.E. And J.D. From Duke University and a Ph.D. In political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He clerked for Judge Roger L. Wollman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and served for four years as an associate general counsel with the Department of the Air Force at the Pentagon. -----------------------------12:03-18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money ruins relationships. Here’s how to fix that. One of the last taboos in a modern relationship is talking about money. While many people like to pretend that love conquers all, or that a positive attitude will overcome all obstacles, the fact is that money issues are a leading factor in divorce — especially among young couples. A 2013 study found that money issues played a significant role in 40% of divorces. But why? In a consumer society like ours, why do we not like to talk about money in a relationship? And, perhaps more importantly, how can we keep this tendency from negatively impacting our relationships? Kathleen Burns Kingsbury’s title is incorrectly cited in the video as financial psychologist. Kingsbury’s title is wealth psychology expert. 0:00 Money in relationships 1:08 Why some couples don’t talk about money 2:15 How to get aligned on money 3:58 Avoiding financial abuse 4:25 Your words matter 5:08 Your history matters too -----------------------------12:03-18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we deal with information overload? Build a second brain, explains Tiago Forte. Tiago Forte, Founder of Forte Labs and author of "Building A Second Brain," discusses the problem of information overload and how it can hinder creativity. He proposes a solution in the form of a Commonplace book, a central repository for all meaningful information and content. Forte's method for managing this information, called C.O.D.E. (capture, organize, distill, and express), allows individuals to access and use this information in order to facilitate creative thinking. By regularly reviewing the information in their Commonplace book and using it to inspire new ideas, people can more effectively navigate the modern world’s information overload — allowing us to free up cognitive resources for creativity. 0:00 Creativity under fire 1:10 The information abundance problem 2:22 “You need a second brain” 3:24 How to begin preserving your creativity 5:04 Unlocking productive creativity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Tiago Forte: Tiago Forte is one of the world’s foremost experts on productivity. He has taught more than 20,000 people worldwide through his programs and writes and speaks on how technology can help knowledge workers revolutionize their personal effectiveness. Tiago’s online course, Building a Second Brain, has produced more than 5,000 graduates from over 70 countries. The course draws on his experience in academic disciplines such as information science, practical fields such as user experience design, and his work with top organizations and leaders in Silicon Valley. Tiago believes knowledge management is one of the most impactful skills in the world today, and his work is dedicated to making it accessible to individuals for the first time. In a previous life, he worked in microfinance in Latin America, served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine, and consulted for large companies on product development in San Francisco. He lives in Long Beach, California, with his wife Lauren, son Caio, and dog Ximena. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11:20-17 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This productivity hack comes with an asterisk, explains note-taking guru Tiago Forte. What would you learn about yourself if you temporarily stopped using the tools that make your life easier? That’s the main question in this Big Think video with author Tiago Forte, who describes what happened when he changed the way he took digital notes. The utility of note-taking depends on the context, Forte says. During face-to-face conversations, he found that taking notes was helpful for him, but it came at the cost of being less connected to the person in front of him. In contrast, taking notes while he’s by himself — walking around a city, for example — is more beneficial, and often ends up influencing his work in a positive way. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Tiago Forte: Tiago Forte is one of the world’s foremost experts on productivity. He has taught more than 20,000 people worldwide through his programs and writes and speaks on how technology can help knowledge workers revolutionize their personal effectiveness. Tiago’s online course, Building a Second Brain, has produced more than 5,000 graduates from over 70 countries. The course draws on his experience in academic disciplines such as information science, practical fields such as user experience design, and his work with top organizations and leaders in Silicon Valley. Tiago believes knowledge management is one of the most impactful skills in the world today, and his work is dedicated to making it accessible to individuals for the first time. In a previous life, he worked in microfinance in Latin America, served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine, and consulted for large companies on product development in San Francisco. He lives in Long Beach, California, with his wife Lauren, son Caio, and dog Ximena. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Train for any argument with Harvard’s former debate coach, Bo Seo. Bo Seo, an author and two-time world debate champion, believes our public conversations are in crisis. To Seo, our arguing skills have collectively atrophied over recent decades, resulting in bad arguments that have caused many people to lose faith in the idea that productive disagreements are even possible. That's why Seo suggests a framework called RISA — which stands for "Real, Important, Specific, and Aligned" — to help people pick their fights more wisely and to give conversations the best possible chance of success. RISA helps individuals find a better way to disagree. Seo believes that by making a contract with the other party and reminding them of the rules, conversations can be productive, and disagreements can lead to progress. 0:00 Why you’re losing your arguments 1:11 The making of a world champion 2:17 Intelligence vs wisdom 3:04 The RISA framework 4:29 Applying the RISA framework 6:23 Picking a good fight 7:46 Weak vs. Strong arguments 9:21 Side-switch exercises ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Bo Seo: Bo Seo is a two-time world champion debater and a former coach of the Australian national debating team and the Harvard College Debating Union. One of the most recognized figures in the global debate community, he has won both the World Schools Debating Championship and the World Universities Debating Championship. Bo has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, CNN, and many other publications. He has worked as a national reporter for the Australian Financial Review and has been a regular panelist on the prime time Australian debate program, The Drum. Bo graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University and received a master’s degree in public policy from Tsinghua University. He is currently a student at Harvard Law School. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------12:03-18------------------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why we keep giving power to the wrong people, according to political scientist and associate professor Brian Klaas. Brian Klaas, a political scientist and associate professor at University College London, argues that while the popular phrase "power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely" is true to a certain extent, the real problem lies in broken systems that attract and promote the wrong kind of people. In his research, Klaas has found that people who crave power are more likely to self-select into positions of power, resulting in a slate of leaders who are not representative of the general population. He believes that the solution is to design systems that attract better people. Klaas challenges the notion that the people in power are entirely to blame and instead reflects on why society is drawn toward abusive leaders. 0:00 Why the wrong people are in charge 1:32 Is corruption universal? 2:11 Martin McFife, the HOA president from hell 3:28 Self-selection bias 4:14 Why we can’t resist “strongmen” 6:26 Expelling the worst of the worst ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Brian Klaas: Associate Professor of Global Politics at University College London, Contributing Writer for The Atlantic, author of Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us, and Creator/Host of the award-winning Power Corrupts podcast. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------11:20-17 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A very few creative individuals, often labeled “geniuses,” have had a profound and lasting impact on science, culture, and society. Sure, we admire the achievements and legacy of this lofty few, but it’s a puzzle to determine what, precisely, launched these specific innovators into the stratosphere. The simplest answer is that the root of genius is raw ability. Yet, decades of research indicate otherwise. As network scientist Albert-László Barabási tells us, exceptional talent or intellectual prowess is no guarantee of exceptional achievement. And exceptional achievement is, in turn, no guarantee of recognition. Even a significant breakthrough doesn’t ensure that an individual ultimately will be labeled a genius. So what truly makes a genius? And what separates ordinary geniuses — those who have accomplished remarkable feats and are often compared to their peers, like Stephen Hawking — from peerless geniuses, who are considered alone in the significance of their achievements, such as Albert Einstein? Working with Alexander Gates and Qing Ke at the Network Science Institute at Northeastern University, Barabási catalogued the publishing history of nearly six million scientists to answer these questions. And the data they gleaned might just predict which genius will be our generation’s Einstein. 0:00 Genius worshippers 1:18 Ordinary vs. Peerless genius 3:47 Was Einstein right about the age of genius? 5:35 The ‘Q-factor’ of scientific success ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Albert-László Barabási: Albert-László Barabási is a network scientist, fascinated with a wide range of topics, from unveiling the structure of the brain and treating diseases using network medicine to the emergence of success in art and how science really works. His research has helped unveil the hidden order behind various complex systems using the quantitative tools of network science, a research field that he pioneered, and has led to the discovery of scale-free networks, helping explain the emergence of many natural, technological, and social networks. Barabási is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He is the author of The Formula (Little Brown), Network Science (Cambridge), Bursts (Dutton), and Linked (Penguin). He co-edited Network Medicine (Harvard, 2017) and The Structure and Dynamics of Networks (Princeton, 2005). His books have been translated into over twenty languages. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One day we might fall into a black hole. Here’s what we can expect, according to physicist Janna Levin. This interview is an episode from @The-Well, our publication about ideas that inspire a life well-lived, created with the @JohnTempletonFoundation. Black holes should be thought of as "empty places" rather than "dense objects." While they are indeed formed from incredibly dense objects (collapsed stars), the black hole itself is nothing. Black holes could have played a crucial role in the emergence of life. Ironically, the Solar System is in orbit around a supermassive black hole located in the center of our Milky Way galaxy. And one day, we might fall into a black hole. If you were out in space exploring and you didn't realize you were coming upon a black hole, you would not notice that anything terrible was about to happen. Eventually, however, you would succumb to a terrifying fate. -----------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if religious texts were some of our most significant sources of philosophical insight? Philosopher Meghan Sullivan believes that traditions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are filled with moral questions that invite discussion and reflection. She challenges the idea that philosophy must be strictly secular, pointing out how religious stories and parables often resemble the open-ended questioning found in ancient dialogues like Plato’s Republic. These connections support the idea that religious texts are not meant to shut down debate, but encourage it. For Sullivan, exploring faith through philosophical conversation helps us think more clearly about how to live and what it means to be human. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Meghan Sullivan: Meghan Sullivan is the Wilsey Family College Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, where she leads the Ethics Initiative and founded the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good. With support from the John Templeton Foundation, the Institute advances research and teaching on human flourishing. Sullivan’s work spans ethics, metaphysics, and religion. She’s the author of Time Biases and co-author of The Good Life Method, based on her acclaimed course “God and the Good Life.” -----------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Developmental biologist Michael Levin proposes an alternative approach to regenerative medicine: one that involves communicating with cells to trigger specific associations and induce changes in tissues. He envisions a future where biomedicine relies less on chemistry, and looks more like behavioral science. By leveraging the native competencies of cells, Levin thinks researchers can achieve complex outcomes without micromanagement. He demonstrates this through the regeneration of frog legs by simply prompting cells towards the regenerative state. Levin introduces “xenobots,” bio-robots formed by self-assembling frog skin cells. These xenobots are key to the regenerative medicine of the future, with the potential to create solutions for birth defects, reprogramming tumors — even creating new organs. Levin emphasizes the moral imperative to pursue this research to address pressing medical needs. --------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philosopher and Notre Dame professor Meghan Sullivan shares her take on how the AI era has forced us to rethink what truly gives human life value. As machines surpass us in logic and productivity, the love ethic offers an answer rooted in dignity, connection, and care. Similar to other technological advancements throughout history, this moment has created an opportunity for a philosophical breakthrough: one that helps us identify what humanity really is, how to identify it, and how to preserve it. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- About Meghan Sullivan: Meghan Sullivan is the Wilsey Family College Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, where she leads the Ethics Initiative and founded the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good. With support from the John Templeton Foundation, the Institute advances research and teaching on human flourishing. Sullivan’s work spans ethics, metaphysics, and religion. She’s the author of Time Biases and co-author of The Good Life Method, based on her acclaimed course “God and the Good Life.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About The Well Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life’s biggest questions, and that’s why they’re the questions occupying the world’s brightest minds. Together, let's learn from them. Folllow this Podcast for daily Episodes ---------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don’t call yourself “a writer,” just write. Ryan Holiday on how the labels you give yourself can hold you back. Who are you without the labels? What if you stopped defining yourself by what you do and simply focused on doing it? This episode dives deep into identity, ego, and the struggle of living on your own terms. From walking away from a career that didn’t fit to embracing the discomfort of uncertainty, it’s a raw reflection on the moments that humble us, shape us, and force us to grow. Whether it’s a bookstore built in the middle of a pandemic or the realization that success can cloud reality, this conversation will make you rethink what truly matters. How do you measure your life—by what you achieve or who you become? Who would you be without all the labels and identities you’ve collected over the course of your life?Ego, titles, and societal expectations often shape who we think we are—or who we think we should be. Author, and for simplicity's sake, bookstore owner, Ryan Holiday explains the simple question “What do you do?” can turn into a trap, making us cling to roles that don’t really define us. But what happens when you let go of these labels? What if, instead of focusing on the identity of being a writer, you focused on the act of writing itself?As Holiday got older, he learned that being busy “doing the verb” is far more valuable than obsessing over the noun. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to fit into the “right” categories and titles, but that often means copying, comparing, and losing sight of what really matters. About Ryan Holiday: Ryan Holiday is a bestselling author, marketer, and one of today’s leading voices in modern Stoicism. He’s known for taking ancient wisdom and making it relatable and practical for everyday life. Before becoming an author, he led marketing at American Apparel. Now, he writes about strategy, self-discipline, and leadership, weaving history into real-world advice. Folllow this Podcast for daily Episodes ---------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔊 *“Meaning is what you do. It’s not what you say.”* — Godfrey Reggio This meditative episode of *Dispatches from the Well* dives into the lives of three unconventional creators — **Godfrey Reggio**, **Steve Albini**, and **Fred Armisen** — exploring how they find meaning through discipline, presence, and the refusal to follow convention. 🧘‍♂️ **Godfrey Reggio**, once a monk and social worker, became a groundbreaking filmmaker known for *Koyaanisqatsi*, a wordless reflection on humanity and technology. His chaotic studio belies his deep focus and 8+ years of obsessive labor on a single project. He believes: > *“You become what you do.”* His films challenge how we perceive the "normal" by stripping away words and relying on music, especially Philip Glass’s layered scores. Technology, to Reggio, is not neutral — it's our environment, shaping us more than we know. 🎛️ **Steve Albini**, legendary sound engineer, holds fiercely to analog audio for ethical and historical reasons. Rejecting traditional music industry profits, he sees himself not as a producer but a technician preserving cultural truth: > *“I feel like my day-to-day job is being a vector of history.”* Albini emphasizes that analog recordings will survive centuries, offering future generations a clear window into our world — unlike encrypted digital data. 🎭 **Fred Armisen**, with his trademark self-awareness, weaves humor and awkwardness into his art. His brief appearance highlights the delicate interplay between performance and authenticity. 💡 **Core Themes**: - 🎯 *Meaning through discipline*: Daily routine reveals identity. - 📽️ *Art as perception shift*: Not education, but transformation. - 🤖 *Technology’s double edge*: It connects us, yet shapes and traps us. - 📻 *Analog as legacy*: Some things are worth preserving in their purest form. ✨ A poetic meditation on creativity, presence, and our imprint on the cosmos. As Reggio says: > *“Begin, and the work shall show you how.”* Folllow this Podcast for daily Episodes -----------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If science aims to describe everything, how can it not describe the simple fact of our existence?” On this episode of Dispatches, Kmele speaks with the scientists, mathematicians, and spiritual leaders trying to do just that: In the newest episode of Dispatches from The Well, we’re diving deep into the “hard problem of consciousness.” Here, Kmele combines the perspectives of five different scientists, philosophers, and spiritual leaders to approach one of humanity’s most pressing questions: what is consciousness? In the AI age, the question of consciousness is more prevalent than ever. Is every single thing in the universe self-aware? What does it actually mean to be conscious? Are our bodies really just a vessel for our thoughts? Kmele asks these questions, and many more, in the most thought-provoking episode yet. This is Dispatches from The Well. Featuring: Sir Roger Penrose, Christof Koch, Melanie Mitchell, Reid Hoffman, Swami Sarvapriyananda ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Kmele Foster: Kmele Foster is a media entrepreneur, commentator, and regular contributor to various national publications. He is the co-founder and co-host of The Fifth Column, a popular media criticism podcast. He is the head of content at Founders Fund, a San Francisco based venture capital firm investing in companies building revolutionary technologies, and a partner at Freethink, a digital media company focused on the people and ideas changing our world. Kmele also serves on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). ---------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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**💥 How Does Something Come from Nothing?** **Spoiler: It’s All About Chaos, Copies, and Cosmic Coin Tosses 🌀🧬** At the very start of *everything*, physics points to the **Big Bang** — an unimaginable explosion of space, time, and energy 💣🌌. From there: ☁️ Energy expands ➡️ Hydrogen forms ⭐ Hydrogen clumps together → stars 🌠 Stars explode → planets are born 🌍 Planets cool → life sparks 🧠 Life evolves → tech emerges 🚀 And here we are, flinging stuff into space like cosmic toddlers with slingshots. But wait… that tidy story? Underneath it lies **quantum chaos** ⚛️🌪️. Quantum physics says the universe isn’t a clean, predictable machine — it’s *random*, like a cosmic slot machine spinning infinite possibilities 🎰✨. And yet, somehow, from that randomness… order *emerges*. How? ### 🧬 Enter: **Replication** In the swirling soup of quantum foam, random patterns appear. Every now and then, one of those patterns gets lucky — it can **copy itself** 🔁. ### 🧪 Then: **Evolution** Copies that survive in their environment get to stick around. The rest? Gone. That’s natural selection, even at the molecular level 🌱⚖️. ### 🧠 Finally: **Order from Chaos** The universe *looks* ordered because what survives is what *works*. But the raw fuel underneath? Still random. What seems deterministic is just **billions of years of error correction** 🔧. You flip a coin: - Heads. - Tails. - Heads. - Heads. Too many heads? That’s not chance — it’s a loaded coin 🎯. The more predictable something becomes, the more it’s shaped by history… not randomness. So, **how does something come from nothing?** ✨ **Randomness births a copy.** 🔁 **The copy survives = replication.** 🔬 **The copy grows = evolution.** 🏆 **The copy fits = selection.** The universe didn’t need a blueprint. It needed a spark, some chaos… and the power to repeat 🔄. And from that? 🌌 *Everything.* Folllow this Podcast for daily Episodes ------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Economist Tyler Cowen explains why you should not hire the smartest job candidate. Here’s what to look for instead. What do Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Ray Vaughan have in common? In addition to being phenomenal 20th-century musicians, all were scouted or had their careers furthered by the American record producer John Hammond. Finding talent is a talent in itself. And to the author and economics professor Tyler Cowen, it is a talent that gets neglected in many companies, whether due to biases, boring hiring practices, or a failure to think outside the box. As Cowen explains in this Big Think video, the way to go about finding exceptional talent is by searching the areas where the rest of the market is not looking. 0:00 The talent problem 0:58 John Hammond: A legendary talent scout 2:06 The intelligence bias 3:37 Discover undervalued talents 5:56 The FOMO mentality: Learning from venture capitalists ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Tyler Cowen: Tyler is the Holbert L. Harris Chair of Economics at George Mason University and serves as chairman and general director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He is co-author of the popular economics blog Marginal Revolution and co-founder of the online educational platform Marginal Revolution University. Tyler also writes a column for Bloomberg View, and he has contributed to The Wall Street Journal and Money. In 2011, Bloomberg Businessweek profiled Tyler as “America’s Hottest Economist” after his e-book, The Great Stagnation, appeared twice on The New York Times e-book bestseller list. He graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in economics and earned a Ph.D. In economics from Harvard University. He also runs a podcast series called Conversations with Tyler. His latest book Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives and Winners Around the World is co-authored with venture capitalist Daniel Gross. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------12:03-18 ------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices