Bounce! Conversations with Larry Weeks

Outside of the purely physical and physiological, nothing is more challenging than the world of entrepreneurship and business, especially when facing customer indifference and figuring out market demand—the delicate balance between innovation and market reality.  How do you do that?  Professor Merrick L. Furst runs commercialization and new venture creation and directs undergraduate programs and faculty development in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech. Before GT, he was a professor at UC Berkeley, president of the International Computer Science Institute at Berkeley, and CEO of Essential Surfing Gear, Inc., which was sold in 2000, and anti-botnet startup Damballa. Earlier, he was a professor and associate dean at the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon. Mark is also known for seminal research in algorithms, complexity theory, and AI. He co-invented probabilistic circuit analysis and planning graphs, which are considered among the most influential breakthroughs in the field of AI planning. Merrick is also the author of The Heart of Innovation: A Field Guide for Navigating to Authentic Demand, which is the touchstone for this podcast.  On the show, we discuss the challenges every business faces in creating products that truly meet customer needs. A brief chat about AI. Why and how products fail. Real reasons vs. stated reasons people buy. On the "curse of knowledge" Validation vs innovation. Authentic demand: sussing alternatives to not purchasing or using a product/service "Non-indifference" as an indicator of authentic demand. Observing vs listening and the problem with surveys. How to question assumptions.  Product development and market match. The need for humility and open-mindedness.  As we explore these diverse topics, Merricks’ unique approach offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, technologists, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of business, technology, and human behavior. Enjoy!  For show notes and more, visit www.larryweeks.com 

My guest is Derek Sivers. Derek proves that an unconventional background can be the perfect foundation for a wonderfully interesting life and groundbreaking success.  Originally a professional musician and circus clown, Derek founded CD Baby in 1998. It became the largest seller of independent music online, with $100 million in sales for over 150,000 musicians. In 2008, Derek sold CD Baby for $22 million, giving the proceeds to a charitable trust for music education.  His TED talks have garnered over 20 million views, and he has published 34 books, including Hell Yeah or No, Your Music and People, Anything You Want) and his most recent book as it pertains to this conversation is How to Live, 27 Conflicting Answers and One Weird Conclusion - but note we do slightly touch on his current yet-to-be-completed book Useful Not True. Taking points include … Derek's transition from a musician to circus performer to entrepreneur and author. The power of books and new ideas. The concept of "useful, not true" and the practicality of a belief. Revisiting "hell yeah or hell no" as a decision heuristic in his book" Anything You Want."  On oblique strategies for releasing creative potential  Embracing unpredictability and "random generators."  The pragmatic rabbi approach to simplifying problems  Thoughts on song and book writing. Seeing emotions as ends bypassing things as means.  The orchestra-instrument framework.  The motivation of being temporarily-abled. The practice of journaling to understand emotions and situations. And there is much more here, as we cover a lot of ground.  Tim Ferris called Derek a philosopher-king programmer, master teacher, and merry prankster and quote (one of my favorite humans), and after chatting with Derek, I understand why. You can tell I enjoyed talking with him.  Please enjoy. For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com 

"To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom." - Socrates   This podcast is about understanding ourselves a bit better. We'll be exploring insights into what makes us happy as it relates to self-perception, and the various intricate connections between our minds, bodies, and social interactions.   My guest on the show is social psychologist David Myers, known for his extensive work in communicating psychological science to both students and the general public. His academic contributions, supported by National Science Foundation have been published in prestigious journals like Science and American Psychologist. David has made psychological research accessible through articles in magazines such as Scientific American and through seventeen books, including both general interest and textbooks.   David is best known for his textbook on psychology which is one of the most widely used psychology textbooks in the world. He is also the author of several  popular books, including one of the first on happiness called The Pursuit of Happiness: Discovering the Pathway to Fulfillment, Well-Being, and Enduring Personal Joy published in 1993   David’s newest book, "How Do We Know Ourselves?: Curiosities and Marvels of the Human Mind" is the topic of this show.    Our conversation covers a wide array of psychology topics including: A bit about David’s background. We revisit happiness and the latest findings in that field. The relationship between happiness and income. Goal setting and the material trap  The benefits of religion and religious engagement paradox. Self-Perception Theory. Body-mind effects. Micro-Friendships: The significant mood boost from brief, positive interactions with strangers. We touch on fear Misplaced Fears: How we skew risk perceptions. The power of reframing and its effectiveness in Brief Interventions. Enjoy   For show notes and more visit larryweeks.com 

On this episode of our podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of hypnosis, with a focus on demystifying this phenomenon and separating myths from scientific reality. We explore its role in modern therapy and personal well-being. Dr. David Spiegel is one of Stanford University’s leading psychiatrists, with more than 45 years of clinical experience, and has pioneered over 400 research papers on the power of self-hypnosis. Educated at Harvard and Yale, he is the Willson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, and Medical Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr Speigel has written thirteen books and is also the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Reveri Health, which offers a clinically backed hypnosis app of the same name.  In our conversation, we cover a wide array of topics, including: The definition and understanding of hypnosis. A short history of hypnosis, its mystical origins, and its current scientific standing. Distinctions between clinical and theatrical hypnosis. Debates over the tools and techniques used in hypnosis. The controversial subjects of brainwashing and memory recovery. Current research and understanding of the neural mechanisms of hypnosis. The various types of hypnosis and their applications. The relationship between EMDR and hypnosis. The effectiveness, suitability, and therapeutic potential of hypnosis. The Reveri app, co-founded by Dr. Spiegel I share my own experience with the Reveri app, particularly how it helped me with my fear of airplane turbulence. Join us for this enlightening discussion as we uncover the mysteries and realities of hypnosis. Enjoy! For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com  

In this episode, we dive into the shifting dynamics of work, careers, and the quest for fulfillment. My guest discusses the history of "career" and how work is undergoing transformations due to technology, social change, and pivotal global events. He has gathered a lot of data to discern patterns in people's work trajectories to expand the definition of what we call work.  Bruce Fieler is a leading voice in America on modern life. He's written seven bestsellers; his three TED Talks have over four million views, and he teaches a TED Course on life changes. His newest book, "THE SEARCH: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World,” looks at how people can find purpose in their jobs. It's based on stories from people of all different backgrounds and jobs. In our talk, Bruce questions common ideas about careers. He uses data to explain big career changes, which he calls 'work-quakes’. If you're thinking about your own job or career or just want to know more about work trends, you'll want to listen. Topics we cover: Bruce's own career changes. Current trends in jobs and careers. The history of the career and the resume. Why just following your passion might not be the best idea. Work-quakes The idea of having multiple types of jobs at once. How different generations see job changes. A broader view of what 'work' means. How to find out what really matters to you in a job. The many kinds of jobs people have. The danger of valuing work too much. How work can give our lives meaning. Questions to help you find a job you'll like. And much more.  Enjoy! For show notes and more information, check out larryweeks.com.  

In this episode, renowned social scientist Dan Ariely discusses the irrational pull of misinformation and how to understand "misbelief" — the psychological and social path that guides individuals to doubt established truths, consider alternative facts, and perhaps even welcome outright conspiracy theories. Dan Ariely is the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University. He is dedicated to answering questions to help people live more sensible – if not rational – lives. He is a founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight, co-creator of the film documentary (Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies, and a three-time New York Times bestselling author. His books include Predictably Irrational, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty, Irrationally Yours, Payoff Dollars, and Sense and now his latest - Misbelief.    Talking points we cover include … The origin of Dan's distinctive half-beard. Behavioral insights into self-acceptance.  Covid misinformation and his attacks on social media and in public  Exploration and reasoning behind irrational behavior and beliefs. Identifying false comprehension. How to know why we believe what we believe. On belief creation and alteration. Understanding why people are attracted to heterodoxy and discussing the negative consequences of rejecting and ostracizing people with non-mainstream beliefs. Shibboleth in communication: signaling identity rather than the pursuit of truth. Behavioral science on task motivation ...and much more.  Enjoy!  For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com

"Often circumstances think for us, we don't really have a choice. And anybody who puts themselves in a bad position has no good options available. So a lot of the work involved in a decision comes before the actual decision is made."  In decision-making, clarity is a critical element, if not the fundamental purpose; it reduces errors and facilitates confident, effective choice-making.  In this episode, my guest sheds light on how to get clarity in decision-making, and I'll add, how to transform knowledge into wisdom. Shane Parrish is a former cybersecurity expert at Canada's top intelligence agency turned thought leader. He is the mind behind Farnam Street, a site that's very popular among the innovator and investor class that draws on a variety of thinkers from Lao Tsu and Emerson to Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger.  Shane is also acclaimed for his bestselling series on mental models titled "The Great Mental Models Volume 1: General Thinking Concepts", Volume 2: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology", and "Volume 3: Systems and Mathematics." And his latest book, "Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results," is the topic of this podcast.  Listen in as we dive into how to think more clearly and, in doing so, make better decisions.  Discussion highlights include: The origin of Farnham Street and the influence of Berkshire Hathaway  The problem with living life on 'autopilot' The importance of deep understanding. Recognizing 'ego default' and its role in clouded decision-making. Writing as a tool for clear thinking Decision lessons from everyday moments   The importance of pre-decision positioning Explanation of the Learning Loop  How to incorporate intuition in decision-making.  How to get quality feedback input from experienced individuals. Safety nets: using rules and processes to enhance decision-making On mental models.  How to think in reverse Separating problem identification from problem-solving The morning review: a method for decision validation I believe you're going to find this episode very insightful and incredibly useful.  Listen carefully, as it's not just about gathering knowledge; it's about applying it in a way that brings clarity to our complex world. For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com

The world of hospice nursing has always been a profound intersection of life and death, revealing lessons not only about the journey of mortality but also about the true essence of living in the shadow of it.   On this Podcast, my guest is Hadley Vlahos or simply Nurse Hadley. Hadley is not just a seasoned hospice nurse but also an end-of-life educator and now a New York Times bestselling author. Her journey and her experiences became the foundation for her bestselling work, The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments. The book captures deep, poignant stories from her time with patients, giving insights into what life's final moments can teach us about existence itself. Beyond her written work, Hadley has taken a step further with her nonprofit respite hospice house. This sanctuary is conceptualized to offer families a peaceful environment to remember and celebrate their loved ones.   In today's episode, we cover these topic points : Her journey from young mother to nurse and from hospice nurse to author. Hadley's experiences where patients stated and acted out as if they were seeing their deceased loved ones - and what they reveal about end-of-life encounters. The enigma of the "in-between moments" and their interpretations. Our shared narratives on the afterlife and my skepticism. Some common and not-so-common regrets of the dying How Hadley thinks about death and how she tries to live her life in its shadow And lastly, the practicalities of hospice, from deciding when it's time to seek hospice care to understanding the intricacies of coverage. Despite the heavy nature of the topic, this episode is remarkably life-affirming. Many thinkers, from philosophers to psychologists, have advocated that understanding our own mortality paves the way to a richer, fuller life. Today's discussion provides not just a touch of emotional depth but also very practical advice that is invaluable to hear in advance of ever needing it.    For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com

My guest is the renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. He is the fifth head since 1935 of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City and the first occupant of its Frederick P. Rose Directorship. He is a research associate of the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. He is also the author of fifteen books—many of them international bestsellers—including the #1 best seller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, and His most recent is Starry Messenger Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization. Niel is also the host of the Emmy-nominated podcast StarTalk, as well as two seasons of Cosmos, televised by Fox and National Geographic. He has received 21 honorary doctorates as well as NASA's Distinguished Public Service Medal. The man has an asteroid named after him, for heck's sake. On the show, we discuss the book Starry Messenger and his scientific perspectives on a variety of topics, including: Ballroom dancing (you read that right) The book’s purpose and defining a cosmic perspective The overview effect The history and Impact of space exploration Revisiting the moon landing The Allegory of the Cave His view of Mars missions and the commercialization of space  Space as supply chain, the solar system as backyard His personal vision for the future  How to think scientifically  His one conspiracy theory On scientific consensus and what to do in its absence   The social importance of probability  On God and faith  UFOs, aliens, and the Fermi Paradox  Artificial Intelligence and the new generative AI’s  What’s it like to go to the movie theater with Neil  His favorite time-travel movie   For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com

“You can delegate the activity but not the responsibility; you can share the praise but not the blame. the most finite, limited resource in our lives is time.” - Dr. Tim Pychl  Larry speaks with Professor Tim Pychyl about the impact procrastination has on our well-being. This isn't about managing or optimizing a to-do list; procrastination affects the whole of your life.  Tim is a retired psychology professor whose research focused on understanding why we can become our own worst enemy through procrastination. In addition to journal publications and co-edited scholarly books, including Procrastination, Health & Well-Being, and Counseling the Procrastinator in Academic Settings, Tim wrote the brief and accessible Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change. An award-winning teacher, Tim has shared his passion for learning through his iProcrastinate podcast and blog on Psychology Today.  In this episode, we delve into a variety of topics, including: On teaching and the importance of presence Defining and qualifying  procrastination  How procrastination differs from normal delay Rational and irrational delay On self-regulation failure Future self-theory  Getting started Strategies/tactics Priming the pump and the five-minute rule Recognizing avoidance when it appears Procrastination and depression Acceptance and self-compassion On ego depletion theory and replication On extended will  Enjoy! For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com

Getting stuck is inevitable. I hope you find yourself getting stuck only rarely, but when you do, know that breakthroughs aren't too far behind - Adam Alter  Today we are going to look at the challenges of creative blocks, inertia, and the accompanying feeling of being stuck, whether it be a project, product, or personal life, and, more importantly, when we find ourselves in these states - how to get unstuck, what is the step by step structure of a breakthrough.  My guest is Professor Adam Alter. Adam Alter is a Professor of Marketing at New York University's Stern School of Business and the Robert Stansky Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow, with an affiliated appointment in the New York University Psychology Department. Adam is the New York Times bestselling author of two books: Irresistible (March 2017) and Drunk Tank Pink (2013), and his latest which is also the topic of the podcast - Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most  Adam has also written for the New York Times, New Yorker, Washington Post, Atlantic, WIRED, Slate, Huffington Post, and Popular Science, among other publications. Adam's academic research focuses on judgment, decision-making, and social psychology, with a particular interest in the surprising effects of subtle environmental cues on human cognition and behavior. His research has been published widely in academic journals and featured in dozens of TV, radio, and print outlets worldwide. In this episode, we delve into these subjects: The commonality of creative blocks why progress isn't always a straight line. How Our reactions to being stuck might be the real problem. The process of getting unstuck can lead to valuable advancements. Why the creative process is often lengthy and messy, contrary to many people's expectations. Why breakthroughs often seem accidental and come after hitting a wall. Do breakthroughs happen more commonly in a group (remote work)  Does creativity decline over time? Breakthrough tactics, including the "friction audit."  The role of environment in creativity and progress is significant. The use of AI as it relates to creative blocks.  When should someone quit vs. persist - and much more For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com

"Learn to use AI. That's, that's my message. You wanna learn to use AI as a professional and as a citizen in your personal life. The more you know how to use it, the better you'll make of it, the better your life will be. AI gives power; like any technology, it gives power to those who understand it and use it" - Pedro Domingos Recent developments in AI, specifically consumer-facing generative AIs, are helping people create a lot of cool content while also generating a ton of concern. A big bucket of that concern is AI alignment - what are the possible unintended consequences to humans? The internet transformed our relationship to information, but it took a few years; now, AI is doing it in real time.  My guest on this episode is Professor Pedro Domingos.  Pedro is a leading AI researcher and the author of the worldwide bestseller "The Master Algorithm." He is a professor of computer science at the University of Washington in Seattle. He won the Special Interest Group on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining Innovation Award and the international joint Conference on AI John McCarthy Award, two of the highest honors in data science and AI. Pedro helped start the fields of statistical relational AI, data stream mining, adversarial learning, machine learning for information integration, and influence maximization in social networks.  On this episode, we run the gamut to include... Where are we with generative AIs Pedro demystifies LLMs (Large Language Models) Progress and problems with generative AIs Hallucination in AI - and Illusion in humans The homunculus fallacy Risks, regulations, known-unknowns Comments on existential threats The S curve in emerging technologies like AI AI's possible impact on employment and the economy Artificial General Intellience or AGI Goals and end games, is AGI the goal? Does he think LLMs AI's like ChatGPT are conscious? No matter your technical level, you'll enjoy this discussion with Pedro. He is passionate about the subject matter, no surprise - much of what he's predicted has come to pass in the field, And if you feel a tinge of AI anxiety, consider this a bit of exposure therapy.  Listen and learn more about how these systems work and how they might impact your life.  For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com  

“The root of my optimism comes in kind of a basic observation, that if we can create 1% more than we destroy every year, that 1% compounded over time is civilization. So the delta, the difference between a gain and very tiny gain, is hard to see in the present.” - Kevin Kelly  My guest is well-known technologist and futurist Kevin Kelly. Kevin is a renowned American writer, editor, and futurist, best known as the co-founder of Wired magazine. He has made significant contributions to the fields of technology, science, and culture. He has written several books, including "Out of Control: The New Biology of Machines, Social Systems, and the Economic World," "New Rules for the New Economy," "What Technology Wants," and "The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future." He explores recent developments in technology as well as shares some great life advice from his upcoming book aptly named, "Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I'd Known Earlier.   In this conversation, we talk about these topics and more.  Living in a "protopia" and the net 1% compounding principle  Embracing problems as capacity improvers Why Kevin’s optimistic Societal implications of AI Current state of AI and its role in job market AI's resemblance to the early internet  What's different this time  A "universal personal intern" Extended Mind and its relation to AI and tools Opinions on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology What Kevin worries about Discussing new book and advice for living Practical tips on embracing change, prototyping life, and active listening. Enjoy!  For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com  

"When we surface subroutines when we surface belief systems, we unleash a certain kind of potential, a certain kind of energy that enables us to do the one thing that a leader must do every day. Be creative" - Jerry Colonna  Jerry Colonna, often referred to as the 'CEO whisperer,' is the co-founder of Reboot.io, an executive coaching and leadership development firm dedicated to the notion that better humans make better leaders. For nearly 20 years, he has used the knowledge gained as an investor, an executive, and a board member for more than 100 organizations to help entrepreneurs and others lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. Prior to his career as a coach, Jerry was a partner with JPMorgan Partners (JPMP), the private equity arm of JPMorgan Chase. Previously, he led New York City-based Flatiron Partners, which he founded in 1996 with partner Fred Wilson, which became one of the nation's most successful early-stage investment programs. He is also the author of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up, which is also the touchstone for our conversation.  There is something about Jerry. In 2017, WIRED published a piece on Jerry wherein this was written titled “This Man Makes Founders Cry.” I don’t know if it’s how he talks or looks at you, but when talking with him, I felt some sort of sympathetic energy field; it was like a psychic hand on the shoulder. When we spoke, I was dealing with a monster of a cold, coupled with Jerry’s superpower, turned this conversation into a coaching session of sorts. Jerry talks about leadership and crucible moments, moments that can be transformative, leading to a new or altered sense of identity. These moments often put our character to the test.  If you are in any state of upheaval or change or know someone who is, please listen. Not just for the excellent advice, but there is something beneficial about hearing this level of empathy in someone’s voice. On the show, we discuss these topics and more … State of leadership currently Why Jerry has a reputation for making people cry Jerry's story, leaving JP Morgan How to leaders can deal with uncertainty in business The importance of soft skills coupled with hard skills Separating genius from personality Breaking open vs. shutting down What "rebooting" means What do first when you're laid off Mountain equanimity Work as an opportunity to become better humans If you are in any state of upheaval or change or know someone who is, please listen. Not just for the excellent advice, but there is something beneficial about hearing this level of empathy in someone's voice.  Enjoy!  For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com

This podcast is about the problem of overthinking - and how modifying one’s metacognitive beliefs can reduce stress, worry, and problem fixation.  Thinking is an amazing capacity we all have. Humans possess the cognitive abilities to form concepts, imagine possible futures, and solve problems, but this same capacity, when it runs amuck, can keep you up at night, paralyze effect decision making and keep you in a loop of worst-case scenarios.  Yeah, not helpful.  My guest is Dr. Pia Callesen, who explains how to use meta-cognitive strategies to break free from this overthinking.  Dr. Callesen is a therapist and metacognitive specialist managing several clinics in Denmark. She has a Ph.D. from Manchester University, and She is the author of Live More Think Less (2020). Her study into the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy for depression, published in Scientific Reports in 2020, suggests that MCT has considerable benefits which might exceed those of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  On this show, we discuss… Metacognition and metacognitive therapy Metacognitive beliefs The self-regulating mechanism in the brain When less is more when dealing with thoughts Trigger thoughts How MCT differs from traditional cognitive therapies Targeting specific psychological processes How to postpone worry/rumination Attention training The benefits and risks of mindfulness Detached mindfulness How attentional awareness helps with depression  As a person who overthinks, I’m already benefiting from much of Dr. Callesen’s advice here. I think you will find this interesting and very helpful.  Enjoy!  For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com

“Feelings, nothing more than feelings” - Morris Albert In this episode, we discuss how emotions are made - and how insights into how our brains make us feel can help us cope with challenging situations.  My guest is Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a psychology professor and neuroscientist at Northeastern University, who is the author of seven books on emotion and the brain, including the best-selling book How Emotions Are Made and, most recently, Seven And A Half Lessons About The Brain. In addition to the books, Dr. Barrett has published over 260 peer-reviewed scientific papers. She received a National Institutes of Health Director’s Pioneer Award for her revolutionary research on emotion in the brain. Her groundbreaking research overturns many prior assumptions about how the human brain forms emotions. On this show, we cover these topics … A discussion about theory in scientific contexts The classical view of emotions An overview of her research in constructed emotion The problem with the “amygdala hijack” and the reptilian brain The brain as a prediction machine Rationality Mood and metabolic efficiency The body-budget How emotions can be recategorized A new take on depression The story of her daughter and the “emotional flu” Decision-making, rationality, and the use of emotion For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com/podcasts

This discussion centers on what living with purpose actually means.  My guest is Professor William Damon.  William is a psychologist and professor at Stanford University and a senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. He has been designated one of the fifty most influential living psychologists in the world today and is one of the world's leading scholars of human development. Bills is a pioneering researcher on the development of purpose in life and wrote the influential book The Path to Purpose. His current work includes a study exploring purpose in higher education and a study of family purpose across generations. He’s been elected to the National Academy of Education and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. On this podcast, we cover these topics and more.  The multiple definitions of purpose Vocations/avocations   How purpose can change over time  Is purpose something you find or do Purpose as a noun vs purpose as a verb On having purpose vs being purposeful  The benefits of a Life Review  Bill's story about his early family life and his new book A Round of Golf With my Father  For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com/podcasts

My guests are Nathan and Susannah Fur. Nathan earned his Ph.D. from Stanford's Technology Ventures Program and is an Associate Professor of Strategy at INSEE ADD, one of the world's leading graduate business schools located in France. Susannah, a designer and art historian, founded a women's clothing line inspired by her research of the intricate embroidery of Dutch women. Our discussion centers on the benefits of embracing uncertainty, specifically the tools outlined in their book, The Upside of Uncertainty. I've been assembling tactics for years now, accumulating a mental toolbox of sorts for dealing with challenges. Uncertainty is challenging for what it lacks - concrete information.  How do we move forward when we don't fully know what we are dealing with?  We usually don't act; we might freeze or delay having a lack of certainty. Dealing with uncertainty has a lot to do with mindset since we may not know what to handle. What frame of mind will help us act or move forward in the face of uncertainty? We all know making decisions in a state of fear is also suboptimal.  So on this show, we discuss ... Uncertainty and evolutionary hard-wiring  The relationship between stress and uncertainty Fragile and anti-fragile  Upsides Tools for dealing with uncertainty  Reframing  Adjacent Possible.   Aplomb: Doubting self-doubt.  Uncertainty balancers Creating an Uncertainty manifesto.  And much more.  I think if you listen, you will come to the conclusion that things may be uncertain, but we can have a little more certainty that we can handle it.  For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com/podcasts  

"It is by squeezing your life into a single tube that you set yourself up for definitive failure. Projects fail, and people fail in them. But we have come to speak as if a person can BE a failure - as though failure were an identity, not an event" - Kieran Setiya Kieran Setiya is a Professor of Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is known for his work in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of mind. Setiya is a co-editor of Philosophers' Imprint, and he is also the author of several books, including Practical Knowledge, Reasons without Rationalism, and Knowing Right From Wrong. Kieren's newest book, Life is Hard, How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way, is the topic of this podcast. In this episode, Keiran challenges the idea that happiness should be life's primary pursuit. Instead, he argues that we should try to live well, and living well means how one lives in relationship to difficulty - not without difficulty. Keiren has a great phrase, "the digressive amplitude of being alive." Life IS oscillation; it's up-down, backward-forward, and expecting anything different is a setup to suffering, adding to whatever hard thing you are experiencing.  Topics covered in the show… On thinking philosophically On consolation Relating to pain Failure and your credit report The Experience Machine Autotelic vs exotelic experience The metaverse On the profundity of the movie Groundhog Day For show notes and more, visit www.larryweeks.com.   

On this podcast, we're going to talk about Brain Chemistry, specifically, what happens in our brains when we are traumatized, severely depressed, or anxious. And for those stuck in that state, what are the latest clinical treatments using medication, that can help someone get unstuck. My guest on this episode is the distinguished  Dr. John Krystal MD. Dr. Krystal is the Professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Psychology; Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University; and Chief of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Krystal is a leading expert in the areas of alcoholism, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. His work links psychopharmacology, neuroimaging, molecular genetics, and computational neuroscience to study the neurobiology and treatment of these disorders. He is best known for leading the discovery of the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients. He is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of Freedom Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology platform developing next-generation ketamine and psychedelic therapeutics that recently emerged from stealth in August 2022.  On this show, we cover topics that include ... The neurobiology of a depressed brain The relationship between thought and brain chemistry Anxiety and its connection to depression Pharmacology; getting into the various medications for treating depression. How antidepressants were discovered The efficacy of current antidepressants The neuroscience of psychedelics in the treatment of severe depression and PTSD Ketamine therapy; benefits, risks, and treatment protocols (the different delivery mechanisms, dosages, etc.)  Since we do talk about substances like ketamine which has psychedelic-like properties, here is a disclaimer: I'm NOT a doctor, nor do I play one on the interwebs. None of the content in this podcast constitutes medical advice or should be construed as a recommendation to use any medications mentioned. There are psychological, physical, and sometimes legal risks with usage. Please consult your doctor before considering anything we discuss in this episode. All right, that all said, here is more information for you to consider.  Enjoy!  Much more For show notes and more, visit www.larryweeks.com