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Maria Popova

Writer and curator behind Brain Pickings / The Marginalian, known for long-form essays on literature, science, and culture and for extensive archival research recognized by the Library of Congress.

Top 10 podcasts with Maria Popova

Ranked by the Snipd community
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765 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 2h 10min

#746: Jerry Seinfeld and Maria Popova

Legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld shares his unique writing process and emphasizes the importance of feedback and routine for creativity. He also draws parallels between parenting and nurturing creativity while discussing mental health strategies. Meanwhile, essayist Maria Popova dives into mindful creation and the balance between artistic integrity and public reception. Together, they explore resilience, the significance of hydration for performance, and personal anecdotes that inspire listeners to embrace their creative journeys.
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339 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 4h 15min

#710: Super Combo: Jamie Foxx and Maria Popova

Join Jamie Foxx, the Academy Award-winning actor and musician, as he reflects on his journey from stand-up comedy to Hollywood stardom, sharing invaluable lessons from his grandmother about courage and acceptance. Alongside him, Maria Popova, creator of The Marginalian, dives deep into the significance of literature and mindfulness in navigating life’s complexities. Together, they explore the intersections of art, identity, and personal growth, each offering unique insights that inspire listeners to embrace their own stories.
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288 snips
Oct 5, 2022 • 1h 41min

#626: Insights from Tara Brach, Ryan Holiday, Maria Popova, and Cal Newport

Tara Brach, a prominent meditation teacher and author, shares the transformative power of mindfulness and self-acceptance. Ryan Holiday, the bestselling author of 'The Daily Stoic,' discusses applying Stoicism to modern challenges. Maria Popova of 'The Marginalian' delves into the importance of literature and insightful connections. Lastly, Cal Newport, a computer science professor, explores balancing productivity with being present, advocating for meaningful engagement over mere efficiency. Together, they offer a buffet of wisdom on personal growth and intentional living.
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136 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 12min

Why Your Brain Turns The Miraculous Into The Mundane—And How To Fix It | Maria Popova

In this engaging conversation, Maria Popova, the creator of The Marginalian and author of Figuring, shares her insights on the pursuit of meaning through wonder. She discusses how our daily habits can stifle awe and suggests strategies to cultivate joy in our lives. The conversation delves into the importance of intellectual humility, embracing uncertainty, and the relationship between wonder, love, and community. Maria also shares reflections on her new book, highlighting the blend of science and poetry as a path towards deeper connections and understanding.
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124 snips
Sep 6, 2020 • 1h 43min

#460: Maria Popova on Writing, Workflow, and Workarounds (Repost)

Maria Popova, the brilliant mind behind the blog Brain Pickings, dives deep into her creative process and the art of curating wisdom. She shares her struggles with authenticity versus mass appeal and the challenges of managing online engagement. Insightful discussions on productivity unveil the importance of sleep and mindfulness, while her unique note-taking philosophy sheds light on the complexities of knowledge synthesis. Maria also emphasizes the value of community and gratitude in pursuit of idealism, leaving listeners inspired and reflective.
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27 snips
May 25, 2020 • 26min

#436: Books I've Loved — Maria Popova and Tyler Cowen

Maria Popova, renowned for her site Brain Pickings and author of 'Figuring,' joins Tyler Cowen, an influential economist and blogger. They dive into the transformative power of literature, discussing underappreciated works that foster personal growth. The duo explores how deep reading enhances comprehension and how literature can illuminate emotional responses and social dynamics. Classic texts like 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' are highlighted for their enduring relevance, reinforcing the importance of reading in shaping perspectives and personal development.
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18 snips
May 13, 2026 • 58min

Maria Popova: How to Write Something Truly Wise | How I Write

Maria Popova, writer and curator behind Brain Pickings/The Marginalian, digs into reading, archives, and living a reflective life. She discusses the magic of physical archives, the power of diaries and walking to incubate ideas, and how poetry, science, and curiosity reshape perception. Conversation centers on slow learning, curiosity-driven writing, and how books comfort and transform over time.
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10 snips
Jan 6, 2023 • 32min

Universe In Verse

Maria Popova, writer and curator of 'The Universe in Verse,' takes listeners on a poetic journey through the cosmos. She explores the intersection of science and poetry, delving into themes like the singularity before the Big Bang and Emily Dickinson's deep connections to nature. The podcast highlights the inspiring story of a pioneering female astronomer and weaves together personal reflections with the legacy of poet Rebecca Elson, capturing the emotional ties we share with the universe through the beauty of language.
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9 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 28min

#209 Ruminations on Mortality – Maria Popova, Writer, Curator and Creator of The Marginalian 

In this lively conversation, Maria Popova, a Bulgarian-born writer and creator of The Marginalian, dives into deep themes of mortality, meaning, and creativity. She discusses how constraints enhance artistic flow and shares her journey creating an Almanac of Divination for her 40th birthday. The transformative power of creativity in dealing with psychological struggles is explored, along with the idea of 'unselfing' and reconnecting with nature. Maria's thoughts challenge us to reflect on the human experience and our shared connection through art.
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6 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 56min

On Yearning with Maria Popova

In this engaging discussion, Maria Popova, creator of The Marginalian, explores the depths of human yearning and existential questioning. She reveals how dissatisfaction can drive creativity and shape identity. Maria critiques the performative identity fostered by social media, advocating for genuine self-expression. The conversation highlights the transformative power of poetry and writing in understanding ourselves and our place in the world. She also imagines a dinner party with historical icons, celebrating the impact of their interconnectedness on intellectual thought.

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