The Next Big Idea

Ron Shelton is an Academy Award–nominated writer and director, former shortstop for the Bluefield Baby Birds, and author of a humdinger of a new memoir called "The Church of Baseball: The Making of Bull Durham — Home Runs, Bad Calls, Crazy Fights, Big Swings, and a Hit." On the show today: How Ron sold the movie before he had a story, wrote the script without a plan, played ball with Kevin Costner, and got directorial pointers from Susan Sarandon.---» Want to hear the world's leading authors summarize their books in 12 minutes? Download the Next Big Idea app today at nextbigideaclub.com/app/

What happens when you put your phone in airplane mode, walk out your front door, and don’t come home for 12 hours? Our producer Caleb finds out, with help from adventurer Colin O’Brady.» To learn more about Colin’s new book, “The 12-Hour Walk,” visit 12hourwalk.com» Want to hear hundreds of leading authors summarize their books in 12 minutes or less? Download the Next Big Idea today: nextbigideaclub.com/app/

The Ohio, Hudson, Mississippi, and Yellowstone — Dick Conant canoed them all. And then he disappeared. In his riveting new book, “Riverman,” journalist Ben McGrath tries to track down the man who may be the greatest American folk hero you’ve never heard of. ---Download the Next Big Idea app today at www.nextbigideaclub.com/app

Close your eyes and picture paradise. What do you see? For many people, it’s a turquoise ocean crashing into a white-sand beach. Where did this fantasy come from? Sarah Stodola, author of “The Last Resort: A Chronicle of Paradise, Profit, and Peril at the Beach,” has a few ideas.Download The Next Big Idea app today at nextbigideaclub.com/app/

Here’s another episode from our archives that we love: Rufus’s 2020 interview with Ryan Holiday, the author of “Stillness Is the Key,” who shared his tips for slowing down, calming your mind, and accessing the tranquility deep inside.

Today we’re bringing you a timely — and tasty — episode from our archives. Science journalist Amanda Little tells Rufus that the biggest threat posed by climate change is the collapse of our food systems. Provisions we love, like coffee and wine, are losing their flavor. And crops we rely on, like corn and soy, are getting harder to grow. If we don’t change our agricultural practices, we won’t be able to feed the globe’s swelling population. But don’t lose hope. Amanda says that if we can combine the wisdom of traditional farming practices with radical advances in agricultural technology, we might be able to create a healthier, more sustainable, and perhaps even more delicious future.

Today, we are revisiting one of our favorite episodes: an interview with New Yorker staff writer John Colapinto. In his brilliant book, "This Is the Voice," John says that while opposable thumbs are handy, the voice is our species' greatest attribute. We rely on it to communicate and collaborate, woo our mates and protect our children, win wars and make podcasts. John would know. A vocal injury changed his relationship with his instrument and set him on a path to better understand what his voice means to him — and what the voice means to humanity.

Daniel Pink, a renowned author on motivation, and Anna Lemke, a Stanford addiction expert, reflect on powerful ideas from the season. They delve into why emotions are crucial for decision-making and the unexpected link between alcohol and civilization's rise. The conversation takes a provocative turn, contemplating the nature of consciousness, virtual reality, and even the possibility of living in a simulation. Listeners will gain insight into the dynamics of human interaction and the essence of creativity amidst challenges.

Jody Rosen, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine and author of "Two Wheels Good," dives into the fascinating history and cultural impact of bicycles. He reveals how cycling surged during the pandemic, transforming urban landscapes and promoting sustainability. Nostalgia takes center stage as he reminisces about childhood bikes, while exploring the evolution of cycling from the 1800s to today. Finally, he envisions a future where bikes and e-bikes reshape urban mobility, advocating for safer, inclusive biking environments.

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a former Google data scientist and author of "Don't Trust Your Gut," challenges conventional beliefs using big data. He dives into what truly predicts happiness in marriage and success, urging listeners to rethink relationships through data analytics. Seth reveals surprising truths about parenting choices and the critical influence of neighborhoods on children's futures. He also discusses the intricate relationship between money and happiness, emphasizing that intimacy and active leisure, not comfort, are key to joy.