unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Nir Eyal, a former Stanford marketing lecturer and author of 'Indistractable', dives into the art of mastering distraction. He explores how 90% of our distractions come from within, driven by emotional triggers like boredom and anxiety. Nir offers practical strategies for becoming indistractable, emphasizing the role of forethought and intentionality. He also shares insights into creating a focused work environment and the importance of managing technology use for healthier habits. A mix of psychology and actionable tips makes this discussion a must-listen!

Adam Kucharski, a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, shares insights on the evolving nature of 'proof' in various fields, from mathematics to medicine. He discusses how simulation and probabilistic approaches have gained acceptance, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adam connects principles of epidemiology to finance and marketing, revealing how contagion theories influence decision-making in multiple domains. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas of data use, cybersecurity, and the vulnerabilities in centralized digital infrastructures.

Kurt Gray, a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, explores the intricate ties between morality, empathy, and human understanding. He delves into how our perceptions of harm shape moral disagreements, influenced by evolutionary psychology. Kurt also highlights the 'outrage industry' and its role in polarization. Their discussion covers the dual nature of empathy, emphasizing the need for reflective moral understanding, especially in educational settings. Kurt shares insights on using storytelling as a bridge to foster empathy and transcend moral divides.

Margaret O'Mara, a history professor at the University of Washington and author of 'The Code,' delves into Silicon Valley's intricate history. She reveals how government funding and support played a crucial role in the valley's rise, debunking the myth of individual genius. O'Mara discusses the impact of storytelling in establishing its brand, the evolution of venture capital approaches, and the shifting political dynamics surrounding the tech industry. The conversation uncovers both the region's meritocratic ideals and its underlying social disparities.

Olga Khazan, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'Me, But Better,' dives into the intriguing world of personality change. She explores the Big Five personality traits, revealing which are easier to modify. Olga shares her personal journey of attempting to reshape her own traits through techniques like meditation and volunteering. The discussion covers the impacts of environment on personality, the potential benefits of neuroticism, and how extroversion plays a crucial role in social connections today.

William Von Hippel, a retired psychology professor and author, explores the evolution of happiness and its ties to community. He discusses how ancient social structures influence our current desire for connection versus autonomy. The conversation delves into the detrimental health impacts of loneliness, with striking parallels drawn between historical social networks and today’s digital interactions. Von Hippel also discusses the necessity of integrating happiness education into everyday life to foster well-being in an increasingly individualistic society.

In this conversation, Donald MacKenzie, a professor at the University of Edinburgh and expert on the sociology of finance, explores the fast-paced world of trading shaped by ultra-fast algorithms. He discusses how technology transforms market behaviors and the surprising effects of environmental factors like rain. Their dialogue also touches on the complex interplay between financial models and real-world trading, highlighting the historical evolution of trading practices and the ethical dimensions of modern financial markets. A fascinating look at how sociology enriches our understanding of finance!

Robert Siegel, a Stanford lecturer and author, dives into the complex world of modern leadership. He discusses how effective leaders balance innovation and execution amid rapid technological changes. Siegel emphasizes the importance of empathy and adaptability, along with the critical quality of statesmanship in leadership roles. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of business education and the benefits of blending practical experience with academic learning. Ultimately, it’s about leading with a moral compass while navigating competing demands.

Ciara M. Greene, an Associate Professor of Psychology at University College Dublin, delves into the intricacies of memory in this engaging conversation. She challenges the notion of memory as a perfect recording device, emphasizing its evolutionary advantages and reconstructive nature. The discussion covers how stress affects memory encoding, the impact of technology on retention, and the complex relationship between attention and memory. Ciara also touches on the implications of memory errors, particularly in the context of eyewitness testimonies and the importance of understanding memory’s fallibility.

Jo Boaler, a Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford and author of 'Math-ish', advocates for transforming math education to emphasize creativity and diversity. She discusses the need for active learning and the inclusion of data science in high school curricula. Jo highlights the flaws in traditional teaching methods, the importance of metacognition, and the value of collaborative problem-solving. She also underscores how embracing mistakes can foster a growth mindset, and shares insights on the role of AI in future educational practices.