In this episode of Hardly Working, Brent’s research staff turn the tables on the host and interview Brent.  In the last 64 episodes, Brent has hosted guests to discuss everything from the welfare system to neuroscience to Waffle House. This episode is a long-awaited (by us!) window into the host behind the scenes. What is the elusive “vocation” that Brent talks about with guests? What is the core of Brent’s theory of workforce development research? How was this theory developed and who influenced it? All these questions and more are finally answered.

You will hear about Brent’s own vocational journey, the people that guided it, his vocational and policy philosophy, and even a few of his favorite books. We also provide a sneak peek at our spring podcast line up. Enjoy getting to know the researcher and the research behind Hardly Working!

-         Jake Easter, Jessie Wall, and Hunter Dixon

Mentioned During the Episode

Brent Orrell AEI

Sam Nunn (GA)

Faith Based and Community Initiatives Bush Administration

Administration for Children and Families (HHS)

Ryan Streeter AEI

93% of parents would encourage their kid to pursue engineering

C.S. Lewis

Adam Smith, Theory of Moral Sentiments

Susan Howatch

Range by David Epstein

Iain McGilchrist (AEI page)

The Master and His Emissary

“How our brains make the world” (condensed paper from Iain McGilchrist)

McGilchrist event with John Cleese

Econ Talk Russ Roberts

Divided Brain Documentary

Ep. 29: Iain McGilchrist

The Best Advice I Ever Got by Katie Couric