Curious Minds at Work

Runners have pacers to help them manage their energy throughout a race. They couple that with a training program that balances extreme and moderate effort with rest. Research shows that this balanced approach ensures a stronger performance.

Like professional athletes, we, too, seek high performance. But we may not realize that, like runners, we need to manage the pace of our lives.

That’s where science journalist Elizabeth Svoboda comes in. Curious about the way athletes build rest into their workouts, she wondered if their recovery plans could help the rest of us. This research informs her book, The Art of Pacing: A Guide to Balancing Short-Term Demands with Long-Term Thriving. In it, she shares a range of effective tips that include personal storytelling, modulation, and much more.

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An Athletic Coach for the Mind?

Interview with Malissa Clark

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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There’s a lot to be said for the excitement we feel when we first set a goal for ourselves. The sense of exhilaration can give us the momentum we need to get started.

But when the exhilaration wears off – and it usually does – we’re faced with a choice. Will we revert to old habits or develop new ones?

These moments are what Jonathan Rhodes calls choice points, and the decisions we make can really add up. Ultimately, how we manage ourselves in these moments can be the difference between the life we have and the life we want.

That’s why I wanted to interview Jonathan Rhodes, author of the book, The Choice Point: The Scientifically Proven Method to Push Past Mental Walls and Achieve Your Goals. His Functional Imagery Training provides a concrete roadmap to help us stay the course.

Episode Links

Tokyo 2020: Simone Biles’ Withdrawal is a Sign of Resilience and Strength

How to Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs

The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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We think we need complete freedom to achieve our goals. But maybe freedom is the problem. What if, instead, constraints are what we really need?

That’s the question David Epstein was curious about.

David Epstein is author of the bestselling books, Range and The Sports Gene. In his latest book, Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better, he combs through the research and tracks down the stories of just how powerful constraints can be. David shares these lessons with us in his book. He also shares how he applied these lessons to the process of writing this book.

In a world of overwhelm, David’s book is a comforting oasis and a powerful guide.

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Five Rules for Getting out of Your Own Way

Why Your Best Ideas Aren’t Original

Interview with Gloria Mark on Focus and Attention

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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We live in a world of markets. The ones we can easily see, like grocery stores or restaurants. And the ones that are less obvious, like college admission, waitlists, even your schedule.

Yet these less obvious markets play an important role in our lives. That’s why I wanted to speak with University of Pennsylvania economist, Judd Kessler, author of the book, Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get What You Want. He not only helps us recognize these hidden markets, but he also arms us with the knowledge we need to succeed in them.

This is a book that will help you see the world with fresh eyes. You’ll not only understand how these less obvious markets work, but you’ll gain tips on more effectively designing your own.

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Is There a More Fair Way to Sell World Cup Tickets?

The Hidden Economy Deciding Who Gets into Your Favorite Concert, Restaurant, and Theme Park

‘AI Killed the Cover Letter.’ This Wharton Economist Says the Hiring Ritual’s Days Are Numbered

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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It would be great if we could gain success overnight. In a matter of hours, we’d be happier, smarter, maybe even wealthier. But when we step back and assess how much time success actually takes, we can feel overwhelmed.

Those are the feelings Eric Zimmer certainly had. Faced with his own challenges, he knew he needed to change. And, over time, his curiosity about what change actually requires led him to the field of behavioral science.

The lessons Eric’s learned from his research – and his own life experience – are what he writes about in his masterful book, How a Little Become a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. And there are insightful nuggets and how-tos in every chapter.

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Wendy Wood on the Science of Habits

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When life gets hard, humor can feel like a luxury. Like an indulgence we don’t deserve or have time for. But science tells a different story.

Researchers have learned that humor can help with healing and grief, and it can improve our social connections. And innovators often call out the role fun plays in getting curious and acting on their ideas.

One of these innovators is Chris Duffy, a stand-up comedian, TV writer, and host of TED’s hit podcast, How to Be a Better Human. Chris sees humor as a powerful life practice, an argument that lies at the heart of his book, Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy.

In this conversation we talk about how to build our humor muscle, what to avoid when going for a laugh, and why humor is really about the other person. Chris has written a book that is fun to read and fun to talk about. Talking to Chris, I can already feel my humor muscle getting stronger.

Related Links

How to Be a Better Human podcast with Chris Duffy

Chris Duffy on Substack

How to Find Laughter Anywhere, Chris Duffy’s TED Talk

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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Anthony Klotz believes we’re just one event away from quitting our jobs. Anthony is a professor of organizational behavior at University College London’s School of Management and the person who coined the phrase, “the Great Resignation.” He’s also author of the book, Jolted: Why We Quit, When to Stay, and Why It Matters.

Anthony’s research shows just how much leaders and employees need to learn about quitting. Employees, you have more options than you think. And leaders, you can pick up some important tips on how to manage employee resignations a whole lot better.

Interviewing, hiring, and onboarding are a key part of an employee’s success and a leader’s responsibilities. And this book shares tips on all of it.

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New Research on How to Get Workplace Rituals Right

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Interview with Annie Duke, author of the book, Quit

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In those moments when we want to disagree, why do we often stay silent? At those times when we want to opt out, why do we often just go along?

A key reason is that it’s hard to defy. It’s hard to question the way something’s always been done. To challenge comments, behaviors, and systems. Yet it’s in those moments of defiance that we flex our values and craft an identity.

That’s why I wanted to talk to Sunita Sah, organizational psychologist at Cornell University and author of the book, Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes. Her research reveals the importance of defiance and the skills we need to do it well. In her book – and in this conversation – she shares ways we can practice it and support others doing the same.

Related Links

Interview with Vanessa Patrick, author of The Power of Saying No

Speak up at Thanksgiving. Your Health Demands It.

America Thinks It’s a Country of Free Thinkers. But We’re Actually Compliant

The Team

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When it comes to our health and well-being, something’s missing from the checklist. Sure, we’ve got to get enough sleep, eat healthfully, exercise, and socialize. But one thing rarely makes the list – the arts.

Singing. Dancing. Drawing. Visiting a museum. Going to a concert. Researchers are finding that these activities are not only entertaining, but they impact health and longevity in incredibly positive ways.

One of the most important researchers behind this work is Daisy Fancourt, author of the book, Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives. She shares powerful research findings, along with steps we can take to inject more of the arts into our lives.

Daisy introduces us to a new frontier for improved health and longevity – the arts. For too long overlooked and underestimated.

Episode Links

Is 2026 the ‘Seatbelt Moment’ for the Arts?

Art Could Save Your Life! Five Creative Ways to Make 2026 Happier, Healthier and More Hopeful

Interview with Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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Relationships that thrive have characteristics that rarely appear by accident. Instead, their design is often intentional, even if the designers are unaware of the formula.

That’s where Dan Coyle comes in. Curious about how some leaders craft strong relationships and successful outcomes, he spent time studying their methods. Dan shares what he learned in his latest book, Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment.

One part inspiration and one part playbook, this is a resource for flourishing in all kinds of spaces.

Episode Links

Why Fulfilled People Make Time for Nothing at All

11 Rules for Betting Writing

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

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