Human Potential Lab

Today we welcome Perry Zurn and Dani Bassett. 

Dr. Perry Zurn is Associate Professor of Philosophy at American University. He is the author or coauthor of more than 75 publications in philosophy, political theory, trans studies, and network science and has given hundreds of talks at local, national, and international venues. His work has been generously funded by organizations like the American Philosophical Association, the Center for Curiosity, the Lee Somers Fund and more. 

Dr. Dani S. Bassett is the J. Peter Skirkanich Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, with appointments in the Departments of Bioengineering, Electrical & Systems Engineering, Physics & Astronomy, Neurology, and Psychiatry. They authored more than 390 peer-reviewed publications, which have garnered over 38,000 citations. Dr. Bassett has received multiple prestigious awards from the American Psychological Association, Sloan Foundation, and MacArthur Foundation among others. 

They often collaborate on research about neuroscience, curiosity, and the humanities. Recently, they co-wrote Curious Minds: The Power of Connection.

In this episode, I talk to Perry Zurn and Dani Bassett about curiosity. For them, curiosity is not just about gaining knowledge, it’s about connecting to the world and to each other. Each individual has their own style of connecting - they can be busybodies, hunters, or dancers at any given time. Perry and Dani also weigh in on how social media affects curiosity and how their network model of curiosity can improve education.

Website: perryzurn.com & danisbassett.com

Twitter: @perryzurn & @danisbassett

Topics

02:27 Perry and Dani’s interest in curiosity

06:26 Curiosity is connection

12:45 Network science 

15:18 Archetypes of curiosity

20:22 Deprivation vs interest-based curiosity 

23:56 Social curiosity

29:47 Cycling through the different styles of curiosity 

37:25 Is social media making us more curious? 

40:51 Consciously practicing curiosity 

42:32 Curiosity and learning 

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Today we welcome David Epstein, the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, and of the bestseller The Sports Gene, both of which have been translated in more than 20 languages. His TED Talks on performance science have been viewed more than 11 million times. He has master's degrees in environmental science and journalism and has worked as an investigative reporter for ProPublica and a senior writer for Sports Illustrated. 

In this episode, I talked to David Epstein about greatness. If there's one thing we know for sure about greatness, it's that there is no linear path to it. David and I discuss the complex relationship of talent and hard work in specific domains. Although there is no formula, we can both agree that persistent effort and fierce determination are necessary ingredients—but so is talent. We have a nuanced discussion of the dance between nature and nurture on the path to talent. It’s a very delicate dance. We also touch on the topics of self-actualization, creativity, fulfillment and moral greatness. 

Website: davidepstein.com

Twitter: @DavidEpstein

Topics

02:13 Talent: Is it nature or nurture? 

05:16 Does the 10,000 hour rule apply to creativity? 

10:14 Genetics and the rage to master 

16:46 Immediate feedback for growth 

22:04 Progress is not linear 

26:50 Self-actualization is where you “fit” 

39:06 The equal odds rule 41:11 Restriction of range 

47:55 Creativity and mental illness 

56:27 Incentivizing good vs great scientists 

1:00:13 Moral greatness 

1:06:10 The constraints of creativity 

1:12:25 The criteria of genius 

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Today we welcome Roland Griffiths and David Yaden. 

Dr. Roland Griffiths is a professor of neuroscience, psychiatry, and behavioral science, and director of the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has authored over 400 scientific publications and has trained more than 60 postdoctoral research fellows. His initial 2006 publication on psilocybin is often attributed as the catalyst for the re-initiation of psychedelic research after decades of halted drug research.

Dr. David Yaden is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine working in The Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. His research focus is on transformative experiences that can result in long-term changes and how they temporarily alter consciousness and self. His work has been covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, and NPR.

In this episode, I talk to Roland Griffiths and David Yaden about the latest research on psychedelics. They answer some of my burning questions such as: What are the common characteristics of a mystical experience? Are hallucinations necessary for a transformative experience? How do psychedelics affect our brain? We also touch on the topics of mindfulness, religion, mental illness, and creativity as they share about the latest developments in the field. 

Website: griffithsfund.org

Twitter: @ExistWell

Topics

02:36 Roland’s background in psychopharmacology 

09:44 Roland’s meditation practice

13:57 David’s mystical experience

18:35 Roland’s mystical experience

22:02 Common characteristics of mystical experiences

27:48 Transformative experience or mental illness?

39:15 Was Timothy Leary right about psychedelics?

46:05 The future of psychedelic research 

48:39 The neuroscience of psychedelics

53:14 Creativity and therapeutic use of psychedelics

56:33 Are hallucinations needed for transformation?

1:02:50 Roland’s cancer diagnosis

1:13:41 The Griffiths Professorship Fund

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Today we welcome Ali Smith, Andrés González, and Atman Smith. Brothers Ali and Atman met Andrés at the University of Maryland College Park. During their last semester, the trio spent a lot of time reading books on spirituality, philosophy, history, politics, and other related topics. At the same time, they began their yoga practice and developed it under the guidance of Ali and Atman’s godfather. Months of hard work and planning ensued before they finally co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation. Together, they tell their story of how yoga and mindfulness have transformed countless communities in Let Your Light Shine.

In this episode, I talk to Ali Smith, Andrés González, and Atman Smith about mindfulness in education. For 20 years, they have been teaching yoga and wellness to underserved kids, resulting in a decrease in suspensions and fights and an increase in attendance and grades. But it’s not just about the numbers. For Ali, Andrés, and Atman, what matters even more is changing the school’s culture to become a loving and empathetic space for all by teaching stillness and introspection.

Website: letyourlightshinebook.com

Twitter: @HLFINC

Topics

2:31 Introducing Ali Smith

4:24 Introducing Atman Smith

7:31 Introducing Andrés González

12:45 Hope through mindfulness

17:05 Creating an oasis in schools 

20:39 The impact of the Mindful Moment Program

26:16 Reciprocal teaching model

28:00 Involution: tapping into our universal centers

33:37 Sharon Salzberg’s and Rhonda Magee’s work

36:52 Bringing fun and humor to learning 

38:11 Making yoga and mindfulness accessible

45:46 Love and empathy need to be consistent and reliable

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Today we welcome Neil Pasricha who is an author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and public speaker characterized by his advocacy of positivity and simple pleasures. He is best known for his The Book of Awesome series, and "The Happiness Equation" which are international bestsellers. His first TED talk “The 3 A’s of Awesome” is ranked one of the 10 Most Inspiring of all time. Neil hosts an Apple “Best of” award-winning podcast called 3 Books. His most recent book is called Our Book of Awesome.

In this episode, I talk to Neil Pasricha about how to live an awesome life. The levels of depression and anxiety are its highest today. Now, more than ever, is when we need hope and positivity. According to Neil, the key to living a happier life is appreciating the little things. Awe and gratitude should not be reserved for big moments, but they should be cultivated in the everyday. We also touch on the topics of social media, motivation, confidence, and authenticity. 

Website: www.neil.blog

Twitter: @NeilPasricha

Topics

[02:51] Neil’s life and background 

[06:49] The Book of Awesome

[11:42] Noticing tiny pleasures

[17:23] The infinite scroll 

[22:14] The confidence matrix

[24:57] The Nature of the Fun

[27:44] The Happiness Equation

[32:22] Never retire

[35:59] Overvalue you

[37:16] Create space

[42:24] Have everything

[45:03] Don’t take advice

[50:35] Our Book of Awesome

[55:44] Savoring and healthy selfishness

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We’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year with Lisa Feldman Barrett.

Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is among the top one percent most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior.

Her books include Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made. She has published over 240 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals. Dr. Barrett has been called “the most important affective scientist of our time”. 

In this episode, I talk to renowned neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett about emotions and the brain. She reveals what the true function of the brain is⎯and it’s not for thinking. We also discuss the impact of past experiences on our cognition and what we can do to overcome our own detrimental patterns. Further into our discussion, Dr. Lisa challenges the traditionally held view that emotions are universal. In her own theory of constructed emotion, she argues that variability in emotional expression exists due to socialization and language differences. We also touch on the topics of hallucinogens, culture, education, relationships, and authoritarianism. 

Website: lisafeldmanbarrett.com

Twitter: @LFeldmanBarrett

Topics

00:01:42 Lisa’s interest in clinical psychology

00:03:53 A biological approach to emotions

00:06:29 Why do we have a neocortex? 

00:14:49 The default mode network

00:21:47 The brain is not for thinking

00:25:06 Authoritarianism during economic hardship

00:32:04 Psychological entropy

00:35:33 The brain weather forecast

00:44:16 The mind-brain problem

00:47:37 Relationships are reflexive

00:51:46 Emotional expression isn’t universal

00:58:35 Why you shouldn’t trust psychology textbooks / 6 universal emotions?

01:03:03 Reaching out to Paul Ekman 

01:10:42 The theory of constructed emotion

01:16:49 The role of socialization and language in emotions 

01:23:43 The never-ending domain-general vs domain-specific debate in cognitive science

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Today we welcome David McRaney. He is a science journalist fascinated with brains, minds, and culture. In 2012, he created the podcast You Are Not So Smart based on his 2009 internationally bestselling book of the same name and its follow-up, You Are Now Less Dumb. David is also an editor, photographer, voiceover artist, television host, journalism teacher, lecturer, and tornado survivor. His most recent book is called How Minds Change.

In this episode, I talk to David McRaney about the science of belief and persuasion. In this day and age of online tribes and echo chambers, changing people’s opinions seems like an impossible task. Instead of arguing over facts, David encourages us to use empathy to understand why we disagree. He explains Piaget's framework behind knowledge building and shares the use of technique rebuttal for sincere conversations.

Website: www.davidmcraney.com

Twitter: @davidmcraney

Topics

02:12 David’s interest in how minds change

08:41 Piaget's Genetic Epistemology

13:49 Focus on motivations, not conclusions

16:35 Why do people see the viral 2015 dress differently? 

23:44 How we produce and evaluate arguments

28:36 We’re living in a post trust world

32:32 How to change minds in large groups

44:33 Cults and conspiratorial communities

52:57 Technique rebuttal

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Today we welcome Neal Brennan. He is a director, writer, actor, and comedian most known for co-creating and co-writing the Comedy Central series Chappelle's Show with Dave Chappelle and cult movie classic Half Baked.  

Neal received three Emmy nominations for Chappelle’s Show; one for directing, and the other two for writing and producing. He has also performed stand-up on Last Call with Carson Daly, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Lopez Tonight, and Conan. Recently, his comedy special called Blocks was released on Netflix. 

In this episode, I talk to Neal Brennan about his comedy and upbringing. As early as 8 years old, Neal has been interested in comedy for its “fairness”. He reveals who his early influences were and what it was like working with Dave Chappelle. In this episode I gave Neal some impromptu psychological tests to help us both understand more about his unique mind. We also touch on the topics of relationships, mindfulness, cognitive distortions, and neurodiversity.

Website: www.nealbrennan.com

Twitter: @nealbrennan

Topics

02:31 Neal’s family background

09:44 When Neal discovered comedy 

15:48 Meeting Dave Chappelle

18:00 The aftermath of Half Baked

21:26 The highs and lows of  Chappelle’s Show

26:06 “We contain multitudes”

28:20 Neal’s relationships and reality dysmorphia

36:04 Vulnerable narcissism test

44:46 How vulnerable narcissism develops

48:16 Cognitive distortions

55:46 Mindfulness, drugs, and therapy

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Today we welcome Dr. Becky Kennedy. She is a clinical psychologist and mom of three, recently named “The Millennial Parenting Whisperer” by TIME Magazine. She specializes in parenting and child development, with an emphasis on anxiety and resilience. Dr. Becky received her BA in Psychology and Human Development from Duke University and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. Her latest book is called Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be.

In this episode, I talk to Becky Kennedy about good parenting. Raising children is no easy task. As a mom herself, Dr. Becky knows what that’s like. Her parenting philosophy revolves around seeing the good inside every child and seeing the sturdy leader in every parent. She shares actionable advice on how to repair emotional connection after conflict, how to reduce shame, and how we can break unhealthy generational patterns. We also touch on the topics of genetics, resilience, attachment, and self-care.

Website: www.goodinside.com

Instagram: @drbeckyatgoodinside

Topics

02:20 Dr. Becky’s interest in parenting

06:00 The Good Inside Approach

10:22 Maximizing for attachment safety

17:32 Raising children with empathy 

23:18 The most generous interpretation

28:49 “Two things are true” mode 

33:34 How to make up with our kids after a fight

38:21 Dr. Becky’s recommended resources 

39:27 Prioritize resilience over happiness

43:49 How to detect and reduce shame

48:04 Self-care for exhausted parents

50:25 Tips for cycle breakers

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