Smart People Podcast

What if the most powerful psychedelic on Earth isn’t just a hallucination—but a message? Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Gallimore joins us to explore the mind-bending world of DMT, a molecule found in both nature and the human body that seems to reliably transport users to an alien-like realm filled with intelligent beings. In this episode, we dive into the science behind DMT, the mysterious commonalities in user experiences, and why Dr. Gallimore believes it is so important to try to understand. Is this a glimpse of the afterlife, a forgotten technology, or even contact with a creator? Strap in—this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about consciousness.

Dr. Gallimore's book, Death by Astonishment: Confronting the Mystery of the World's Strangest Drug, is available wherever books are sold.

Learn more about Dr. Andrew Gallimore at noonautics.org/personnel/dr-andrew-gallimore-dmt.

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What if the desire for revenge wasn’t just emotional—but biological? In this gripping conversation, Yale-trained lawyer and researcher James Kimmel Jr. explains how the brain processes revenge, why it feels so satisfying in the moment, and why it rarely brings the peace we expect. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and his own powerful personal story, James unpacks how revenge fuels everything from schoolyard fights to mass shootings—and how it’s often disguised as “justice.” We explore the real reasons people commit violent acts, how our justice system may be reinforcing cycles of harm, and what it actually takes to break free.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the human drive to get even—and how to shift that impulse toward healing. If you've ever held a grudge, fantasized about payback, or wondered why letting go is so hard, this episode will change the way you see yourself—and others.

Dr. Kimmel's book, The Science of Revenge, is available wherever books are sold.

Learn more about Dr. Kimmel at jameskimmeljr.com.

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If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—the workouts, the healthy food, the meditation app, the supplements—but your body still isn’t responding the way it should… this episode is for you.

Because here’s the truth: You can’t heal until your body feels safe. Not calm. Not relaxed. Safe. And that’s not just a mindset—it’s a biological state.

Today’s guest, Dr. David Rabin, is a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and co-founder of Apollo Neuro. He’s spent decades researching how chronic stress, trauma, and even subconscious fear can hijack your nervous system and silently block your body’s ability to recover. What he’s uncovered is game-changing: the body doesn’t heal because we tell it to—it heals when it knows it can.

In this conversation, we break down exactly how that works—starting with the vagus nerve, the body’s command center for switching between stress and recovery. Dr. Rabin explains why your nervous system might still be operating in fight-or-flight mode, even if your life feels perfectly fine. You’ll learn how stress re-routes resources away from the parts of your body responsible for sleep, digestion, immunity, and long-term healing—and why most of us have no idea it’s happening.

We also explore how trauma can be stored in the body for years, why it doesn’t always show up in your memories, and how new tools—from psychedelics to vibration-based therapies—are helping people access deep healing without spending a decade in talk therapy.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a whole new framework for understanding stress—not just as a feeling, but as a physiological state you can learn to shift. And more importantly, you’ll leave with actionable ways to start teaching your body what safety actually feels like.

So if you’ve ever wondered why you still feel stuck—even when life looks good on paper—don’t miss this one.

Let’s get into it.

Learn more about Dr. Rabin at drdave.io.

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We’ve been taught to fear stress, avoid it, and manage it like a toxin. But what if that belief is actually making us weaker? Dr. Sharon Bergquist has spent decades studying the relationship between stress, cellular health, and chronic disease—and what she’s discovered turns the conventional wisdom upside down. We dig into what that means at the biological level: how stress impacts our cells, how it influences everything from aging to energy to immune function, and what we can do—starting today—to tap into this incredible internal capability. You’ll learn why some of the most powerful health interventions aren’t expensive treatments or medications, but simple, often uncomfortable, actions that challenge your body and mind in the right way.

So—what if the answer to health isn’t less stress, but better stress?

Dr. Bergquist's book, The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier―An Essential Stress Management Companion with a Mind-Body-Soul Approach, is available now.

Learn more about Dr. Bergquist at drsharonbergquist.com.

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What if the federal government walked away from public education? That’s not a hypothetical—it’s part of a real plan gaining traction right now. In this episode, we break down what it actually means to defund and dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, and why it could upend the future for millions of students. Former Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. joins us to cut through the noise and explain, in human terms, what’s at risk—from student aid to civil rights protections to the very idea of equal opportunity.

We also talk about King’s new book, Teacher by Teacher, and the everyday educators who shape lives in ways most people never see. You’ll hear stories that might remind you of your favorite teacher—and see just how fragile the systems are that allow those stories to happen. If you think this issue doesn’t affect you, think again. Because the decisions being made right now might change everything.

Learn more about Dr. King at johnbkingjr.com.

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What if the relentless chase for big goals is actually what’s making you feel unfulfilled? In this episode, hospice physician and author Jordan Grumet shares what he’s learned from those at the end of life—and why our culture’s definition of purpose may be all wrong. Instead of striving for impact, Jordan invites us to focus on the simple, joyful actions that light us up right now. You’ll learn why most of us don’t have a purpose problem—we have a meaning problem—and how to gently shift your life toward something more authentic. This is a conversation that could help you stop chasing and start living.

Jordan's book, The Purpose Code: How to unlock meaning, maximize happiness, and leave a lasting legacy, is available now!

Learn more about Jordan at jordangrumet.com.

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This isn’t another hype-filled tech episode or a doomsday warning about robots taking over. It’s a grounded, human conversation about what we lose when we hand over too much to AI—and how to hold onto what matters most. In this episode, author and technologist Faisal Hoque blends decades of innovation experience with Eastern philosophy to explore something few are talking about: how convenience-driven tech use may be eroding our freedom, critical thinking, and even relationships. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what AI can’t replace—like personal struggle, creativity, ethics, and meaning—and why those things are essential to being fully human. If you’ve ever felt uneasy about how much thinking you're outsourcing to machines, or wondered what the real cost of "efficiency" might be, this episode will resonate. It’s not about fearing the future—it’s about choosing who you want to be in it.

Faisal's book, Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI, is available now!

Find out more about Faisal at faisalhoque.com.

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What if brainwashing isn’t just a Cold War relic, but something we’re all quietly experiencing every day? In this episode, Harvard professor and author Rebecca Lemov joins us to unpack the hidden mechanics of mind control—from historical POW camps to the subtle pull of your social media feed. We talk about the concept of “ungrounding,” how it sets the stage for behavior change, and why no one is immune—not even you. Rebecca also shares a deeply personal story that reshaped her understanding of influence, control, and identity. This isn’t fearmongering—it’s a powerful invitation to look more closely at how your reality is shaped. Eye-opening, timely, and surprisingly relatable. Tune in—you’ll walk away questioning more than you expected.

Rebecca's book, The Instability of Truth: Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion, is available now!

Find out more about Rebecca at histsci.fas.harvard.edu/people/rebecca-lemov.

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We're sharing a new show we think you'll enjoy!

If you ever wonder, “Where is all our money going?”—you’re not alone. In episode 192 of Money For Couples titled, “We spend 98% of what we make—Where is it all going?”, you’ll hear real stories and practical strategies to help you align on finances, stop money fights, and build a shared financial vision. We’re going to play a portion of that episode for you now. If you want to hear more actionable strategies to build your rich life today, search “Money For Couples” wherever you listen to this podcast.

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Ever wonder why a routine checkup can leave you more anxious than assured? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Erika Schwartz—author of Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You—who’s on a mission to dismantle the fear culture in modern medicine. If you’re tired of endless tests and pill-pushing, get ready for real talk about where to draw the line.Think you need a dozen tests to explain why you’re tired? Dr. Erika says it’s time to get back to basics—understanding your body and trusting your instincts. We explore hormones, off-label prescriptions, and what really stands in the way of personalized care. If you’re ready to break free from worst-case scenarios and finally find a healthcare partner who listens, don’t miss this episode. Your wellness is about to get a major upgrade.

Find out more about Dr. Schwartz at drerika.com.

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