In recent years, Americans and global citizens have been made aware of government surveillance and data gathering programs. But the conversation surrounding the topic has died down for the most part. Many trend towards poles of paranoia or complacency with fewer individuals attempting to parse through the complex modern phenomenon. And admittedly, this would not be an easy task, as much of the necessary information is classified and well-guarded. This week Nico Hargreaves-Heald joins us to explore a particular case of NSA surveillance as used to track and convict Basaaly Moalin, who was found to have financed Somalian extremists. How should American citizens consider the measures taken by agencies such as the NSA? Is there a particular reason that technological monitoring has become such a prominent tool of the US government? How might the approach of sifting through metadata actually overwhelm or distract authorities from legitimate threats and criminal activity?

With over 41 million views, Sir Ken Robinson's TED Talk "Do schools kill creativity?" is worthy of the attention. In his profound, sincere and often humorous evaluation of the education system, he explores the effect it has on the self-esteem and creative explorations of children. We react to the points he makes through the lens of our own experiences in education. As Robinson points out, our society has developed a system whose limits and expectations excludes valuable human ability and perspective. Are there ways in which educational standards could shift to appreciate individual viewpoints and creative outlook? How has education evolved to prize correct answers over genuine learning through mistakes?

With over 41 million views, Sir Ken Robinson's TED Talk "Do schools kill creativity?" is worthy of the attention. In his profound, sincere and often humorous evaluation of the education system, he explores the effect it has on the self-esteem and creative explorations of children. We react to the points he makes through the lens of our own experiences in education. As Robinson points out, our society has developed a system whose limits and expectations excludes valuable human ability and perspective. Are there ways in which educational standards could shift to appreciate individual viewpoints and creative outlook? How has education evolved to prize correct answers over genuine learning through mistakes?

With over 41 million views, Sir Ken Robinson's TED Talk "Do schools kill creativity?" is worthy of the attention. In his profound, sincere and often humorous evaluation of the education system, he explores the effect it has on the self-esteem and creative explorations of children. We react to the points he makes through the lens of our own experiences in education. As Robinson points out, our society has developed a system whose limits and expectations excludes valuable human ability and perspective. Are there ways in which educational standards could shift to appreciate individual viewpoints and creative outlook? How has education evolved to prize correct answers over genuine learning through mistakes?

Especially in times like these, when media and general news seem to be filled with purely negative updates and stories, remaining positive is especially challenging. Science has shown that we have a predisposition to remember negative events more clearly and as the saying goes "misery loves company". Given the ephemeral and rare nature of true positivity, what do we presume of those around us who bear the trait? This week, Leland Holcomb returns to the show to discuss his perspectives on how we judge or analyze positivity in others. Do we allow it to influence or bolster our own? Do we resent those who can manage happiness when we struggle to? How can we correct a "grass is always greener" mentality to understand that happiness and positivity take work and are not a perpetual state for others?

Especially in times like these, when media and general news seem to be filled with purely negative updates and stories, remaining positive is especially challenging. Science has shown that we have a predisposition to remember negative events more clearly and as the saying goes "misery loves company". Given the ephemeral and rare nature of true positivity, what do we presume of those around us who bear the trait? This week, Leland Holcomb returns to the show to discuss his perspectives on how we judge or analyze positivity in others. Do we allow it to influence or bolster our own? Do we resent those who can manage happiness when we struggle to? How can we correct a "grass is always greener" mentality to understand that happiness and positivity take work and are not a perpetual state for others?

Especially in times like these, when media and general news seem to be filled with purely negative updates and stories, remaining positive is especially challenging. Science has shown that we have a predisposition to remember negative events more clearly and as the saying goes "misery loves company". Given the ephemeral and rare nature of true positivity, what do we presume of those around us who bear the trait? This week, Leland Holcomb returns to the show to discuss his perspectives on how we judge or analyze positivity in others. Do we allow it to influence or bolster our own? Do we resent those who can manage happiness when we struggle to? How can we correct a "grass is always greener" mentality to understand that happiness and positivity take work and are not a perpetual state for others?

While joke-telling and humor form essential bonds in a community or culture, the types of jokes we tell and those we appreciate or avoid say a great deal about our perspectives as people. In particular, dark comedy or humor approaches socially taboo or emotionally heavy topics in a playful or lighthearted way. This week Mike Jest returns as a guest to help explore the consequences of dark humor and its foundation in personal observation. Some may cringe or present vocal concern or protest, but the presence of dark jokes as both a means and a topic of social commentary is worthy of consideration. Does dark comedy reveal areas in which we are not an empathetic or sensitive society? Do we need dark jokes to cope with the gravity of controversial issues and tragic events? And is dark comedy a label we broadly apply to some subjects which me exclude or alienate us but promote bonds within other groups of people?

While joke-telling and humor form essential bonds in a community or culture, the types of jokes we tell and those we appreciate or avoid say a great deal about our perspectives as people. In particular, dark comedy or humor approaches socially taboo or emotionally heavy topics in a playful or lighthearted way. This week Mike Jest returns as a guest to help explore the consequences of dark humor and its foundation in personal observation. Some may cringe or present vocal concern or protest, but the presence of dark jokes as both a means and a topic of social commentary is worthy of consideration. Does dark comedy reveal areas in which we are not an empathetic or sensitive society? Do we need dark jokes to cope with the gravity of controversial issues and tragic events? And is dark comedy a label we broadly apply to some subjects which me exclude or alienate us but promote bonds within other groups of people?

While joke-telling and humor form essential bonds in a community or culture, the types of jokes we tell and those we appreciate or avoid say a great deal about our perspectives as people. In particular, dark comedy or humor approaches socially taboo or emotionally heavy topics in a playful or lighthearted way. This week Mike Jest returns as a guest to help explore the consequences of dark humor and its foundation in personal observation. Some may cringe or present vocal concern or protest, but the presence of dark jokes as both a means and a topic of social commentary is worthy of consideration. Does dark comedy reveal areas in which we are not an empathetic or sensitive society? Do we need dark jokes to cope with the gravity of controversial issues and tragic events? And is dark comedy a label we broadly apply to some subjects which me exclude or alienate us but promote bonds within other groups of people?