This week we’re joined by podcaster, journalist, and author David McRaney to discuss his latest book How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion. It’s a deep look at what we know about what it takes to change someone’s mind and why it’s more complicated than you might think.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

The Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion

Each week we bring you a new, in-depth exploration of the space where science and society collide. We’re committed to the idea that making an effort to understand the world around you though science and critical thinking can benefit everyone—and lead to better decisions. We want to find out what’s true, what’s left to discover, and why it all matters.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Social Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science

Indre examines the realm of randomness and its undeniable sway over our lives and the fabric of society, as she welcomes global politics luminary, Brian Klaas, to the podcast today. An Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London, affiliate researcher at the University of Oxford, contributing writer for The Atlantic, creator of the award-winning Power Corrupts Podcast, and prolific author, Brian shares details from his most recent publication, FLUKE: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters. In doing so, he unravels the conventional tapestry of predictability, highlighting the omnipresence of chance in dictating the courses of personal lives, scientific endeavors, and political landscapes. Today’s episode not only shatters the illusion of control fostered by historical data but also prompts a profound reevaluation of the role randomness plays in the intricacies of artificial intelligence, the methodologies of scientific research, and the foundations of political science.
 
Links:
Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information
Get to know more about Brian and his work:  https://brianpklaas.com/

Are Flukes Actually the Norm?

Globally recognized neurodiversity expert, thought leader, and public policy professional and champion, Maureen Dunne, joins Indre today to discuss the evolving perceptions of neurological diversity within our society. Centering their discussion around Maureen's recent publication, The Neurodiversity Edge, they delve into the profound benefits of welcoming neurodivergent individuals into workplaces and educational settings. Bolstered by insights into Gen Z's growing acknowledgment of neurodivergent identities and the critical importance of supportive settings, Maureen offers actionable advice for organizations of all sizes to excel in this area. In essence, today’s crucial conversation emphasizes the essential role diverse cognition plays in driving innovation and success, advocating for a reevaluation of traditional views and embracing a society that values diversity in every aspect.

Links:
Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information
Learn more about Maureen and The Neurodiversity Edge:  https://www.maureendunne.com/

Capitalizing on The Neurodiversity Edge with Maureen Dunne

In this latest installment of Inquiring Minds, Indre explores the intricate world of photography with the renowned Dan Winters, whose career spans the realms of celebrity portraiture, scientific documentation, and beyond. Winters' journey from a childhood captivated by the narratives of Star Wars to his status as a National Geographic Explorer and award-winning artist underscores his unique ability to see beyond the lens, using photography to explore the world and connect with subjects on a deeply personal level. His conversation here today offers details of his appearance on National Geographic’s new series, Photographer, and reveals how photography acts as a powerful medium for storytelling, capable of capturing the essence of human experience and the natural world with profound depth and emotion. As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that photography, in Winters' hands, transcends mere visual capture to become a conduit for exploration, conservation, and the immortalization of memory, challenging us to perceive the world with renewed wonder and empathy.

Links:
Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds
See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information
Experience Dan’s magic: https://danwintersphoto.com/

The Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion

Download our free app to listen on your phone