Can You Really Change Your Personality? w/ Olga Khazan
This week Scott speaks with journalist and Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan about her latest book, Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga shares her personal journey experimenting with ways to reshape her own personality—armed with insights from the latest psychological research. Together, she and Scott explore whether personality traits like introversion, neuroticism, and even antagonism can truly change over time, and what science says about how we can become better versions of ourselves. This episode dives into the surprising plasticity of personality, why certain traits are harder to shift than others, and the real-life tools that can help spark meaningful, lasting transformation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Debunking the Genius Myth w/ Helen Lewis
This week, Scott sits down with acclaimed journalist and Atlantic staff writer Helen Lewis to explore her latest book, The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea. Together, they examine how society defines—and often distorts—the concept of genius. Helen argues that there’s no universal, objective definition of genius, and that the people we anoint as such often reflect what a culture values, rather than any absolute measure of brilliance. This “genius” label, she suggests, grants select individuals undue latitude and props up misleading narratives about creativity, intelligence, and individual achievement. Scott and Helen also dig into the misuse and limitations of IQ, shared myths about extraordinary minds, and the social consequences of genius worship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Embracing Neurodiversity w/ Robin Ince
This week, Scott sits down with English comedian, author, and BBC radio host Robin Ince. Known for co-presenting The Infinite Monkey Cage alongside physicist Brian Cox, Robin brings his signature wit and wisdom to a deeply personal and socially relevant conversation. The episode centers around Robin’s new book, Normal Weird and Weirdly Normal: Adventures of Neurodiversity, in which he champions the beauty of embracing one's authentic self. Together, Scott and Robin explore the rigid social norms that often stifle creativity, connection, and individuality—and how celebrating neurodiversity can open the door to a richer, more inclusive world. This episode is a tribute to the magic that happens when we let go of “normal” and celebrate what makes us weirdly wonderful.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Science of Inspiring Leadership w/ Dr. Adam Galinsky
This week, Scott welcomes Dr. Adam Galinsky, Professor at Columbia Business School and author of Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others. Together, they explore what makes a truly inspiring leader—and how anyone, regardless of title or position, can develop the qualities to lead with vision, courage, and impact. Dr. Galinsky shares powerful insights on the "leader amplification effect," the importance of expanding the "status pie," and how leaders can empower others while staying grounded in authenticity. This timely and energizing conversation is packed with research-backed wisdom and practical strategies for cultivating influence and purpose in your personal and professional life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Turning Ideas Into Action w/ Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle
This week, Scott welcomes Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, senior research scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and Director of the Creativity and Emotions Lab. They dive into Dr. Pringle’s new book, The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas Into Action, which offers research-backed guidance on transforming imagination into reality. The conversation explores the intersection of creativity, emotional intelligence, and motivation, providing actionable insights to help you overcome internal barriers and pursue your goals with clarity and purpose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In each episode, we talk with inspiring scientists, thinkers, and other self-actualized individuals who will give you a greater understanding of yourself, others, and the world we live in. Scott Barry Kaufman explores the depths of human potential and tries to get a glimpse into human possibility in every episode.
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