The Harvard Study of Adult Development is an extraordinary scientific endeavour that began in 1938 and is still going strong. For over eight decades, the study has tracked the same individuals and their families, asking thousands of questions and taking hundreds of measurements—from brain scans to blood work—with the goal of discovering what really makes for a good life. Leading this study is Dr. Robert J. Waldinger. His work has given us unparalleled depth of insight into the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life. The Harvard Study has illuminated the profound importance of relationships, health, and personal satisfaction in shaping our well-being. The study’s findings have not only redefined our understanding of happiness but also inspired a shift in societal attitudes towards mental health and personal fulfilment. Now, Waldinger is sharing his insights in his new book, “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Study on Happiness”. This compelling read distills decades of groundbreaking research into an engaging exploration of what truly matters in life. Waldinger’s book is not just a testament to the power of science in illuminating the human condition, but also a guide, offering readers practical wisdom on how to cultivate their own ‘good life’. In this interview, I speak to Dr. Robert J. Waldinger, the Author, Zen Priest and Professor, who leads the Harvard Study on Adult Development. We discuss what a study of thousands of people, from birth through to old-age reveals about what really matters to lead a ‘good life.’  

Thought Economics

Professor Zeynep Ton is the driving force behind the Good Jobs movement. She’s a leading advocate for excellence in leadership and the creation of ‘good jobs’ – those that offer a decent wage, dignity, and room for career advancement. She is the author of The Case for Good Jobs and The Good Jobs Strategy. She believes in the power of good jobs combined with robust operations to boost productivity and make businesses more competitive. In an increasingly tight labor market, failing to offer good jobs can harm your business, and Ton is here to guide you out of that danger zone. As the president of the Good Jobs Institute and a leading academic in this field, Ton has helped numerous business leaders implement a good jobs system. Her hands-on experience working with frontline workers and managers gives her a unique insight into the challenges that keep businesses stuck in mediocrity. Implementing a good jobs system, she argues, not only makes businesses more resilient and competitive, but also helps them attract and retain dedicated employees and loyal customers. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into Ton’s insights and strategies. In this interview I speak to MIT Sloan Professor, Zeynep Ton. We discuss the need for a fundamental rethink on the nature of today’s jobs, and how adopting ‘Good Jobs’ can make our businesses more profitable and improve millions of lives in the process.

Thought Economics

Andrew McCarthy, renowned Brat Pack actor and award-winning travel writer, has captured audiences over decades with his versatile talents. Having delivered unforgettable performances in 80s classics like “Pretty in Pink” and “St. Elmo’s Fire,” and acclaimed travel writing for outlets like National Geographic, McCarthy has continuously reinvented himself. His latest project, “Walking with Sam,” recounts a profound journey with his son along Spain’s famed Camino de Santiago. Initially aimed at reconnecting with his son, this trek evolved into an enlightening odyssey of self-discovery, fatherhood complexities, and the power of simple acts of love. In this interview, I speak to Andrew McCarthy on what acting can teach us about life, and what a 500 mile walk with his son taught him about fatherhood, and meaning.

Thought Economics

Dr. Rudolph Tanzi is a titan in the field of neurogenetics, where his groundbreaking research is reshaping our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. As the Director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, Co-Director of the McCance Center for Brain Health and the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, he’s at the forefront of innovative Alzheimer’s research. His pioneering work includes the discovery of all three early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease genes and the creation of the revolutionary “Alzheimer’s-in-a-Dish” model, which has catalyzed drug discovery for Alzheimer’s treatment. With his relentless pursuit of knowledge and novel treatments, Tanzi is a true game-changer, inspiring hope in the face of a devastating disease. Beyond his groundbreaking scientific contributions, Dr. Tanzi is also a New York Times bestselling author, co-authoring international bestsellers like “Super Brain”, “Super Genes”, and “The Healing Self” with Dr. Deepak Chopra. His unique ability to distill complex scientific concepts into accessible narratives has made these works invaluable resources for those seeking to understand the intricacies of the mind and health. Tanzi’s multifaceted brilliance – as a scientist, author, and communicator – continues to illuminate our path towards understanding and overcoming Alzheimer’s disease. In this interview, I speak to Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, one of the world’s foremost experts on Alzheimer’s disease and brain health. Our discussion navigates the terrain of brain evolution as we age, delving deep into the triggers, diagnosis methods, and potential remedies for Alzheimer’s disease. We shine a light on the groundbreaking research and promising therapies that hold the potential to mitigate the havoc wrought by this debilitating illness. Our exploration is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a future less burdened by this devastating disease.

Thought Economics

General H.R. McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the US Army for thirty-four years. He retired as a Lieutenant General in 2018 after serving as the United States 26th National Security Advisor. Today, McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. McMaster designed the future army as the director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center and the deputy commanding general, futures, of the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). As commanding general of the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, he oversaw all training and education for the army’s infantry, armor, and cavalry force. He has commanded organizations in wartime including the Combined Joint Inter-Agency Task Force—Shafafiyat in Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2010 to 2012; the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq from 2005 to 2006; and Eagle Troop, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment in Operation Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. McMaster also served overseas as advisor to the most senior commanders in the Middle East, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is author of the bestselling books Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World and Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Lies that Led to Vietnam. McMaster is the host of Battlegrounds: International Perspectives on Crucial Challenges and Opportunities In this interview, I speak to General H. R. McMaster, Former National Security Advisor to the United States. We discuss the current state of global security, the security and foreign policy challenges facing our world, and whether we should be hopeful for the future of global peace.

Thought Economics

Lawrence Krauss is a renowned theoretical physicist, bestselling author, and celebrated lecturer who has greatly contributed to various areas of physics and cosmology. Krauss’s significant scientific contribution includes the 1995 proposal that most of the Universe’s energy resides in empty space, confirmed in 1999 and awarded a Nobel Prize in 2011. He built top-ranked Physics Graduate Research Programs and created pioneering initiatives like the Center for Education and Research in Cosmology and Astrophysics, and a Masters Program in Physics Entrepreneurship. As a part of his tenure at Arizona State University, he led the Origins Project and podcast, an internationally recognized initiative fostering transdisciplinary workshops and public engagement events on topics like the origins of the universe, human origins, consciousness, and culture. “The Edge of Knowledge” represents the culmination of Krauss’s quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe. In it, he takes us on an enthralling journey, meandering from the vast reaches of the cosmos to the intricate details of life itself. But this is more than just a voyage through the known; it is an invitation to explore the “unknown unknowns” that await us at the very edge of our comprehension. With “The Edge of Knowledge”, Lawrence Krauss offers more than just a book. He provides a compass for those eager to venture into the uncharted territories of science and an inspiration for all who believe in the power of knowledge to transform our understanding of the universe. In this interview, I speak to Lawrence Krauss, theoretical physicist, bestselling author, and President of the Origins Project. We discuss some of the biggest questions facing our civilisation including the nature of time, space, and the universe.

Thought Economics

Many of us spend hours every day indulging in Instagram’s infinite scroll. Influencers didn’t exist fifteen years ago, but today these tastemakers impact how we cook, consume, parent, decorate, think, and live. Despite influencers’ prevalence in our lives, what goes on behind the perfectly curated Instagram grids we obsess over most largely remains a mystery—until now.  Stephanie McNeal, a senior editor at Glamour (formerly at BuzzFeed News) takes us behind the curtain, into the secretive real world of influencers in SWIPE UP FOR MORE!: Inside the Unfiltered Lives of Influencers. Given unprecedented access to three major influencers—fashion and lifestyle juggernaut Caitlin Covington of Southern Curls & Pearls, runner and advocate Mirna Valerio, and OG “mommy blogger” Shannon Bird—SWIPE UP FOR MORE! is based on three years of fly-on-thewall reporting as they build their empires, struggle with the haters and snarkers, fight for creative control from the tech platforms that enable their businesses, parent in public, and try to look good while doing it. In this interview, I speak to Stephanie McNeal, Senior Editor at Glamour. We discuss the scale, impact and role of influencers in our lives and economy.  

Thought Economics

Kevin Kelly, a visionary luminary of our digital age, is renowned as the founding executive editor of Wired magazine, a definitive chronicle of the technological revolution, and the author of groundbreaking books like “Out of Control” and “The Inevitable.” Known for his prescient insights into technology and its impact on society, he has been an inspiring force, articulating a hopeful and thrilling vision of our future, as intertwined with technology. An intellectual trailblazer, he continually challenges us to broaden our horizons and to embrace change and innovation as inevitable components of progress. In this interview, I speak to Kevin Kelly about his latest masterpiece, “Excellent Advice for Life,” in which Kelly propels us further into a profound understanding of the human experience. In this book, he adeptly combines his wisdom acquired through years of immersion in technology and culture, providing enlightening guidance for navigating life’s complexities with courage, curiosity, and resilience. In Kevin Kelly, we find an indispensable guide for the unfolding narrative of the 21st century.

Thought Economics

Tara Brach, a renowned meditation teacher, psychologist, and author, has long been a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals seeking solace, healing, and spiritual growth. With her profound wisdom and compassionate guidance, Tara has helped people from all walks of life navigate the complexities of the human experience, transforming suffering into a path of growth, self-compassion, and inner peace. From her early days as a grassroots organizer and yoga practitioner to her time in an ashram and subsequent Buddhist Insight Meditation retreat, Tara’s journey has been marked by a thirst for wisdom and an unwavering commitment to unconditional and loving presence. As the founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC (IMCW), one of the largest non-residential meditation centers in the United States, Tara has cultivated a vast following through her podcast, which is downloaded over 3 million times each month. Her work in spreading mindfulness and compassion has extended to pressing global issues such as racial injustice, equity, inclusivity, peace, and environmental sustainability. In this interview, I speak to Tara Brach (meditation teacher, psychologist, and author). We discuss the role of spirituality in our lives, the power of meditation, how we can find our connection with the world, and with each other.

Thought Economics

From the sandy beaches of Australia to the bustling walkways of international fashion, Brian Smith has masterfully navigated his entrepreneurial journey with audacity, resilience, and a surfer’s spirit. Born with an insatiable passion for surfing, Brian has not only ridden waves but also the tides of the business world. A chartered accountant turned innovative entrepreneur, he spotted the untapped potential of sheepskin boots and introduced them to California. This marked the genesis of UGG, a brand that faced its share of rejections, only to emerge as an icon in the footwear industry, thanks to Brian’s unwavering faith and tenacity. Today, UGG is more than just a brand; it’s a global phenomenon that has redefined comfort and style in footwear. Generating billions of dollars in annual sales, UGG stands as a testament to Brian’s vision, perseverance, and entrepreneurial prowess. In this interivew, I speak to Brian Smith, Founder of UGG. We talk about his entrepreneurial journey, why it’s important to see businesses through the lens of life stages, and what it takes to build a global brand with incredible consumer loyalty.

Thought Economics

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