Curious Minds at Work

There’s a lot to be said for the excitement we feel when we first set a goal for ourselves. The sense of exhilaration can give us the momentum we need to get started.

But when the exhilaration wears off – and it usually does – we’re faced with a choice. Will we revert to old habits or develop new ones?

These moments are what Jonathan Rhodes calls choice points, and the decisions we make can really add up. Ultimately, how we manage ourselves in these moments can be the difference between the life we have and the life we want.

That’s why I wanted to interview Jonathan Rhodes, author of the book, The Choice Point: The Scientifically Proven Method to Push Past Mental Walls and Achieve Your Goals. His Functional Imagery Training provides a concrete roadmap to help us stay the course.

Episode Links

Tokyo 2020: Simone Biles’ Withdrawal is a Sign of Resilience and Strength

How to Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs

The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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We think we need complete freedom to achieve our goals. But maybe freedom is the problem. What if, instead, constraints are what we really need?

That’s the question David Epstein was curious about.

David Epstein is author of the bestselling books, Range and The Sports Gene. In his latest book, Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better, he combs through the research and tracks down the stories of just how powerful constraints can be. David shares these lessons with us in his book. He also shares how he applied these lessons to the process of writing this book.

In a world of overwhelm, David’s book is a comforting oasis and a powerful guide.

Related Links

Five Rules for Getting out of Your Own Way

Why Your Best Ideas Aren’t Original

Interview with Gloria Mark on Focus and Attention

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

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We live in a world of markets. The ones we can easily see, like grocery stores or restaurants. And the ones that are less obvious, like college admission, waitlists, even your schedule.

Yet these less obvious markets play an important role in our lives. That’s why I wanted to speak with University of Pennsylvania economist, Judd Kessler, author of the book, Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get What You Want. He not only helps us recognize these hidden markets, but he also arms us with the knowledge we need to succeed in them.

This is a book that will help you see the world with fresh eyes. You’ll not only understand how these less obvious markets work, but you’ll gain tips on more effectively designing your own.

Related Links

Is There a More Fair Way to Sell World Cup Tickets?

The Hidden Economy Deciding Who Gets into Your Favorite Concert, Restaurant, and Theme Park

‘AI Killed the Cover Letter.’ This Wharton Economist Says the Hiring Ritual’s Days Are Numbered

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

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It would be great if we could gain success overnight. In a matter of hours, we’d be happier, smarter, maybe even wealthier. But when we step back and assess how much time success actually takes, we can feel overwhelmed.

Those are the feelings Eric Zimmer certainly had. Faced with his own challenges, he knew he needed to change. And, over time, his curiosity about what change actually requires led him to the field of behavioral science.

The lessons Eric’s learned from his research – and his own life experience – are what he writes about in his masterful book, How a Little Become a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. And there are insightful nuggets and how-tos in every chapter.

Related Links

Wendy Wood on the Science of Habits

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

Subscribe

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When life gets hard, humor can feel like a luxury. Like an indulgence we don’t deserve or have time for. But science tells a different story.

Researchers have learned that humor can help with healing and grief, and it can improve our social connections. And innovators often call out the role fun plays in getting curious and acting on their ideas.

One of these innovators is Chris Duffy, a stand-up comedian, TV writer, and host of TED’s hit podcast, How to Be a Better Human. Chris sees humor as a powerful life practice, an argument that lies at the heart of his book, Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy.

In this conversation we talk about how to build our humor muscle, what to avoid when going for a laugh, and why humor is really about the other person. Chris has written a book that is fun to read and fun to talk about. Talking to Chris, I can already feel my humor muscle getting stronger.

Related Links

How to Be a Better Human podcast with Chris Duffy

Chris Duffy on Substack

How to Find Laughter Anywhere, Chris Duffy’s TED Talk

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

Support the Podcast

If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show.

Subscribe

Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.