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As an organizational psychologist, Adam Grant believes that great minds don't think alike; they challenge each other to think differently. In Re:Thinking with Adam Grant, he has lively discussions and debates with some of the world's most interesting thinkers, creators, achievers, and leaders—from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Brené Brown to Mark Cuban, and Olympic medalists to Nobel laureates to Oscar winners. By diving inside their minds, Adam is on a mission to uncover bold insights and share surprising science that can make us all a little bit smarter. Tune in to Re:Thinking with Adam Grant. You might just be inspired to let go of some old ideas and embrace some new ones.
Episode | Date |
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Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on leading with strength and sincerity
49:14
Kaja Kallas is the current Prime Minister of Estonia – and the first woman to hold the position. Her perceptive communication and bold action against the threat of Russian authoritarianism has bolstered her reputation as a leader we should all be paying attention to. The Prime Minister talks to Adam about what we can learn from the past when thinking about future consequences, the risks of being inauthentic, and what qualities distinguish the best leaders from the rest. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts |
Jan 31, 2023 |
Breaking free of stereotype threat with Claude Steele
53:52
Claude Steele is one of the most influential social psychologists of all time. As a Stanford professor, he’s best known for his groundbreaking research on how the threat of being stereotyped undermines our performance. Adam talks with Claude about why the mere possibility of being stereotyped affects us, how we can protect ourselves from the harmful effects, and what healthy self-affirmation looks like. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts |
Jan 24, 2023 |
The surprising effects of video games with Ash Brandin
43:01
As an educator, Ash Brandin’s mission is to make learning in school as fun as playing a game. In exploring the science and practice on the effects of video games, Ash (@TheGamerEducator on Instagram) has an unusually insightful–and unusually balanced–perspective. Adam and Ash discuss the evidence on how video games influence kids and adults, how to set healthy boundaries, and what it means to make leisure and play a priority. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts |
Jan 17, 2023 |
Finding–and becoming–great mentors and sponsors with Carla Harris
38:42
Carla Harris is a fierce leader, a devoted mentor, and a dynamic speaker. A Wall Street veteran who has been named one of the most powerful Black executives in America, Carla’s worked across multiple industries in her 30+ year career, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women's Business Council. In a highly entertaining Authors@Wharton event, Carla speaks with Adam about strategies for building relationships with mentors and sponsors, how to advocate effectively for ourselves and authors, and what to do when we’re not getting the support we need. Carla’s latest book “Lead to Win” is out now. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG15 |
Jan 10, 2023 |
Knowing when to quit with world poker champion Annie Duke
38:27
Annie Duke dropped out of a PhD program in cognitive psychology– and went on to win the World Series of Poker. At the Authors@Wharton Series, Adam and Annie discuss the evidence on when to pull the plug, delve into decision-making lessons from psychology and poker, and examine the difference between rethinking an idea and leaving it behind. Annie’s latest book “Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away” is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts |
Jan 03, 2023 |
Malcolm Gladwell Questions Everything
01:21:04
For our final episode of the year, let’s revisit Adam and Malcolm’s conversation from the archive. When Adam Grant and Malcolm Gladwell sit down to challenge each other, everything is fair game. Sit ringside for this collegial cage match in which two preeminent writers rethink each other's ideas in an insatiable quest to get closer to the truth. Is intelligence undersold or oversold? Does individual blaming and shaming obscure the pursuit of real change on racism? Could rethinking everything lead not only to a better business but a better life? In pursuit of answers, Grant and Gladwell agree on this much: you shouldn't believe everything you think. Find the transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/T4GTscript4 |
Dec 28, 2022 |
Dolly Parton is burning up, not burning out
25:41
As we get ready for 2023, we’re excited to bring you a conversation Adam had earlier this year with beloved musician Dolly Parton. Adam talks with Dolly about her creative process, how she balances getting things right with getting things done, and how she manages the hefty cup of ambition she pours herself each morning. Her latest project, “Run, Rose, Run” is both a novel coauthored with James Patterson and a full-length companion album. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/T4G26 |
Dec 20, 2022 |
The science of healthy relationships with John and Julie Gottman
44:47
For decades, renowned psychologists John and Julie Gottman have studied–and guided–healthy relationships. They share insights from their research–and their marriage–on how to avoid a relationship apocalypse, handle conflict, and make love last. Their latest book, “The Love Prescription” is out now, and Adam has a field day getting them to demonstrate the differences between good and bad fights. |
Dec 13, 2022 |
Why data don’t have all the answers with data scientist Andrea Jones-Rooy
30:18
Andrea Jones-Rooy is a data scientist who’s skeptical about data—and a comedian. Andrea and Adam talk about the perks and perils of sharing data on social media, the similarities between the scientific method and comedy, and the value of adding an air of mystery to the way we communicate discoveries. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG12 |
Dec 06, 2022 |
How to have good arguments with world debate champion Bo Seo
45:25
Growing up, Bo Seo avoided arguments at all costs–until he discovered competitive debate. He went on to win the world debate championship twice and coach the Australian national team as well as the Debating Union at Harvard. Adam and Bo discuss the value of good arguments, how key debate skills pushes us to sharpen our thinking, and how we can get better at disagreeing. Bo’s new book “Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard,” is out now. This episode first aired on The Next Big Idea podcast. You can listen to The Next Big Idea wherever you’re listening to this. |
Nov 29, 2022 |
The four-day work week: luxury or necessity?
41:12
Why do we work five days a week? Could we be just as productive, healthier and happier by working less? And if so, how can leaders and workers successfully make the transition to a new way of working? Adam led a lively discussion of the science and practice of shorter work weeks with top experts from government, business, and academia at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The guests were Ohood Al Roumi, the UAE’s Minister of State for Government Development and the Future; Jonas Prising, CEO and Chairman of ManpowerGroup Inc.; Hilary Cottam, Social Entrepreneur at the Centre for the Fifth Social Revolution; and Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America. This episode also aired on Agenda Dialogues, a podcast from the World Economic Forum. You can listen to Agenda Dialogues and other podcasts from the WEF wherever you’re listening to this. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG11 |
Nov 22, 2022 |
The problem with setting goals, with NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho
38:53
For someone who doesn’t believe in goal-setting, Emmanuel Acho is highly accomplished. He’s a former NFL linebacker, an Emmy-winning TV sports analyst, and the New York Times bestselling author of “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” – and hosts a video series and podcast of the same name. Emmanuel shares why he is “anti-goals”, how he consistently achieves greatness without pursuing success, and what sports have taught him about living a creative life. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG10 |
Nov 15, 2022 |
The psychology of human delusions with filmmaker Adam McKay
41:13
Adam McKay is one of the great satirists of our screens–he’s the writer, director, and producer behind Don’t Look Up, Succession, and The Big Short. Before that, he was best known for making us laugh at Anchorman and as the head writer of Saturday Night Live. Adam and Adam discuss the psychology of human delusion and narcissism, what he learned from improv comedy, and why success is about way more than who you know. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG9 |
Nov 08, 2022 |
If teachers took over the government with Sharon McMahon
44:14
If you were online during the historic 2020 election cycle, you may have seen Sharon McMahon’s viral videos. A former high school educator now known as “America’s Government Teacher,” Sharon fights polarization with nonpartisan facts. Sharon and Adam discuss how we can rethink the qualifications for elected office, who decides to run, and what information voters should weigh. They also address ways to sharpen critical thinking and ponder how to improve Congress with a few thought experiments–including a total takeover of the House and Senate by none other than America’s government teachers. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG8 |
Nov 01, 2022 |
Reese Witherspoon on turning impostor syndrome into confidence
45:48
When Reese Witherspoon was in rehearsals for her lead role in the 2005 film Walk the Line, she wanted to quit–every day. But she went on to win the Oscar for her performance as June Carter Cash. Since then, she’s gone from playing iconic roles in films (Legally Blonde, Election, Water for Elephants) to also producing and starring in her own TV shows and movies (Little Fires Everywhere, Big Little Lies, Wild). Reese talks to Adam about how she's built confidence by facing her doubts head on, and shares why acknowledging what she doesn’t know has helped her found a company–which was recently acquired for $900 million–that finally puts women at the center of their stories. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG7 |
Oct 25, 2022 |
Life, the universe, and everything with Nobel laureate physicist Saul Perlmutter
31:35
Growing up, Saul Perlmutter just wanted to know how the world worked. In 2011, he was part of the Nobel Prize-winning team that discovered the accelerating expansion of the universe. Saul and Adam talk about how science and knowledge evolve, what surprising emotions come with discovery, and why the combination of individual humility and collective confidence can solve some of the world’s biggest problems. |
Oct 18, 2022 |
How Celeste Ng writes fiery prose
48:23
It took Celeste Ng a long time to believe she could write for a living. Now she’s the New York Times bestselling author of the novels “Everything I Never Told You” and “Little Fires Everywhere”-- which was developed into a hit TV show by Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine. Adam and Celeste have been friends since college–they met through her first writing job. They discuss Celeste’s versatile writing process, her insights on thinking and communicating more clearly, and how she feeds her curiosity–both as a reader and a writer. Celeste’s latest book, “Our Missing Hearts,” is out now. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG5 |
Oct 11, 2022 |
Busting the myths of the brain with neuroscientist Chantel Prat
46:20
Have you ever thought you can’t do something because you’re “not wired that way”? Neuroscientist Chantel Prat might challenge you to rethink your beliefs. Chantel dispels some sticky myths about right-brainers and left-brainers, shares her research on how learning to code depends more on verbal skills than math skills, and generates some hypotheses about Adam’s brain. Her debut book “The Neuroscience of You” is out now. |
Oct 04, 2022 |
Surgeon Atul Gawande wants everyone to have a coach
40:33
Atul Gawande was advised by a colleague to say yes to every opportunity until he turned 40. Since then he’s been a renowned surgeon, a public health leader and government policymaker, and a bestselling author and “New Yorker” writer. He talks with Adam about his fascinating career and how he balances his passions for different fields, why he works with a coach even in the operating room, and how he’s working in The White House to end our current pandemic–and prevent the next one. |
Sep 27, 2022 |
How free solo climber Alex Honnold faces fear
43:01
In 2017, Alex Honnold did what even the world’s best rock climbers thought was impossible. He climbed to the top of El Capitan– a granite rock mountain more than 3,000 feet high– without a rope, harness, or net. His audacious feat was the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo,” and it left Adam with some burning questions about what we can learn from his unique approach to managing fear. Alex opens up about how he regulates his emotions when he’s hanging on by just a few fingers, what still scares him, and how he stays motivated to pursue ambitious goals. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG2 |
Sep 20, 2022 |
Mark Cuban doesn’t believe in following your passions
44:38
Mark Cuban has gone from selling garbage bags door-to-door to selling internet companies for billions, acquiring an NBA team, and becoming a beloved “Shark” on Shark Tank. Mark reveals to Adam how he turns problems into opportunities in entrepreneurship, basketball, and investing. They discuss his latest venture–disrupting the healthcare industry with an online pharmacy and a price-slashing philosophy that makes hundreds of drugs affordable–and why following your passion is not the best way to maintain your motivation. |
Sep 13, 2022 |
Ava DuVernay is Triumphant
34:57
Before Ava DuVernay became the first Black woman director to win Sundance and get nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, she was a publicist with a little hobby, a big dream, and a lot of patience. Adam talks to Ava about how she turned her side gig of filmmaking into a brilliant career, how her leadership style has evolved over the years, and what studying MLK while making the movie Selma can teach us about what it really takes to inspire. |
May 31, 2022 |
Satya Nadella is building the future
27:48
Satya Nadella is a modern renaissance man; he’s a cricket enthusiast, poetry lover, oh, and the chairman and CEO of Microsoft with a nearly perfect approval rating on Glassdoor. Satya has led a transformation at Microsoft, up-ending the culture, and rethinking remote and hybrid work. In this episode, Adam talks to Satya about the future of work, leadership, and building cultures of care. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/T4G28 |
May 24, 2022 |
Jon Batiste on the art of pushing your limits
28:47
Jon Batiste has had a record year—he was the most nominated artist at the Grammys, winning five of his ELEVEN nominations across multiple categories, including Album of the Year. When he’s not making musical history, he’s a touring artist, late-night band leader, and Oscar-winning composer. In this episode, Jon talks with Adam about the creative process of making his genre-defying music, his prodigious background as a young musician in New Orleans, the role of focus and variety in building a successful career, and the power of art to make real change. |
May 10, 2022 |
Esther Duflo wants you to think like a plumber
56:59
When Esther Duflo took her first economics class, she hated it. In 2019, she won a Nobel Prize in economics. Esther talks with Adam about her groundbreaking experiments to fight poverty, busts myths about what motivates people, and reveals how to make meaningful progress toward solving daunting problems. Read the text transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/T4G24 |
Nov 09, 2021 |
Indra Nooyi Says It’s Time for Leaders to Care
40:26
PepsiCo's trailblazing former CEO drove record profits—but did so while investing in employee well-being, consumer health, and environmental sustainability. In their second conversation, she and Adam are on stage for a lively, entertaining dialogue about how to improve our work lives and our workplaces. They talk about striking a balance between fitting in and standing out, winning support for major change up and down the org chart, and rethinking business education. Indra also reveals the name of the only world leader who ever intimidated her and why she doesn’t care who wins the battle between Pepsi and Coke. Find the transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/T4G23 |
Nov 02, 2021 |
Indra Nooyi wants us to reimagine the return to work
45:50
The longtime PepsiCo CEO is one of the world’s most powerful women and Time’s 100 most influential people. In the first of two rich conversations, she explains why she wrote more than 400 letters about her direct reports… to their parents. Indra and Adam discuss what she’s learned about leadership, finding and being a mentor, championing ideas from below, and making big career decisions. They also explore some of the big questions around the future of work—from embracing flexibility to creating equitable arrangements for women to making family a real priority. Read the text transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/T4G22 |
Oct 26, 2021 |
Allyson Felix on defeating disappointment and savoring success
54:53
At the age of 18, Allyson Felix took home the Olympic silver medal in the 200 meter dash. She was devastated. Where others saw “second-best in the world,” she only saw “not first.” That race lit a fire that would carry her on to become the most decorated track and field athlete in American history. Adam talks with her about achieving excellence, bouncing back from her so-called “failures,” and sustaining motivation to medal in five straight Olympic games. Read the text transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/T4G21 |
Oct 19, 2021 |
Lin-Manuel Miranda Daydreams, and His Dad Gets Things Done
44:04
In a world obsessed with efficiency, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash Broadway hits Hamilton and In the Heights began with idle curiosity. Adam interviews Lin together with his father, Luis, about finding harmony between creativity and productivity—and rhythm between work and life. They discuss what motivated Lin to take a big risk on the biggest stage of his life, the challenges of fitting in when you stand out, the importance of delegation and deadlines, and the lost art of doing nothing. Read the full text transcript at go.ted.com/T4G9. |
Jun 29, 2021 |
John Green Wants You to Pay Attention to Your Attention
53:16
Do you pay attention to your attention? John Green is the beloved author of The Fault In Our Stars, and when he started tracking his attention, he realized he was obsessed with evaluating human progress. He decided to start rating everything—from the capacity for human wonder to Canadian geese—on a five-point scale. In this deeply thoughtful conversation with Adam, John shares what he learned from his series of Yelp-style reviews, the gift of a great book, and the unexpected life lessons found in the last lap of Mario Kart. Read the full text transcript at go.ted.com/T4G8 |
Jun 22, 2021 |
Mellody Hobson on Taking Tough Feedback
37:17
Criticism rarely comes wrapped in a shiny gift box, tied with a bow. As a trailblazing leader, one of Mellody Hobson’s gifts is finding the diamond in the rough. She and Adam unpack how to look for the grain of truth in any critique, when to discount feedback, and what it takes to be honest without being brutal. Find the full text transcript at go.ted.com/T4G7 |
Jun 15, 2021 |
Merve Emre on Emotional Intelligence as Corporate Control
53:34
It’s been 25 years since the concept of emotional intelligence exploded onto the scene. Cultural critic Merve Emre makes a bold case that in the wrong hands, it can be used to exploit people. We unpack the surprising roots of emotional intelligence, how it’s been co-opted as a form of corporate control, and why you might want to rethink some of your core assumptions about emotions at work. You can find the full transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/T4GTscript6 |
Jun 08, 2021 |
Daniel Kahneman Doesn't Trust Your Intuition
35:57
Daniel Kahneman is a Nobel Prize winner who transformed our understanding of the biases that cloud our thinking. In this conversation, he and Adam explore when to trust our intuition and when to second-guess it. Danny explains how he finds joy in being wrong, spells out steps to smarter interviewing, and reveals how he—the master decoder of decision-making—makes decisions. Find the transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/T4GDK |
Mar 16, 2021 |
Malcolm Gladwell Questions Everything
01:21:04
When Adam Grant and Malcolm Gladwell sit down to challenge each other, everything is fair game. Sit ringside for this collegial cage match in which two preeminent writers rethink each other's ideas in an insatiable quest to get closer to the truth. Is intelligence undersold or oversold? Does individual blaming and shaming obscure the pursuit of real change on racism? Could rethinking everything lead not only to a better business but a better life? In pursuit of answers, Grant and Gladwell agree on this much: you shouldn't believe everything you think. Find the transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/T4GTscript4 |
Mar 09, 2021 |
Jane Goodall on Leadership Lessons from Primates
43:11
Have you ever felt your work colleagues sometimes act like animals? In this conversation, Jane and Adam take that idea literally, exploring what Jane's expertise on chimp behavior can teach us about how humans relate and organize. With grace and wisdom, Jane shares primal insights on how we acquire and keep power, the difference between being a leader and being a boss, and the role of patience in making discoveries and making a career. Find the transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/T4GTscript3 |
Mar 02, 2021 |
Brené Brown on What Vulnerability Isn't
40:34
We usually wear our thickest armor at work, and Brené Brown has blazed the trail of teaching us why—and how to shed it. In this conversation, Adam and Brené unpack the power of showing vulnerability at work—and explore how much is too much. Learn when and where to set boundaries, find out how to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable, and hear Brené rethink a key assumption that she took for granted in her own work. |
Feb 23, 2021 |