Marc D. Hauser is a cognitive neuroscientist and evolutionary biologist whose work focuses on how childhood experiences shape brain development, behavior, and resilience. He’s spent years studying everything from primates to school children, combining insights from biology and psychology to understand how we adapt, recover, and grow—especially in the face of early adversity. Today, he applies that research globally through education and humanitarian work, helping children thrive in challenging environments. His latest book, Vulnerable Minds, explores the impact of trauma and the power of resilience.

Vince Beiser is an award-winning journalist and author known for investigating the hidden forces that shape our world. His work focuses on the raw materials behind modern life—from sand to the critical "power metals" driving the clean energy transition. With a sharp eye for global systems and their human impact, Vince reveals the environmental, political, and ethical costs of progress. His reporting has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, The Atlantic, and more.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation and Personal Interests
03:00 The Hidden Costs of Technology Production
06:03 The Paradox of Renewable Energy
09:14 Mining Practices and Global Implications
11:53 The Role of Indigenous Rights in Mining
15:00 The Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles
18:05 Individual Responsibility vs. Systemic Change
20:58 Class Disparities in Environmental Responsibility
25:15 Urban Mobility and Sustainable Transportation
30:31 Politics of Transportation and Climate Change
35:27 The Complexities of Recycling
42:40 Optimism vs. Pessimism in Environmental Progress

Barbara Oakley, a professor of engineering at Oakland University, is a leading expert in learning science known for making complex learning accessible to all. She co-created the massively popular online course Learning How to Learn, which has reached millions worldwide, and delivered a widely viewed TEDx talk of the same name that offers practical, brain-based strategies for improving how we learn. Her books, including A Mind for Numbers and Learning How to Learn (co-authored with Terrence Sejnowski), provide science-backed tools to help students and professionals alike master difficult subjects, especially in areas like math and science.

EPISODE OUTLINE:

00:00 Exploring Learning and Misconceptions
03:03 The Impact of Age on Learning
06:03 Video Games and Cognitive Flexibility
09:02 The Controversy of Alzheimer's Research
12:07 The Importance of Free Speech
14:58 Navigating Expert Opinions and Trust
18:01 The Evolution of University Discourse
34:42 Navigating Trust in Experts
35:55 The Complexity of Altruism
39:10 Shifting Worldviews Through Experience
41:36 Holding Opinions Loosely
46:54 Maintaining Positivity in Conversations
49:15 Learning at Any Age
55:13 Leveraging AI for Learning
01:01:01 The Future of Learning with AI