Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality And Politics And How To Find Common Ground With Kurt Gray Inquiring Minds podcast

38:36

In this powerful episode of Inquiring Minds , host Indre Viskontas reconnects with her longtime mentor, Dr. Bruce L. Miller—one of the world’s foremost authorities on dementia, empathy, and the neuroscience of human behavior. Dr. Miller is a Distinguished Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he founded both the UCSF Memory and Aging Center—the world’s largest research group dedicated to neurodegenerative diseases—and the Global Brain Health Institute, a pioneering global initiative training future leaders in brain health from over 50 countries. As a clinician and researcher, Dr. Miller has spent decades at the forefront of understanding how aging and neurodegenerative conditions alter not only memory, but emotion, identity, and creativity. His forthcoming book, Mysteries of the Social Brain: Understanding Human Behavior Through Science (co-authored with neuroscientist Virginia Sturm), brings together compelling case studies and cutting-edge science to explore how changes in brain function can reveal surprising truths about what makes us human. In their conversation, Indre and Dr. Miller explore: Why do some individuals with dementia develop new depths of empathy or even unlock hidden artistic talents? How the brain's social networks shape morality, altruism, creativity, and respect—and what happens when these networks deteriorate. The paradoxes of frontotemporal dementia and how it differs from Alzheimer’s disease in profound and unexpected ways. How caregiving not only strengthens emotional circuits in the brain but may be one of the most meaningful human endeavors. Why openness and interpersonal connection are essential to healthy aging and resilient societies. They also discuss the promising future of neurodegenerative disease treatment—from CRISPR-based gene therapies for inherited forms of dementia to new clinical trials exploring the effects of social engagement, exercise, and lifestyle on brain health. With warmth, insight, and deeply human stories, Dr. Miller challenges the traditional view of dementia as a simple unraveling, revealing instead the complexity—and at times, the unexpected beauty—of the aging brain. Mysteries of the Social Brain is available now wherever books are sold. Resources: Get Dr. Bruce Miller’s new book Mysteries of the Social Brain on Amazon and Routledge Connect with Indre on LinkedIn Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds…

Inquiring Minds

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Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's with Charles Piller 51:34

14 weeks ago51:34

51:34

In this episode of Inquiring Minds , host Indre Viskontas speaks with investigative journalist Charles Piller about his explosive new book, Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's . Piller unearths the troubling reality behind decades of Alzheimer's research, exposing how fraudulent data, unchecked ambition, and institutional failures have shaped the field—and wasted billions of dollars—while millions of patients and families await real solutions. Piller shares: How a single falsified study published in Nature helped cement the amyloid hypothesis as the dominant theory of Alzheimer’s, despite mounting evidence against it. The role of NIH funding incentives in steering researchers toward confirming flawed findings instead of exploring alternative approaches. The rise of scientific sleuths and whistleblowers like Matthew Schrag, who uncovered image manipulation in key Alzheimer’s studies. The institutional failures of major scientific journals, regulatory agencies, and funding bodies that allowed bad science to shape drug development for decades. Why Alzheimer’s patients and their families are still waiting for effective treatments, and what promising new directions could finally lead to breakthroughs. Despite the troubling revelations, Piller also highlights reasons for optimism, including emerging research into alternative causes of Alzheimer’s, such as viral infections and neuroinflammation, and promising clinical trials involving GLP-1 inhibitors. Listen in for a gripping and eye-opening discussion about how scientific fraud derailed progress in Alzheimer’s research—and how we can chart a new path forward. Doctored is available now at booksellers everywhere. Links: Get Charles Piller’s new book on Amazon: Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's Connect with Charles on LinkedIn and X Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds…

Inquiring Minds

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Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground with Kurt Gray 48:04

16 weeks ago48:04

48:04

In this episode of Inquiring Minds , host Indre Viskontas speaks with Kurt Gray, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. Gray’s groundbreaking new book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality in Politics and How to Find Common Ground , delves into the psychological roots of moral outrage and the societal divisions it fuels. Through scientific insights and engaging anecdotes, Gray explains how our deeply ingrained perceptions of harm shape our moral convictions and why bridging moral divides is both critical and possible. They discuss: The psychological basis of moral outrage and why it’s driven by differing perceptions of harm. How disgust and fear influence our moral judgments and why facts alone rarely resolve disagreements. The role of social media in amplifying moral panics and polarizing society. Why shared stories and genuine listening are more effective than statistics in fostering understanding. Gray also explores myths about morality, including the false belief that humans evolved as apex predators, and provides evidence for how our evolutionary history as prey shaped the cooperative moral frameworks we rely on today. Despite the challenges of polarization, Gray offers hope for bridging divides through empathy, understanding, and open dialogue. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of how morality drives human behavior, divides societies, and offers pathways for reconciliation. Outraged is available now at booksellers everywhere. Links: Get Kurt’s new Book “Outrage” on Amazon and visit his website: kurtjgray.com And connect with Kurt on X and Linkedin Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information…

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The Purpose Code: How To Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave A Lasting Legacy with Jordan Grumet 42:00

17 weeks ago42:00

42:00

In the wake of the devastating fires in Los Angeles where people have lost their homes and all their worldly possessions and when many are questioning their purpose it was a timely moment for host Indre Viskontas to sit with hospice physician, financial independence expert, and author Jordan Grumet to discuss his transformative new book, The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy . Drawing from his experience at the bedsides of terminally ill patients and his financial acumen Grumet explores how understanding purpose can help us navigate life’s challenges, overcome loss, and build a meaningful legacy. Grumet shares his insights on: The difference between "big P-purpose," which often leads to anxiety, and "little p-purpose," a path to happiness and fulfillment. How reframing our approach to purpose can help us build lives filled with enriching activities that connect us to others. Strategies for identifying purpose anchors, drawing from childhood joys, regrets, or incremental changes in daily life. The impact of social media on purpose anxiety and how to counter its influence with genuine, personal goals. Jordan’s work weaves together medicine, finance, and the significance of purpose, profoundly impacting those seeking a meaningful life. Listen in for practical advice on aligning your actions with your values, finding joy in small, meaningful pursuits, and creating a legacy that lasts beyond your lifetime. The Purpose Code is available now at booksellers everywhere. Links: Get Jordan’s new Book at Amazon and visit his website: https://jordangrumet.com/ Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information…

Inquiring Minds

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Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges with Gary F. Bengier 57:12

21 weeks ago57:12

57:12

In this episode of Inquiring Minds , host Adam Bristol sits down with Silicon Valley tech expert, philosopher, and acclaimed science fiction author Gary Bengier to discuss his new novel, Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges . As a prequel to his celebrated book Unfettered Journey , this latest work delves into the pivotal technological, political, and societal challenges humanity may face in the next century, all framed through the lens of a multi-generational family saga. Bengier’s unique background—spanning a career as eBay’s Chief Financial Officer to his roles in astrophysics and philosophy—brings an unparalleled depth of realism and foresight to his writing. In Journey to 2125 , he explores themes like climate change, robotics, AI, biotechnology, and the shifting labor landscape. The book blends hard science fiction with philosophical reflections, offering both a sobering view of the obstacles ahead and an optimistic call to action for addressing humanity’s most pressing issues. They discuss: The challenges of automation and labor displacement in a rapidly advancing technological landscape. The integration of cutting-edge biotechnology and its societal implications. The global energy crisis and the pivotal role of nuclear fission in the future. The philosophical and economic systems required to navigate an increasingly automated world. Bengier shares insights from his career in Silicon Valley, his work with the Santa Fe Institute, and his early life experiences that shaped his empathetic approach to storytelling. This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to thrive in an era of exponential technological change. Listen in to uncover actionable insights and a hopeful vision for building a sustainable and equitable future. Journey to 2125 is available everywhere books are sold. Links: Get Gary’s new Book at Amazon Follow Gary on Facebook @garybengierauthor , Good Reads @Gary_F_Bengier and Twitter (X): @GaryFBengier and visit his website: GaryfBengier.com/journey-to-2125/ Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information…

Inquiring Minds

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Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future with Vince Beiser 44:26

24 weeks ago44:26

44:26

In this episode of Inquiring Minds , Indre Viskontas sits down with award-winning journalist and author Vince Beiser to delve into the environmental, social, and ethical implications of our growing reliance on electronics and artificial intelligence. Drawing from his new book, Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future , Vince sheds light on the often-overlooked competition and global race for the critical metals essential for renewable energy, digital technology, and the foundation of the future. Together, they explore the environmental havoc and political upheaval these resources are already causing—such as unsustainable mining practices and the limitations of recycling—the ways the situation could worsen, the steps we can take to minimize the damage, and the hidden human cost behind the gadgets we use every day. The result is a gripping and sobering account of the battle between what civilization demands and what the planet can withstand. They also discuss: The trade-offs between recycling and reducing consumption. How mining for essential metals like cobalt and lithium impacts the environment and marginalized communities. Promising innovations in resource extraction and sustainable practices. The importance of reducing reliance on cars and investing in bike-friendly, walkable cities. This conversation highlights practical steps individuals and corporations can take to align their values with their actions, from supporting right-to-repair legislation to embracing reuse over constant upgrades. Listen in to uncover actionable insights and hope for building a more sustainable technological future. Links: Read Vince Beiser's book Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future Connect with Vince Beiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-beiser/ Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information…

Inquiring Minds

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Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI with Ravi Bapna 42:25

31 weeks ago42:25

42:25

Indre sits to chat with co-author of "Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI" and chair of business analytics at the University of Minnesota, Ravi Bapna, to explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and society. They talk about the potential benefits and risks of AI and how we need to be aware and balance both narratives, how we need to understand the various types of AI out there (descriptive, predictive, prescriptive, and generative), the importance of data engineering in today's data economy, and how to protect our personal data in the age of AI. The conversation also covers topics such as job displacement, governance and ethical considerations, and AI's role in enhancing human interactions, especially in healthcare and customer services, and storytelling. Listen in to learn the different techniques to thrive in this new technological era. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Connect with Ravi Bapna on LinkedIn Ravi Bapna’s Book: Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI…

Inquiring Minds

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Living on Earth: Forests, Corals, Consciousness, and the Making of the World with Peter Godfrey-Smith 48:45

35 weeks ago48:45

48:45

In this episode of Inquiring Minds , Indre Viskontas sits down with Peter Godfrey-Smith, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney and author of Living on Earth: Forests, Corals, Consciousness, and the Making of the World . Peter takes us on an enthralling journey through the evolution of culture and its impact on consciousness and society. Together they explore the crucial role culture plays in human development, especially how children absorb behaviors from their communities, the intriguing culture-like behaviors of non-human animals such as bowerbirds creating elaborate displays, and how various species, especially human behavior, shape their environments. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about how living beings influence the Earth's evolutionary history and how our evolutionary standing as humans should not dictate specific choices for the future. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Peter Godfrey-Smith Website: https://petergodfreysmith.com/ Peter Godfrey-Smith Book Living on Earth…

Inquiring Minds

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Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves with Nicola Twilley 44:27

36 weeks ago44:27

44:27

Did you know that many apples sold in stores are nearly a year old by the time you get to buy them? Indre sits down once again to talk with science journalist and non-fiction author and co-host of the award-winning Gastropod podcast, Nicola Twilley, about a project she has been passionately working on for the last 15 years, her new book “Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves”. Her latest book covers the effect of the less well-known process of the food’s farm-to-table journey: refrigeration. Together they explore the unknown data, effects, and consequences of it. From the challenges of working in a cold storage warehouse, such as its negative effects on cognitive function and physical performance, the complexities and technologies of food preservation, to the environmental impact of refrigeration and alternatives to this energy-intensive process. Listen in to dive into a hidden in plain sight but crucial pillar of our modern society. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Nicola’s Website: https://www.nicolatwilley.com/ Nicola’s New Book: Frostbite…

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The Most Delicious Poison with Noah Whiteman 39:04

39 weeks ago39:04

39:04

Indre welcomes evolutionary biologist and UC Berkeley professor, Noah Whiteman unto the Inquiring Minds Show to delve into the world of nature’s toxins and Whiteman’s new book. "Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature's Toxins from Spices to Vices.” explores the adaptations that have enabled various organisms to not only survive but thrive in environments laden with toxic substances, such as the monarch butterfly's resistance to milkweed toxins, and the broader and intricate relationships between plants and animals, focusing on how certain organisms have evolved to resist or utilize toxins for survival. Their discussion highlights the potential medical benefits of plant-derived compounds, the importance of biodiversity, and how nature’s poisons aren’t all harmful but can be extremely beneficial to human health in the right contexts to be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. This duality underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of toxins and their roles in nature. Listen in to get a rich insight into the intersection of science and society, as Whiteman articulates the broader implications of his research, the case studies mentioned in his new book, and an overall appreciation for the deep complexity of nature’s toxins and how they affect life on Earth for all living things. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information…

Inquiring Minds

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Revealing the Secrets of Supercommunicators with Charles Duhigg 44:40

40 weeks ago44:40

44:40

In this intriguing episode, Indre chats with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and renowned author of The Power of Habit and Smarter, Better, Faster, Charles Duhigg, to discuss his latest book “Supercommunicators”. Their conversation delves into he crucial role of effective communication in building meaningful relationships and enhancing quality of life. Duhigg shares insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, emphasizing the importance of close relationships for happiness and health as well as categorizes conversations into practical, emotional, and social types, explaining how understanding these can improve communication skills. Exploring further into the contents of Duhigg’s new book, they talk about the neuroscience behind communication and strategies for navigating difficult conversations. This episode is packed with practical advised and prize-winning insights and ideas for anyone who wants to learn how to improve their communication skills, build deeper relationships, and have more meaningful interactions with the people around them. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information…

Inquiring Minds

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“The Good Stuff” about Quanta and Fields with Sean Carroll 38:37

52 weeks ago38:37

38:37

Indre welcomes Sean Carroll, Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University and host of the Mindscape podcast, back to Inquiring Minds today for an engaging exploration of his latest book, "The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Quanta and Fields." Together, they delve into the intricacies of quantum mechanics and field theory, unpacking the critical roles of quanta and fields within modern physics. In his trademark style, Sean blends his expertise in both physics and philosophy to render these complex topics thoroughly accessible and relevant not only to specialists but to all who are captivated by the frontiers of scientific understanding. Venturing beyond the book’s content, he and Indre also examine how these theories permeate daily scientific conversation and enhance our understanding of fundamental principles. There’s a very good reason why Sean Carroll has an open invitation to return to the Inquiring Minds podcast whenever he chooses, and it becomes readily apparent in today’s enlightening discussion that both educates and inspires while illuminating the ongoing journey towards unraveling the universe’s most profound mysteries. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Explore Sean’s Preposterous Universe: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/…

Inquiring Minds

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Understanding and Expanding Consciousness with Dr. Christof Koch 42:52

1 year ago42:52

42:52

In yet another thoroughly intriguing episode, Indre engages with renowned neuroscientist Christof Koch this week to explore the complexities of consciousness and its impact on our understanding of self and free will. Koch, a pivotal figure in the field who worked alongside the legendary Francis Crick to pioneer the study of neural correlates of consciousness, shares a wealth of both personal experiences and scientific insights here today. Together with Indre, he introduces concepts discussed in his latest book, Then I Am Myself the World: What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It, and also examines the practical applications of these theories in comprehending human cognition and the futuristic possibility of an 'uber mind' through technological innovations. As will become readily apparent, today's episode invites listeners to rethink the limits of their own minds and the interconnectedness of all conscious entities, promoting a profound inquiry into the expansive universe of the mind as well as its significant influence on both our perception of reality and our role within it. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Get to know Christof better: https://christofkoch.com/…

Inquiring Minds

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Are Flukes Actually the Norm? 36:50

1 year ago36:50

36:50

Indre examines the realm of randomness and its undeniable sway over our lives and the fabric of society, as she welcomes global politics luminary, Brian Klaas, to the podcast today. An Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London, affiliate researcher at the University of Oxford, contributing writer for The Atlantic, creator of the award-winning Power Corrupts Podcast, and prolific author, Brian shares details from his most recent publication, FLUKE: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters. In doing so, he unravels the conventional tapestry of predictability, highlighting the omnipresence of chance in dictating the courses of personal lives, scientific endeavors, and political landscapes. Today’s episode not only shatters the illusion of control fostered by historical data but also prompts a profound reevaluation of the role randomness plays in the intricacies of artificial intelligence, the methodologies of scientific research, and the foundations of political science. Links: Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information Get to know more about Brian and his work: https://brianpklaas.com/…

Inquiring Minds

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Capitalizing on The Neurodiversity Edge with Maureen Dunne 33:28

1 year ago33:28