Best Next Big Idea Club Podcasts (2025)

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This Episode Will Change Every Breath You Take 34:03

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1h ago34:03

34:03

When was the last time you actually thought about the air around you? Unless you're stuck in a windstorm or gasping after a run, probably never. But it turns out that this invisible element — whether it's blowing across continents or flowing through your lungs — has shaped human history in some pretty remarkable ways. Simon Winchester is the New Yo…

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How to Make Your Holiday Gatherings Memorable 42:34

1h ago42:34

42:34

Back in January 2020, Rufus sat down with Priya Parker — a conflict resolution specialist who’s worked on peace processes around the world — to talk about her book The Art of Gathering. What she told him changed how we think about every dinner party, every work meeting, every family get-together we host. Priya’s argument is simple but radical. She …

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Sarah Churchwell asks — Will American democracy survive the Dark Enlightenment? 54:33

18m ago54:33

54:33

Historian Sarah Churchwell takes you on a gripping and confronting journey into America's recent past to explain its extraordinary present, starting with dark story at the heart of that American classic Gone with the Wind. Knowledge lies at the heart of a healthy democracy, and its many custodians include libraries, universities, cultural instituti…

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A Happier Holiday Reading: “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry 20:25

8h ago20:25

20:25

As a gift to listeners, I read O. Henry’s classic "The Gift of the Magi"—a timeless reminder of what really matters most for our happiness during the holidays. Resources & links related to this episode: "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry (Amazon, Bookshop) I read "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens (Amazon, Bookshop) I read "The Snow Queen" by H…

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A Starter Kit to Make Your Finances Bulletproof 25:25

3h ago25:25

25:25

First up, Harvard economist John Campbell on how to make the financial system work better for you. His new book, co-written with Tarun Ramadorai, is Fixed: Why Personal Finance Is Broken and How to Make It Work for Everyone. Later in the show, Lauren Simmons offers us a practical, empowering roadmap for building financial wellness right now. Sponso…

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A Little Happier: A Few Extra Words from Winston Churchill Make a Big Difference 4:34

2d ago4:34

4:34

When we’re quoting someone who has articulated an important idea, it’s important to make sure that we’re quoting their entire point. Winston Churchill, Stewart Brand, and apocryphally, Harry Gordon Selfridge, are frequently only partially quoted. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's web…

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2025 Grammy winner Ruthie Foster talks about her life and music 53:58

20m ago53:58

53:58

After five nominations, Ruthie Foster has taken home the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album - affirming her status as an American music legend. In this intimate conversation, she shares what made her want to be a singer; the roles of her grandmother and mother in her life; why faith is so important to her and why she wants to sing …

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More Happier: Hacks to Avoid a Holiday Meltdown This Week [Revisited] 29:34

4d ago29:34

29:34

With the holiday crunch in full swing, here are three practical hacks that can make this week easier to manage. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to Happier episode 96 Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, an…

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An Exercise in Uncertainty and a Memoir of a Life Interrupted 24:34

32m ago24:34

24:34

Up first, we hear from Jonathan Gluck, author of An Exercise in Uncertainty. And then Suleika Jaouad shares key insights from Between Two Kingdoms. Aura Frames - Get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code BIGIDEADAILY at auraframes.com GoDaddy - Get a domain and professional email plan for just $0.99/month at Godaddy.com/…

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Time is Money: Outdo Both 32:05

6d ago32:05

32:05

Time managment is the theme of our second episode as hosts Austin Hankwitz and Jannese Torres talk about their strategies for maximizing the hours in a day. Then we sit down with Anna Cobb, the founder of Rejuvenation, who turned a harrowing near-death experience into a passion for healthy energy alternatives that has bloomed into a thriving busine…

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Krampus is coming: The Christmas demon’s Chicago connection 12:20

9m ago12:20

12:20

On the morning of St. Nicholas Day, good kids rush downstairs to see what kind of gifts might be in their shoes. The bad kids? Unfortunately they might get a visit from Krampus, an ancient monster that has naughty children praying for a lump of coal instead.The origins of this half-goat, half-man folklore character date back centuries, largely to G…

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The Power of Being Alone: Why Solitude Is Good for You 19:22

1h ago19:22

19:22

Act One: The Joy of Solitude: How to Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World by Robert Coplan Act Two: Arrangements in Blue Notes by Amy Key Sponsored By: Aura Frames - Get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code BIGIDEADAILY at auraframes.com GoDaddy - Get a domain and professional email plan for just $0.99/mont…

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Childless on purpose — the fertility crisis and the big decision 53:53

1d ago53:53

53:53

When you enter your childbearing years, it can feel like everyone from the treasurer, your mum, and probably your Instagram reels really wants you to have a kid. But is it the right decision? Few women escape this conundrum of modern family-making, and unfortunately there is no easy or simple answer. But in this talk presented by the Sydney Opera H…

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“A Christmas Carol”: An amateur actor’s journey into a Chicago holiday tradition 8:03

3d ago8:03

8:03

The Christkindlmarket, the CTA holiday train and “A Christmas Carol” at the Goodman Theatre. Chicago is full of holiday traditions. In this episode, we get an intimate look at the annual theater production through the eyes of our Chicago Sun-Times colleague, Stefano Esposito as he takes to the stage.…

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You’re Working Hard. You’re Still Stuck. Here’s Why. 24:14

25m ago24:14

24:14

Let’s say you’ve made it to a position to manage other people. Congratulations! But unfortunately, you can’t just coast from here. The mindset that got you into that leadership role isn’t the mindset you need to succeed at it. Muriel Wilkins is a leadership coach and host of the award-winning podcast Coaching Real Leaders. Her new book is called Le…

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Ep. 565: Did We Get Everything Done on Our “25 for ’25” Lists? We Review & Reflect 37:22

7d ago37:22

37:22

As part of “Design Your Year,” each of us made a list of 25 things we wanted to accomplish in 2025; here, we report on what we got done—and what we didn’t. Resources & links related to this episode: Happier in Hollywood Substack Simon Haisell's Footnotes and Tangents Allie Coyle Photography The Earth Room created by American artist Walter De Maria …

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Surfer Tim Baker and doctor Peter Goldsworthy on living well with cancer 54:34

8m ago54:34

54:34

Meet two men who will change the way you think about an experience most of us fear but will be touched by in some way. In Patting the Shark, surfing writer Dr Tim Baker describes his wild ride to reclaim a sense of control and agency after a cancer diagnosis. Celebrated author and GP Peter Goldsworthy’s memoir The Cancer Finishing School started ou…

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FLOURISH: Daniel Coyle on the Art and Science of Feeling Alive 1:17:19

8d ago1:17:19

1:17:19

What does it mean to flourish? According to author Daniel Coyle, flourishing is “joyful, meaningful growth — shared.” But how do you achieve that enviable state? The answer lies in Dan’s forthcoming book, “Flourish,” which you can pre-order now on Amazon, Audible, or Bookshop.org. Highlights: (5:11) Life isn't a treasure hunt; it’s more like treasu…

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The Surprising Science of Pets 25:25

33m ago25:25

25:25

Do you have a pet? A dog, a cat, a goldfish? If so, why? I don’t mean why did you adopt the dear things, I mean why do humans keep pets at all? It’s a strange behavior, when you think about it, and not one shared by any of our animal cousins. Jay Ingram is a top science writer and TV personality who’s spent decades exploring the natural world. His …

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Understand your microbiome 54:34

1d ago54:34

54:34

Are fermented foods really good for us? Do antibiotics destroy our gut flora? And have you heard about poo transplants? Our gut is teeming with trillions of microbial cells, and we are learning more all the time about how this affects everything from our digestion, to immunity, to mental health. So crack open your kombucha, because these leading re…

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Here's How to Get Lucky 27:15

1d ago27:15

27:15

We all know someone who seems impossibly lucky. They land the perfect job, get into the right school, meet the right people at the right time. But luck isn’t as random as it seems. There are hidden systems at work determining who gets what, and understanding them can tilt the odds in your favor. Act One: Lucky by Design by Judd Kessler Act Two: The…

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A Little Happier: Why the Holy Man Didn’t Tell a Boy to Stop Eating Candy 2:35

8d ago2:35

2:35

A familiar story about Gandhi is apocryphal, but nevertheless illustrates one of my Secrets of Adulthood: If we’re trying to encourage or enforce a particular behavior, we should be willing to observe that behavior ourselves. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more ab…

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Doctor Who at 60 — still as attractive as ever 53:59

1d ago53:59

53:59

Doctor Who has acted as a mirror to more than six decades of social, technological and cultural change. It's been able to evolve and adapt more radically than any other fiction. Why we are so addicted to fiction, and why does this wonderful wandering time traveller mean so much to so many. This talk was provided by the York Festival of Ideas. The F…

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Bonus: Don’t Call it a Midlife Crisis—Chip Conley on the “Dan Buettner” Podcast 1:06:30

9d ago1:06:30

1:06:30

My friend Chip Conley joins the “Dan Buettner Podcast” to explain why the old idea of a “midlife crisis” holds us back and how reframing this stage can open the door to purpose, curiosity, and stronger connection in life after 50. Resources & links related to this episode: "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry (Amazon, Bookshop) I read "A Christmas Ca…

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More Happier: “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner [Revisited] 26:07

11d ago26:07

26:07

As part of our Happier Podcast Book Club, we revisit our conversation with Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast about her compelling bestselling memoir “Crying in H Mart.” Resources & links related to this episode: Crying in H Mart Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, p…

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How to Spot a Swindler 35:53

5d ago35:53

35:53

Charlatans by Moisés Naím and Quico Toro Nobody's Fool by Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris Sponsored By: Aura Frames - Get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code BIGIDEADAILY at auraframes.com GoDaddy - Get a domain and professional email plan for just $0.99/month at Godaddy.com/GDNOW Learn more about your ad choices…

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The first Black-owned airport in the U.S. was in Robbins, Illinois 20:03

5d ago20:03

20:03

The Robbins Airport, just southwest of Chicago, was the first Black-owned and -operated airport in the country. Its founders were pivotal to Black aviation.

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The Weird Force That May Well Kill You 28:20

22m ago28:20

28:20

Like it or not, gravity controls life and death on this planet, yet we barely understand it. Crush by James Riordon Pull by Brennan Spiegel Sponsored By: Aura Frames - Get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code BIGIDEADAILY at auraframes.com GoDaddy - Get a domain and professional email plan for just $0.99/month at Godadd…

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Kari Leibowitz Loves Winter (And You Can Too) 59:25

12m ago59:25

59:25

In our divided nation, there's one thing many of us seem to agree on: winter sucks. A recent study found that nearly half of Americans would skip winter if they could. Yet not everyone dreads the cold months. Psychologist Kari Leibowitz has spent years studying these winter-lovers, and she's arrived at a surprising truth: people who thrive this tim…

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The role of spirituality and religion in mental health care 54:36

6d ago54:36

54:36

The connection between body and mind is well established. But mental health expert Daniel Fung also includes the soul in this 'ecosystem' that shapes your overall wellbeing. He envisions a future for mental health services, that is person-centred, holistic and consciously uses digital tools and social media. Beautiful minds, Loving hearts: Asian Me…

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A museum, a mayor and a road: How Lake Shore Drive became a runway ... intentionally 6:27

13d ago6:27

6:27

Lake Shore Drive has served as a makeshift runway for emergency landings. But it’s also been an intentional runway for planned arrivals. We go back to 1983 to get the story of how a Chicago institution helped turn our lakeside expressway into an airstrip, at least twice.

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You're a Hypocrite, But That's OK 31:20

14d ago31:20

31:20

Why acknowledging our own contradictions can make us better friends, colleagues, and citizens. The Hypocrisy Trap by Michael Hallsworth The Status Revolution by Chuck Thompson Sponsored By: Aura Frames - Get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code BIGIDEADAILY at auraframes.com GoDaddy - Get a domain and professional email…

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Ep. 564: Revealing…the Annual Challenge for 2026! Plus a Report on Read 25 in 2025 28:35

14d ago28:35

28:35

We report on our experience with the “Design Your Year” exercise of the annual challenge: Read 25 in ’25. We also reveal the annual challenge for 2026—join us. Resources & links related to this episode: Move 26 in 2026 Visit the Happiness Project shop The science-backed trick that soothes an itch better than scratching Elizabeth: is coming into the…

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A song for every feeling? Pub Choir's Astrid Jorgensen with Natasha Mitchell 1:04:17

10d ago1:04:17

1:04:17

From innocently conning controversial radio duo Kyle and Jackie O as a kid, time in a Zambian convent as a teen, to nearly becoming an air traffic controller before finding her real passion - helping others find their voice - Astrid Jorgensen has quite a story to tell. Her new memoir is called Average At Best. She is anything but. She is anything b…

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The Simple Shift That Reduces Stress and Increases Freedom 24:21

9d ago24:21

24:21

Why choosing less leads to more clarity, wellness, and connection. Act One: Less Is Liberation by Christine Platt Act Two: Work Won't Love You Back by Sarah Jaffe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Next Big Idea Club

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Victoria's new treaty with First Peoples — a turning point for Australia? 42:51

14d ago42:51

42:51

Australia now has its first treaty with this country's first peoples. After nearly a decade of formal consultation and negotiation, the Victorian Statewide Treaty has become law, and will come into effect from early December. This address outlines the long road to achieving the treaty, why it's important, and what comes next. The 25th Dr Charles Pe…

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Your Life Could Use a Little More Danger 35:34

12h ago35:34

35:34

Here’s how small, smart risks can boost your creativity and strengthen your relationships — at work and at home. Act 1️⃣: Safe Danger by Ben Swire Act 2️⃣: The Leader's Guide to Managing Risk by K. Scott Griffith 🎁 Take 20% off a Next Big Idea Club subscription when you use code DAILY at nextbigideaclub.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m…

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A Little Happier: Have You Ever Felt Like an Employee of Your Former Self? 4:11

16d ago4:11

4:11

Do You Feel Like an Employee of Your Former Self? Renowned novelist Ian McEwan makes a funny observation about book tours that’s applicable to many familiar situations. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happ…

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Pay attention — writer Emily Maguire finds promiscuous curiosity and cultural receptivity in the creative process 54:35

7d ago54:35

54:35

Humans are by nature creative, but how do we turn a spark of inspiration into something more tangible? Author Emily Maguire draws inspiration from some of the world's most creative minds — from Lin Manuel Miranda, to Susan Sontag, to explore the ingredients of a truly creative life. The 2025 Colin Roderick Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Foundation…

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More Happier: Your Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Hosting [Revisited] 26:01

18d ago26:01

26:01

Make entertaining easier. These simple hacks take the stress out of hosting and help you focus on what really matters: enjoying the people you’re with. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Col…

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The Story of Depression 27:28

4d ago27:28

27:28

A Cure for Darkness by Alex Riley The Empire of Depression by Jonathan Sadowsky 🎁 Get 20% off a Next Big Idea Club membership when you use code DAILY at nextbigideaclub.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Next Big Idea Club

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Artificial Intelligence + Human Intelligence: Outdo the Impossible 34:56

20d ago34:56

34:56

In the first episode of Season 4, hosts Austin Hankwitz and Jannese Torres sit down with Pabel Martinez who created Plurawl, an app that uses AI to help people overcome negative thoughts and remake self-care in their own words - literally. They'll talk about the power of artificial intelligence as an augment for human touch in everything from the d…

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How one organization is transforming Englewood’s vacant lots 11:34

9d ago11:34

11:34

The city of Chicago owns thousands of vacant lots, and more than 80 percent of those parcels are in communities where the population is at least 80 percent Black. That’s according to a report from the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University. Residents and organizations are investing in these lots to improve the community. Last episode, w…

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How to Break Up With Your Car 25:10

7d ago25:10

25:10

The surprising case for walking, cycling, community—and life after automobile overload. Life After Cars by Sarah Goodyear, Doug Gordon, and Aaron Naparstek Paved Paradise Henry Grabar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Next Big Idea Club

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Best Of: How Successful Groups Work 1:10:57

9d ago1:10:57

1:10:57

Daniel Coyle will soon join us on the show to talk about his forthcoming book, Flourish. Today, we're revisiting our 2022 conversation with Dan about his last book, The Culture Playbook. Here's how we described the episode back then: The filmmakers at Pixar. The servers at Union Square Cafe. The badasses on SEAL Team Six. What do these super succes…

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Can science keep dementia at bay and keep your brain sharper − for longer? 54:36

19d ago54:36

54:36

As we grow older, changes to our bodies and minds are inevitable. But what if science could help us age better? Our experts on Big Ideas uncover the latest science behind healthy brain aging. What's possible in the fight against cognitive decline and dementia? How might you live a longer, healthier, and more meaningful life? Presented by Sydney Ide…

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Want to buy the vacant lot next door? It might take awhile 6:51

14d ago6:51

6:51

Buying a city-owned lot seems like a simple process, but buying one might take longer than expected. The city puts a limited number of parcels up for sale each year.

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Where Intelligence Really Comes From 35:45

12d ago35:45

35:45

Why simple neurons—and simple algorithms—can create minds far more complex than their parts. Act One: The Emergent Mind by Gaurav Suri and Jay McClelland Act Two: Journey of the Mind by Ogi Ogas and Sai Gaddam 🎁 Take 20% off a Next Big Idea Club subscription — including gift memberships — when you use code DAILY at nextbigideaclub.com Learn more ab…

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Ep. 563: Need a One-Word Theme for Next Year? We Review and Reveal Our Words 38:35

21d ago38:35

38:35

We talk about why choosing a one-word theme for the year can be such a creative, constructive, and satisfying exercise. We review our words for 2025 and reveal our words for 2026. Plus we share an original and fun reason to have a party. Resources & links related to this episode: Amazing scene in Mad Men Work through my new Gift Idea Generator work…

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Acclaimed author Christos Tsiolkas on fence-sitting in a time of fracture 53:54

14d ago53:54

53:54

When acclaimed Australia author Christos Tsiolkas was invited to give the 2025 Ray Mathew Lecture at the National Library of Australia, he had in mind what he wanted to say, as difficult as it was. Then he got a rage-filled message from a longtime friend. How did Christos respond? Is fence-sitting an indulgence in an ethically troubled, divisive, d…