Best Think Fast Talk Smart Podcasts (2025)

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243. Rethinks: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently 28:59

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7h ago28:59

28:59

Reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals. “There’s no difference between the physiological response to something that you’re excited about and something that you’re nervous about or dreading,” says Andrew Huberman, associate professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University. In this Think Fast Talk Smart Rethink…

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Generational Divides with Nick Gillespie 53:15

4m ago53:15

53:15

How big is the divide between different age groups? In this inaugural episode of a new Open to Debate series, “Generational Divides,” Reason’s editor-at-large Nick Gillespie brings together a Baby Boomer, a Gen X-er, and a Gen Z-er to discuss Social Security benefits and how they’ll affect future generations, homeownership, and 1950s nostalgia, whe…

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242. Tech Tools: The Power of Showing, Not Telling 14:59

4d ago14:59

14:59

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Sometimes the best way to explain an idea is to show it. That’s why Loom was built — to make communication more visual, authentic, and efficient. By combining video, screen sharing, and AI-powered editing, Loom helps teams connect and collaborate asynchronously, no matter where …

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GSB at 100: "The Spirit" 24:30

5d ago24:30

24:30

This week on [If/Then or View From The Top] we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs as Stanford GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next 100 years…

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5 Modern Sales Shifts to Replace Outdated Advice (and Actually Convert) 26:51

4h ago26:51

26:51

You’re not bad at sales—you’re following outdated rules. In this episode, Genevieve contrasts two real restaurant experiences to show why energy, presence, and connection beat tactics every time, then walks through five practical moves for modern, savvy sellers. What you’ll learn: See the person, not the purchase (start with appreciation and recogn…

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241. Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work Work 24:34

6d ago24:34

24:34

How to unlock the power of groups through collective communication. They say teamwork makes the dream work. But as Colin Fisher knows, unlocking the power of groups requires a specific kind of collective communication. Fisher is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London School of Management and author of Th…

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Is Europe Too Late to Compete in the Chip War? 53:15

13m ago53:15

53:15

The U.S. and China are the two largest competitors in the race for semiconductors and in creating the most powerful AI chips. Europe could become a major stakeholder thanks to its demand for tech sovereignty and lithography near-monopoly, while others see the continent as too hampered by regulation, labor, and limited venture capital to get ahead. …

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240. Belief It or Not: How to Rewrite the Narratives That Hold You Back 28:54

13d ago28:54

28:54

How to identify and rewrite the limiting beliefs holding you back. Achieving what you want in life doesn’t just hinge on what you believe about your future. According to Muriel Wilkins, it has just as much to do with what you believe about your past and present. Wilkins is an executive coach, author, and host of the HBR podcast Coaching Real Leader…

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The Sales Recipe to Sell Anything Without Being Pushy 18:05

8d ago18:05

18:05

Not all sales struggles are mindset problems—sometimes it’s just a missing ingredient. In this episode, Genevieve unpacks her simple 3-part sales recipe that helps you sell confidently without sounding salesy. You’ll learn: The 4 core ingredients every sale needs (connection, clarity, confidence, curiosity) How order and quantity of those ingredien…

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Think Twice: The Seven Rules of Trust with Jimmy Wales 53:15

11d ago53:15

53:15

At a time when misinformation thrives, institutions crumble, and algorithms mediate truth, trust has become one of democracy’s most fragile foundations. Our team at Open to Debate has been thinking twice recently about trust — how it’s earned, how it breaks, and how it might be rebuilt between one another in a time of deep division. Jimmy Wales, th…

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239. Tech Tools: How Smarter Scheduling Leads to Stronger Communication 13:55

18d ago13:55

13:55

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Meetings are where collaboration happens — but too often, scheduling them feels like the biggest barrier to meaningful connection. That’s why Calendly was created: to simplify scheduling and make time for what truly matters — the conversation itself. In this episode of the Think…

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What's Your Problem: "Teaching Computers to See" 27:03

20d ago27:03

27:03

This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of What’s Your Problem?, a show from Pushkin Industries where entrepreneurs, engineers, and scientists talk about the future they’re trying to build—and the problems they must solve to get there. Hosted by former Planet Money co-host Jacob Goldstein, each conversation explores the challenges and breakt…

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238. AMA: Why Listening Might Be Your Most Powerful Skill 26:52

20d ago26:52

26:52

When we truly listen, every conversation changes — including the one with ourselves. Listening isn’t about waiting for your turn to speak — it’s about being present enough to truly hear. In a world full of noise, slowing down to listen can feel like a radical act. Yet it’s in those moments of stillness and attention that real understanding begins. …

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3 Steps to Fix the Blind Spots Blocking Your Growth 24:19

10d ago24:19

24:19

If you’ve ever said, “I’m doing everything right, but it’s not working,” this episode is for you. Genevieve shares a powerful story from the pickleball court (yes, really) that revealed a deep blind spot—and how it applies to your business. She explains why blind spots aren’t a weakness but a turning point, and teaches you how to finally uncover th…

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Should America End Birthright Citizenship? 53:15

20d ago53:15

53:15

Birthright citizenship guarantees citizenship to anyone born within the United States’ territory, regardless of a parent’s nationality. But should this legal principle be removed from the Constitution? Those arguing it shouldn’t say that it prevents children from being punished for their parents’ status, while encouraging long-term economic and civ…

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How to Think Like a CEO | Playing Business or Building One? 29:24

24d ago29:24

29:24

Ever feel like you’re showing up, doing the work… but your results don’t match your effort? You might just be a few pumps away from a breakthrough. In this episode of Fix This, Grow Fast, Genevieve shares a powerful metaphor — the old-school water pump — to reframe how momentum, consistency, and intention fuel lasting business growth. Whether you’r…

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237. Mistake It Till You Make It: Learn Faster and Fail Smarter 27:25

27d ago27:25

27:25

Why we learn the most when we accept that we might be wrong. Effective communication isn’t about having all the answers. As Astro Teller knows, it’s about finding (and sometimes fumbling) your way through the questions. Teller is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and inventor who serves as Captain of Moonshots at X, Alphabet's Moonshot Factory. I…

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Will the Future Be Abundant? 53:15

20d ago53:15

53:15

Today, humanity is thriving, but there are fears the good times will not last. Will tomorrow be better than today? Those arguing “yes” say people have better access to resources and technological advances are making us more prosperous. Those arguing “no” say there are widening socio-economic disparities, our globalized world is bound to collapse, a…

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236. Tech Tools: Zeroing in on Your Email Communication 13:57

1M ago13:57

13:57

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Staying on top of communication starts with staying in control of your inbox. That’s why Rahul Vohra, founder and CEO of Superhuman, believes that how we manage email directly shapes how we manage our time, focus, and relationships. For years, Superhuman has helped professionals…

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How to Sell Naturally - Lessons From a Brazilian Steakhouse Waiter 26:53

22d ago26:53

26:53

Some of the best sales lessons don’t come from books or scripts—they come from lived experience. This week, Genevieve shares the unforgettable story of a waiter at a Brazilian steakhouse who changed the way she thinks about selling forever. In this episode of Fix This, Grow Fast, you’ll learn how to spot buying signals, serve without chasing, and m…

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235. Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk 21:01

1M ago21:01

21:01

The road to mastery is paved with small improvements every day. Communicating can feel daunting at times. What does it take to find your voice in the moments that matter most? As Chiney Ogwumike says, “There is freedom on the other side of your fear.” As a professional basketball player, NBA and WNBA analyst for ESPN, and advocate for gender equali…

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Is War Inevitable? 53:15

27d ago53:15

53:15

From ancient battles to modern proxy wars, conflicts have been a constant in human history. But does that mean we are destined to continue treating it as an option? Those saying war is inevitable argue that our global system is anarchic and no overarching authority exists to stop war, so states prioritize survival and power. But others argue that c…

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234. Need to Know: Lead With Transparency, Character, and Silence 25:14

1M ago25:14

25:14

When it comes to leading a team, there’s no such thing as too much information. Good leadership is about good communication. And for General Stanley McChrystal, that means creating a culture of free-flowing information: “The goal is to have everyone know everything all the time,” he says. McChrystal is a retired four-star general, former commander …

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Wartime Kill Switch: Human or AI? 53:36

1M ago53:36

53:36

As modern warfare becomes increasingly automated and AI-reliant, questions arise about the use of a “kill switch” overriding autonomous weapons in conflict zones. Should the ultimate decision be in humans’ or AI’s hands? Those arguing for human oversight say moral reasoning, empathy, and legal accountability are essential, especially in wartime. Su…

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233. Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and Impact 11:54

1M ago11:54

11:54

By Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

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232. Pause, Don’t Panic: Finding Calm in High-Stakes Moments 27:01

2M ago27:01

27:01

To connect with others, you have to get out of your own head. Whether presenting to millions on live television or talking to just one person, Dan Harris knows that the quality of every interaction depends on the presence you bring to it. Harris is a former national news anchor for ABC News and is now the host of the 10% Happier podcast and author …

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Debating the Legacy of the COVID-19 Pandemic 53:15

1M ago53:15

53:15

It’s been five years since the pandemic began, but was our public health system or society to blame for our country’s failures to stop the spread? Some argue that public health leaders were unprepared, mismanaged the crisis, and provided inconsistent guidance. Others argue the failures were societal, citing widespread mistrust, misinformation, and …

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GSB at 100: The Magic 20:44

2M ago20:44

20:44

This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs, as the GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next hundred years may hold. The first e…

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The 4 Sales Personality Types (And How to Grow Into the Most Effective One) 22:28

2M ago22:28

22:28

Ever feel like sales just isn’t your thing—or worse, like it should be, but somehow never quite clicks? You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. In this episode of Fix This, Grow Fast, Genevieve gets deeply personal about her rocky start in sales and how she went from “reluctant resistor” to magnetic, world-class seller. You’ll learn: The 4 Sales P…

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231. Secret Signals: Why We Rarely Say Exactly What We Mean 25:20

2M ago25:20

25:20

Why what isn’t said can communicate more than what is spoken. We often speak in hints and half-truths, not because we can’t be direct, but because subtlety protects our relationships. “An awful lot of the time, we don’t just blurt out what we mean,” says Steven Pinker. “We hint, we wink, we beat around the bush — counting on our listener to read be…

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230. Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your Advantage 11:28

2M ago11:28

11:28

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Clear communication isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about making ideas stick. That’s why Yuhki Yamashita, Chief Product Officer at Figma, believes the key to effective collaboration lies in turning complex concepts into simple, memorable visuals. For years, Figma has…

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How to Follow Up Without Feeling Pushy (Even After Being Ghosted) 33:10

2M ago33:10

33:10

Ever freeze up when it’s time to follow up — especially when someone hasn’t responded? You’re not alone. In this episode of Fix This, Grow Fast, Genevieve shares her CARE framework for follow-up conversations that feel respectful, confident, and kind — not desperate. You’ll learn: Why “ghosting” usually means confusion, not rejection A simple follo…

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229. Rethinks: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot 25:17

2M ago25:17

25:17

To celebrate its second anniversary, we revisit our favourite tools and tips from Matt’s book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter. Original executive producer Jenny Luna turns the tables and interviews host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams about his bestselling book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put o…

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Is Masculinity A Prison? 53:50

2M ago53:50

53:50

Men are falling behind in our society, and some point to traditional ideas of masculinity as the cause. What does it mean to “be a man” today, and how do labels like toxic masculinity impact that question? For some men, masculinity is a continually evolving identity that goes beyond narrow definitions placed upon it. For others, it's a rigid set of…

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TikTok in the Classroom: Enhancing or Eroding the Teaching Profession? 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

It’s Back to School season, and TikTok has been taking a larger role in helping students learn — but should it? Some teachers argue that using TikTok can help make whatever subjects they study more digestible and adaptable to different types of learners. Others call the app distracting and capable of undermining classroom authority and prioritizing…

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228. Negotiate Your Way to Success: Empathy, Mirroring, and Labeling 20:42

2M ago20:42

20:42

Be ready, stay grounded, and communicate clearly — no matter what’s at stake. Communicating under pressure isn’t just a useful skill — it can be the difference between escalation and resolution. For Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and CEO of The Black Swan Group, it’s a daily discipline built on empathy, self-regulation, and intentional l…

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How to Create Clarity in Sales Conversations (Without Making it Feel Like an Interrogation) - Part 4 35:51

2M ago35:51

35:51

Ever felt confident starting the conversation — but totally stuck on what to say next? You’re not alone. In this episode of Fix This, Grow Fast, Genevieve breaks down the second step in her OCAIN™ framework: Clarity — and why it’s the secret to dissolving pressure, building connection, and closing more sales without sounding like a robot. You’ll le…

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Should the U.S. Be Ruled by a CEO Dictator? 1:18:43

2M ago1:18:43

1:18:43

In some policy circles, the idea of the U.S. electing a CEO-style dictator running the country like a company is gaining momentum. But should the idea be embraced? Those proposing the Dictator CEO, like Curtis Yarvin, argue it would challenge existing institutions and deliver cutthroat efficiency. But democracy advocates, like E. Glen Weyl, argue t…

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227. Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation 18:19

2M ago18:19

18:19

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Great communication isn’t just about what you say — it’s about what your audience remembers. That’s why Jim Szafranski, CEO of Prezi, believes that visuals and storytelling are key to making ideas stick. For more than 15 years, Prezi has been reimagining the way we share informa…

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How to Open a Sales Conversation Without Sounding Pushy or Weird - Part 3 34:45

2M ago34:45

34:45

Ever freeze up when it’s time to promote your offer, even when you’re excited? You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. You just need a better opener. In this episode of Fix This, Grow Fast, Genevieve breaks down the #1 reason most sales messages get ignored (hint: it’s your first line) — and shares the 4 simple elements that make your outreach sou…

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226. Reinvent Yourself: Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity 24:07

3M ago24:07

24:07

Reinventing your life or career starts with reflection and conversation. Making the leap — to a new career, to the next stage of a relationship, or to a different version of yourself — requires honest communication. For Ilana Golan, being “leap-ready” requires that we answer three questions: Why me? Why this? And why now? Golan knows all about thes…

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Don't Eat Anything With a Face 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

More Americans are moving away from eating meat toward a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. But is continuing to eat animals a personal choice—or an ethical failure? Those favoring a plant-based lifestyle argue that eating animals is morally indefensible when plant-based alternatives can provide the same nutrition without pain. But meat lovers argue th…

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View From The Top: “Lisa Su Is Still Curious About How Things Work” 56:14

3M ago56:14

56:14

This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of View From The Top: The Podcast, an audio series featuring leaders from around the world in conversation with MBA students. Recorded live at the CEMEX Auditorium at Stanford Graduate School of Business, episodes feature insights on effective leadership, the values that guide it, and lessons learned a…

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225. Speaking Fluent Internet: How Algorithms Are Changing the Way We Speak 28:07

3M ago28:07

28:07

In the digital age, it’s critical to craft communication that fits the context. Like it or not, algorithms now decide whose messages get heard. “If you want to communicate effectively,” says Adam Aleksic, “you need to be exactly aware of what that medium is doing.” Aleksic is a linguist, author, and educational content creator with millions of foll…

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Fast Fashion: Shop or Stop? 51:59

2M ago51:59

51:59

Fast fashion has taken over the fashion industry, but is less expensive, trendy clothing really worth the purchase? Those who say to “stop” argue fast fashion harms the environment in many ways and exploits workers in countries with lax regulations. Those who say “keep shopping” argue it’s up to shoppers to choose, as fast fashion offers affordable…

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Use the Script, Just Don’t Be the Script: How to Sell Authentically Without Sounding Weird - Part 2 34:43

3M ago34:43

34:43

If you’ve ever followed a sales script that sounded great on paper but felt awkward coming out of your mouth… this episode is your permission slip to sell like you. In this week’s episode of Fix This, Grow Fast, Genevieve Skory breaks down: The real purpose of a script (hint: it’s not to control the conversation) How to make any script sound natura…

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Stop Discounting! How to Sell at Full Price Without Losing Clients 25:56

3M ago25:56

25:56

Are you stuck in the Markdown Mindset? If your first instinct is to slash your price just to close the deal, you’re not alone—but you are leaving money (and confidence) on the table. In this episode of Fix This, Grow Fast, Genevieve Skory shares the truth about why discounting is killing your profits, attracting the wrong customers, and making you …

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224. Make Your Messages Epic: The Evolution of Words and the Stories They Carry 23:49

3M ago23:49

23:49

Why modern communication still relies on ancient words and narratives. All communication and connection depend on one thing: language. That’s why Laura Spinney says understanding language — where it comes from and how it evolves over time — can help us use it more effectively. “Language is incredibly powerful,” says Spinney, an author and journalis…

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Your Personality Is Your Sales Advantage: The SASS Method Explained - Part 1 31:09

3M ago31:09

31:09

If you’ve ever followed sales advice that felt fake, forced, or just not you, this episode will feel like a warm exhale. Genevieve shares why your Authentic Sales DNA™ is the secret to sustainable, aligned success in business. Tune in as we explore: Why your personality is your biggest sales edge The psychology of trust (and how to build it natural…

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223. Laughing Matters: Levity, Leadership, and Lasting Connection 23:43

3M ago23:43

23:43

By lightening up your communication, you can build serious connections. Humor in communication isn’t all fun and games. According to Alison Wood Brooks and Naomi Bagdonas, levity is one of the most serious tools we have in building successful connections. Wood Brooks and Bagdonas, both teachers, authors, and experts in the field of communication, r…