Best Next Big Idea Club Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

2h 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

6m 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

1d 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

44m 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

4d 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

6d 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

20h 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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Best Of: How Successful Groups Work 1:10:48

21h ago1:10:48

1:10:48

Next week, Daniel Coyle will 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 …

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How to Break Up With Your Car 25:10

1d 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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Can science keep dementia at bay and keep your brain sharper − for longer? 54:36

3d 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

5d 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

2d 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

7d 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

2d 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…

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AI and the Future of the University 44:01

3d ago44:01

44:01

A few weeks ago, Rufus moderated a panel discussion at Vanderbilt’s New York City campus on artificial intelligence and the future of American higher education. Today, we’re bringing you that conversation. It features Nabiha Syed, executive director of Mozilla Foundation; Nicholas Dirks, president and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences; Julie …

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Want to Lead Better? Stop Being So Authentic. 26:33

3d ago26:33

26:33

We’ve all been told to bring our authentic selves to work, to be vulnerable, to share our truth. But what if all that authenticity is actually holding you back? What if the pressure to be yourself is keeping you from becoming the person you want to be? Act One: Don't Be Yourself by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic Act Two: Authentic by Jodi-Ann Burey 📱 Foll…

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The stories we tell about cricket — with Paul Giles and Gideon Haigh 1:09:58

7d ago1:09:58

1:09:58

From The Don to Warny, the Gabba to the G, from its legacy of British colonialism, to the Asian powerhouse nations of today — cricket is not just a sport, but also a reflection of the societies who play it. Drawing on a wealth of writing about the sport, including novels, biographies, and media reporting, this lecture explores the cultural and hist…

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Leading the Future of AI-Enhanced, On-Demand Work 27:46

4d ago27:46

27:46

Now, if you run any kind of business, you know that finding the right talent can be one of your hardest problems. You can spend months recruiting, weeks interviewing, and then hope your new hire works out. But what if that whole model is becoming obsolete? What if, instead of hoarding talent, you could access exactly the expertise you need, exactly…

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A Little Happier: Do You Suffer from “Paris Syndrome?” 5:00

9d ago5:00

5:00

The gap between expectations and reality determines whether we feel happy or disappointed. From empty-nest parents hoping for daily texts to tourists experiencing "Paris syndrome," our expectations shape our emotions. Sometimes adjusting expectations—rather than changing reality—is the key to happiness. Resources & links related to this episode: Ge…

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Judge Navi Pillay on the fight for human rights, justice and accountability 54:36

8d ago54:36

54:36

Born in apartheid South Africa, she became the country's first female high court judge. She sat on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and helped to establish sexual violence and rape as war crimes in international law. At a time of global conflict and instability, the work and achievements of Navi Pillay are a reminder of what can be a…

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Bonus: Hacks to Make the Holidays Happier [Revisited] 29:52

10d ago29:52

29:52

We revisit our long list of hacks to make the holidays a happier time. 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 Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode…

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More Happier: Do You Specifically Recollect Yourself at Different Ages? 25:06

11d ago25:06

25:06

We discuss a know-yourself-better question related to how we conceive of ourselves at different ages. Plus we talk about a way to find excellent book recommendations. Resources & links related to this episode: Join the The Happiness Project: Revisited course Since You Asked advice podcast Shop the biggest journal sale of the year! Substack Live wit…

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Better Living Through Mindfulness 26:42

7d ago26:42

26:42

Today, we're exploring two powerful books about transforming how we care for ourselves and show up for others. First, Sharon Salzberg, the renowned meditation teacher and New York Times bestselling author, joins us with key insights from her 2023 book Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom, a guide to recovering spaciousness …

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Mind the Business: Small Business Success Stories is back for Season 4 2:16

13d ago2:16

2:16

Hey entrepreneurs! Your favorite hosts Jannese Torres (Yo Quiero Dinero & Financially Lit!) and Austin Hankwitz (Rate of Return & Rich Habits) are back for Season 4 of “Mind the Business: Small Business Success Stories", brought to you by iHeartMedia’s Ruby Studio in partnership with Intuit QuickBooks. This time around, we're diving deep with more …

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Best Of: David Brooks on the Art of Seeing Others Deeply 1:05:39

8d ago1:05:39

1:05:39

New York Times columnist and acclaimed author David Brooks has been trying to learn the skills that go into seeing others, understanding others, making other people feel respected, valued, and safe. Such social skills may sound trifling, but mastering them, David believes, could help us all make better decisions, enhance our creativity, and maybe e…

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Your Thanksgiving Table Is Missing Something 28:51

12d ago28:51

28:51

Why reviving ancient ingredients may be the key to healthier people and a healthier planet. Act One: The Lost Supper by Taras Grescoe Act Two: Dinner in Rome by Andreas Viestad 📱 Follow The Next Big Idea Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen 📩 Want more bite-sized insights from the best new nonfiction delivered straight to your i…

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Musician Holly Rankin on why young Australians feel that politics isn't delivering for them 53:51

8d ago53:51

53:51

Young Australians are losing faith that our politics, our civic institutions and the mainstream media are working for them. Why is this? And how can our democracy adapt to win back the trust and engagement of new generations? The 2025 Speaker's Lecture was recorded at Parliament House on 27 October 2025. Speakers Holly Rankin - Musician and recordi…

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How Running Can Unlock the Life You Didn’t Know You Had 31:36

9d ago31:36

31:36

First up, the Atlantic's CEO Nicholas Thompson on hidden potential, aging well, and pushing past the limits we imagine. Then we hear from Washington Post sportswriter Sally Jenkins, whose 2023 book The Right Call examines what the greatest coaches and athletes can teach us about work, leadership, and life. 📱 Follow The Next Big Idea Daily on Apple …

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Ep. 562: Do You Hesitate to Raise Your Hand to Make Something Happen? Plus a Medication Hack 29:22

14d ago29:22

29:22

We talk about why it’s such a happiness-booster to raise your hand to organize an event or undertaking—to realize that if you don’t do it, no one will. We also share a hack for making it easier to take medication, and why it’s a good idea to “suffer fools gladly.” Resources & links related to this episode: Shop the Black Friday Sale in the Happines…

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What are universities for today? The usefulness of "useless" knowledge 54:36

9d ago54:36

54:36

Are our universities facing an existential crisis by trying to be too many things? Places for learning, research, the production of new knowledge, the production of job-ready graduates, and profit-making enterprises? Does everything they do have to produce a tangible, measurable, practical, or profitable outcome? Should they also foster intellectua…

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Why Talent Isn’t Enough: The Surprising Habits of Thriving Teams 32:04

15d ago32:04

32:04

Act One: Team Intelligence by Jon Levy Act Two: Come Up For Air by Nick Sonnenberg 📱 Follow The Next Big Idea Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen 📩 Want more bite-sized insights from the best new nonfiction delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our Book of the Day newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap…

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STRONG GROUND: Brené Brown on the Daring Leadership the World Needs Now 55:12

14d ago55:12

55:12

In this conversation, recorded live on Zoom with members of the Next Big Idea Club community, Brené and Rufus talk about what drives her, how Texas has shaped her, the leadership skills that matter most, and work-life balance. Plus, our curator Adam Grant makes a surprise cameo. Brené’s new book is Strong Ground. 🎁 Join the Next Big Idea Club today…

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Jane Caro — why Australia is failing our school system 59:27

10d ago59:27

59:27

We often hear about "failing schools", but what if it is us, the Australian community, who are failing them? Public school advocate Jane Caro argues that Australia's pursuit of school choice, and the tax payer funding that enables it, has come at a huge cost to the school system, to children's education, and to our broader society. The 2025 Dymphna…

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The Neuroscience of Loneliness: Why Your Brain Needs Real Connection 26:19

11d ago26:19

26:19

Isolation stresses the body, shrinks empathy, and shortens life — and friends are biological medicine. Act One: Why Brains Need Friends by Ben Rein Act Two: How To Break Up With Your Friends by Erin Falconer 📱 Follow The Next Big Idea Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen 📩 Want more bite-sized insights from the best new nonficti…

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A Little Happier: A True Story of Redeeming a Loss Through Sacrifice 3:01

16d ago3:01

3:01

The awe-inspiring true story of “Mountain Man” Dashrath Manjhi is an example of how we can transform pain into action that can help others. After his wife died for lack of medical care, Dashrath Manjhi spent more than twenty years single-handedly carving out a path to make his remote village more accessible. Get in touch: [email protected] …

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Coming Out and Inviting In — with Zoe Terakes, Nina Oyama, Mon Schafter, Atari Metcalf, Ji Wallace 54:35

11d ago54:35

54:35

Join ABC's Mon Schafter and four incredible speakers as they share honest, powerful stories about revealing their identities on their own terms. From fear to freedom, isolation to community - this is a conversation about truth, courage, and connection. Held in recognition of 40 years of ACON, it celebrates every journey of coming out and shines a l…

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Bonus Episode: Who Am I Without Kids at Home? (Gretchen Rubin on “Laugh Lines”) 44:18

17d ago44:18

44:18

I joined Kim and Penn Holderness on their podcast "Laugh Lines" for a funny, thoughtful talk about parenting after the kids move out—a great listen as families come back together for the holidays. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project C…

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More Happier: Do Holidays Leave You Exhausted, Not Restored? Priya Parker, Francis Lam & Kate Bowler on Celebration 36:38

18d ago36:38

36:38

It’s easy to get swept up in a cycle of holidays that feels more like a relentless to-do list than a source of joy. In this Celebration Roundtable, we talk about how to embrace the holidays as opportunities for intentional connection and meaning. Resources & links related to this episode: Francis Lam Priya Parker Kate Bowler The Happiness Project b…

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How to Grow Old 25:54

14d ago25:54

25:54

First up, Sandeep Jauhar shares insights from his 2023 book, My Father's Brain, exploring his father's descent into Alzheimer's and revealing what neuroscience tells us about why our brains degenerate with age. Then, in the second half of the show, we'll hear a lighter take on aging from Steven Petrow, author of Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get …

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Does your iguana need x-rays? A local exotic animal hospital can help 12:40

15d ago12:40

12:40

Stop us if you’ve heard this one: A hedgehog, a river otter and an iguana walk into a local exotic animal hospital …Whether intentional or otherwise, exotic pets like sharks, macaws and pythons have made Illinois their home. But finding medical care for these animals isn’t as simple as visiting the neighborhood vet.Last episode, we explored some of…

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The Art of Spending Money (Without Losing Your Mind) 31:49

15d ago31:49

31:49

Morgan Housel explains why real wealth isn’t about what you buy but about what you appreciate. Then BU's Lawrence Kotlikoff offers practical financial tips. 📱 Follow The Next Big Idea Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen 📩 Want more bite-sized insights from the best new nonfiction delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for ou…

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Brené Brown on courageous leadership (from ReThinking with Adam Grant) 46:29

18d ago46:29

46:29

Brené Brown is a researcher, storyteller, and author who hosts the podcast Dare to Lead and has given some of the most popular TED Talks of all time. In this episode, recorded live at an Authors@Wharton event, Brené and our curator Adam Grant talk about her new book, Strong Ground. They discuss how to identify your core values, what courageous lead…

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Searching for convivencia — philosopher AC Grayling makes peace in the culture wars 54:36

15d ago54:36

54:36

If you're a feminist, or pro-civil or gay rights, does that make you "woke"? And if you're not, does that mean you should be cancelled, or abused online, or lose your job? So many of our public debates nowadays are divided along these lines, but is there a better way? This event was recorded at the 2025 Melbourne Writers Festival. To explore more M…

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A monkey on the loose: Odd animal sightings in Chicago 6:29

16d ago6:29

6:29

Animal control is used to dealing with stray cats and dogs. But what happens when there’s a peacock strutting down the alley? Curious City explores strange animal sightings in Chicago.

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Strong Floor, No Ceiling: A New American Dream 30:37

16d ago30:37

30:37

As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, Oliver B. Libby lays out a centrist blueprint to restore opportunity and rebuild trust. His new book is Strong Floor, No Ceiling. Then, in act two, we hear from Alissa Quart, author of the 2013 book Bootstrapped: Liberating Ourselves from the American Dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph…

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Ep. 561: Need Some Fresh Ideas for Gift-Giving? Here Are Many Great Suggestions 32:25

21d ago32:25

32:25

It can be a real challenge to find new, useful ideas for gifts. We suggest many of our own recommendations, plus we include dozens of ideas from listeners. Resources & links related to this episode: Request bookplates now to get them in time for the holidays! Sign up for The Happiness Project Revisited and get 40% off enrollment Florist Wire Electr…

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The Sophia Club live philosophy — what are friends for? 1:10:05

16d ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Friends are different from family. We choose them and they choose us. Philosophers long wondered about what makes friendship such a distinctive relationship in our lives. Is being a good friend a kind of moral virtue? Can friends help us find our true selves? What about the dark and difficult side of friendship — toxic friends and frenemies? How is…

101
Walter Isaacson on The Greatest Sentence Ever Written 1:11:54

17d ago1:11:54

1:11:54

What is the greatest sentence ever written? According to Walter Isaacson — former editor of Time, ex-CEO of CNN, and the acclaimed biographer of Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, and Jennifer Doudna — it’s this: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unal…