Steven Pinker and Alan explore the words we use that bind us together, even when asking someone to pass the guacamole. A conversation that explores the surprising ways we have of connecting through language – and why, despite our current crises, some things in the world really have become better.
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Feb 10
Rebecca Goldstein: Why it matters to matter
A philosopher and novelist, she has spent 40 years pondering why we all have a longing to matter. She’s talked with dozens of people about their own need to matter, and tells their stories in her new book, The Mattering Instinct. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm. ... Show More
38m 46s
Feb 2025
The Conversations that Bring Us Closer
<p>Last week on the show, we looked at the science of conversation, and how even ordinary chats can involve a delicate dance of coordination. This week, we explore the discussions we all dread: the tough ones. Telling someone they treated us poorly. Demanding a raise. Taking away ... Show More
49m 17s
Aug 2025
How common knowledge shapes the world | Steven Pinker
Common knowledge is the secret engine of social life, letting us coordinate everything from meet-ups to markets to international diplomacy. In this fascinating talk, experimental cognitive scientist Steven Pinker explores its momentous impact, threading together stories of why au ... Show More
15m 20s
Aug 2025
How common knowledge shapes the world | Steven Pinker
Common knowledge is the secret engine of social life, letting us coordinate everything from meet-ups to markets to international diplomacy. In this fascinating talk, experimental cognitive scientist Steven Pinker explores its momentous impact, threading together stories of why au ... Show More
15m 20s
Sep 2025
Steven Pinker Returns (on common knowledge)
<p>Steven Pinker (When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life) is a cognitive psychologist, psycholinguist, and author. Steven returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss how in general things have gotten better, th ... Show More
1h 57m
Nov 2024
Ep. 208 | Funny Business: The Science and Satire of Humor with Ian Brownhill
Science still hasn’t cracked the code on what humor truly is. While we can’t pinpoint exactly what makes something funny or why we laugh at the strangest moments, we do know that humor plays a powerful role in shaping our relationships, communication, and even how attractive we f ... Show More
36m 1s
Sep 2025
Beyond the Talk: Salome Agbaroji and Samora Pinderhughes on the intersection of art and AI
In a conversation about the intersection of art and AI, spoken word poet Salome Agbaroji and musician Samora Pinderhughes sit down with Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, to talk about their practices, the importance of community art programs and the impact of technology on human ... Show More
39m 33s