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Can I Ask You a Question?

Can I Ask You a Question?

By Adam Kruger

This is a podcast where anyone can join me to discuss a topic we're both interested in.

I’d love it if you’d join me for an episode! It’s not a debate, and you don’t have to be an expert on the topic; just pick a topic from the list below that you’re most interested in. As a thank you, I’ll also be donating $20 to a charity of your choice docs.google.com/document/d/17CYUSEs11pBawp87oXEmw44ClavymrrD0Q1nqpjzqDc/edit?usp=sharing
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What is the right amount of open-mindedness? - Ryan McDonald

Can I Ask You a Question?Feb 23, 2020

00:00
50:27
#67 - Natasha Kelbas: Veganism, Local Government, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine
May 14, 202355:17
Should we have data concerns when using Chinese tech products like TikTok? - Sherman Tylawsky
Jun 13, 202159:46
How can I get better at networking? - Ted Zhao

How can I get better at networking? - Ted Zhao

Ted Zhao and I chat about what it takes to have productive coffee chats and networking conversations. Ted is a friend and colleague of mine at TELUS, and it was a pleasure to chat with him about this topic.

Some of the other questions we discussed included:

  • Am I putting a friend in an awkward position if I ask them to connect me with someone they know or refer them for a job at their company?
  • Do you think it ever makes sense to apply blindly to a role, or should you always try to network by reaching out to either the hiring manager or someone at the company?
  • What questions should I ask the hiring manager when I reach out to them for a coffee chat? How much should I talk about myself and my own experience during the chat?
  • How can I return the favour when someone agrees to have a coffee chat with me?
  • What’s the number one obstacle why people don’t network and reach out to help?
  • Are you a bad person if you don’t respond to networking requests?
  • How honest should you be when people ask how you like your job?
  • How well do you have to know someone to send them a connection request on LinkedIn? How well do you have to know them to ask them to connect you with someone?

This conversation was recorded on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021.

Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here.

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Mar 05, 202140:39
What might the future of Give (and philanthropy more broadly) look like? - Jeff Shin
Feb 05, 202159:47
Can hypnosis be used as a form of mental health therapy? - Doug Sands
Feb 05, 202144:28
Was it right to ban Trump from social media? - Ryan McDonald

Was it right to ban Trump from social media? - Ryan McDonald

Ryan McDonald and I chat about whether we think it was right for social media platforms to ban Trump following the storming of the U.S. Capitol. This conversation was recorded on January 10th, 2021.

Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here.

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Jan 13, 202101:15:46
Is it easier to change our expectations or reality? - Kaytie Ohashi
Dec 31, 202045:48
Sports & technology with Jesse & Matt

Sports & technology with Jesse & Matt

Jesse, Matt, and I chat about the intersection of sports and technology. You can tune into Matt & Jesse's podcast, HAYN, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hayn/id1503177137.

Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here.

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Oct 19, 202040:58
If you could only listen to either Podcasts or audiobooks, which would you choose & why? - Sam Brake Guia
Sep 27, 202058:58
How can we ensure CRISPR & other gene editing tech produce good outcomes? - Abdullah Iqbal
Sep 21, 202058:42
Are people more or less likely to use things (ex. gym memberships) when they get it for free? - Abhishek Lahoti

Are people more or less likely to use things (ex. gym memberships) when they get it for free? - Abhishek Lahoti

Abhishek Lahoti and I discuss how getting something for free can affect how we use it. Abhishek works as a podcast host in his spare time alongside a full-time job in the tech world. Visit his Linkedin page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alahoti/) to learn more about him.

Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here.

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Sep 14, 202057:26
What decisions will future computers make for us? - Santiago Ramones

What decisions will future computers make for us? - Santiago Ramones

Santiago Ramones and I discuss a wide range of topics, from our shared  interest in podcasts to the future of technology & society. This was  my first time meeting Santiago and it was a pleasure. He is a music  producer and podcaster - you can learn more about his debut album 'Bloom' and his podcast 'Bit Depth' at  santiagoramones.com.

Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here.

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Aug 30, 202001:14:06
When should I quit my podcast? - Jesse Uretsky

When should I quit my podcast? - Jesse Uretsky

In this episode, Jesse Uretsky and I discuss how I should decide when to move on from my podcast. Jesse also hosts his own podcast called HAYN.

Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here.

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Aug 25, 202041:02
What are your thoughts on the show Upload & the concept of a virtual afterlife? - George Vogman

What are your thoughts on the show Upload & the concept of a virtual afterlife? - George Vogman

In this episode, George Vogman and I discuss the TV show Upload; our thoughts on the show (spoilers), and whether the concept of a virtual afterlife could/should eventually exist in the real world.

Video version of podcast available on YouTube here.

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Aug 17, 202035:22
Should Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram have dislike buttons like YouTube? - Jesse Uretsky

Should Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram have dislike buttons like YouTube? - Jesse Uretsky

In this episode, Jesse Uretsky and I discuss whether Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram should have a dislike button similar to YouTube.

Video version of podcast available on YouTube here.

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Aug 10, 202048:18
How easy should it be to buy a gun? - Aidan Little

How easy should it be to buy a gun? - Aidan Little

In this episode, Aidan Little and I discuss how easy it should be for someone to buy a gun.

Video version of podcast available on YouTube here.

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Aug 02, 202001:11:42
Should we welcome brain-machine interface technologies like Neuralink? - Yuli Jadov

Should we welcome brain-machine interface technologies like Neuralink? - Yuli Jadov

In this episode, Yuli Jadov and I discuss whether we should welcome brain-machine interface technologies like Neuralink.

Video version of podcast available on YouTube here.

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Jul 27, 202001:01:02
Would we lose our sense of purpose in a future without the need for work? - Neil Thakore

Would we lose our sense of purpose in a future without the need for work? - Neil Thakore

In this episode, Neil Thakore and I discuss whether we'd be likely to lose our sense of purpose in a future without the need for work.

Video version of podcast available on YouTube here.

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Jul 19, 202048:33
Should I start a for-profit or non-profit? - Naryan Wong
Jul 12, 202001:01:33
How should I approach goal setting? - Eddie Garfin

How should I approach goal setting? - Eddie Garfin

In this episode, Eddie Garfin and I discuss the best ways to approach goal setting (i.e. how many goals to focus on at one time, what percentage of goals we should aim to complete, etc.).

Video version of podcast available on YouTube here.

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Jul 06, 202057:40
Should we have a rating system for people, like we do for movies & restaurants? - Jesse & Josh

Should we have a rating system for people, like we do for movies & restaurants? - Jesse & Josh

In this episode, Jesse, Josh and I discuss whether it'd be a good thing if we had a social rating system for people, like we do for movies and restaurants. Jesse & Josh have their own podcast called HAYN, where they also posted this conversation.

Video version of podcast available on YouTube here.

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Jun 28, 202051:30
Is 'cancel culture' a problem? - Daniel Karten

Is 'cancel culture' a problem? - Daniel Karten

Daniel Karten and I discuss whether today's 'cancel culture' is a problem.

Video version of podcast available on YouTube here.

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Jun 21, 202053:36
Why did I start my podcast? - Jesse & Josh ask me

Why did I start my podcast? - Jesse & Josh ask me

My friend Jesse and his co-host/ Josh had me on their podcast to have a meta chat about podcasts. We talked about what motivated us to start our own podcasts, what's been the best part of the experience so far, what’s surprised us, and more.

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Jun 15, 202040:16
What can I do to help end racism? - Ryan McDonald

What can I do to help end racism? - Ryan McDonald

Ryan McDonald and I discuss what we can do to help bring an end to racism. 

Video version of podcast available on YouTube here.

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Jun 07, 202001:15:10
How should I decide if remote work is right for me? - Shayne Gelbard
May 31, 202001:06:18
How should we balance false positives & negatives in the justice system? - Aidan Little
May 24, 202001:32:10
How often should I upgrade my laptop? - Natty Maor

How often should I upgrade my laptop? - Natty Maor

In this episode, Natty Maor and I discuss how often I should upgrade my laptop.

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May 17, 202001:00:56
Is it worthwhile to hire a career coach? - Daniel Holley

Is it worthwhile to hire a career coach? - Daniel Holley

In this episode, Daniel Holley and I discuss whether it is worthwhile to hire a career coach. Daniel is a performance coach and has his own podcast. You can learn more about him here.

Follow-up questions we discussed included:

8:45: How does someone decide that they deserve a coach and that they should invest in one if it's a luxury?

14:15: How should I person decide between a coach, a mentor, a therapist, or a combination of those?

19:00: Would you recommend people just try out a coach to see if they think it's worthwhile for them?

22:45: What are your thoughts on 'the grass is always greener mentality'? How often in your own experience coaching do you find that you're helping people realize that they can actually be happier with what they have already?

28:00: Do you find that what a person wants sometimes changes from when you first talk to them, and then they reflect, and they realize that it's actually something else that they really want?

33:40: What is something extravagant that you would buy if you got a $20,000 unexpected bonus at work? (asked me)

34:30: Where would you go on vacation, and why there? (asked me)

35:15: What does nature do for you? (asked me)

35:35: Why did you say specifically Africa for your vacation? (asked me)

36:15: What's your ideal spot you'd like to go to? (asked me)

36:25: So the reason you picked this place is being you want to be more present? (asked me)

40:10: Have you found that the feeling of being respected is often at the root of what people want?

42:05: Let's say someone wants to spend money on personal development, and that could come in the form of buying books, signing up for different courses or you could get a life coach or personal coach; what are your thoughts on deciding between those options? How do you think about tradeoffs between those? Would you suggest someone tries them all and sees what they find most valuable?

48:20: For people who can afford a coach but haven't gotten one yet, how much of it do you think is maybe a view from them that it's not going to be worthwhile to them vs. how much of it might be a view from them that they're afraid of people looking like they don't have things figured out for themselves and that they need help from someone else?

51:50: Any books or resources or videos you often recommend to people around self-improvement or self-development?

57:10: In closing, anything you were hoping to talk about that we didn't get around to?

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May 11, 202058:21
What will the future of Misü (and mental health tech more broadly) look like? - Dan Seider

What will the future of Misü (and mental health tech more broadly) look like? - Dan Seider

In this episode, Dan Seider shares his thoughts on how technology and mental health may intersect in the future. Dan also shares his vision for Misu, an automated mood tracker he’s built.

Follow-up questions we discussed included:

5:15: Do you want people to use Misu to reflect on their mood and decide which they want to use less often? How have you used Misu so far?

7:10: What would you say to someone who’s trying to weigh the privacy concerns of using an automated mood tracker against the benefits of becoming more aware of how apps are influencing us?

10:00: What’s the difference between Facebook and Misu? What led Facebook down its current path and how will you ensure that Misu continues to be good for its users?

12:40: You’ve talked about your vision for Misu being to track fitness and sleep against mood as well. Is your goal to partner with companies/products like Fitbit and Apple Health to do this?

14:45: Do you see pushback from social media platforms against Misu?

18:30: What’s your preference for the future business model of Misu - government funding, freemium consumer model, or both?

19:40: Do you think ad models are inherently an issue (i.e. incentives aren’t aligned with customers), or can subscription models be just as harmful?

23:05: How much of what you’re trying to solve with Misu is (a) eliminate the difficult habit of remembering manually tracking your mood, (b) getting a more accurate picture of what’s actually driving your mood, or (c) hold apps accountable for their impact on our well-being?

26:20: What are some of the biggest challenges you’re currently facing with Misu?

29:10: Are you not able to get camera permissions on phones (in the same way you can on laptops)?

30:25: Do you know why Apple allows background camera usage on Mac yet not on iPhone?

31:45: How long do you think the tech has existed for a product like Misu to come to market?

34:00: Have you seen any apps around word tracking, to help you realize which trains of thought are helpful/unhelpful?

46:00: Do you lean towards the freemium model vs. advertising model?

49:55: How confident are you that you’ll be able to overcome the privacy concerns/trust issues consumers have around using a product like Misu?

51:40: Are we doing enough to address the rising rates of mental health in society?

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May 03, 202058:13
Should I reframe my podcast questions from 3rd to 1st person?

Should I reframe my podcast questions from 3rd to 1st person?

In this episode, a friend shares their thoughts on whether I should consider switching the framing of my podcast questions from 3rd person to 1st person moving forward.

Follow-up questions we discussed included:

3:40: Do you feel like questions are still somewhat unanswered for you at the end of most episodes you have? (question posed to me)

5:30: Do you think I'm more likely to have these questions answered if I pose the questions as 1st person?

7:40: Do you think 3rd person questions or 1st person questions would be generally more interesting to listeners? Which type would be more relatable to listeners?

13:10: Should I worry about how long these podcast conversations are? Is it okay if they vary significantly in length from episode to episode?

16:20: Why do you feel like this conversation is a lot different from some of the other episodes I've done?

17:20: Asking again, which type of podcast do you think listeners would like best?

17:45: Do you feel like you 'relate' to your favourite YouTuber?

20:00: Would can I do to be more sure if I should pivot my questions to 1st person moving forward?

21:00: What are your thoughts on pivoting episodes away from a specific topic (like Joe Rogan)?

22:45: Is this podcast episode title misleading if we end up talking about other things for a majority of our conversation?

24:20: How much should I try to steer each podcast conversation to stay 'on topic' vs. letting the conversation flow naturally?

24:55: What other things do you think I could do to improve this podcast?

25:45: What do you like most about your favourite podcast?

27:15: How much do you think people tune into Joe Rogan's podcast to hear from him vs. hear from his guests?

28:20: Should I have cut this episode a while ago when you satisfied the answer to my original question?

28:55: Am I overanalyzing this?

33:35: Is it unprofessional to have my birth year in my email (i.e. adamkruger94@gmail.com)?

35:20: How do you usually wrap up these episodes? (question posed to me)

36:50: What else would you like to talk about?

40:30: Should I start using Instagram again?

42:30: Why am I interested in going back on Instagram? (question posed to me)

45:45: What's a reasonable amount of time to spent on Instagram?

46:15: How do you decide if Instagram is good or bad for you?

46:50: How addicted do you think Instagram is vs. cigarettes?

48:40: How much FOMO is acceptable?

49:40: What if I use Misu (the automated mood tracker) as a guide to help me understand how using Instagram is affecting my mental health?

50:45: Can you help me put in place a rule (ex. no more than 30 minutes a day) to avoid getting addicted to Instagram?

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Apr 26, 202053:43
Which conversations are better kept private vs. made public? - Jesse Uretsky

Which conversations are better kept private vs. made public? - Jesse Uretsky

In this episode, Jesse Uretsky and I discuss the pros and cons of making conversations public (via a podcast like this) vs. keeping them private. Jesse has his own podcast called HAYN, where he also posted this conversation.

Follow-up questions we discussed included:

4:50: As a podcaster yourself, how do you feel about the quality of the conversations you've had so far? Do you feel if you weren't recording the conversations would have been any different?

6:45: Do you feel like you're really trying to steer your podcast conversations vs. letting them flow naturally?

8:00: How are you doing right now?

9:50: Do you think it's misleading to listeners to edit out parts of a podcast episode?

14:30: Is it a good thing that more and more of our lives are being documented and shared?

22:50: Why do you think we should avoid conversations about politics and religion?

32:00: Are things that we want to keep private an indication of things we are embarrassed about?

46:00: What topics are you uncomfortable talking about publicly?

52:00: If we get to a point where our thoughts can be documented, how do you think the world would change?

55:30: What's your prediction for how many episodes of your podcast you'll have published before it ends?

1:02:00: Do you think it's bad to passively listen to podcasts in the background while doing other things (like eating, walking, etc.)?

1:07:30: Would you do a podcast (i.e. make a conversation public) when you're under the influence?

1:11:40: Any closing thoughts?

HBR Article - Stop Documenting, Start Experiencing

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Apr 19, 202001:15:55
Should we donate anonymously or with our names attached? - Rebecca Kruger

Should we donate anonymously or with our names attached? - Rebecca Kruger

In this episode, my sister Rebecca and I discuss whether it’s better to donate anonymously or with our names attached.

Follow-up questions we discussed included:

8:10: Why did you pick this topic?

10:00: Do you think selfless deeds exist?

13:25: Why do platforms like GoFundMe give you an option to be anonymous? Why are some of the reasons someone would want to donate anonymously?

15:20: If platforms like GoFundMe didn't give people the option to be anonymous, how would it affect the number of donations they get?

18:30: Can you tell me more about the paper you wrote on altruism?

19:25: How many people do you think would agree with you and me that selfless deeds don't exist?

21:00: What percentage of your salary should you donate?

27:55: Is there a 'right' amount to donate?

35:25: What are your thoughts on giving money to the homeless?

37:30: What would happen if a homeless person was given thousands of dollars at once, instead of a few dollars every now and then? Would they be more likely to use that money to get help (i.e. a place to live, etc.)?

39:10: How can we solve the issue of collective action problem (i.e. the feeling that my actions alone won't make a difference)?

46:20: Do you think company donation matching programs make a difference?

49:00: Does Zuckerberg deserve to get heat for only giving $25 million towards COVID-19?

Curb Your Enthusiasm - Anonymous Donor - YouTube Clip

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Apr 12, 202053:22
Should we try to colonize Mars?

Should we try to colonize Mars?

In this episode, my dad and I discuss whether we should try to colonize Mars.

Follow-up questions we discussed included:

3:25: Do you think we should be spending resources to try to colonize Mars? Is it worth it?

7:05: Would you like to see more money and resources allocated towards space exploration?

9:20: Why are we hearing more about Mars colonization than the Moon colonization?

12:20: Is there anything about Mars that makes it more habitable than the Moon?

17:10: How important do you think it is that we have a backup plan in case something catastrophic happens to Earth?

20:40: Do you think the effort to colonize Mars is more likely to make us treat the Earth better (because it helps us realize how much more habitable the Earth is) or worse (because we feel we have a backup plan and don't have to worry about our current planet)?

25:10: Is it fair to say you think efforts to colonize Mars are more likely to be a good thing for Earth than a bad thing?

28:20: Would you say that one of the biggest benefits of space exploration is that it fuels general interest in science?

31:20: Do you have any thoughts on whether space exploration should be privately funded, publicly funding, or both?

35:40: Do you know why private companies (i.e. SpaceX) have been able to bring down the cost of space travel, while governments haven't had the same success?

38:45: Why aren't governments incentivized to bring down the cost of space travel?

40:25: Any articles, books or resources on this subject you'd recommend?

42:10: What probability would you guess there's a chance that there are humans living permanently on another planet 100 years from now?

43:15: Anything else you wanted to talk about?

Recommended YouTube video: Should we have humans in space? Quirks & Quarks Bob McDonald hosts debate

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Apr 05, 202045:25
How can we limit the impact COVID-19 (and future viruses) have on society? - Daniel Karten

How can we limit the impact COVID-19 (and future viruses) have on society? - Daniel Karten

In this episode, Daniel Karten and I discuss the impact COVID-19 is having on society and how we can limit the negative impacts of future viruses.

Follow-up questions we discussed included:

3:20: What impact is COVID-19 having on society today?

5:55: Do you think this is going to accelerate a shift towards remote work?

7:30: How has your organization dealt with remote working?

11:20: Will society take a safer, more hygienic approach in future?

13:00: What do you think some of the positive impacts from coronavirus have been?

19:35: What business ramifications do you see from coronavirus? What are some of the ripple effects?

20:50: Do you think companies have a social responsibility to help customers affected by coronavirus?

24:45: How can we encourage companies to do more good?

26:20: Would we ever decide to abandon globalization due to the risk associated with pandemics spreading?

30:15: What factors do you think go into a country's decision on whether to enter a lockdown (given economic impacts)?

35:30: How did China stop the virus?

38:30: What can we do to help right now? Is it irresponsible for us to be seeing people right now? What responsibility do we have to tell family & friends about the connection we have to other people that have tested positive for the virus?

48:55: Would you watch a movie like Contagion right now?

49:30: What are your thoughts on the risk of antibiotic resistance?


Other relevant links:

COVID-19 Forecasts

The lockdown: One month in Wuhan YouTube video

NASA Reveals How China’s Lockdown Drastically Reduced Pollution


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Mar 29, 202054:49
What is the right level of income inequality? - Anton Pytlovanyy

What is the right level of income inequality? - Anton Pytlovanyy

In this episode, Anton Pytlovanyy and I discuss what level of income inequality creates the best outcomes for society as a whole.

Follow-up questions we discussed included:

3:00: Why do you think inequality will continue to get worse over time?

3:50: Why did you pick this question to talk about?

6:25: Is the end goal that we want people to be happy?

14:30: Let's say you have a society that's very equal in terms of income. Will people just find other metrics to compare themselves to others on (i.e. fitness level, etc.)?

16:30: If everyone made the same amount of money, would people still choose to be doctors given it requires more work than other jobs? Would people still become doctors because it's rewarding to help people?

26:25: How do you get people to compare themselves to others less?

30:40: Are people's perceptions around what is 'deserving' changing?  Are we moving towards a direction where people appear to be less 'deserving' of their success?

38:40: Discussing the Ultimatum game - what is the minimum percentage of the pot of money that the other participant would need to give you in order for you to not sabotage the deal?

Other relevant links:

Inequality & happiness YouTube video

How economic inequality harms society YouTube video

How economic inequality might affect a society's well-being Youtube video

Ultimatum game - Wikipedia article

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Mar 22, 202044:19
How can we balance being satisfied with what we have and wanting more? - Jesse Uretsky

How can we balance being satisfied with what we have and wanting more? - Jesse Uretsky

In this episode, Jesse Uretsky and I discuss how to find a balance between being satisfied with what we have and striving for more.

Follow-up questions we discussed included:

3:15: Can you be satisfied with your life today while also wanting more?

5:15: Do you compare yourself to others often? If so, do you compare yourself more so upwards or downwards and how might this impact your happiness?

7:10: Is it healthy to look downwards at someone who’s in a worse position than you as a way to gain a more positive perspective on your own situation?

9:30: Why did you pick this question for the podcast?

11:20: If happiness is just a mindset, should I still go out and try to get a better job? Or is it not going to make a difference for my happiness?

16:00: Why do you think we’re often so wrong about what we thought was going to make us happy?

17:25: If happiness is just a mindset, wouldn’t I lose motivation to improve my circumstances?

21:20: What things do you do to try to focus on the present and think less about the past or the future?

26:35: Doesn’t wanting more imply that you’re not happy with what you have now?

28:10: Do you currently have, or have you ever, set goals for yourself?

36:45: How should I be thinking about if I should start setting more or less goals?

38:20: If someone’s not happy with their job, how do they determine if it’s their mindset (the grass is always greener) or if the job is toxic?


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Mar 15, 202048:13
Who is the best Democratic candidate? - Aakash Shah

Who is the best Democratic candidate? - Aakash Shah

In this episode, Aakash Shah and I discuss who is the best democratic candidate for the 2020 United States presidential election.

*Apologies for the poor sound quality on this episode. Other episodes are a lot easier to hear!*

Other questions we discussed included:

  • Do you like Joe Biden over Bernie Sanders?
  • Is Biden a safer pick than Bernie?
  • Why don’t you support reparations for slavery?
  • What are your thoughts on a wealth tax?
  • How is a wealth tax different than income tax?
  • Why is the wealth tax being proposed by politicians?
  • What do you think about Nate Silver’s predictions?
  • How should we feel about there being no female candidates left?
  • Do you think it's okay to be in the 'middle' and not consider yourself left or right-wing?
  • Are you concerned about sharing your opinions in the public arena?
  • Do you think Bernie is as bad & extreme as Trump?
  • Why do you think countries with higher tax rates (i.e. Scandanavian countries) have highest reported happiness levels?
  • If unhappiness is often driven by comparing ourselves to others, will we be happiest in a society with less inequality?
  • If people living 100 years ago were happier than us today despite a poorer quality of life, what does that say about what's wrong with today's society?
  • Who are you going to vote for?
  • Is it appropriate to ask others who they're going to vote for?
  • Why do you like Romney better than Biden?

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Mar 08, 202001:05:05
How can we reduce the political divide and bring people together? - Neil Thakore

How can we reduce the political divide and bring people together? - Neil Thakore

In this episode, Neil Thakore and I discuss what can be done to reduce the political divide and bring people together?

Other questions we discussed included:

  • Should we stop placing people in one of two buckets by labelling them as either left-wing and right-wing, liberal or conservative, democrat or republican?
  • Why can’t we remove the party names? Why do you have to run as a democrat or republican?
  • If we have to keep the parties, do you think adding a 3rd party in the U.S. would help reduce polarization?
  • Do you think the divide is growing or shrinking? How can we tell if it’s actually growing or shrinking? What data can we use to determine this?
  • What do you think about countries like Russia purposely trying to create a divide by spreading polarizing news?
  • Do you consider yourself left-wing or right-wing? Is it a cop-out if someone says they don’t identify as either?
  • Should I engage in conversation with people I disagree with or block them out?
  • What do you think about political attack ads? Should they be banned?
  • What does Trump getting elected say about the state of the political divide?
  • What issues do you think are most polarizing? Which are the least polarizing?

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Mar 01, 202001:15:40
What is the right amount of open-mindedness? - Ryan McDonald

What is the right amount of open-mindedness? - Ryan McDonald

In this episode, Ryan McDonald and I discuss whether it’s possible to be too open-minded (and if so, what's the right amount).

Other questions we discussed included:

  • Can you be too trustworthy? What other seemingly good traits could be bad if taken too far?
  • What’s the best way to tell if I’m too open-minded, too close-minded, or ‘just right’? 
  • How often should a person be changing their opinions on things?
  • What things have you changed your mind on recently?
  • How should universities, social media platforms, etc. decide who is allowed to speak their opinion, and who isn’t (i.e. censorship)?
  • Do you agree that being open-minded takes more mental energy?

Grant Cardone on the problem with an open mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA6Iyojls_g&t=34s

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Feb 23, 202050:27
Should we ban cigarettes? - Eddie Tsao
Feb 17, 202048:09
How can we ensure that global surveillance programs like the one Snowden exposed are good for society? - Michael Vogman

How can we ensure that global surveillance programs like the one Snowden exposed are good for society? - Michael Vogman

Feb 12, 202001:06:09
Plant-based vs. clean meat: which is more likely to take off? - Daniel Karten
Jan 30, 202033:37
What laws or regulations should be introduced, changed, or removed in order to make the world better? - Charlotte Davie
Jan 23, 202054:06
Causing vs. allowing harm - how are they the same, how are they different? - Daniel Maman
Jan 20, 202036:48
What should be considered 'crossing the line' in comedy? - David Heller
Jan 09, 202057:28
Why do we have less close friends today than in the past? - Catherine Tu
Dec 13, 201937:27
Has technology made our relationships with others better or worse? - Likky Lavji
Nov 28, 201920:10
Which inventions have had a net negative impact on the world? - Daniel Gordon
Nov 27, 201951:27
What life lesson took you a while to learn? - Buster Benson

What life lesson took you a while to learn? - Buster Benson

In this episode, Buster Benson shares his thoughts on a life lesson that took him a while to learn.

Buster is a writer and builder of things. Buster co-founded 750words.com, and was previously a product manager at Amazon, Twitter, Slack and Patreon. Most recently, he wrote “Why Are We Yelling?: The Art of Productive Disagreement.”

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Nov 19, 201946:09
If someone owns my data, do they own a part of me? - Konrad Szpirak
Nov 17, 201953:20