Culture - Think

Why Humans Drink

June 3, 2021 Best of Think, Culture, History

University scholar Edward Slingerland joins us to discuss why many organisms — human and otherwise — like to tie one on now and again and the effect that has had on our societies.

Computers Weren’t Designed For Human Bodies

June 2, 2021 Culture, Science and Technology

Laine Nooney, assistant professor of media and information studies at New York University, joins us to talk about the ailments brought about computer usage – and about the trouble with shutting down your work computer for the day only to pick up your tablet.

It’s OK To Use Emojis With Your Co-Workers

June 1, 2021 Culture, Current Events, Science and Technology

Leadership expert Erica Dhawan joins us to talk about the clues and cues needed for successful online dialogue and how to make working from home work for you.

What Makes A Woman Beautiful?

May 28, 2021 Culture, Current Events, Health, Mental Health, Race/Identity

We’ll talk with three women who are pushing back against certain societal expectations on how a woman should look and move through the world.

How Student Debt Almost Sidetracked A Brilliant Career

May 26, 2021 Culture, Health, Mental Health, Race/Identity

Brandolon Barnett is head of corporate social responsibility industry solutions in Salesforce.org’s philanthropy cloud and leader of the Democratize Ventures investing and advisory institute. He joins us to talk about his experience establishing a career in the non-profit sector during difficult economic times.

Poverty, Access And The Unequal Toll Of The Pandemic

May 26, 2021 Culture, Current Events, Health, Race/Identity

Amy Maxmen is a science journalist for Nature, and she joins us to talk about social determinants of health – a concept that’s been around for 150 years – and why it’s taken a pandemic to really focus on the health outcomes of the most vulnerable.

What’s The Longest You Can Possibly Live?

May 25, 2021 Culture, Global Issues, Health, History, Science and Technology

Steven Johnson is host of the PBS/BBC series “How We Got to Now,” and the “American Innovations” podcast. He joins us to talk about societal change that has pushed us to live older, fuller lives and why that’s dependent on the greater good.

Is Diabetes Research Actually Harming Black Americans?

May 24, 2021 Culture, Current Events, Health, Race/Identity, Science and Technology

James Doucet-Battle, assistant professor of sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, joins us to talk about the prevalence of diabetes in Black America – and to make the case that health researchers must completely rethink assumptions when it comes to the intersection of race and health.

How The White House Is Courting Our Friends And Foes

May 21, 2021 Culture, Current Events, Global Issues, Politics

Jonathan Tepperman is a former editor-at-large at Foreign Policy magazine, and he joins us to talk about how the Biden administration might strengthen the relationship with American allies – and about the growing threat from Russia, China and other adversaries.

Here’s What School Might Look Like In The Fall

May 20, 2021 Culture, Current Events, Education, Health

Education Week reporter Madeline Will joins us to talk about how learning gaps will be addressed, how schools are planning to fully reopen, and which Covid safety measures will remain even after students can be vaccinated.

Social Media Will Happily Remind You Of Your Worst Decisions

May 20, 2021 Culture, Current Events, Race/Identity, Science and Technology

Wired senior reporter Lauren Goode joins us to talk about her experience reliving a failed relationship via social media apps and how companies monetize our most private moments.