Using Bizarre Lifestyle Experiments To Save Democracy with A.J. Jacobs (#43)
Release Date: 07/15/2025
How To Be Defiant When It Matters Most with Dr. Sunita Sah (#45)
The Non-Obvious Show
In this episode of The Non-Obvious Show, Dr. Sunita Shah discusses the concept of defiance, challenging the negative perceptions surrounding it. She emphasizes the importance of understanding our values and how they can empower us to act defiantly in various situations. Through personal anecdotes and research, Dr. Shah illustrates how defiance can be a positive force for change, both personally and socially. The conversation explores the dynamics of compliance, the role of values, and the potential ripple effect of individual acts of defiance in professional contexts. Takeaways...
info_outline
The Infuriating Upside of Trash Talk with Rafi Kohan (#44)
The Non-Obvious Show
In this episode of the Non-Obvious Show, host Rohit Bhargava engages with Rafi Kohan, author of 'Trash Talk', to explore the cultural and psychological dimensions of trash talk in sports and beyond. They discuss the epidemic of mental weakness in society, the historical misunderstanding of trash talk, and its role as a tool for competition. Kohan emphasizes the importance of trust in trash talk, the need for teaching mental resilience, and the current cultural moment surrounding trash talk as a means of communication and competition. Takeaways We are in an epidemic of mental weakness...
info_outline
Using Bizarre Lifestyle Experiments To Save Democracy with A.J. Jacobs (#43)
The Non-Obvious Show
In this engaging conversation, AJ Jacobs, known for his unique lifestyle experiments, discusses his latest book, 'The Year of Living Constitutionally.' He shares insights on approaching disagreements as puzzles, the importance of learning through fun, and the impact of writing by hand on thought processes. Jacobs emphasizes the urgency of understanding the Constitution in today's political climate and advocates for bipartisan solutions to strengthen democracy. He also reflects on the role of humor in engaging readers and the potential of AI as a collaborative tool in creative endeavors. ...
info_outline
How To Be A Super Communicator with Charles Duhigg (#42)
The Non-Obvious Show
In this conversation, Charles Duhigg discusses his book 'Supercommunicators' and explores the essential skills that make someone an effective communicator. He emphasizes the importance of understanding different communication styles, the role of empathy, and the significance of deep questions in fostering authentic connections. Duhigg also highlights the impact of nonverbal communication, the challenges of online interactions, and the potential of AI in communication. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to recognize that communication is a skill that can be developed and improved over time....
info_outline
How Work Works with Michelle P. King (#41)
The Non-Obvious Show
Does your job meet your needs and if not, what changes can you make to ensure it’s a more fulfilling aspect of your life? Dr. Michelle Penelope King is a globally recognized expert on inequality and organizational culture, and the bestselling author of The Fix: How to Overcome the Invisible Barriers that are Holding Women Back at Work and How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself. From speaking across the world to being the head of UN Women’s Global Innovation Coalition for Change, and being the founder of a global consultancy called The Culture Practice,...
info_outline
How Status Really Works And How It Doesn’t with Chuck Thompson (#40)
The Non-Obvious Show
What does status mean today? Executive producer, editor, and author Chuck Thompson explores this question and the evolution of status in his book The Status Revolution: The Improbable Story of How the Lowbrow Became the Highbrow. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Chuck Thompson discuss topics inspired by the book, including the neuroscience behind dopamine boosts from luxury consumerism, the new-found elite status of dog rescuers, and the debate of claiming privilege versus status.
info_outline
What You Don’t Know About Disability with Ashley Shew (#39)
The Non-Obvious Show
Is the future disabled? Ashley Shew, an associate professor of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech explores this question and writes for those who will become disabled in her book Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Ashley Shew discuss topics inspired by the book, including re-thinking who needs improvement, the five main tropes for disability narratives, de-cyborgafying, and the growth of opportunity for disabled people in space.
info_outline
The Disturbing Truth About Fate Vs Flukes with Brian Klaas (#38)
The Non-Obvious Show
Does everything happen for a reason or is it all just flukes? Brian Klaas, a professor of Global Politics at University College London, writer, podcaster, and researcher explores this question and why things happen in his book Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Brian Klaas discuss topics inspired by the book, including Kokura’s Luck, Chaos Theory, the paradox of 21st century life, and the non-obvious stuff that often sways history.
info_outline
How to Transform the Way You See Time with Richard Fisher (#37)
The Non-Obvious Show
What will it take to transform the way the world views time? Richard Fisher, a senior journalist with BBC Global News, explores this question and shares ways to expand our minds into deeper time scales in his book The Long View: Why We Need to Transform How the World Sees Time. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Richard Fisher discuss topics inspired by the book, including short termism in business and consumerism, the continuity time view, the impact of science fiction, and the encouragement of existential hope.
info_outline
How To Spot A Fraud or Scam with Kelly Richmond Pope (#36)
The Non-Obvious Show
Would you know fraud when you see it or are you committing some fraud yourself? Kelly Richmond Pope is a nationally recognized expert and professor in forensic accounting who spent years interviewing fraud perpetrators before switching to learning from the victims. In her book, Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry, Kelly shares insight on the various ways fraud is committed and how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Kelly Richmond Pope discuss topics inspired by the book, including the...
info_outlineIn this engaging conversation, AJ Jacobs, known for his unique lifestyle experiments, discusses his latest book, 'The Year of Living Constitutionally.' He shares insights on approaching disagreements as puzzles, the importance of learning through fun, and the impact of writing by hand on thought processes. Jacobs emphasizes the urgency of understanding the Constitution in today's political climate and advocates for bipartisan solutions to strengthen democracy. He also reflects on the role of humor in engaging readers and the potential of AI as a collaborative tool in creative endeavors.
Takeaways
- Approaching disagreements as puzzles fosters understanding.
- Lifestyle experiments can provide unique insights into complex topics.
- Learning can be fun and engaging, not dull.
- Writing by hand enhances memory and thought processes.
- Balancing curiosity with deadlines is essential for productivity.
- Identifying the 5% of ideas that are truly valuable is key.
- The Constitution's relevance is urgent in today's political landscape.
- Bipartisan solutions are necessary for a healthier democracy.
- Engaging with authority can amplify important ideas.
- Humility in exploration allows for deeper understanding.
Chapters
00:00 Approaching Disagreements as Puzzles
01:20 AJ Jacobs: The Human Guinea Pig
02:38 The Impact of Lifestyle Experiments
05:49 Learning Through Fun and Edutainment
08:34 The Power of Writing by Hand
10:58 Balancing Curiosity with Deadlines
12:37 The 5% Idea: Finding Worthwhile Concepts
15:51 The Urgency of Constitutional Understanding
20:23 Bipartisan Solutions for Democracy
24:02 Engaging with Authority on Constitutional Issues
26:11 Navigating Conversations with Disagreement
28:15 The Importance of Humility in Exploration
30:16 Using Humor to Engage Readers
31:33 AI as a Collaborative Tool
33:02 The Value of Bucket Lists
35:00 Reviving Democratic Traditions