SPOS #938 – Johann Hari On The Promises and Perils of Weight-Loss Drugs
Six Pixels of Separation Podcast
Release Date: 06/30/2024
Six Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #955 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. is a renowned cultural psychologist at , where he teaches in both the Graduate School of Business and the Psychology Department. With previous teaching stints at and a rich educational background from the and , Michael has dedicated his career to exploring how culture shapes the way we think, communicate, and collaborate. His research delves into the idea that while our genetic programming primes us to learn from our communities, the actual content of what we learn is deeply influenced by the cultural...
info_outline SPOS #954 – Dax Dasilva On Business, Balance And The Big PictureSix Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #954 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. I’ve know for close to twenty years. Dax is the creative force behind , a company he founded in 2005 that has grown into a leading unified POS and payments platform for ambitious entrepreneurs worldwide. Lightspeed powers some of the world's best businesses across over 100 countries, helping them accelerate growth, enhance customer experiences, and become go-to destinations in their markets. With a team of over 3,000 employees, Lightspeed has made significant strides under Dax's leadership, including going public...
info_outline SPOS #953 – Erin Clark On Activating The Soul, Heart, And Mind Of LeadershipSix Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #953 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. is a managing director with , where she specializes in helping clients improve performance, drive change, and create sustainable advantages through people. With a deep commitment to unlocking human potential within organizations, Erin has dedicated her career to transforming workplaces into environments where individuals and teams can thrive. In her new book, (co-authored with her father, former dean , and her brother ), Erin explores the dynamic shift needed in leadership for today's rapidly changing world. The...
info_outline SPOS #952 – Karthik Ramanna On Outrage And Our Polarized WorldSix Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #952 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. We are beyond polarized. has spent his career helping leaders make sense of a world that’s constantly changing. As a Professor of Business & Public Policy at ’s , Karthik's work explores the difficult intersections of business, politics, and society. With a keen eye on trust-building, corporate responsibility, and the complex dynamics between organizations and their stakeholders, Ramanna has earned a reputation as one of today’s foremost thinkers on leadership in challenging times. In his latest book, ,...
info_outline SPOS #951 – Nick Bostrom On Life And Meaning In An AI WorldSix Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #951 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #951. When it comes to thinking big about artificial intelligence, I think about what is thinking. A philosopher widely known for his thought leadership in AI and existential risk, Nick has spent much of his career asking the kinds of questions most of us avoid. As the founding Director of ’s and a researcher who has dabbled in everything from computational neuroscience to philosophy, Nick’s intellectual curiosity knows no bounds. His...
info_outline SPOS #950 – Stephen Shapiro On How To Pivot In An Uncertain WorldSix Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #950 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #950. My good friend, , is not one to take the standard approach to anything. As the former leader of ’s business process reengineering practice, he realized that optimizing business efficiency was leading to layoffs - a direction he didn't want to pursue. So, instead of continuing on that path, Stephen pivoted. He built Accenture’s 20,000-person innovation practice and refocused his efforts on growth and job creation. From there, Stephen...
info_outline SPOS #949 – Stephanie Harrison On The New HappySix Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #949 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #949. , founder of and author of , is flipping the happiness script. For years, we’ve been sold the idea that happiness comes from checking off the "big three" — wealth, fame, and power — and doing it all solo. But as Stephanie’s research shows, we’ve had it wrong. Real happiness? It’s not about the corner office or the number of zeroes in your bank account. It’s about something far more sustainable: helping others. In New Happy,...
info_outline SPOS #948 – Scott Young On How To Get Better At AnythingSix Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #948 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #948. is the kind of person who doesn’t just ask, “How do I get better at this?” He asks, “How do we really learn anything?” That question led him on some fascinating paths - like the time he decided to without ever setting foot in a classroom. No big deal, right? It’s this relentless curiosity that drives Scott’s work, and he’s made it his mission to break down the mystery behind learning and mastery. In this conversation,...
info_outline SPOS #947 – John Mackey On Whole FoodsSix Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #947 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #947. , co-founder of and its CEO for 44 years, is no stranger to transforming industries. With his new memoir, , John takes readers on an intimate journey through the rise of an iconic company that didn't just succeed in business but sparked a retail and dietary revolution. Whole Foods Market began as a small, idealistic endeavor in Austin, Texas, and under John’s leadership, it grew into a $22 billion-a-year behemoth that forever changed...
info_outline SPOS #946 – Frederik Pferdt On How To Live Future ReadySix Pixels of Separation Podcast
Welcome to episode #946 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #946. has spent his career helping some of the most creative minds at - and beyond - shape the future. As Google's first Chief Innovation Evangelist, he didn’t just observe the future unfolding; he actively shaped it. Frederik founded Google's Innovation Lab, where he coached tens of thousands of Googlers in the art of innovation, fostering a culture that thrives on curiosity, empathy, and experimentation. His work has resonated far beyond...
info_outlineWelcome to episode #938 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.
Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #938. He’s back! Johann Hari, the bestselling author and celebrated journalist, is known for diving deep into the human condition, from addiction to depression to our scattered attention. His books, translated into 40 languages, have earned praise from the likes of Oprah, Elton John, and Noam Chomsky. Now, Johann is back with his latest book, Magic Pill - The Extraordinary Benefits And Disturbing Risks Of The New Weight-Loss Drugs, and it's sparking conversations everywhere. In our lively chat, Johann opens up about his latest journey, one that began with him injecting himself with Ozempic, a new weight-loss drug. Imagine losing up to a quarter of your body weight in just six months. Sounds like magic, right? But Johann wasn't entirely convinced. He dove into this world with a mix of hope and skepticism, exploring whether these drugs are a miraculous solution or just another illusion. Johann breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly of these new drugs. On the plus side, they offer significant health benefits for those struggling with severe obesity, potentially reducing risks of diabetes, cancer, and early death. But, and it's a big but, they come with their own set of risks and side effects. Johann didn't just stop at the surface - he traveled from Iceland to Minneapolis to Tokyo, talking to top experts and uncovering twelve major potential risks that come with these seemingly wonder drugs. Our discussion also takes a broader look at the roots of the obesity crisis. Johann points out how our shift from whole foods to processed junk has played a huge role. He explains why diets often fail in the long run — our bodies are biologically programmed to resist weight loss. So, while these drugs might help, they’re not a silver bullet. Johann also emphasizes the need to tackle the social causes of obesity. It’s not just about popping a pill. We need to rethink our relationship with food and our bodies. We talk about the evolutionary reasons why our bodies hoard fat, the food industry's role in pushing sugar-laden products, and the emotional aspects of eating. Magic Pill isn’t just another book on weight loss - it’s a thought-provoking exploration of our modern health dilemmas. Johann's blend of personal experience, thorough research, and engaging storytelling makes this book a must-read. Whether you’re curious about the science behind these new drugs or their cultural impact, Johann provides a comprehensive guide to understanding this health revolution. With that he also the author of sone of my favorite books: Stolen Focus - Why You Can’t Pay Attention - And How To Think Deeply Again, Lost Connections, and Chasing The Scream. Enjoy the conversation...
- Running time: 1:08:04.
- Hello from beautiful Montreal.
- Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
- Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.
- Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.
- Check out ThinkersOne.
- or you can connect on LinkedIn.
- ...or on Twitter.
- Here is my conversation with Johann Hari.
- Magic Pill - The Extraordinary Benefits And Disturbing Risks Of The New Weight-Loss Drugs.
- Stolen Focus - Why You Can’t Pay Attention - And How To Think Deeply Again.
- Lost Connections.
- Chasing The Scream.
- Follow Johann on X.
- Follow Johann on Instagram.
- This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.
Takeaways
- Weight loss drugs can offer significant benefits in terms of health outcomes, particularly for those who are severely obese.
- The rise of obesity is linked to the shift from whole foods to processed and ultra-processed foods.
- Diets often fail in the long term due to biological changes that make it harder to maintain weight loss.
- While weight loss drugs can be a solution, addressing the social causes of obesity is crucial for long-term change.
- There is a need for regulation and careful consideration of the risks and benefits of weight loss drugs.
- Human beings evolved in an environment where famine was a frequent threat, so our bodies are programmed to store fat. This makes it difficult to reverse obesity.
- The food industry and our craving for sugar contribute to the obesity crisis.
- Cultural and societal changes, such as promoting healthy eating habits and providing nutritious food in schools, are crucial in addressing the obesity crisis.
Chapters:
- 00:00 - Introduction and Background
- 02:24 - The Mystery of Weight Loss Drugs
- 06:06 - The Benefits and Risks of Weight Loss Drugs
- 10:54 - The Mechanism of Weight Loss Drugs
- 29:11 - Balancing Social Causes and Personal Health
- 35:20 - The Challenges of Long-Term Weight Loss
- 38:38 - The Evolutionary Reasons Behind Obesity
- 41:45 - The Impact of the Food Industry and Sugar Cravings
- 45:29 - The Challenges of Reversing Obesity
- 52:53 - The Potential Risks and Benefits of Weight Loss Drugs
- 01:01:49 - The Importance of Cultural and Societal Changes in Addressing Obesity