Today, we’re recapping some of the best insights from the Prof G Pod’s Conversations in 2022.

Jim Rowan, the CEO of Volvo, joins Scott to discuss the state of play in the global automobile market including the rise of electric vehicles, disruptions to the traditional automakers, and the winners and losers in the space. Scott opens with his thoughts on Facebook threatening to remove news from its US platform as well as a poor branding decision by Warner Bros Discovery. Algebra of Happiness: reach out to someone.

Mark Zandi, the chief economist of Moody’s Analytics joins to discuss the economy, including geopolitical uncertainty, the housing market, and why he’s not all that concerned about a possible recession. Follow Mark on Twitter, @Markzandi.
Scott opens with his thoughts on investing in Chinese stocks.
Algebra of Happiness: Communicating with your elderly parent.

Aswath Damodaran, a professor of finance at NYU Stern, joins Scott to discuss Twitter and Meta, his outlook on the economy and valuations. He also shares his thoughts on the state of the crypto market. Follow Aswath on Twitter, @AswathDamodaran.
Scott opens with his thoughts on zero-covid policies in China, Twitter and the rage machine, as well as what he’s watching on TV right now.
Algebra of Happiness: Freudenfreude

Rory Smith, the chief soccer correspondent of The New York Times and author of the new book, Expected Goals: The Story of how Data Conquered Football and Changed the Game Forever, joins Scott to discuss the state of play in professional soccer and what to expect during the upcoming World Cup. Follow Rory on Twitter, @RorySmith.

Scott opens with his thoughts on Walgreens moving further into the healthcare space, as well as Gap’s decision to start selling on Amazon’s marketplace.

Algebra of Happiness: respect our institutions.

Dolly Chugh, a social psychologist and management professor at the NYU Stern School of Business, and author of the new book, A More Just Future: Psychological Tools for Reckoning with Our Past and Driving Social Change, joins Scott to discuss what makes a good manager, her thoughts on cancel culture, and working in higher education. Follow Dolly on Twitter, @DollyChugh, and check out her newsletter, Dear Good People. Scott opens with his thoughts on the recent layoffs in the tech sector, as well as the latest on Elon Musk and Twitter (what a shocker). Algebra of Happiness: Step up to the plate.

Katherine Gehl, the founder of The Institute for Political Innovation and co-author of “The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy,” joins Scott to discuss why it’s time to disrupt the politics industry with Final Five Voting. Scott opens with his thoughts on why Twitter’s subscription model is all wrong. Algebra of Happiness: Get memories out of your parents while you can.

Richard Reeves, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of several books including his latest, Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It, joins Scott to discuss how the US has set up boys to fall behind, and how that manifests into adulthood. Follow Richard on Twitter, @RichardvReeves.

Scott opens with his thoughts on big tech’s ability to monetize utility. 

Algebra of Happiness: demonstrate generosity.

Andrew Jennings, a professor of corporate governance and securities at Brooklyn Law School, joins Scott to discuss the latest around the Elon Musk v. Twitter Trial. Follow Professor Jennings on Twitter, @akjennings.

Scott opens with his thoughts on what makes good management. 

Algebra of Happiness: planning for an empty nest.

Reid Hoffman, an entrepreneur and an investor, joins Scott to discuss his thoughts on identity, artificial intelligence, businesses with network effects, and why we need more centrist politicians in the House. Reid also shares career advice from his latest book, “The Startup of You.” Follow Reid on Twitter, @reidhoffman.

Scott opens with his thoughts on Sheryl Sandberg’s $3 million donation to the ACLU, the benefits of failing fast, and Goldman Sachs’ missed brand opportunity. 

Algebra of Happiness: talk about your emotions.