Conversation with Rutger Bregman — Human Nature, Power Dynamics, and UBI

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author, joins Scott to discuss his research from his book, “Humankind: A Hopeful History.” We learn about human nature, power dynamics, and his thoughts on Universal Basic Income. Follow Rutger on Twitter, @rcbregman.

P.S. Scott is on holiday, so we’ll be back with our business analysis and Algebra of Happiness in September!

Private Equity’s Impact on the Economy — with Gretchen Morgenson

Gretchen Morgenson, the senior financial reporter for the NBC News Investigative Unit, and the co-author of These Are the Plunderers: How Private Equity Runs—and Wrecks America, joins Scott to discuss her thoughts on how private equity impacts parts of the economy, and why she thinks it’s problematic. Follow Gretchen on Twitter, @gmorgenson.

Scott opens with his thoughts on the latest branding failure: “bid adieu to the bird”

Algebra of Happiness: are you a protector?

Media Tumult, Masculinity, Failure, and Fatherhood — with Jake Tapper

Jake Tapper, CNN’s chief Washington correspondent and host of the weekday television news show “The Lead,” joins Scott to discuss his latest book, “All The Demons Are Here,” along with his thoughts on the current media landscape and the upcoming presidential election. We also hear about Jake’s professional successes and failures, and get his take on being a good father and partner. Follow Jake on Twitter, @jaketapper.

Scott opens by addressing a viral Washington Post essay on masculinity that featured his insights on young men and the challenges they face. Additionally, he offers recommendations for supporting and empowering that cohort – noting that compassion is not a zero-sum game. Follow the author of that essay on Twitter, @ChristineEmba.

Algebra of Happiness: forgive yourself, a lot of failures aren’t your fault.

Understanding AI’s Threats and Opportunities — with Mo Gawdat

Mo Gawdat, the former Chief Business Officer of Google [X] and an expert on happiness, joins Scott to discuss the need to control our response to AI, how this technology is impacting society, and the four major threats he’s identified. We also hear about Mo’s transition out of tech to focus on happiness. Follow Mo on Instagram, @mo_gawdat.

Scott opens with his thoughts on Threads and has a question for Mark Zuckerberg: are you Darth Vader, or are you Anakin?

Algebra of Happiness: express love and admiration as often as you can.

Interest Rates, the US Economy, and Demographic Change — with Matthew Klein

Matt Klein, the founder of The Overshoot, and the co-author of “Trade Wars Are Class Wars: How Rising Inequality Distorts the Global Economy and Threatens International Peace,” joins Scott to discuss the macro environment and why a recession isn’t imminent. Matt also shares how to think about the demographic shifts we’ve seen across various nations. Follow Matt on Twitter, @M_C_Klein.

Scott opens by discussing the attempted mutiny in Russia, shedding light on the power dynamics and ramifications for various players on the geopolitical stage.

Algebra of Happiness: are you floating?

The Economy, the Media, and Fatherhood — with Kai Ryssdal

Kai Ryssdal, the host and senior editor of Marketplace, joins Scott to discuss the state of the economy and his take on the media. We also learn how Kai approaches fatherhood and his thoughts on being a good partner. Follow Kai on Twitter, @kairyssdal.

Scott opens by discussing masculinity, his time at Cannes, and the fact that the number of billionaires in the world has increased five-fold over the past two decades.

Algebra of Happiness: are you a friend or a benefactor?

China’s Growing Power, US Diplomacy, and Ukraine’s Counteroffensive — with Ian Bremmer

Ian Bremmer, the president and founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, joins Scott to discuss why China has a spy base in Cuba, where the US struggles and excels on the global stage, and what to expect now that Ukraine’s counteroffensive has begun. Follow Ian on Twitter, @ianbremmer.

Scott opens by discussing how former President Trump exudes corruption and stupidity.

Algebra of Happiness: what made you?

How to Get Unstuck — with Adam Alter

Adam Alter, a professor of marketing and psychology at NYU, and the author of several books including his latest, “Anatomy of a Breakthrough” joins Scott to discuss what to do about feeling stuck, choosing when to explore vs exploit your career options, and why he thinks Lionel Messi is the greatest soccer player of all time. Follow Professor Alter on Twitter, @adamleealter.

Scott opens by discussing why he does not think Apple’s Vision Pro product will be successful.

Algebra of Happiness: it’s never too late to right a wrong.

Lessons & Meditations from the Stoics — with Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday, an author and media strategist, joins Scott to discuss his latest book, “The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kids.” We hear about practicing patience, rethinking our outsized reactions, and teaching discipline. Follow Ryan on Twitter, @RyanHoliday.

Scott opens by discussing Nvidia’s journey to become the next $1 trillion company.

Algebra of Happiness: it’s not about you.

State of Play: Geopolitics, US Foreign Policy, and NATO Enlargement — with Jeffrey Sachs

Jeffrey Sachs, a world-renowned economics professor at Columbia University, joins Scott to discuss the state of the nation’s debt ceiling – specifically as it relates to military spending. We also hear Professor Sachs’ take on the broader geopolitical landscape, as well as the war in Ukraine.

Scott opens by discussing Meta’s privacy violation fine from the GDPR as well as the firm’s potential to build a Twitter competitor.

Algebra of Happiness: switching mediums.