https://simplecast.com A podcast where the life of the mind meets everyday life. Hosted by Samantha Laine Perfas, produced by Harvard University. Visit harvard.edu/thinking. en Wed, 1 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Wed, 1 Apr 2026 14:00:13 +0000 https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/4e7f56d4-eb27-4ac4-9d9f-899ce9b93b68/f986d52c-c815-4bfd-92ae-a3fd718956ac/3000x3000/2023-11-28-gazette-ht-podcast-thumbnail-1.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com episodic A podcast where the life of the mind meets everyday life. Hosted by Samantha Laine Perfas, produced by Harvard University. Visit harvard.edu/thinking. Harvard University false https://feeds.simplecast.com/tyge_lYM Harvard University digitalcomms@harvard.edu 56c6c18a-b492-4cc5-8314-269f4e338968 Wed, 1 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Samantha Laine Perfas, Ed Glaeser, Jason Furman, Amy Tomasso) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/housing-crisis-aSVnwqRm Priced out of the American dream Samantha Laine Perfas, Ed Glaeser, Jason Furman, Amy Tomasso 00:34:20 Owning a home feels increasingly unattainable for many middle-class Americans. Last year, home prices surged to nearly five times the median income. Yet the pace of building new housing, which could create more affordability, remains slow. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with urban economist Ed Glaeser, former CEA chair Jason Furman, and innovative housing expert Amy Tomasso about how those hoping to buy can make sense of the current housing crisis. Owning a home feels increasingly unattainable for many middle-class Americans. Last year, home prices surged to nearly five times the median income. Yet the pace of building new housing, which could create more affordability, remains slow. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with urban economist Ed Glaeser, former CEA chair Jason Furman, and innovative housing expert Amy Tomasso about how those hoping to buy can make sense of the current housing crisis. economy, owning a home, affordability crisis, university of utah, harvard university, housing crisis, housing, homeownership, economics false full 25 1 1ea51899-cd59-4061-af05-4c1026bf2a27 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Samantha Laine Perfas, Karestan Koenen, Kate McLaughlin, Jason Buenrostro) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/adversity-trauma-dMexkj2l The things we carry Samantha Laine Perfas, Karestan Koenen, Kate McLaughlin, Jason Buenrostro 00:33:22 Different forms of adversity – like abuse, violence, and neglect – not only damage our physical and mental health but also change our cells. Scientific advances in the biology of adversity are showing us that in some cases, the harms of negative experiences run dangerously deep in our bodies and minds. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with children’s psychologist Kate McLaughlin, psychiatric epidemiologist Karestan Koenen, and cellular biologist Jason Buenrostro about what the future holds for protecting people from their worst experiences. Different forms of adversity – like abuse, violence, and neglect – not only damage our physical and mental health but also change our cells. Scientific advances in the biology of adversity are showing us that in some cases, the harms of negative experiences run dangerously deep in our bodies and minds. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with children’s psychologist Kate McLaughlin, psychiatric epidemiologist Karestan Koenen, and cellular biologist Jason Buenrostro about what the future holds for protecting people from their worst experiences. trauma, trauma treatment, poverty, preventative medicine, adversity, trauma care, harvard medical school, cellular biology, broad institute, biology of adversity false full 24 1 7be9cbc9-33f6-4a38-b193-63ef84a6d747 Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Samantha Laine Perfas, Richard Schwartz, Debora Spar, Eve Rodksy) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/marriage-fUGAuZRY Is marriage worth saving? Samantha Laine Perfas, Richard Schwartz, Debora Spar, Eve Rodksy 00:30:55 Marriage has evolved a lot through the years – and so have the problems and rewards that come with it. Research suggests it benefits our physical and mental health, but it might not seem like it when conflict arises and couples struggle to co-manage a household. With greater social acceptance of a variety of lifestyle choices, many people – especially young women – are thinking twice before tying the knot. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with business professor Debora Spar, psychiatrist and family counselor Richard Schwartz, and bestselling author Eve Rodsky about the role of marriage in modern society. Marriage has evolved a lot through the years – and so have the problems and rewards that come with it. Research suggests it benefits our physical and mental health, but it might not seem like it when conflict arises and couples struggle to co-manage a household. With greater social acceptance of a variety of lifestyle choices, many people – especially young women – are thinking twice before tying the knot. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with business professor Debora Spar, psychiatrist and family counselor Richard Schwartz, and bestselling author Eve Rodsky about the role of marriage in modern society. marriage tax, childcare, family therapy, harvard business school, harvard law school, fair play, harvard medical school, marriage problems, parenting, marriage false full 23 1 2327a04b-9422-4b99-b2fd-8ad500884fba Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:32:07 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Tina Grotzer, Ying Xu, Samantha Laine Perfas, Michael Brenner) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/generative-ai-_w1EZOai Preserving learning in the age of AI shortcuts Tina Grotzer, Ying Xu, Samantha Laine Perfas, Michael Brenner 00:28:27 Generative AI tools are here to stay. There’s a debate around whether or not they should be embraced in spaces of learning. Recent reports suggest that the risks of using these tools might outweigh the benefits, threatening cognitive development by doing the thinking for their users. This is forcing educators into a dilemma: how do they make the most of AI’s potential, while also protecting students’ ability to think for themselves? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with cognitive scientist Tina Grotzer, applied mathematics professor Michael Brenner, and educator Ying Xu about how to use AI tools to enhance learning, rather than replace it. Generative AI tools are here to stay. There’s a debate around whether or not they should be embraced in spaces of learning. Recent reports suggest that the risks of using these tools might outweigh the benefits, threatening cognitive development by doing the thinking for their users. This is forcing educators into a dilemma: how do they make the most of AI’s potential, while also protecting students’ ability to think for themselves? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with cognitive scientist Tina Grotzer, applied mathematics professor Michael Brenner, and educator Ying Xu about how to use AI tools to enhance learning, rather than replace it. harvard graduate school of education, education, ai tools, harvard university, applied mathematics, technology, harvard school of engineering and applied sciences, generative ai, artificial intelligence, ai and education, ai false full 22 1 48c8c618-fe2e-4e52-bf9e-d03c1b27cdb0 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Ellen Hendriksen, Michaela Kerrissey, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/perfectionism-oqq7eIei The perils of perfectionism Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Ellen Hendriksen, Michaela Kerrissey, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:29:03 Many people hold themselves to extremely high standards, but when the scales tip to the pursuit of perfection, it can result in anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health issues. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace, psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, and public health expert Michaela Kerrissey about when we’ve gone too far in trying to achieve our best. Many people hold themselves to extremely high standards, but when the scales tip to the pursuit of perfection, it can result in anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health issues. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace, psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, and public health expert Michaela Kerrissey about when we’ve gone too far in trying to achieve our best. achievement pressure, harvard university, perfectionist, perfectionism, anxiety, high achievement, perfection, perfect, mental health, harvard medical school, depression false full 21 1 3ee2b57c-aab0-41b1-8f83-1c68162e0151 Wed, 3 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Dan Schacter, Venki Murthy, Margaret O’Connor, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/memory-qT_UScm8 How memory works (and doesn’t) Dan Schacter, Venki Murthy, Margaret O’Connor, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:28:49 We rely on our memories for so much. Memory is the foundation of our sense of self, ability to learn new information, and stay safe. But our memories are also highly suggestible, and we often misremember events or fabricate memories entirely. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with science researcher Dan Schacter, Alzheimer’s expert Margaret O’Connor, and neuroscientist Venki Murthy about the science of memory – and how we can remember better. We rely on our memories for so much. Memory is the foundation of our sense of self, ability to learn new information, and stay safe. But our memories are also highly suggestible, and we often misremember events or fabricate memories entirely. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with science researcher Dan Schacter, Alzheimer’s expert Margaret O’Connor, and neuroscientist Venki Murthy about the science of memory – and how we can remember better. alzheimer’s disease, memory, sensory perception, brain health, brain, remembering, harvard university, brain science, harvard medical school, science, neuroscience, memory loss false full 20 1 b47f3d76-9713-4d8e-a9bc-79451b869183 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, Uma Naidoo, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/mediterranean-diet-EkiVl_wW Why you should give the Mediterranean diet a try Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, Uma Naidoo, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:25:25 Many diets claim to be good for you. But the Mediterranean diet rises to the top with its research-proven benefits: it’s been shown to increase life expectancy; decrease risk for dementia; improve mental health and cognitive function; and lower the risk of heart disease for nearly every demographic. What is it that makes the diet so great? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas discuss the Mediterranean diet with nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo and Mediterranean diet expert Miguel Ángel Martínez-González about how people can make nutritional changes that work for them day to day. Many diets claim to be good for you. But the Mediterranean diet rises to the top with its research-proven benefits: it’s been shown to increase life expectancy; decrease risk for dementia; improve mental health and cognitive function; and lower the risk of heart disease for nearly every demographic. What is it that makes the diet so great? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas discuss the Mediterranean diet with nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo and Mediterranean diet expert Miguel Ángel Martínez-González about how people can make nutritional changes that work for them day to day. harvard university, olive oil, cognitive function, dementia, health benefits, diet, health, mental health, heart disease, harvard medical school, nutrition, mediterranean diet false full 19 1 68c44a41-e181-46bc-95b1-966d5d054728 Wed, 5 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Rebecca Robbins, Tony Cunningham, Matthew Weaver, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/are-you-getting-enough-sleep-probably-not-VefUsr4w Are you getting enough sleep? Probably not. Rebecca Robbins, Tony Cunningham, Matthew Weaver, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:31:27 Sleep deprivation is a form of torture, yet we are depriving ourselves of quality sleep more than ever. Six out of 10 adults in the U.S. aren’t getting enough sleep, which leads to negative mood, low energy, poor cognitive function, and can even take years off your life. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins, psychiatrist Tony Cunningham, and epidemiologist Matthew Weaver about why we should – and how to – get better sleep. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture, yet we are depriving ourselves of quality sleep more than ever. Six out of 10 adults in the U.S. aren’t getting enough sleep, which leads to negative mood, low energy, poor cognitive function, and can even take years off your life. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins, psychiatrist Tony Cunningham, and epidemiologist Matthew Weaver about why we should – and how to – get better sleep. sleep disorders, sleep deprivation, sleep, mental health, sleep issues, harvard medical school, insomnia, sleep health false full 18 1 3ae99292-d614-4b49-b3e2-3ece271f2e28 Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (James Wood, Lauren Groff, Sam Marks, Nick White, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/storytelling-_3WK3IgS How to tell a story James Wood, Lauren Groff, Sam Marks, Nick White, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:33:10 Episode Summary:  Storytelling is a huge part of the human experience. But how do you tell a good story? There are elements of craft to consider for sure, but for many authors, creativity comes from a place deep within themselves and looks different from writer to writer. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with literary critic James Wood, award-winning novelist Lauren Groff, short story writer Nick White, and playwright Sam Marks about their writing process. Episode Summary:  Storytelling is a huge part of the human experience. But how do you tell a good story? There are elements of craft to consider for sure, but for many authors, creativity comes from a place deep within themselves and looks different from writer to writer. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with literary critic James Wood, award-winning novelist Lauren Groff, short story writer Nick White, and playwright Sam Marks about their writing process. harvard university, writing process, literary criticism, fiction, novel, creative writing, how to write a novel false full 17 1 af84b2b6-7ded-43fa-9f9b-21f660e66ea4 Wed, 8 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Tim Rebbeck, Tomotaka Ugai, Kimmie Ng, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/early-onset-cancer-55RUndy_ Young people are facing increased cancer risk. Why? Tim Rebbeck, Tomotaka Ugai, Kimmie Ng, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:30:49 People under 50 are experiencing higher risk of some cancers. While overall cancer rates are declining, the incidence of 14 cancer types have increased in younger people. Why? It could be related to lifestyle choices, environmental factors, or an individual’s genetics. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with global cancer trend expert Tim Rebbeck, oncologist Kimmie Ng, and epidemiologist Tomotaka Ugai about how people under 50 can best mitigate their cancer risk. People under 50 are experiencing higher risk of some cancers. While overall cancer rates are declining, the incidence of 14 cancer types have increased in younger people. Why? It could be related to lifestyle choices, environmental factors, or an individual’s genetics. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with global cancer trend expert Tim Rebbeck, oncologist Kimmie Ng, and epidemiologist Tomotaka Ugai about how people under 50 can best mitigate their cancer risk. epidemiology, cancer prevention, early onset cancer, oncology, harvard university, cancer research, harvard medical school, science, cancer false full 16 1 7c8d11ac-23e2-4081-9e41-fbfd965de7c6 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Martin West, Pamela Mason, Phil Capin, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/declining-literacy-rates-p9sPmCkg Why are U.S. literacy rates declining? Martin West, Pamela Mason, Phil Capin, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:25:54 Literacy rates in the U.S. have been in decline for a while now. Experts are combing the data for answers. Researchers are examining the role of curricula, teacher training, and classroom best practices to figure out: How do we help our kids read better? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with policy expert Martin West, teacher educator Pamela Mason, and reading researcher Phil Capin about how to best support our students. Literacy rates in the U.S. have been in decline for a while now. Experts are combing the data for answers. Researchers are examining the role of curricula, teacher training, and classroom best practices to figure out: How do we help our kids read better? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with policy expert Martin West, teacher educator Pamela Mason, and reading researcher Phil Capin about how to best support our students. harvard graduate school of education, education, literacy, reading, harvard university, declining literacy, writing, reading comprehension, harvard kennedy school false full 15 1 61f2b56c-d8ed-44d5-802b-e643c1d2cc31 Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Rick Weissbourd, Bob Waldinger, Mahzarin Banaji, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/coping-with-change-O3Ne4Lss Changing how we deal with change Rick Weissbourd, Bob Waldinger, Mahzarin Banaji, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:29:05 Is it true that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Absolutely not; Research shows that people can and do make dramatic shifts at nearly every life stage. Sometimes that change is intentional and other times it happens without our awareness. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with psychiatrist Bob Waldinger, educator Rick Weissbourd, and experimental psychologist Mahzarin Banaji about how embracing change can lead to a better life. Is it true that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Absolutely not; Research shows that people can and do make dramatic shifts at nearly every life stage. Sometimes that change is intentional and other times it happens without our awareness. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with psychiatrist Bob Waldinger, educator Rick Weissbourd, and experimental psychologist Mahzarin Banaji about how embracing change can lead to a better life. education, harvard university, psychology, optimism, new year’s resolutions, harvard medical school, making caring common, psychiatry, change false full 14 1 22cee805-074f-4ea2-9164-5c976af48c67 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Levi Garraway, Connie Lehman, Cathy Wu, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/cancer-CuPrZKu2 New frontiers in cancer care Levi Garraway, Connie Lehman, Cathy Wu, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:27:23 It’s a new era in the fight against cancer. The disease still kills nearly 10 million people worldwide every year, but advances in genomic sequencing and artificial intelligence have ushered in a new era of research. Treatments can now be personalized to patients and someday we might even have vaccines that can prevent the disease altogether. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas, cancer researcher Levi Garraway, radiologist Connie Lehman, and cell therapy expert Cathy Wu talk about how close we are to turning a corner on cancer. It’s a new era in the fight against cancer. The disease still kills nearly 10 million people worldwide every year, but advances in genomic sequencing and artificial intelligence have ushered in a new era of research. Treatments can now be personalized to patients and someday we might even have vaccines that can prevent the disease altogether. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas, cancer researcher Levi Garraway, radiologist Connie Lehman, and cell therapy expert Cathy Wu talk about how close we are to turning a corner on cancer. cell therapy, breast cancer, harvard university, sjöberg prize, cancer research, medicine, artificial intelligence, harvard medical school, cancer false full 13 1 8d3cfe5f-6738-4ba0-92fd-55b2ea20ba70 Wed, 6 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Jane Nelson, Tal Ben-Shahar, Steven Pinker, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/optimism-kLsLA99y The case for optimism Jane Nelson, Tal Ben-Shahar, Steven Pinker, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:30:13 Things aren’t what they used to be: they’re actually better. Yet even though many measures show how much progress we’ve made, many people feel like things are worse than ever. How do we change this perspective? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with positive psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, global governance expert Jane Nelson, and evidence-based optimist Steven Pinker about choosing optimism. Things aren’t what they used to be: they’re actually better. Yet even though many measures show how much progress we’ve made, many people feel like things are worse than ever. How do we change this perspective? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with positive psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, global governance expert Jane Nelson, and evidence-based optimist Steven Pinker about choosing optimism. progress, harvard university, psychology, hope, optimism, happiness, global governance, positive psychology false full 12 1 782c0e23-5f84-411c-aef1-71846ffa1a65 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Don Ingber, Mary Johnson, Philip Demokritou, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/plastic-9rD1uvgn Plastic in our blood? That’s a problem. Don Ingber, Mary Johnson, Philip Demokritou, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:28:45 Our planet is filled with plastic. On average, we produce 430 million tons every year, most of which is used only for a short period of time and then discarded. But plastic isn’t just in the environment: it’s now in our bodies. Microplastics have been found in our bloodstreams, lungs, and other organs, and we’re only recently beginning to understand how this affects our health. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas, cell biologist Don Ingber, environmental health scientist Mary Johnson, and nanomaterial researcher Philip Demokritou discuss our destructive relationship with plastic. Our planet is filled with plastic. On average, we produce 430 million tons every year, most of which is used only for a short period of time and then discarded. But plastic isn’t just in the environment: it’s now in our bodies. Microplastics have been found in our bloodstreams, lungs, and other organs, and we’re only recently beginning to understand how this affects our health. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas, cell biologist Don Ingber, environmental health scientist Mary Johnson, and nanomaterial researcher Philip Demokritou discuss our destructive relationship with plastic. nanoplastic, public health, harvard university, harvard chan school of public health, medicine, health, plastic, microplastic, harvard medical school, pollution false full 11 1 4201ccf2-633b-4d3c-a634-8e6b1595e879 Wed, 9 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (David Deming, Nancy Hill, Susanna Siegel, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/liberal-arts-education-H2YKkXGt The case for a liberal arts education David Deming, Nancy Hill, Susanna Siegel, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:27:02 College is expensive. Even with ramped-up financial aid efforts from universities, people are still trying to decide if tuition will lead to a smart return on their investment. Is a liberal arts education worth the price tag? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with economist David Deming, educator Nancy Hill, and philosophy Professor Susanna Siegel about how to make a liberal arts education attractive again. College is expensive. Even with ramped-up financial aid efforts from universities, people are still trying to decide if tuition will lead to a smart return on their investment. Is a liberal arts education worth the price tag? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with economist David Deming, educator Nancy Hill, and philosophy Professor Susanna Siegel about how to make a liberal arts education attractive again. liberal arts education, education, harvard university, tuition, higher education, philosophy, college, economics false full 10 1 72ce3063-bb06-4975-bd71-ecaf03e3570e Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Laurie Santos, Joy McGrath, Susan Linn, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/school-cellphone-bans-ILMQAqk_ Why school cellphone bans are spreading Laurie Santos, Joy McGrath, Susan Linn, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:30:59 Schools are banning cellphones. And some states and cities are passing legislation that restricts student phone use in the classroom. Both parents and students have pushed back, yet schools say the removal of phones eliminates distractions and fosters face-to-face interactions that students themselves have come to appreciate. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with psychologist Laurie Santos, private school administrator Joy McGrath, and psychiatrist Susan Linn about what it would look like to take phones out of classrooms. Schools are banning cellphones. And some states and cities are passing legislation that restricts student phone use in the classroom. Both parents and students have pushed back, yet schools say the removal of phones eliminates distractions and fosters face-to-face interactions that students themselves have come to appreciate. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with psychologist Laurie Santos, private school administrator Joy McGrath, and psychiatrist Susan Linn about what it would look like to take phones out of classrooms. harvard graduate school of education, public schools, cellphone bans, education, cellphones, harvard university, technology, mental health, harvard medical school false full 9 1 fa019e27-dea7-4913-865d-0f2de8fecfa7 Wed, 8 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Thomas Kane, Heather Hill, Stephanie Conklin, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/pandemic-learning-loss-zKEcFtBS How far has COVID set back students? Thomas Kane, Heather Hill, Stephanie Conklin, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:29:57 American schools have not recovered from the pandemic. On average, schools have lost half a grade level in math and a little less than that in reading. Some students have rebounded, but others are in even worse shape than they were before — and that’s when you can get them in the classroom in the first place. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with economist Thomas Kane, education policy and program expert Heather Hill, and New York State Master Teacher Stephanie Conklin about how to regain pandemic learning losses. American schools have not recovered from the pandemic. On average, schools have lost half a grade level in math and a little less than that in reading. Some students have rebounded, but others are in even worse shape than they were before — and that’s when you can get them in the classroom in the first place. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with economist Thomas Kane, education policy and program expert Heather Hill, and New York State Master Teacher Stephanie Conklin about how to regain pandemic learning losses. harvard graduate school of education, public schools, low-income schools, education, pandemic learning, harvard university, urban education, absenteeism, poverty false full 8 1 57c9b6ad-36e3-496f-9761-bad9b7d9731a Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Tyler VanderWeele, Matthew Potts, Laura Thompson, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/forgiveness-ZMftquc3 Forgiving what you can’t forget Tyler VanderWeele, Matthew Potts, Laura Thompson, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:28:07 We’ve all held a grudge. As humans, we’ve all been hurt — and have hurt others. Forgiveness can be a way to release those negative emotions. What’s more, recent research shows forgiveness is linked to better health outcomes. So why is it so difficult? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with Christian theologian Matt Potts, public health expert Tyler VanderWeele, and psychologist Laura Thompson to discuss forgiving when you can’t forget. We’ve all held a grudge. As humans, we’ve all been hurt — and have hurt others. Forgiveness can be a way to release those negative emotions. What’s more, recent research shows forgiveness is linked to better health outcomes. So why is it so difficult? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with Christian theologian Matt Potts, public health expert Tyler VanderWeele, and psychologist Laura Thompson to discuss forgiving when you can’t forget. peace, forgiveness, religion, public health, harvard university, psychology, grudge, reconciliation false full 7 1 277e83b9-2c9d-4d37-86ed-edd0db496653 Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Sheila Jasanoff, Martin Wattenberg, Susan Murphy, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-hCHUBbpW The promise and peril of AI Sheila Jasanoff, Martin Wattenberg, Susan Murphy, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:27:15 The capabilities of artificial intelligence have fallen short of human imagination. They’re now catching up, advancing at an alarming rate. It raises the question: How do we develop these technologies ethically? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas discusses AI with legal expert Sheila Jasanoff, computer scientist Martin Wattenberg, and statistician Susan Murphy. The capabilities of artificial intelligence have fallen short of human imagination. They’re now catching up, advancing at an alarming rate. It raises the question: How do we develop these technologies ethically? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas discusses AI with legal expert Sheila Jasanoff, computer scientist Martin Wattenberg, and statistician Susan Murphy. law, computer science, harvard university, ethics, statistics, artificial intelligence, ai false full 6 1 bc5c4b66-85ce-4cb9-bc94-aa12e3ab6fd6 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Tracy Balboni, Chris Berlin, Mildred Solomon, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/what-dying-people-actually-need-rvWa9TE5 What dying people actually need Tracy Balboni, Chris Berlin, Mildred Solomon, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:26:11 Nothing is certain except death and taxes. Yet the inevitability of death doesn’t prevent the discomfort and uncertainty felt by those facing the end of their lives. Many experience long deaths in hospitals, while others wrestle with whether to undergo invasive life-extending treatments. How do we confront death — as patients, counselors, and healthcare professionals — in a way that honors the fullness of life? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas joins Buddhist chaplain Chris Berlin, bioethicist Mildred Solomon, and radiation oncologist Tracy Balboni to talk about end-of-life care. Nothing is certain except death and taxes. Yet the inevitability of death doesn’t prevent the discomfort and uncertainty felt by those facing the end of their lives. Many experience long deaths in hospitals, while others wrestle with whether to undergo invasive life-extending treatments. How do we confront death — as patients, counselors, and healthcare professionals — in a way that honors the fullness of life? In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas joins Buddhist chaplain Chris Berlin, bioethicist Mildred Solomon, and radiation oncologist Tracy Balboni to talk about end-of-life care. dying, death, end of life care, hospice, medicine, harvard medical school, harvard divinity school, science, bioethics false full 5 1 542432fc-dee0-4cc3-afe4-92a7bf04a455 Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Robert Stavins, Emmanuel Akyeampong, and Caroline Buckee, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/climate-alignment-is-no-easy-task-7u6UEgar Climate alignment is no easy task Robert Stavins, Emmanuel Akyeampong, and Caroline Buckee, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:23:41 The planet is only getting hotter. Significant resources need to be devoted to both climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, requiring cooperation at all levels of governance. But what do we do when the need for long-term cooperation is overshadowed by short-term interests? Host Samantha Laine Perfas is joined by environmental economist Robert Stavins, historian Emmanuel Akyeampong, and global health expert Caroline Buckee to talk about the challenges in addressing climate change. The planet is only getting hotter. Significant resources need to be devoted to both climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, requiring cooperation at all levels of governance. But what do we do when the need for long-term cooperation is overshadowed by short-term interests? Host Samantha Laine Perfas is joined by environmental economist Robert Stavins, historian Emmanuel Akyeampong, and global health expert Caroline Buckee to talk about the challenges in addressing climate change. climate change, conference of the parties, harvard university, united nations, salata institute for climate and sustainability false full 4 1 c9338cd2-1a9b-4366-bebf-5edae8217cd6 Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:39:37 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Danielle Allen, Steven Levitsky, Stephen Sachs, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/our-democracy-problem-5ig1URmQ Our democracy problem Danielle Allen, Steven Levitsky, Stephen Sachs, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:32:36 In recent years, American democracy has withstood the damage of bitter polarization and a growing distrust of institutions, but there are some who worry the worst is yet to come. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with political theorist Danielle Allen, best-selling author Steven Levitsky, and constitutional law Professor Stephen Sachs about what it will take to re-energize and protect our system of government. In recent years, American democracy has withstood the damage of bitter polarization and a growing distrust of institutions, but there are some who worry the worst is yet to come. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas speaks with political theorist Danielle Allen, best-selling author Steven Levitsky, and constitutional law Professor Stephen Sachs about what it will take to re-energize and protect our system of government. politics, united states, election, government, news, democracy false full 3 1 85541a3e-9af1-40ce-b241-d383ac8f1d2b Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:01:07 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Jeremy Nobel, Milena Batanova, Samantha Laine Perfas) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/lonely-youre-not-alone-HPQFN_46 Lonely? You’re not alone. Jeremy Nobel, Milena Batanova, Samantha Laine Perfas 00:26:23 Occasional loneliness is normal, but what’s happening in the U.S. right now is not. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas welcomes public health expert Jeremy Nobel and education researcher Milena Batanova for a conversation exploring how loneliness became a crisis and how we might reconnect. Occasional loneliness is normal, but what’s happening in the U.S. right now is not. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas welcomes public health expert Jeremy Nobel and education researcher Milena Batanova for a conversation exploring how loneliness became a crisis and how we might reconnect. harvard graduate school of education, public health, harvard university, loneliness epidemic, harvard chan school of public health, loneliness false full 2 1 c25cc975-cad3-45d3-a36c-d50078260b06 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:34:12 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Samantha Laine Perfas, Bapu Jena, Emily Oster, Marisa Silveri) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/how-much-drinking-is-too-much-_CEErtfl How much drinking is too much? Samantha Laine Perfas, Bapu Jena, Emily Oster, Marisa Silveri 00:23:05 Is drinking any amount of alcohol bad for you? Studies are mixed, leaving people confused about the type of relationship they should have with alcohol. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks drinking with economist and physician Bapu Jena, bestselling author Emily Oster, and neuroscientist Marisa Silveri. Is drinking any amount of alcohol bad for you? Studies are mixed, leaving people confused about the type of relationship they should have with alcohol. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks drinking with economist and physician Bapu Jena, bestselling author Emily Oster, and neuroscientist Marisa Silveri. mclean hospital, harvard university, alcohol, lifestyle, health, drinking, harvard medical school, science, research false full 1 1 b573790d-a343-4127-b848-6a9f7a5aa0e7 Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:10:00 +0000 digitalcomms@harvard.edu (Harvard University) https://harvard-thinking.simplecast.com/episodes/introducing-harvard-thinking-YOcMurcd Introducing “Harvard Thinking” Harvard University 00:01:28 Join us in welcoming “Harvard Thinking,” a new podcast where the life of the mind meets everyday life.   Join us in welcoming “Harvard Thinking,” a new podcast where the life of the mind meets everyday life.   false trailer 1