Preconceived

Can you really change someone’s mind — and should you even try? Philosopher Colin Marshall joins Preconceived to explore the art, science, and ethics of persuasion. Why do some people change their deeply held beliefs while others seem completely immune to reason? Can people truly change, or are we more set in our ways than we’d like to believe? And when does persuasion cross the line into manipula...

This episode explores why superheroes are more than disposable pop culture: they reflect our hopes and anxieties about power, morality, identity, and justice. Zale is joined by Danny Fingeroth, a comic book historian, former Marvel editor, and author of Superman on the Couch and A Marvelous Life . Together, they discuss why flawed heroes like Spider-Man resonate, how superhero stories blur the lin...

Most of us assume that great actors are just born with it — some natural gift that lets them inhabit a character and move us in ways we can't quite explain. But what actually goes into the performances we love? Is it raw talent, or is there a craft behind it that most of us never get to see? This episode pulls back the curtain on what acting really is, and how the best performers in the world have...

This episode is about why fantasy football is so addictive and why so many people love it. Adam Aizer from CBS Sports joins the podcast to talk about the fantasy football industry, what makes a good manager, and the balance between skill and luck. We also get into what fantasy football reveals about how people think, compete, and make decisions under uncertainty. CBS Fantasy Football Today Podcast...

In the wake of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey , there has been enormous interest in Homer’s ancient Greek epic—and in Odysseus, the hero at its center. Who was Odysseus, why has The Odyssey remained relevant for nearly 3,000 years, and what does this story have to say about human nature today? We also explore what Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is trying to tell us, how it compares with Homer’s...

From a young age, many of us are brought up believing that God is the embodiment of perfection - that God is good, merciful, and reflective of the values we hold so dear in our daily lives. But on closer look, the Judaeo-Christian God that is portrayed in the Old and New Testaments can often be quite violent, vengeful, and even egotistical, demanding complete and utter loyalty from his followers....

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In this episode, Zale discusses with Dr. Barry Schwartz, a renowned psychologist and author, how modern society's abundance of choices impacts our happiness, decision-making, and regret. They explore how too many options can lead to paralysis, the role of social comparison, and the importance of setting "good enough" standards for a more satisfying life. Main Topics: The concept of counterfactual...

What really separates elite performers from everyone else? In this episode of Preconceived , Zale sits down with former Navy SEAL officer Rich Diviney to challenge the myth of the "superhuman" SEAL and explore what truly drives performance under pressure. Rich explains the difference between skills and attributes, why SEAL training is designed to push candidates to their limits, and how qualities...

Most of us think we know cocaine — a glamorous party drug with a dark side, a scourge of the 80s, a straightforward villain in the story of addiction. But what happens behind the scenes - in the months of work and miles of travel that take the coca leaf of Central and South America to the consumers all around the world? Emilia Ziosi is a researcher and science communicator whose work has focused l...

What does it actually mean to thrive —not emotionally, but biologically? In this episode, neuroscientist Paul Zak breaks down the brain science behind emotional fitness, social connection, and the kinds of experiences that make life feel deeply engaging rather than merely comfortable. We explore whether thriving is a measurable state of the nervous system, why modern life may be quietly working ag...

In recent years, conversations around sex have become far more attentive to women’s experiences, desires, and frustrations — and for good reason. But in the process, have we stopped talking honestly about male sexuality? In this episode, Zale sits down with sex therapist and author Chris Donaghue to explore the psychology of male sexual performance, insecurity, validation, and desire. From penis s...

Is human consciousness simply the product of brain activity — or does reducing human experience to biology leave something essential out? In this episode, philosopher, physician, and former clinical neuroscientist Raymond Tallis joins the show to challenge reductionist views of the mind, unpack the limits of neuroscience, and explore what makes human beings distinct. Best known for his critiques o...

What if our sense of right and wrong isn’t just philosophical, but biological? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Paul Zak reveals that a single molecule—oxytocin—could hold the key to understanding trust, empathy, and virtue itself. Imagine being able to measure compassion in a blood sample or enhance generosity with a nasal spray. Is morality purely a matter of choice, or are we wired for virtue?...

In this episode, Zale is joined by Mark McNeilly to explore the transformative power of AI, its implications for the future of work, society, and creativity, and how individuals and organizations can adapt. Which jobs are most at risk with the advent of AI? Has society at large been downplaying the real concerns of of AI replacing our roles? Zale and Mark discuss the nuances of AI development, ado...

We learn from an early age that it’s not acceptable to harm others. Many would say it’s something we don’t even need to really learn – that it’s a natural human instinct to not want to cause harm. With that perspective, it’s natural that it would be extremely challenging for people to understand why someone would harm themselves . Why would some voluntarily elect to hurt themselves? Non-suicidal s...

We know the Holocaust to be true, yet many deny it. How is it possible to deny fact? In this episode, Robert Jan van Pelt delves into the perplexing world of Holocaust denial, exploring how meticulous forensic analysis and evidence-based reasoning challenge these unfounded claims. Through architectural blueprints and forensic investigations, he demonstrates the undeniable proof of homicidal gas ch...

On this episode of Preconceived, explore the timeless principles of Sun Tzu’s  The Art of War  and their application in today’s military tactics and business strategies. Join us as Mark McNeely dives into how indirect approaches, restraint, and strategic character leadership shape success across domains. This episode tackles controversial questions such as: Can the principles of  Th...

Is it possible to love an AI? In this episode, we delve into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and romantic relationships. Dr. Marnie Feuerman joins us to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and ethical considerations of AI in our intimate lives. Discover how AI might fulfill our deepest needs for love and connection, and where it falls short. Learn more about Dr. Marnie F...

In this episode of  Preconceived , Zale explores the often misunderstood topic of infidelity, revealing why cheating is more common and psychologically complex than it appears on the surface. Joined by Dr. Dylan Selterman, a Johns Hopkins psychology professor, this discussion uncovers the motivations, psychological factors, and societal influences around cheating in relationships. Notably, th...

There is perhaps no country in the world more perplexing and bewildering than North Korea. Considered by many as a silo shut off from the rest of the world, much of North Korea is shrouded in mystery. Unfortunately, much of that mystery involves a dictatorial regime and severe oppression of its peoples. But what exactly does it look like inside of North Korea? What are our preconceptions about Nor...

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale engages with Dr. Anthony Feinstein to explore the intricate world of war journalism. They discuss the psychological hurdles faced by war correspondents, the motivations that drive them into conflict zones, and the unique challenges they encounter compared to military personnel. Dr. Feinstein shares insights from his pioneering research on the mental health of...

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the concept of happiness and melancholy with Professor Julie Norem, a psychology expert from Wellesley College. They delve into the strategy of defensive pessimism, discussing how it can be a beneficial approach for managing anxiety and achieving goals. The conversation also touches on societal pressures to maintain constant happiness and the value of...

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the concept of democracy and its current state in the world, particularly in the United States. He is joined by Peter Biro, a lawyer, writer, and NGO leader, who discusses the importance of not taking democracy for granted and the potential threats it faces. The conversation delves into the meaning of democracy, its perceived sanctity, and the role of...

In this 300th episode of Preconceived, we dive deep into the intricate world of wokeness—a term that has sparked both fervent support and intense debate. What does it truly mean to be 'woke'? How has this cultural phenomenon reshaped our conversations around identity, free speech, and societal norms? Join us as we unravel these questions with our guest, Eric Kaufman, who brings a wealth of knowled...