Watson-Howland Podcast

Navigating Happiness and Balance: A Candid Conversation with Stanford PhD Student Ashley Moses In this episode, we explore the intricate concepts of happiness and balance with Stanford PhD student Ashley Moses. We discuss the human pursuit of happiness, the role of freedom and health in achieving it, and how our definitions of happiness can change over time. The conversation also delves into the c...

Rejection therapy is the fastest way to build real confidence and Gregory Russell Benedikt explains how “terrified action” can break your fear, self-doubt, and people-pleasing for good better than anyone. Gregory Russell Benedikt is a TEDx sensation (“How Being Bold Will Change Your Life”) and life coach helping people live a story worth telling. Subscribe for more long-form interviews on psycholo...

How Surviving Severe Burns Shaped Dan Ariely's Approach to Reducing Human Suffering Dan Ariely shares his personal story of surviving severe burns covering 70% of his body at the age of 18. He discusses the excruciating treatments, including multiple skin transplants and the ongoing battle with scar tissue. Ariely describes how this life-altering experience led him to a career focused on alleviati...

In this episode, jacob and guest Stanford PhD student Ashley Moses delve into the complexities of pursuing a PhD. They discuss the factors influencing the decision to undertake a PhD, such as industry requirements and personal motivations. Ashley shares her journey from being fascinated by science in her childhood to realizing her passion for neuroscience, and her eventual pivot away from becoming...

Behavioral genetics is destroying what we’ve been told about parenting, school “quality,” and personality. Robert Plomin explains why “parents don’t matter (in the way you think)” and why school quality can explain as little as 1% of SAT/GCSE variation after correcting for socioeconomic status. Robert Plomin, leading behavioural geneticist at King’s College London with 50 years in psychology/genet...

In 2025 I interviewed the co-founder of SpaceX… then went back to cleaning toilets. Here are the 5 rules that stopped me quitting and made the wins stack. Subscribe if you’re building your vehicle in 2026 and you’re not stopping! Expect to learn: –How to stop quitting when results are delayed (and why most people leave right before it works). –The “don’t stop” rule that compounds wins even on your...

AI companions aren’t just “tools” they’re competing with your friendships, your colleagues, and your dating life. Julie Freeland Fisher (a researcher at the Clayton Christensen Institute and expert on disruptive innovation & AI’s impact on relationships). Subscribe for more long-form conversations on AI, human behavior, and the future of society. Answer me this: AI can reduce loneliness fast…...

The Evolutionary Attraction to Dark Romance: Why Women Seek Masculinity In this episode, Catherine Salmon sheds light on the allure of Dark Romance and the evolutionary reasons behind women's attraction to masculine traits. She explores the balance between assertiveness and kindness in men, the environmental factors influencing these preferences, and the role of psychological mechanisms in shaping...

Willpower isn’t the answer to bad habits. Neuroscientist Dr. Jud Brewer shows what actually changes behavior (and it’s simpler than you think). Dr. Judson Brewer is a psychiatrist + neuroscientist and Director of Research & Innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center. Subscribe for more long-form interviews on science, self-improvement, and human behavior. Expect to Learn: Why willpowe...

What is a 'kook' in surf culture? Explore the contrast between novice surfers and local experts as Sam Bleakley, a longboard surf champion, delves into the origins of this term. Hear about the historical context from Hollywood’s influence to global surf communities. Learn how experienced surfers like Stephanie Gilmore and Kelly Slater approach newcomers with wisdom and inclusivity. Expect to gain...

Is your oral microbiome quietly driving cavities, fatigue, brain fog, and even dementia and heart disease, while your dentist just keeps “fixing” teeth? Functional dentist Dr. Staci Whitman breaks down why your mouth is actually the front of your gut, how mouth breathing and bleeding gums can trigger whole‑body inflammation, and why humans (and our pets) are the only species routinely getting dent...

In this episode, Ralph Merkle explores the fascinating world of nanobots and their potential to revolutionize medicine. Learn how these microscopic machines, operating at the molecular level, could offer unprecedented precision in medical interventions, possibly curing diseases at their core and even repairing vital body systems. Ralph Merkle discusses the technology's scale, the challenges faced...

Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, a therapist specializing in high net worth individuals, discusses the profound isolation and unique mental health challenges faced by ultra-successful people. Drawing from his experiences working with both marginalized communities and wealthy families, Dr. Hokemeyer examines the misconceptions about wealthy individuals and the societal factors contributing to their isolation. H...

What did it really feel like to be SpaceX’s 4th engineer, betting your career on Elon Musk when reusable rockets still sounded like science fiction, and how does that same person end up training to fly with Blue Origin? Dr. Hans Koenigsmann, former VP of Build & Flight Reliability at SpaceX and now a Blue Origin astronaut candidate reveals the incredible history of modern space… from someone w...

Join us as we dive deep into the making of 'Sharks Up Close' with wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory. What surprising challenges did they face in filming great white sharks? What do great whites actually eat? How do these magnificent predators hunt and why are human-shark conflicts often a matter of mistaken identity? Learn how surprising dietary habits and overfishing impact great whites and disco...

Why Dinosaurs Died But Birds & Crocodiles Didn’t? Evolutionary genomicist Professor Ed Braun (University of Florida) pulls back the curtain on 65 million years of life’s history, from dinosaurs and birds to humans, microbes, and the hidden logic of our genomes. You’ll learn: –Why most dinosaurs died while birds and crocodiles survived, and how a single asteroid, body size, and pure luck still...

Is WW3 around the corner? Is the world becoming more peaceful? Economic historian Jari Eloranta connects patterns from World War I, the Cold War, and today’s tensions between the US, China, and Russia to show why conflict persists even in a globalised world, and what that means for ordinary people, policy makers, and investors. Jari Eloranta is a renowned professor of economic and social history a...

Dan Ariely explores why humans often act irrationally despite believing otherwise. Using the metaphor of a vintage Swiss Army knife, he explains that our decision-making tools were designed for a different era and are not suited to modern challenges. Ariely delves into the two approaches to dealing with our cognitive limitations—engineering solutions that help us and manipulative strategies that e...

Facing Negativity: Insights on Success from Bestselling Author DG Torrens In this episode, bestselling author DG Torrens shares invaluable insights into the brutal truth about success that every young person must face—negativity. Torrens discusses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset amidst criticism and pushback, and how to surround oneself with supportive individuals. She emphasizes...

Dan Ariely discusses the complexities of how humans perceive and deal with money. He explores the invention of money and its crucial role in modern civilization, enabling specialization, long-term planning, and diverse professions. However, our brains aren't naturally equipped to think about money rationally, often leading us to irrational behavior and unhealthy competition over positional goods....

Bestselling author Sebastian Faulks discusses his path to becoming a novelist, which began at the age of 14 or 15. He candidly shares his struggles and how he persevered despite early rejections from publishers. Faulks explores the dual nature of writing as both work and play, and he credits his deep conviction in the value of literature for keeping him motivated. He also reflects on the importanc...

The Unique Role of Middle Children: Insights from Dr. Catherine Salmon Evolutionary psychologist Dr. Catherine Salmon explores the unique role and characteristics of middle children in families. She discusses how parental investment and sibling dynamics shape the behavior and personality of middle children compared to firstborns and youngest siblings. Dr. Salmon explains how middle children often...

Why do nice guys struggle in love, sex, and relationships? Therapist, author, and men’s coach Dr. Robert Glover reveals insider strategies to break free from “Nice Guy Syndrome,” master authentic confidence, and unlock lasting success in relationships and life. Dr. Glover is a renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert, author of the classic No More Mr. Nice Guy , and founder of Integration...

Sam Bleakley, longboard surf champion, breaks it down using the acronym PERM: Positivity, Empathy, Resilience, and Mindfulness. Explore the unique benefits of engaging with water, particularly through surfing. Learn how the ocean declutters the mind, promotes environmental awareness, and fosters a deeper connection with nature. Expect to learn how wave riding can be a safe, transformative experien...

What happens in your brain when you fall in love? How does attachment shape our lives and relationships? Neuroscientist and Bestselling Author, Jonah Lehrer, reveals the science of love, how to rebuild a life after cancellation and the mysteries of consciousness. Jonah explores how love, secure attachment, and meaning helped him reconstruct his life, identity, and work after public shame and profe...