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Zappable

Ariel Krakowski

On machine learning, the mind, meditation, motivation, morality, and more

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  • 9 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 1 hr 7 min
  • English

Episodes 9

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  • August 17 · 56 min

    Spencer Greenberg on Valuism and the 12 Levers Behind Every Self-Help Book

    Get the episode transcript on Zappable. Spencer Greenberg and clinical psychologist Jeremy Stevenson set out to answer one question: what are all the psychological strategies you can use to improve your life? They read over a hundred self-improvement books, surveyed more than 20 types of therapy, and found that everything collapsed into twelve high-level strategies - the basis of their new book, The 12 Levers. We start with Spencer's life philosophy, valuism: figure out what you intrinsically value, then take effective actions to create it. That turns out to be harder than it sounds, because our brains don't cleanly separate what we truly value from what we want as a means to something else. It also leads to a surprising finding from his research about the kinds of values that people have. We discuss additional questions about valuism, and Spencer also includes an analogy to a cheese-fetching robot. We then dive into a discussion of his book, starting with how it's organized. From there: a worry technique most people have never heard of, why behavior change usually fails for a different reason than you'd guess, how you build a rigorous book on a field that went through a replication crisis, why he reads the Dodo Bird verdict differently than most people do, what today's chatbots get wrong about therapy, and why almost none of this is taught in school. Guest: Spencer Greenberg has a PhD in applied math from NYU and co-founded one of the first financial firms to use machine learning. He left finance to start Spark Wave, which runs psychology research and builds products from it, including ClearerThinking.org, ⁠Ten Conditions for Change⁠ and One Helpful Idea. He hosts the podcast Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg, and he's the co-author, with clinical psychologist Jeremy Stevenson, of The 12 Levers: The Complete Psychological Toolkit for Improving Your Life. Books mentioned (paid links): ⁠The 12 Levers ⁠ ⁠Feeling Good ⁠ ⁠Atomic Habits ⁠ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Focus and Follow-Through 03:45 Intrinsic Values and Valuism 06:22 Should Values be Taken As-Is 11:46 Spencer's Intrinsic Values 15:18 How to Have Better Conversations 17:15 The Twelve Levers Framework 20:16 Worry Time and Rumination 24:35 What's Missing from the Book 29:03 Evaluating Psychological Evidence 34:07 Turning Ideas Into Action 37:17 Self-Help, Coaching and Therapy 43:01 The Dodo Bird Verdict 46:11 AI and Self-Improvement 51:20 Life Skills and the Education System 54:32 Recommended Books and Closing

  • July 20 · 1 hr 20 min

    Locks, Loopholes, and Language Models

    Get the transcript here. Dr. Shaanan Cohney is a computer scientist and legal scholar, and he draws on all his areas of expertise in this discussion of AI. We talk about what draws him to both music and code and whether AI-generated music counts as the real thing. He explains what lockpicking teaches about how systems really fail, and what your front door lock is actually for, and how this relates to software security. Next we discuss how generative AI has upended teaching computer science, and the purpose of a CS education today. We dig into what the research actually says about social media and teenagers, including Shaanan's own work on Australia's under-16 ban, and whether there's a better way to regulate. The second half covers AI risk: what today's models can and can't do to find security vulnerabilities, how governments and labs are responding, the risks of using agentic AI, the general risks of being online today, and whether the defenders or the scammers win in the long run. Guest: Dr. Shaanan Cohney has a Ph.D. in Computer & Information Science and a Master in Law from the University of Pennsylvania. He's a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne and has advised the FTC and the US Senate on tech policy. Find Shaanan on Google Scholar, on X @shaananc, and on YouTube. Timestamps 00:27 Music and Computer Science 07:47 Exploring Security: Physical vs. Software 15:23 The Impact of AI on Computer Science Education 31:46 Social Media and Its Effects on Youth 48:37 Anthropic & the Risk of Powerful AI 01:05:01 Agentic AI: Risks and User Protections 01:12:32 Addressing Scams in the Age of AI

  • March 16 · 45 min

    80% of School Is a Waste of Time - Will AI Change It? (With Bryan Caplan)

    ⁠Read an abridged transcript here. Bryan Caplan argues that roughly 80% of schooling is wasted time, and that the primary value of a degree comes from signaling - demonstrating intelligence, conscientiousness, and conformity to employers rather than building useful skills. In this conversation, we discuss the evidence behind that claim, what "conformity" really means, why the system is so resistant to change, what Bryan would do if he was in charge, and whether AI will change the equilibrium. Some questions we discuss: How much does education actually increase abilities or intelligence? The Flynn effect points to an increase in IQ scores over time. Do schools get any credit ? Bryan has argued that a college degree is important for signaling conformity and skipping it demonstrates non-conformity. But if conformity just means "professionalism" - can you demonstrate it without a degree? Classes are no longer entirely in-person, and tech will change education even more. Will people still need a four-year degree from a brick-and-mortar institution? What happens to universities once AI can do most intellectual work? Guest: Bryan Caplan, Economics professor at George Mason University and author of The Case Against Education. Check out his Substack and YouTube Channel. Timestamps 00:00 How Much of School is a Waste? 04:39 The Flynn Effect 08:29 The Importance of Literacy & Numeracy 12:35 Signaling and Conformity in Education 18:57 The Practicality of College Education 20:41 Will Online Education Become Accepted? 25:28 AI's Impact on Education 29:50 Will AI Asymptote 32:11 Reimagining the Education System 35:27 Curiosity and Tailored Learning 37:12 Talented STEM Students 40:16 Libertarian Perspectives on Education

  • February 3 · 48 min

    Drawing the Line with AI

    Ariel speaks with Mike Todasco about practical AI usage strategies and broader implications of AI adoption. Mike shares his "Borg Chart" framework for organizing AI tools, explains how he uses multiple AI subscriptions, and discusses his recent research on LLMs and prediction markets. The conversation covers where to draw the line with AI assistance, the risks of over-reliance on AI companions, how education needs to adapt, and how solopreneurs are now empowered with AI. Guest Michael (Mike) Todasco is a Visiting Fellow at San Diego State University’s AI Center and the former Senior Director of Innovation at Paypal. Find him online at todasco.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Personal Journey 03:12 AI Borg Chart 05:01 Human Touch vs. AI Automation 07:52 Exploring Multiple AI Tools 11:57 Recognizing AI Errors & Limitations 15:32 Using Deep Research 19:09 AI Betting & Confidence 24:38 The Risks of AI 28:20 AI in Education 32:23 The Purpose of Learning 37:51 AI Alignment and Corporate Alignment 44:18 The GDPVal Metric

  • Dec 30, 2025 · 1 hr

    The Science of Optimal Experience: Understanding Flow with Dr. Orin Davis

    In this conversation, Ariel interviews Dr. Orin Davis to explore the science of "Flow" - the state of complete immersion and energized focus often described as "being in the zone". Orin breaks down the characteristics of flow, its relationship with happiness, and how to identify the activities that help you cultivate it. They discuss the differences between flow and meditation and offer a critical look at how modern schools and workplaces may inhibit optimal performance. They explore real-world examples of flow in tennis, chess, coding, and dancing. Finally, they discuss "microflow" - salvaging optimal experiences in short bursts even under suboptimal conditions. Guest Dr. Orin Davis studied under Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and is holder of the first doctorate awarded in Positive Psychology, a lecturer at Columbia University, and Principal Investigator of the Quality of Life Laboratory. You can find more about his work at qllab.org. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Positive Psychology and Flow 01:49 Understanding Flow: Definition and Characteristics 04:22 The Spectrum of Flow Experiences 06:02 Flow and Happiness 07:49 Frequency and Spillover Effects of Flow 10:06 The Nature of Flow: Struggle and Enjoyment 12:59 Flow vs. Mastery: Short-term vs. Long-term Satisfaction 14:40 Flow and Meditation: Similarities and Differences 17:48 Effort and Enjoyment: The Balance in Flow 20:21 The Importance of Doing for Its Own Sake 22:48 Work-Life Balance and the Startup Culture 27:32 Cultivating Flow: Tips and Strategies 30:08 The Art of Collaboration in Dance 31:01 Flow in Physical vs. Intellectual Activities 33:33 The Impact of Distractions on Flow 36:46 Rethinking Education for Flow Experiences 40:11 Grouping in Schools and Flow Opportunities 44:20 Understanding Microflow 48:03 Flow When Playing Chess & Volleyball 53:40 Benefits of Microflow in Daily Life 58:19 Creating Opportunities for Flow at Work

  • Sep 4, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min

    The Elephant in the Brain, Ems & LLMs with Robin Hanson

    In this wide-ranging conversation, Ariel interviews economist Robin Hanson about the hidden motives that drive human behavior, the central theme of his book The Elephant in the Brain. Hanson argues that much of what we do is not for the reasons we consciously believe, but rather for signaling our value as allies, mates, and group members. Our conscious mind acts as a "press secretary," creating socially acceptable narratives for our actions, while the real, often selfish, motives remain hidden. Hanson illustrates this thesis with examples from medicine, charity, and art, contending that our actions in these domains are better explained by a desire to signal care, loyalty, and status than by the stated goals of health, altruism, or aesthetic appreciation. The conversation then shifts to the implications of this theory and the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Hanson suggests that while individuals can only make modest changes to their ingrained behaviors, society can foster more rationality by creating institutions like prediction markets. They discuss the implications of AI on human value creation and the future of work in an AI-driven economy. Hanson places the latest AI technology within the overall context of AI booms and busts, and revisits his analysis from The Age of Em. Hanson is less worried about AI risk than many, but appreciates modern AI as a powerful research tool for integrating knowledge across disciplines. They discuss the potential influence of AI on art and culture, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of artistic expression. Guest: Robin Hanson, economist at George Mason University, author of The Age of Em and co-author of The Elephant in the Brain, and writer at the blog Overcoming Bias. Timestamps 00:00 Understanding Motivations: The Drive to Explore 04:06 The Elephant in the Brain: Unpacking Hidden Motivations 07:43 Controversial Insights: Medicine and Health 15:14 Signaling and Status: The Social Dynamics of Behavior 24:30 Behavior Beyond Signaling: Exploring Basic Drives 28:29 The Role of Constants in Human Behavior 29:33 Signaling in Art and Consumption 30:58 Uniqueness and Social Preferences 34:11 Distal vs. Proximate Explanations of Behavior 36:30 The Nature of Helping Behavior 37:16 Effective Altruism and Individual Behavior 38:54 Understanding Human Behavior and Policy 41:25 Individual Change vs. Societal Change 43:00 Institutions and Rational Decision-Making 45:31 Betting Markets and Prediction Accuracy 49:09 AI's Impact on Human Value and Signaling 52:38 The Future of Work in an AI-Driven Economy 55:34 The Human-Like Evolution of AI 58:23 The Near View vs. Far View of AI 59:52 Investment Cycles in AI Development 01:01:46 Paths to Artificial Intelligence: Ems vs. LLMs 01:02:41 The Challenge of Regulating AI Development 01:05:25 Knowledge Spread and Its Risks 01:07:46 The Future of AI and Personal Investment 01:09:29 AI as a Tool for Integration and Discovery 01:14:05 The Impact of AI on Art and Culture

  • Jul 29, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min

    Meditation and The Mind Illuminated with Matthew Immergut

    In this conversation, Ariel speaks with Matthew Immergut, an associate professor of sociology and co-author of the acclaimed guide to meditation "The Mind Illuminated'. They dive deep into the nature of meditation, moving beyond the pop-culture view of it as a simple tool for relaxation. Matthew shares his journey into meditation, discussing its nature, goals, and the challenges faced by practitioners. He emphasizes the distinction between meditation as a formal practice and meditative activities, the importance of attention and awareness, and the potential for insights gained through meditation. Matthew provides practical advice for both beginners who are skeptical and for practitioners who have hit a plateau, and emphasizes the importance of joy in meditation. He discusses how there is no "silver bullet" for self-transformation, and the evolving gifts of meditation over time. They also discuss the role of neuroscience in understanding meditation, the balance between concentration and insight, the paradox of "letting go," and the complex relationship between meditative states and a person's everyday behavior. Topics with Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Meditation and Background 04:34 Secular vs. Spiritual Approaches to Meditation 07:30 The Purpose of Meditation: Beyond Self-Improvement 10:33 Defining Meditation: Formal Practice vs. Meditative Activities 11:49 Training the Mind: Skills and Intentions in Meditation 14:01 Experiential Curiosity: Insights from Meditation 19:07 Skepticism, Setting Small Goals and Finding Enjoyment 25:27 Navigating Plateaus in Meditation Practice and Appreciating Noticing 29:43 The Role of Teachers in Meditation 31:27 Meditation: Universal Necessity or Personal Choice? 37:52 The Evolving Gifts of Meditation 39:46 Personal Journeys: From Orthodox Judaism to Meditation 45:01 The Mind Illuminated: Understanding Attention and Awareness 48:54 Meditation and Neuroscience 54:26 Shamatha & Vipassana, Insights and Awakening 1:01:21 Direct Approaches to Awareness 1:04:56 States vs. Traits in Meditation 01:09:00 Practical Meditation Tips and Finding Balance

  • Jun 24, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min

    The Philosophy of Stoicism: Agency, Reason, and Human Nature

    In this episode Ariel explores Stoic philosophy and ethics with Jula Wildberger, Professor Emerita of Classics at the American University of Paris. Professor Wildberger discusses: •⁠ ⁠The core Stoic idea of human agency and what is truly good •⁠ ⁠⁠The Stoic belief in living according to one's own nature •⁠ ⁠⁠The Stoic view on emotions: distinguishing between involuntary reactions, harmful "passions", and the sage's "eupatheiai" •⁠ ⁠⁠How "Indifferents" like health or wealth are neither truly good nor bad, but are still relevant to virtue •⁠ ⁠⁠The importance of sociability as a fundamental human characteristic •⁠ ⁠⁠The challenges of applying ancient Stoicism, considering its original physical and metaphysical underpinnings •⁠ ⁠⁠How Stoic principles can still offer practical value today

  • S1 · E1
    Apr 28, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min

    Computational Neuroscience, Connectomics, and Consciousness

    In this inaugural episode, Ariel sits down with Toviah Moldwin, PhD, to explore computational neuroscience. They discuss the similarities and differences between how biological brains and current AI models function and learn. They tackle the question of brain efficiency, particularly in language acquisition, debating the roles of innate biological structures versus learning from data, comparing it to the vast data needs of AI models. Next, Toviah provides an introduction to the field of connectomics – the detailed mapping of neural connections, and also discusses the complexity of single neurons. Finally, they discuss the hard problem of consciousness: can science explain it and can AI attain it?

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