Best Forethought Podcasts (2025)

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Why Is Adversity Both Painful and Essential for Building Inner Strength? Episode CVIX: Adversity and Self Mastery 23:47

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3d ago23:47

23:47

What makes adversity so challenging to endure, yet vital for personal growth? How can we transform daily struggles into opportunities for building inner strength? Why does adversity often serve as a catalyst for self-discovery and resilience? In this compelling episode, we delve into the dual nature of adversity—its capacity to test our limits whil…

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Episode 101 – David French: Moral Clarity in an Age of Manufactured Distrust 57:08

8d ago57:08

57:08

David French returns to The Puck for a wide-ranging, deeply thoughtful conversation about the state of American democracy, the risks of authoritarianism, and the spiritual costs of political polarization. A New York Times columnist and former National Review editor, French unpacks the dangerous allure of strongman politics, reflects on Israel’s evo…

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Can Embracing a Beginner's Mindset Overcome Ego and Unlock Lifelong Learning? Episode CVIII: Ego and Self Mastery Episode 4 26:58

10d ago26:58

26:58

Can adopting a beginner's mindset truly defeat ego and foster personal growth? Why is maintaining a constant student mentality crucial for setting aside ego while expanding knowledge? How does ego create a false veil of knowledge to mask underlying insecurities? In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the power of embracing a beginner's minds…

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Inference Scaling, AI Agents, and Moratoria (with Toby Ord) 2:55:10

12d ago2:55:10

2:55:10

Toby Ord is a Senior Researcher at Oxford University. We discuss the ‘scaling paradox’, inference scaling and its implications, ways to interpret trends in the length of tasks AI agents can complete, and some unpublished thoughts on lessons from scientific moratoria for the development of AGI. To see all our published research, visit forethought.or…

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What Is the Difference Between Chasing Status and Living Your True Purpose? Episode CVII: Ego and Self-Mastery Part 3 28:49

17d ago28:49

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Have you ever wondered whether you're chasing status or truly living your purpose? Are you prioritizing external validation from societal achievements, or are you focusing on the meaningful journey of personal growth? In this thought-provoking episode, we will explore the critical distinction between chasing status and living a life aligned with yo…

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The Puck – Episode 100: The Pursuit of Happiness with Jeffrey Rosen 51:51

23d ago51:51

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To mark our 100th episode and launch of Season 9, Jim Baer sits down with Jeffrey Rosen—President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, host of We the People, and author of The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.In this rich and timely conversation, Rosen explores how …

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Can Silence Unlock Stoic Calm and Self-Mastery on Your Journey? Episode CVI: Ego and Self-Mastery Part 2 20:44

24d ago20:44

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Why is silence a powerful tool for conquering the ego and achieving self-mastery? How can embracing quiet moments foster spiritual clarity and inner peace? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the transformative power of silence in the journey toward self-mastery and ego control. Discover why quiet moments are essential for fostering stoic…

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Is Your Ego Quietly Sabotaging Your Dreams and Blocking Self-Mastery? Episode XV: Quest Toward Self-Mastery Part 1 21:57

1M ago21:57

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How does an unchecked ego subtly undermine your personal growth and derail your dreams? Why is cultivating humility a cornerstone of self-mastery, and how can it transform your journey? What practical steps can you take to recognize and curtail ego-driven behaviors? In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the subtle ways an unchecked ego ca…

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Episode 99: Greg Walton Returns to Discuss Belonging, Identity, and Civil Discourse 58:27

1M ago58:27

58:27

Stanford psychology professor Greg Walton returns for his second appearance on The Puck to discuss his new book, Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Three years after our first conversation, Greg rejoins the show to reflect on how our world has changed—and how subtle, science-backed interventions can help u…

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How Can Digital Minimalism Help You Reclaim Your Attention? Episode CIV: The Dark Side of Social Media 20:24

1M ago20:24

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In this episode, we dive into the critical questions surrounding attention and digital minimalism: Why is attention considered one of the most valuable commodities in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven society? How does practicing digital minimalism enable us to regain control over our focus and mental clarity? In this thought-provoking episode, we ex…

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Episode 98: Kristian Rönn 1:02:16

2M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

On this episode of The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond, Jim Baer sits down with Kristian Rönn—climate tech founder, AI ethicist, and author of The Darwinian Trap—to explore how humanity can escape destructive evolutionary forces and build a future rooted in shared values, long-term thinking, and spiritual renewal. A conversation about risk, responsi…

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Episode 97: Michelle Goldberg 51:49

2M ago51:49

51:49

In this powerful episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with Michelle Goldberg—New York Times columnist, author, and longtime voice of progressive political commentary—for a deep and timely conversation. They explore how the Trump era reshaped institutional norms, the growing influence of conspiracy thinking, and the failures of both political par…

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AI Tools for Existential Security (with Lizka Vaintrob) 1:15:07

2M ago1:15:07

1:15:07

Lizka Vaintrob discusses ‘AI Tools for Existential Security’, co-authored with Owen Cotton-Barratt. To see all our published research, visit forethought.org/research.

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Episode 96: Jonathan Rauch 1:03:15

3M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

What if the strongest case for Christianity’s role in democracy came from an atheist?Jim Baer sits down with Jonathan Rauch to discuss Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy, and why America needs the moral backbone that Christian virtues once provided. Rauch—Jewish, gay, and secular—argues that courage, equality, and forgiven…

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Why Does Society Avoid Mortality While It Holds the Key to a Meaningful Life? Episode CIII: Mortality Empowers Us 18:04

3M ago18:04

18:04

Why is death one of the most avoided topics, yet one of the most empowering? How does embracing mortality transform the way we live? In what ways does social media distort our perception of time and distract us from life’s impermanence? How can acknowledging our limited time lead to deeper connections and more purposeful decisions? By understanding…

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Episode #95 – Steven Teles: Class, Conflict, and the Collapse of Trust 53:04

3M ago53:04

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In this thought-provoking episode, Jim Baer sits down with political scientist Steven Teles, professor at Johns Hopkins University and co-author of The Captured Economy and Never Trump. Together, they explore the shifting class dynamics fueling America’s political polarization and the deepening distrust in institutions—from higher education to publ…

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Will AI R&D Automation Cause a Software Intelligence Explosion? (with Tom Davidson) 1:19:50

3M ago1:19:50

1:19:50

Tom Davidson discusses ‘Will AI R&D Automation cause a Software Intelligence Explosion?’, co-authored with Daniel Eth. To see all our published research, visit forethought.org/research.

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Episode 94: Michael Lind 1:05:22

3M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

Navigating a New World with Michael LindIn this episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with acclaimed writer and policy thinker Michael Lind, co-founder of New America and author of Hell to Pay: How the Suppression of Wages is Destroying America. Together, they explore the global economic shifts, the U.S. political realignment, the dangers of inte…

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Preparing for the Intelligence Explosion (with Will MacAskill) 1:51:00

3M ago1:51:00

1:51:00

Will MacAskill discusses ‘Preparing for the Intelligence Explosion’, co-authored with Fin Moorhouse. To see all our published research, visit forethought.org/research.

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Episode 93: Aswath Damodaran 1:00:44

3M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

On this episode of The Puck, host Jim Baer sits down with Aswath Damodaran, renowned NYU finance professor and the “Dean of Valuation,” for a deep dive into the current economic landscape.Damodaran breaks down the market’s recent volatility, the looming risk of a recession, and why the U.S. has been able to defy macroeconomic gravity for so long. H…

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Intelsat as a Model for International AGI Governance (with Rose Hadshar) 1:07:19

4M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Rose Hadshar discusses ‘Intelsat as a Model for International AGI Governance’, co-authored with Will MacAskill. To see all our published research, visit forethought.org/research.

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Episode 92: Patrick Ruffini 45:32

4M ago45:32

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On this episode of The Puck: Venture Capital and Beyond, host Jim Baer sits down with Republican pollster and political strategist Patrick Ruffini, co-founder of Echelon Insights and author of The Party of the People: Inside the Multiracial Populist Coalition Remaking the GOP. Ruffini shares his insights on the shifting political landscape, the ris…

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Principles of Pesticide Safety 28:41

4M ago28:41

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As the season of outdoors comes closer, it's important to review some basics of pesticide safety. Whether they are organic or synthetic, all pesticides can be dangerous. So wear your PPE and keep them out of reach of children!By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Episode 91: Gary Gerstle 57:54

4M ago57:54

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On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Gary Gerstle, author, professor, and historian with a focus on “Political Orders.” His most recent book, “The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order,” came out in 2022, and explores the larger trends in political thinking which make up a consensus, oftentimes a consensus we take for granted. Their conversat…

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Why Should You Embrace Your Dark Side? Episode 102: Unlocking Hidden Strengths for Growth 21:27

4M ago21:27

21:27

Can anger, ambition, or even selfishness be transformed into something positive? What if the "dark side" isn't something to fear but something to understand? 💡 Embracing the Dark Side: A Hidden Key to Growth We’ve all been taught to suppress certain emotions—anger, ambition, even selfishness. But what if these so-called "dark" traits weren’t bad at…

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Episode 90: Frank Furedi 54:48

4M ago54:48

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On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Frank Furedi, author, social commentator, and Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent. Frank is a free speech absolutist and has been a longtime critic of what he and others call “The Culture Wars.” They discuss Frank’s background, his academic work, and how he formed his worldview.…

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Energy and forethought needed to keep warm 27:04

4M ago27:04

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Being out in cold temperatures is often necessary. But, there are a few things you can do to improve your comfort and safety. We cover how to layer your clothes, travel safely, and how to help livestock stay warm and healthy in low temperatures.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Episode 89: Jai Das 39:15

4M ago39:15

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On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Jai Das, President and Partner at Sapphire Ventures. They cover Jai’s history as a developer, the Sapphire origin story, and Jai’s current read of the financial landscape. Their conversation explores what sets successful companies apart, and what’s next for Sapphire, including their groundbreaking AI inves…

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What is ForeCast? 0:58

4M ago0:58

0:58

This is a short trailer for ForeCast, the podcast from Forethought. Full episodes will appear in this feed.

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A Salty Situation 28:34

5M ago28:34

28:34

Learn about the differences in sidewalk salt and their effects on the ice, environment, and the sidewalk itself. We also remind our poultry owners about biosecurity tacticts to protect their birds from avian influenzaBy Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Winter Garden Activities for IPM 29:02

6M ago29:02

29:02

What to do in the garden or on the farm during winter to reduce disease and make life easier next year.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Feral Swine: Unseen Threats and How to Combat Them 27:48

6M ago27:48

27:48

Explore the history and dangers of feral swine, their diseases, hunting regulations, and safe cooking tips to protect yourself and our food system.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Episode 88: Greg McKeown 47:53

6M ago47:53

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In this illuminating episode of The Puck, Jim sits down with Greg McKeown, the bestselling author of "Essentialism" and "Effortless." McKeown shares his journey from London law student to influential thought leader, revealing his groundbreaking philosophy of achieving more by doing less. Through engaging stories—ranging from Silicon Valley successe…

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Sifting through the bubbles surrounding Insecticidal Soaps 28:24

6M ago28:24

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Using soap to kill insects isn't as simple as it seems. Today we go through the ins and outs of what makes soap an appropriate insecticide and what to avoid. References: Fundamentals of Using Soaps as Insecticides by Dr. Raymond Cloyd https://blogs.k-state.edu/kansasbugs/2020/06/12/fundamentals-of-using-soaps-as-insecticides/ Insecticidal Soap Writ…

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Why Is Failure the Key to Human Growth? Episode CI: The Power of Failure in Positive Change and Growth 21:31

7M ago21:31

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What makes failure one of the most crucial experiences in our daily lives? How can viewing failure as a path to growth transform our mindset? Why is it essential to embrace failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback? And how does the act of rising after failure shape resilience and personal success? Join me and find out! Hope you enjoy and i…

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Episode 87: Sir Paul Collier Returns to the Show! 45:18

7M ago45:18

45:18

Once again, we have the privilege of hosting world-renowned economist Sir Paul Collier. Paul and Jim discuss the vast changes in the world economy since Paul was last on the show in 2022. They cover inflation, geopolitical conflict, and of course Paul’s new book, Left Behind: A New Economics for Neglected Places. Give us a listen and let us know wh…

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Battling the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid 27:10

7M ago27:10

27:10

Join us as we explore the impact of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on our forests, uncovering its origins, spread, and the ecological consequences of its control. Learn about hope for management and what you can do to protect your prize hemlock tree from this invasive pest.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Episode 86: Demetri Kofinas Returns to the Show! 35:54

8M ago35:54

35:54

Media entrepreneur and Hidden Forces host Demetri Kofinas returns to The Puck to discuss the evolution of technology, security, and social dynamics since last year when he was on. From the siloing of our media ecosystems to the relationship between innovation and regulation, Demetri shares a nuanced perspective on how emerging technologies are resh…

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Zombies are REAL 27:37

8M ago27:37

27:37

Belive it or not, zombies really do exist. There are many examples in nature and cordiceps do play a role. However, for the most part, zombieism is restricted to insects.By Karen Cox, Dan Lima, Erika Lyon

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Episode 85: Shomik Dutta Returns to the Show! 38:54

8M ago38:54

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Jim sits back down with Shomik Dutta, co-founder and managing partner at Overture VC, who is on the cutting edge of climate tech. They catch up and discuss how the VC and climate space has changed in the last 18 months. Don’t miss it!By Jim Baer

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Cow - Calf Health and Stressors 30:37

9M ago30:37

30:37

We have a special guest this week as part of the WVU Extension Drought Series coordinated by Alex Straight. Dr. Lowell Midla, is a Doctor of Vetrinary Medicine and is joining us from Merk Animal Health. Learn the different stressors that impact animal health and what you can do about them. He also covers good herd management techniques for when fee…

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Apples are a Great Fall Flavor 27:50

9M ago27:50

27:50

Nothing against pumpkin spice, but when we think fall we're all on board for apples. We have such a wide variety of apples we encourage you to reach out to a local orchard and try something new. Some varieties of apples will continue to ripen into November!By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Garlic 28:04

9M ago28:04

28:04

With such a long turn around, growing garlic can be incredibly rewarding, or incredibly dissapointing. Moisture can be the enimy for growing, curing, and storing. Start with clean bulblets (cloves) that are certified for planting and maybe not the ones from the grocery store. While those will work, they may bring disease into your soils. Listen for…

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Spotted Lanternfly is Flying 28:14

9M ago28:14

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Adult spotted lanternflies (SLF) are being seen in new areas right now. Check the map to see if they're near you, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf scroll down to current status and find your state. If your county isn't marked, be sure to report your sightings! This website will help you find your state's reporting requireme…

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#25: The Psychoemotional Healing of an Undesired Cesarean Birth Experience with Allison Winston of the Cesarean Doula 55:29

9M ago55:29

55:29

After a 6 month haitus from this podcast, I'm excited to be back to offer this interview with Allison Winston aka the Cesarean Doula. In this episode we talk about: -Allison's experience of having an undesired cesarean birth experience after planning for an unmedicated home-birth and how this led to the development of her work with the Cesarean Dou…

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Managing Livestock and Forage in Difficult Times 27:58

10M ago27:58

27:58

As part of WVU Extension's drought management series, Brad Smith and Bruce Loyd discuss things we can and can't control in maintaining healthy forage and animals during a drought. They cover choosing the right supplement and preventing nitrate poisoning as well as how species diversity and soil health can reduce the impact of drought on your farm.…

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Drought Assistance Programs 28:56

10M ago28:56

28:56

This episode is a little different as we are boosting the signal to share information about assistance programs for farms to deal with the impacts of this extended drought period. Please note that the speakers here are from the Potomac Highlands and you will need to contact your local service providers to learn about the NRCS programs open to your …

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What drought Does to Trees 27:38

10M ago27:38

27:38

Drought is hard on all plants, even the mighty oak. Early leaf drop, root loss, and increased danger of predation by insects are but a few of the impacts. Watering orchard, yard, and street trees can help keep them strong for many years to come.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Planting hardy bulbs 27:36

10M ago27:36

27:36

If you are looking to expand your spring flowering, you have to plan ahead. September is a great time to plant new bulbs, corms, and rhizomes. Enjoy greater success with proper vernalization, planting, and placement.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima

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Managing drought in crops, gardens, and orchards 28:01

10M ago28:01

28:01

If you are in an area facing drought, there are a few things you can do to protect your crops beyond irrigation.By Karen Cox and Dan Lima