Alison Wood Brooks: The Science Behind Great Conversations

Is happiness a choice? Today's guest is Tal Ben-Shahar, best-selling author of Happiness Studies and Happier, No Matter What. He also taught two of Harvard's most popular classes, "Positive Psychology" and "The Psychology of Leadership." He consults and lectures to executives in multinational corporations, the general public, and at-risk populations, and is the co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Happiness Studies Academy. Tal and our new host, Will Houghteling, discuss whether happiness is truly a choice in the midst of so much turbulence and how we should give ourselves permission to be human through it all.

Tim Ferris, author of 5 #1 NYT/WSJ bestsellers, early-stage investor, and host of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast, shares how one snarky comment from a college student and a night of insomnia set him down a path to be a New York Times bestselling author and a 4-hour thought leader.

Dr. Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel Prize–winning chemist and author of Why We Die, shares a fascinating look into the biology of aging and the scientific breakthroughs that could extend not just our lifespan, but our healthspan. He explains how the body breaks down over time, what evolution teaches us about longevity, and why community, purpose, and sleep may matter more than we think. Venki also weighs in on vaccines, genetic engineering, and the emerging frontier of age-reversing technologies—offering both clarity and hope in the quest to live better, longer.

Dr. Gregory Walton, Stanford professor and co-director of the Dweck-Walton Lab, shares insights from his new book Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Drawing from decades of social psychology research, he explains how simple, intentional gestures—like wise feedback, affirming someone’s strengths, or showing belief in their potential—can transform lives and unlock performance. Whether you’re a leader, educator, parent, or friend, this conversation will inspire you to recognize the extraordinary power you hold in everyday moments to help others feel seen, valued, and capable.

John Tregoning, immunologist and author of Live Forever: A Curious Scientist’s Guide to Wellness, Aging, and Death, shares science-backed insights into how we can live longer—and better. With clarity and candor, he walks through the top causes of death from heart disease to dementia, explaining what really drives them and how simple, everyday habits—like movement, food, connection, and curiosity—can improve both lifespan and quality of life. From the dangers of sugar and stress to the surprising benefits of social ties, this fast-paced conversation will change the way you think about health, aging, and the future of your body.

Dawn Dahlby, wealth advisor and author of Live Wealthy: Own Your Worth, Grow Your Wealth, shares a powerful framework for transforming your financial life—starting with how you see yourself. With insights from 10,000 client conversations, Dawn explains why money stress is often rooted in self-worth, and how aligning your income and spending with your core values and strengths can lead to more peace, purpose, and prosperity. She also breaks down her 10-20-30-40 spending plan, offers advice for any career stage, and shows why earning from your strengths and spending from your values is the new path to living wealthy.

Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, shares research-backed insights on how to communicate with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Drawing from decades of data on real conversations, she introduces the TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—and explains why even high-achieving leaders often miss the mark when it comes to listening and giving space. From social anxiety to overtalking, Alison offers practical strategies to help anyone—from CEOs to teenagers—navigate the art and science of talking well in a world full of noise.

Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder of Care.com and Ohai.ai, shares her remarkable journey from young immigrant mother to tech founder and CEO. She opens up about the sacrifices behind entrepreneurship, the hidden costs of unpaid labor, and the systems she’s building to support families and restore connection. Sheila reflects on raising capital, staying data-driven while leading with heart, and the dualities of bold, authentic leadership. With wisdom forged in both business and life, she offers a compelling vision for how technology—and self-awareness—can help us lead better, live more fully, and love deeper.

Frank Lorenzo, legendary airline executive and author of Flying for Peanuts, reflects on the high-stakes world of aviation, business transformation, and leadership under fire. From pioneering low-cost fares and managing massive union battles to negotiating with Donald Trump and leading through tragedy, Frank shares lessons learned from decades in the cockpit of industry change. He also opens up about reputation, resilience, and the human cost of leadership, offering hard-earned wisdom for anyone navigating complexity, criticism, or crisis. This candid conversation sets the record straight—and shows what it really takes to lead during turbulent times.

Dana Maor, McKinsey senior partner and lead author of The Journey of Leadership, shares insights from her work advising global CEOs on how to lead from the inside out. Drawing on 26 years at McKinsey, Dana unpacks the new rules of leadership in an age of complexity, from embracing humility and inner agility to learning how to be vulnerable without losing authority. She also explores the powerful dynamics of team psychology—why everyone keeps things from the boss, how leaders can uncover their own triggers, and how to build trust across top teams. Packed with research, real stories, and actionable tools, this episode is a roadmap for anyone ready to lead with greater self-awareness, impact, and clarity.