More Changing Minds Owen Fitzpatrick episodes
Published 16 Feb 2026
Duration: 21:13
The podcast explores 16 influential books discussing human behavior, technology's impact on society and cognition, and the benefits of mindful digital use and focused work.
In this episode of Changing Minds, I explore 16 powerful books that explain how the world really works, from human psychology and morality to technolo...
The podcast delves into 16 impactful books that offer profound perspectives on understanding the world, human behavior, and the influence of technology on cognition and society. It highlights Corey Doctorow's analysis of how digital platforms progress through stages of user value, business focus, and corporate exploitation. The discussion includes Jonathan Haidt's The Righteous Mind, which explains the role of moral intuition in shaping political views and the challenges of overcoming ideological divides. Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens is also addressed, emphasizing how shared narratives have driven human cooperation and societal advancement.
Furthermore, the episode explores the effects of technology on the brain, the societal push toward achieving a "perfect self," and the growing importance of deep work in an increasingly distracting world. It also examines the psychological impacts of scarcity and competition, as well as insights from Malcolm Gladwells writings on social dynamics, including how ideas spread, how quick judgments are made, strategies for underdogs, and the inherent difficulty in comprehending strangers. A consistent theme throughout the podcast is the significance of storytelling in shaping perception and behavior, the necessity of using technology thoughtfully, and the advantages of focusing on processes rather than rigid outcomes to improve clarity, productivity, and overall well-being.
22 Jun 2026 You don't find meaning from life. You build it
The text reframes meaning as a self-created narrative through active purpose assignment, leveraging Victor Frankl's logotherapy to transform adversity into growth via sacred values, empathy, and self-reflection, while emphasizing practical applications like aligning decisions with core values and redefining self-perception.
15 Jun 2026 Your labels are your limits (with Nir Eyal)
Beliefs as adaptable tools shape experience through the interplay of knowledge, physiological responses, and psychological interpretations, critiquing fixed notions of motivation and offering reframing strategies to transform limiting labels and reduce suffering in mental health and personal growth.
8 Jun 2026 You're a hypocrite. That's the best news you'll hear today
Hypocrisy and self-deception arise from clinging to outdated identities, with personal growth requiring redefining self-perception through adaptive habits, purpose-driven actions, and embracing change over rigid self-narratives.
1 Jun 2026 Why feelings feel like facts
Emotions construct reality through affective realism, influencing perception, decision-making, and societal trends, with strategies like labeling and awareness helping to harness their power as tools for clarity and intentional regulation.
25 May 2026 The belief that sabotages every conversation you have (with Tamsen Webster)
The podcast examines how emotional states like anger hinder open dialogue, critiques adversarial debate, and advocates for curiosity, empathy, and provisional beliefs to foster productive conversations amidst polarization and manipulative tactics, stressing humility and sustainable change.