3 Takeaways features insights from the world’s best thinkers, business leaders, writers, politicians, scientists and other newsmakers. Each episode ends with 3 key takeaways to help you understand the world in new ways that can benefit your life and career. Hosted by Lynn Thoman.
The media and entertainment world is evolving at warp speed. One person who knows where it’s headed is the legendary Bonnie Hammer, former vice-chair of NBCUniversal. Here, she shares her thoughts on the critical importance of content, why TV shows are more popular than movies, the role of AI in creating entertainment, and much more.
Public employee unions have a death grip on the operating machinery of government. Bad cops can’t be fired, schools can’t work, and politicians sell their souls for union support. The devil is in the astonishing details, and Philip Howard, a brilliant leader of government and legal reform, provides them here. Good news: there is a solution.
Warning: People are out to manipulate you. How? With very sophisticated, deceptive PR techniques. Here, one of Washington’s most wily manipulators of news, Phil Elwood, reveals tricks of his trade — like astroturfing and detonating bombs in a safe location. The more you know about these tricks, the less likely you’ll be conned by them.
What happens when there’s no one in charge? You’d think chaos would reign—but in reality, leaderless organizations are thriving, disrupting industries, and shaping the future. In this episode of 3 Takeaways , New York Times bestselling author Ori Brafman explains why decentralized networks—from Wikipedia to Bitcoin to social movements—are more resilient, adaptable, and powerful than we might expect.
Food. People are demanding more from it these days than taste. They want food to meet their personal health needs. They want it produced using methods that improve the health of the planet, respect the people who grow it, and more. Here, the visionary CEO of Whole Foods Market, Jason Buechel, shares his thoughts on the food of the future and how to satisfy peoples’ appetite for it.
NBCUniversal Vice-Chair Bonnie Hammer didn’t climb to the top by following the rules—she rewrote them. In this conversation, she dismantles the biggest career myths, reveals what really drives success, and shares why sweating the small stuff can make or break you. Packed with no-nonsense advice, game-changing insights, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in ambition, leadership, and career strategy—without the clichés.
The CIA may not be thrilled with this conversation. Here, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and highly regarded CIA expert Tim Weiner reveals stunning details about the agency’s espionage and covert activities. Learn about the CIA’s greatest successes and failures, its best weapon, how China and Russia are spying on the U.S., and much more.
Energy is complicated. As global demand continues to grow, so does the need for realistic, climate-friendly solutions. Are renewables the answer? How about nuclear power? What is China’s role? Listen, as former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz provides smart answers to daunting questions about energy, and examines the threat of nuclear war.
When Admiral James Stavridis (Ret) talks, everyone from Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump listens. Here, the brilliant former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO shares his thoughts on the U.S. relationship with China; how to fundamentally remake the Middle East; why the U.S. buying Greenland isn’t as crazy as it sounds; the impact of AI on the power of nations; and more.
The episode you’ve been waiting for is here: our Top Takeaways of 2024. Listen to some of the world’s smartest, most influential thinkers, business leaders, innovators, technologists, and other newsmakers — including Eric Schmidt, Mellody Hobson, Atul Gawande, Fareed Zakaria, Jill Abramson, Stephen Breyer, Niall Ferguson and others. You don’t want to miss this episode. If you'd like to listen to any of the full episodes: Historian Niall Ferguson is episode 199 . Mellody Hobson is episode 18...
There’s a lot being said about AI these days that’s science fiction. One person who knows the facts is David Schmaier, President and Chief Product Officer of Salesforce. Here, he talks in detail about the many unseen ways AI is being used now, how it will profoundly stimulate innovation and benefit humanity, the rise of robots, and more.
Imagine how much better your decision making would be if you could better predict the future. It’s possible, with superforecasting. In fact, a team of superforecasters won a forecasting tournament conducted by the U.S. intelligence community. What do superforecasters actually do, and how can you become a better forecaster? Don’t miss this talk with superforecaster, and CEO of Good Judgement Inc, Warren Hatch.
Is there another planet in the universe like Earth? Is there life elsewhere? And if so, how advanced is it? Join us as Sara Seager — astronomer, planet hunter, MIT professor, and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient — presents a mind-blowing progress report on the rigorous search for Earth’s planetary twin and other life in the universe.
Our cities need to be revitalized to make them more appealing. But how? Seth Pinsky, CEO of 92NY and former CEO of New York City's Economic Development Corporation, has answers. Here, he talks knowingly about creative ways to stimulate growth; how to combat the skepticism that government can deliver on its promises; the importance of what he calls magnetic infrastructure; and more.
China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are all determined to subvert America. Nobody knows more about this than former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who has worked for three presidents and five secretaries of state. Hear what this foreign policy expert says America must do to remain dominant, how AI will impact the world order, and much more.
Ever wonder why some movies and TV shows are so powerful and gripping? What makes for a deeply compelling story? Why George Clooney is so popular? Listen as Neal Baer, Hollywood TV writer and producer extraordinaire, talks about the craft and magic of storytelling in a way that will benefit almost everyone — including you.
Eric Schmidt is astonishing. Here, the former CEO of Google and one of the world’s most brilliant technologists talks with visionary wisdom about Artificial Intelligence and its impact on business, healthcare, warfare, climate change, human survival and more. Don’t miss this chance to learn how AI powers we have not yet imagined will affect our daily lives. Eric’s new book, which is fascinating, is Genesis .
Chew on this: Approximately 200 billion animals are raised for food each year, often in horrific conditions. The contribution of these animals to climate change is greater than the emissions of all the cars being driven around the world. There is a solution. Listen, as Princeton bioethicist Peter Singer explains both the problem and a simple answer.
For better and for worse, artificially intelligent communication is inexorably making its way into medical care. How will this affect the doctor-patient relationship? Can AI convey human empathy and emotion? What will the impact be on your health? According to Dr. Jon Reisman, there’s no turning back. Listen, and learn what the future will hold.
It’s not easy for huge, breakthrough ideas — the kind that truly change the world — to see the light of day. Here, physicist, entrepreneur and author Safi Bahcall talks in detail about the creativity and determination required, plus the obstacles to overcome, and cites fascinating examples including James Bond, Lipitor, Apple, Airbnb and others.
If there’s such a thing as a secret to success, Marshall Goldsmith knows it. Known as the world’s top executive leadership coach, he’s worked with many CEOs, founders and billionaires and has a deep understanding of how to change behaviors, how to lead, and ultimately, how to succeed in both your career and life. Listen and benefit from what he knows.
Rarely does a former Supreme Court justice reveal what’s on their mind like Stephen Breyer. Listen to what this wise man says about the tug of war between constitutional originalism and contextualism, political partisanship on the court, structural reforms such as term limits, the invaluable lesson he learned from Senator Ted Kennedy, and more.
Warren Buffett doesn’t need investment advice. But he does listen to fellow billionaire and co-founder of Oaktree Capital Howard Marks. Here, the legendary investor shares his insights on the market, the psychology of investing, why low interest rates can lead to unwise behavior, and why “always good, sometimes great, never terrible” describes his remarkable career.
Serious doubts about capitalism are being raised these days, and for good reason. Too many people are being left behind. But is capitalism really failing? Is socialism the answer? Ruchir Sharma, Chairman of Rockefeller International, says capitalism is being ruined by the expanding role of government. Is he correct? Listen and decide for yourself.
Sam Hazen has seen the future of healthcare, and it works. The CEO of one of the world’s largest healthcare providers, HCA, is using artificial intelligence and robotics to improve patient health and hospital services, make healthcare more affordable, and more. Don’t miss this dose of good news about healthcare.
Election fever is heating up, and no matter how you plan on voting, these 3 Takeaways excerpts provide valuable insight into our political challenges, plus thoughts on how to resolve them. Guests include Yale Law School Professor Amy Chua; former political consultant and presidential advisor Karl Rove; White House advisor to four U.S. presidents David Gergen; political commentator and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will; and journalist extraordinaire Fareed Zakaria.
The story of Whole Foods is the story of its founder, John Mackey, and it’s nothing short of astonishing. Here, this charismatic entrepreneur talks about the fundamentals of success, his own superpowers, why capitalism is a powerful force for progress, and what he believes is the most important thing in life. (It’s not money.) Feast on this conversation.
With no exaggeration, Wilbur Ross is brilliant, successful, blunt, compelling, and completely devoid of baloney. Here, he reveals his thoughts on investing, China, entrepreneurship, serving as U.S. Commerce Secretary, the greatest threat to America, working for Donald Trump, and more. When Wilbur Ross talks, be sure to listen.
The world is on a wild ride — two wars, massive immigration, fractured political parties. Are chaos and upheaval the new normal? Norway’s former Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ine Eriksen Søreide, shares her wise perspective on the threat of Russia, the critical role of the U.S., coping with immigration and more.
Authentic political leadership is in short supply these days. There’s no better person on the topic than the first female President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet. Elected to office twice, she achieved remarkable reforms and had a stunning approval rating of 84%. Here, she talks about the need to tell the truth, defend democracy, be empathetic, and more.
