In this episode, I sit down with Maggie Jackson, an award-winning American author and journalist, to explore insights from her latest book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure. Jackson challenges our conventional aversion to uncertainty and presents it as a vital skill for creativity, resilience, and adaptability in today's fast-changing world.

We discuss:

• The nature of uncertainty: The difference between aleatory (external) and epistemic (internal) uncertainty and why embracing doubt is crucial.
• Cognitive benefits: How uncertainty enhances problem-solving, sharpens attention, and fosters innovation.
• Leadership and decision-making: Why the best leaders and experts embrace uncertainty rather than fear it.
• The role of technology: How the internet and social media contribute to an illusion of certainty, undermining deep thinking.
• Cultural differences: How tolerance for uncertainty varies across societies and workplaces.
• The psychology of disagreement: Why productive disagreement is key to better decision-making and avoiding groupthink.

Join us for a fascinating discussion on why being unsure isn't a weakness but a strength—one that can unlock deeper learning, better collaboration, and a more open-minded approach to the world around us.

In this episode, I sit down with David Moran, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. Moran shares his deep insights into the geopolitical complexities of Eurasia, drawing from his time as UK ambassador to countries such as Switzerland and Kazakhstan. Together, we explore a wide range of topics that highlight the historical, cultural, and political dynamics shaping the region today.

We discuss:

• Russia’s influence in Eurasia: How former Soviet states navigate their independence while dealing with Russian aggression.
• The impact of climate change: The environmental challenges facing Central Asia, from glacier melt to water scarcity.
• Public aspirations: How youth in the region are redefining national identities and striving for prosperity.
• China's growing presence: The opportunities and risks posed by the Belt and Road Initiative.
• Religion in governance: The role of Christianity in the South Caucasus and the challenges of promoting moderate Islam in Central Asia.
• Brexit reflections: Moran’s observations on the UK’s departure from the EU and lessons from Switzerland's model of engagement.

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Join us for a compelling discussion on the interplay of history, geopolitics, and culture that defines one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Warner to analyze Donald Trump's historic victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, held on November 5th. As Trump returns to the White House, becoming both the forty-fifth and forty-seventh president, Dr. Warner provides an in-depth assessment of what Trump did right and where Harris fell short.

We discuss:

• What key strategies led to Trump’s convincing win, and where Harris's campaign faltered.

• The voting trends among hyphenated Americans and their sectarian, partisan tendencies.
• How economic concerns, emotional connection, and nostalgia shaped voter sentiment.
• The implications of Trump’s victory for U.S. allies and America’s international standing.
• The potential impact on “international” Geneva and multilateral diplomacy under Trump’s leadership.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation on the deeper forces that shaped the election and its potential consequences for the United States and the world.