Ted Hesser Podcast

The Science of Happiness: Positive Psychology Explained

This episode is with Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a leading authority on the science of happiness and positive psychology. Drawing on decades of pioneering research and personal experiences, Dr. Lyubomirsky reveals how cultural influences, gratitude, and kindness shape our well-being—even at the genetic level. Discover her strategies for setting authentic goals, freeing yourself from rumination, and harnessing the surprising power of money when spent meaningfully. We’ll also explore the promise of psychedelics in healing and the evolving role of AI and virtual reality in our pursuit of joy. Tune in for a thought-provoking, evidence-based roadmap to a richer, more fulfilling life

Tara Palmeri: A Real Life Political Journalist.

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Palmeri, a senior political correspondent for Puck News, who shares her experiences from the campaign trail and insights into the intense world of presidential politics. We discuss the gladiatorial nature of modern politics, the pressures on political journalists, the impact of environmental and public health issues like the Duke Energy nuclear plant, and shifts in political party demographics. Tara highlights the challenges of maintaining ideological neutrality, the role of investigative journalism, and how media dynamics are shifting towards more independent sources. We also delve into the Democratic Party's internal struggles and the potential for structural changes in American politics.
00:00 Welcome 
02:16 Environmental Concerns
04:29 NIH Appointment and Vaccine Skepticism
06:22 Political Dynamics and Media Trust
09:52 Balancing Journalism and Personal Beliefs
16:41 Women in Politics and Voting Trends
18:25 Shifts in Political Party Dynamics
21:56 Democratic Party's Challenges
26:35 The Power Broker and New York's Development
29:10 DNC's Search for a Winning Candidate
31:12 Political Capital and Policy Predictions
35:49 Media's Role and Public Perception
41:51 Challenges of Independent Journalism
47:31 Balancing Ideology and Journalism
50:41 Concluding Thoughts 

Davis Guggenheim: Hollywood, Politics, & Doc Film Making

This episode is with Davis Guggenheim, the Oscar-winning director known for 'An Inconvenient Truth' and 'Waiting for Superman.' We dive into Davis's storied career, his insights into Hollywood, the art of storytelling, and the personal and professional challenges he's faced along the way. 02:10 Early Career and Influences11:43 Navigating Hollywood and Family Connections21:30 Training Day 32:05 Facing Setbacks and Finding New Paths44:43 An Inconvenient Truth01:01:13 The Challenges of 'Waiting for Superman' 01:07:33 Reflections on Filmmaking and Criticism 01:14:14 Access to Powerful Figures 01:21:14 The Future of Filmmaking and AI 01:27:11 Closing Thoughts and Advice

Chet Pipkin: Building a Multi Billion Dollar Brand

In this episode, I sit down with Chet Pipkin, the visionary founder behind Belkin International, a company that grew from humble beginnings in a garage to become a global, multi-billion dollar brand.
Chet shares his extraordinary journey—how he turned a passion for solving connectivity issues in the early days of personal computing into global success story. We delve into the critical decisions that propelled Belkin’s success, including pioneering moves in global manufacturing, and the leadership philosophies that have guided Chet throughout his career.
From navigating the challenges of globalization to his commitment to servant leadership and community service, Chet’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of relationships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the human side of business, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a leader who built a multi-billion dollar brand from the ground up.

Andrew Hessel: Programming DNA - The Future of Synthetic Biology

Ted sits down with world class futurist and microbiologist Andrew Hessel in this episode, to discuss the future of Bioengineering, and programming life from its most fundamental unit, DNA. They discuss the architecture of DNA, its parallels with computer systems, and the potential of writing DNA from scratch. Key topics include synthetic viruses, and the need for global biosecurity measures, the transformative potential of nanotechnology, individualized medicine, and precision treatments in revolutionizing cancer care and combating antibiotic-resistant infections. They also delve into the evolution of bioengineering, digitizing laboratory procedures, and creating synthetic organisms. Future prospects such as biofoundries, space colonization, and enhancing human capabilities through neural engineering are envisioned, emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks, transparency, and global collaboration to harness these advancements safely.
04:01 Biology as a Molecular Computer
05:49 The Digital Nature of DNA
07:22 Programmable Genetic Code
08:56 The Complexity and Density of DNA
11:29 Synthetic Biology and Genetic Engineering
21:49 The Evolution of DNA Sequencing
25:23 The Rise of Synthetic Biology
33:05 The Future of Synthetic Biology
34:06 Engineering and Modeling Biological Systems
47:51 Synthetic Viruses and Their Applications
58:18 The Need for Transparency in Synthetic Biology
01:03:39 Hacking the President's DNA
01:04:24 Bioweapons and Cancer Biology
01:06:21 Collecting DNA from World Leaders
01:08:00 Raising Awareness About Virus Engineering
01:08:40 COVID-19: A Wake-Up Call
01:15:31 The Future of Biosecurity
01:27:16 Personalized Medicine and Cancer Treatment
01:42:20 Engineering the Environment
01:47:39 Space and Biotechnology
01:58:06 Building Sustainable Space Habitats
01:59:09 Elon Musk's Vision for SpaceX
01:59:34 Life Support Systems for Space
02:00:33 Biosphere 2: A Closed Ecosystem Experiment
02:02:51 Future of Human Evolution and Microbial Adaptation
02:05:09 Gene Editing and Human Cloning
02:07:23 IVF and the Future of Assisted Reproduction
02:30:39 Biohacking and Self-Experimentation
02:33:55 The Future of Bioengineering and AI
02:37:47 Digitizing Biology: The New Frontier
02:52:57 Mosquitoes as Drug Delivery Systems
02:53:58 Creative Energy in Bioengineering
02:57:09 Engineering Memory and Consciousness
03:00:18 Bioengineering and Neural Interfaces
03:05:39 The Human Genome Synthesis Project
03:15:27 Future of Synthetic Biology
03:23:02 Bioengineering for a Sustainable Future
 
 

Leslie Odom Jr - Exploring Art, Love & Fatherhood

In this episode Ted sits down with Leslie Odom Jr., the world-famous Broadway star known for his role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton. Leslie shares untold stories about his career choices, including walking away from a lucrative TV deal to be part of Hamilton's original cast. The conversation delves into his reflections on fatherhood, the meaning of love, and his recent roles in films like 'The Exorcism' and 'One Night in Miami.' Leslie also discusses how he balances his artistry across different mediums, the importance of loving oneself, and his perspectives on the American Dream and race. Don't miss this thought-provoking and heartfelt discussion with one of the most talented figures in the entertainment industry today.
 
00:00 Intro
04:18 Fatherhood and Parenting
12:01 The Song 'Loved' and Its Inspiration
23:31 Artistry and Suffering
28:03 Alchemy of Performance
38:41 Race & the American Dream
40:09 The Value of Work and Stability
42:30 Mentorship and Representation
43:57 The Impact of the Pandemic on Art
47:58 The Ephemeral Nature of Theater
53:02 Advice and Personal Growth
58:20 Understanding and Practicing Love
01:08:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
 

Nedjip Tozun: Powering 170+ million ppl with Solar, and the future of Cleantech

I sat down with Nedjip Tozun, co-founder and CEO of D.light Design, the world's most impactful solar company. They have powered over 170 million people, at the base of the world's economic pyramid, with solar electricity and lighting products. Nedjip and I discuss the trials and tribulations of D.light, we talk about his fascinating views on religion, which underpin the story of d.light, and we talk about the future of sustainable energy / geoengineering. Ned is a heavy hitter in the world of cleantech and silicon valley. Highly recommend this episode if you are curious about these subjects, about social impact businesses, or about one person's unique journey with religion. 
00:00 Intro
04:26 The Miracle Shipment Story
06:26 Navigating Financial Crises
13:45 Mission-Driven Business Decisions
22:05 Capitalism and Social Impact
28:38 Personal Religious Journey
36:08 Rational Arguments for Faith
39:55 Starting D.Light
52:48 Science and Faith Compatibility
58:51 The Fine-Tuning of the Universe
01:03:44 The Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life
01:06:53 Formation of the Moon and Its Impact on Life
01:09:45 The Rarity and Value of Human Life
01:10:43 Exploring Life Beyond Earth
01:11:34 Climate Change and the Future of Energy
01:12:57 The Promise and Challenges of Fusion Energy
01:24:24 Geoengineering and Carbon Capture Innovations
01:33:14 Reflections on Leadership and Future Prospects

Reviving Extinct Species with Ben Lamm of Colossal Biosciences

This episode was a real treat. Ben Lamm is the founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, the world's first de-extinction company. They are legitimately en route to bringing back extinct species, like the wooly mammoth, the thylacine and the dodo. We talk about all of that on this episode, along with broader observations of what these new age synthetic biology tools mean for the future of conservation, and, for the future of human health. 
00:00 Introduction 
08:08 Ethical Considerations
15:19 The Thylacine Project 
27:30 Public Skepticism and Techno-Optimism
29:51 Balancing Technology and Nature
31:37 The Role of Beavers in Carbon Sequestration
33:24 Synthetic Biology vs. AI and Robotics
39:06 Elephants, P53 Protein, and Cancer Research
42:56 Advancements in Medical Therapeutics
49:21 Future Innovations and Ocean Exploration
 

Cory Richards: Mountains, Trauma, Healing, & Art

Cory Richards, a renowned National Geographic adventure photographer, has lived a life full of highs and lows. He reached the pinnacle of the outdoor industry only to step back after a series of mental health challenges.
I consider Cory to be a friend, a mentor, and a guide to healing from trauma in the modern world. This episode aims to share Cory's incredible story, detailed in his new memoir 'The Color of Everything'.

Peter Dering of Peak Design: Building a $100m+ Brand with Purpose.

Peter Dering, founder and CEO of Peak Design, discusses his views on conscious capitalism. For the environment, for employees, and for customers. This is a case study in ethics, and successful brand building, in business. 
00:00 Intro
04:08 Peak Design's History & Office Space
07:07 From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader
14:27 Navigating Business Without Investors
26:29 Climate Neutral: A Deep Dive into Carbon Offsetting
39:59 Controversies of Carbon Markets
44:02 Addressing Greenwashing 
47:36 PFAS
52:22 Future of Peak Design
01:10:20 Creative Employee Compensation Plans 
01:15:54 The Power of Branding