Episodes
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#68 - Elliot Billingsley: Effective Altruism, Coaching, Podcasting, Andrew Yang
The following is a conversation with Elliot Billingsley. Elliot is an effectiveness coach and the host of The Effecting Our Altruism Podcast. I first met Elliot a few months ago through the Effective Altruism community in Canada. In this episode, we chatted about the recent Effective Altruism...
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#67 - Natasha Kelbas: Veganism, Local Government, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Natasha Kelbas and I chat about veganism, local government, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This conversation was recorded on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023. Timestamps 0:30 - Why has it been on your bucket list to be on a podcast? 2:02 - Start of veganism discussion 4:45 - Doubts about veganism…
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Should we have data concerns when using Chinese tech products like TikTok? - Sherman Tylawsky
Sherman Tylawsky and I chat about whether we should be concerned about the security of our data when using Chinese tech products like TikTok. Sherman is an aspiring statesman and George Washington enthusiast. He has received a master’s degree in international affairs from Texas A&M University and...
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How can I get better at networking? - Ted Zhao
Ted Zhao and I chat about what it takes to have productive coffee chats and networking conversations. Ted is a friend and colleague of mine at TELUS, and it was a pleasure to chat with him about this topic. Some of the other questions we discussed included: Am I putting a friend in an awkward...
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What might the future of Give (and philanthropy more broadly) look like? - Jeff Shin
Jeff Shin and I chat about Give (https://withgive.com/) and the future of philanthropy. Jeff is the Co-founder and CEO of Give, a new kind of charitable giving platform. He previously designed at companies like Wealthsimple, Free, and 500px. This conversation was recorded on Thursday, February…
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Can hypnosis be used as a form of mental health therapy? - Doug Sands
Doug Sands and I chat about whether hypnosis can be used as a form of mental health therapy, and how it differs from guided meditation. Doug is a hypnotist, adventurer, and mental health advocate. He runs the Making Meaning podcast, a show about how adventurous people have overcome struggles to...
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Was it right to ban Trump from social media? - Ryan McDonald
Ryan McDonald and I chat about whether we think it was right for social media platforms to ban Trump following the storming of the U.S. Capitol. This conversation was recorded on January 10th, 2021. Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits...
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Is it easier to change our expectations or reality? - Kaytie Ohashi
Kaytie and I chat about the concept of 'happiness = reality - expectations,' and whether it's easier for us to change our reality or expectations (for example, if you're unhappy at work, is it better for you to get a new job or to try to find more appreciation for your current job). Kaytie is a...
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Sports & technology with Jesse & Matt
Jesse, Matt, and I chat about the intersection of sports and technology. You can tune into Matt & Jesse's podcast, HAYN, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hayn/id1503177137. Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the…
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If you could only listen to either Podcasts or audiobooks, which would you choose & why? - Sam Brake Guia
Sam and I chat about the pros & cons of podcasts vs. audiobooks. Sam hosts two podcasts and is a podcast expert for the marketing department of Publicize, a digital communication company. He hosts of Brains Byte Back, a weekly podcast looking at how our brains, psychology, and society are…
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How can we ensure CRISPR & other gene editing tech produce good outcomes? - Abdullah Iqbal
Abdullah Iqbal and I discuss how we can ensure CRISPR and gene editing technologies produce good outcomes for society. Abdullah is a recent graduate from Biomedical Sciences at the University of Sheffield. He has a deep understanding of biomedical fields including neuroscience, stem cell biology...
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Are people more or less likely to use things (ex. gym memberships) when they get it for free? - Abhishek Lahoti
Abhishek Lahoti and I discuss how getting something for free can affect how we use it. Abhishek works as a podcast host in his spare time alongside a full-time job in the tech world. Visit his Linkedin page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alahoti/) to learn more about him. Video version of the…
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What decisions will future computers make for us? - Santiago Ramones
Santiago Ramones and I discuss a wide range of topics, from our shared interest in podcasts to the future of technology & society. This was my first time meeting Santiago and it was a pleasure. He is a music producer and podcaster - you can learn more about his debut album 'Bloom' and his podcast...
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When should I quit my podcast? - Jesse Uretsky
In this episode, Jesse Uretsky and I discuss how I should decide when to move on from my podcast. Jesse also hosts his own podcast called HAYN. Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the everyday app. I use the app myself and love…
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What are your thoughts on the show Upload & the concept of a virtual afterlife? - George Vogman
In this episode, George Vogman and I discuss the TV show Upload; our thoughts on the show (spoilers), and whether the concept of a virtual afterlife could/should eventually exist in the real world. Video version of podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with...
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Should Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram have dislike buttons like YouTube? - Jesse Uretsky
In this episode, Jesse Uretsky and I discuss whether Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram should have a dislike button similar to YouTube. Video version of podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the everyday app. I use the app myself and love it. Sign-up…
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How easy should it be to buy a gun? - Aidan Little
In this episode, Aidan Little and I discuss how easy it should be for someone to buy a gun. Video version of podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the everyday app. I use the app myself and love it. Sign-up here to join me for an episode! I'd also love...
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Should we welcome brain-machine interface technologies like Neuralink? - Yuli Jadov
In this episode, Yuli Jadov and I discuss whether we should welcome brain-machine interface technologies like Neuralink. Video version of podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the everyday app. I use the app myself and love it. Sign-up here to join me…
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Would we lose our sense of purpose in a future without the need for work? - Neil Thakore
In this episode, Neil Thakore and I discuss whether we'd be likely to lose our sense of purpose in a future without the need for work. Video version of podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the everyday app. I use the app myself and love it. Sign-up…
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Should I start a for-profit or non-profit? - Naryan Wong
In this episode, Naryan Wong and I discuss the merits of for-profits, and how they could be outcompeted by non-profits in the future. Naryan recently wrote a blog post on this topic (https://medium.com/@naryan_3108/a-world-without-for-profit-companies-d7a34f7ce1f2) which we discussed. Video…
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How should I approach goal setting? - Eddie Garfin
In this episode, Eddie Garfin and I discuss the best ways to approach goal setting (i.e. how many goals to focus on at one time, what percentage of goals we should aim to complete, etc.). Video version of podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the…
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Should we have a rating system for people, like we do for movies & restaurants? - Jesse & Josh
In this episode, Jesse, Josh and I discuss whether it'd be a good thing if we had a social rating system for people, like we do for movies and restaurants. Jesse & Josh have their own podcast called HAYN, where they also posted this conversation. Video version of podcast available on YouTube…
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Is 'cancel culture' a problem? - Daniel Karten
Daniel Karten and I discuss whether today's 'cancel culture' is a problem. Video version of podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the everyday app. I use the app myself and love it. Sign-up here to join me for an episode! I'd also love feedback for...
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Why did I start my podcast? - Jesse & Josh ask me
My friend Jesse and his co-host/ Josh had me on their podcast to have a meta chat about podcasts. We talked about what motivated us to start our own podcasts, what's been the best part of the experience so far, what’s surprised us, and more. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the...
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What can I do to help end racism? - Ryan McDonald
Ryan McDonald and I discuss what we can do to help bring an end to racism. Video version of podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the everyday app. I use the app myself and love it. Sign-up here to join me for an episode! I'd also love feedback for...
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How should I decide if remote work is right for me? - Shayne Gelbard
Shayne Gelbard and I discuss remote work - what it's like, how it might evolve post-COVID-19, and who it may be best suited for. Shayne has experience working remotely prior to COVID-19, and it was super interesting to hear his perspective on it. Video version of podcast available on YouTube…
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How should we balance false positives & negatives in the justice system? - Aidan Little
Aidan Little and I discuss how to best balance the potential for false positives (i.e. an innocent person is convicted) and false negatives (a guilty person is set free) in the criminal justice system? Video version of podcast available on YouTube here. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits...
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How often should I upgrade my laptop? - Natty Maor
In this episode, Natty Maor and I discuss how often I should upgrade my laptop. Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the everyday app. I use the app myself and love it. Sign-up here to join me for an episode! I'd also love feedback for improving future episodes, and promise not to take...
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Is it worthwhile to hire a career coach? - Daniel Holley
In this episode, Daniel Holley and I discuss whether it is worthwhile to hire a career coach. Daniel is a performance coach and has his own podcast. You can learn more about him here. Follow-up questions we discussed included: 8:45: How does someone decide that they deserve a coach and that they...
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What will the future of Misü (and mental health tech more broadly) look like? - Dan Seider
In this episode, Dan Seider shares his thoughts on how technology and mental health may intersect in the future. Dan also shares his vision for Misu, an automated mood tracker he’s built. Follow-up questions we discussed included: 5:15: Do you want people to use Misu to reflect on their mood and...
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Should I reframe my podcast questions from 3rd to 1st person?
In this episode, a friend shares their thoughts on whether I should consider switching the framing of my podcast questions from 3rd person to 1st person moving forward. Follow-up questions we discussed included: 3:40: Do you feel like questions are still somewhat unanswered for you at the end of...
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Which conversations are better kept private vs. made public? - Jesse Uretsky
In this episode, Jesse Uretsky and I discuss the pros and cons of making conversations public (via a podcast like this) vs. keeping them private. Jesse has his own podcast called HAYN, where he also posted this conversation. Follow-up questions we discussed included: 4:50: As a podcaster…
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Should we donate anonymously or with our names attached? - Rebecca Kruger
In this episode, my sister Rebecca and I discuss whether it’s better to donate anonymously or with our names attached. Follow-up questions we discussed included: 8:10: Why did you pick this topic? 10:00: Do you think selfless deeds exist? 13:25: Why do platforms like GoFundMe give you an option…
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Should we try to colonize Mars?
In this episode, my dad and I discuss whether we should try to colonize Mars. Follow-up questions we discussed included: 3:25: Do you think we should be spending resources to try to colonize Mars? Is it worth it? 7:05: Would you like to see more money and resources allocated towards space...
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How can we limit the impact COVID-19 (and future viruses) have on society? - Daniel Karten
In this episode, Daniel Karten and I discuss the impact COVID-19 is having on society and how we can limit the negative impacts of future viruses. Follow-up questions we discussed included: 3:20: What impact is COVID-19 having on society today? 5:55: Do you think this is going to accelerate a…
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What is the right level of income inequality? - Anton Pytlovanyy
In this episode, Anton Pytlovanyy and I discuss what level of income inequality creates the best outcomes for society as a whole. Follow-up questions we discussed included: 3:00: Why do you think inequality will continue to get worse over time? 3:50: Why did you pick this question to talk about?...
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How can we balance being satisfied with what we have and wanting more? - Jesse Uretsky
In this episode, Jesse Uretsky and I discuss how to find a balance between being satisfied with what we have and striving for more. Follow-up questions we discussed included: 3:15: Can you be satisfied with your life today while also wanting more? 5:15: Do you compare yourself to others often? If...
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Who is the best Democratic candidate? - Aakash Shah
In this episode, Aakash Shah and I discuss who is the best democratic candidate for the 2020 United States presidential election. *Apologies for the poor sound quality on this episode. Other episodes are a lot easier to hear!* Other questions we discussed included: Do you like Joe Biden over…
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How can we reduce the political divide and bring people together? - Neil Thakore
In this episode, Neil Thakore and I discuss what can be done to reduce the political divide and bring people together? Other questions we discussed included: Should we stop placing people in one of two buckets by labelling them as either left-wing and right-wing, liberal or conservative, democrat...
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What is the right amount of open-mindedness? - Ryan McDonald
In this episode, Ryan McDonald and I discuss whether it’s possible to be too open-minded (and if so, what's the right amount). Other questions we discussed included: Can you be too trustworthy? What other seemingly good traits could be bad if taken too far? What’s the best way to tell if I’m too...
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Should we ban cigarettes? - Eddie Tsao
In this episode, Eddie Tsao and I discuss whether cigarettes should be banned. Other questions we discussed included: Can you ban it for people born after 2001 who aren't yet addicted? Why do you think cigarettes aren’t banned now? Should e-cigarettes follow the same policy? What sort of harm...
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How can we ensure that global surveillance programs like the one Snowden exposed are good for society? - Michael Vogman
In this episode, Michael Vogman and I discuss global surveillance programs and how they related to the tradeoff between privacy and security. Follow-up questions we discussed included: How do you balance the need for safety and security with privacy? Is it inevitable that we will have to surveil...
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Plant-based vs. clean meat: which is more likely to take off? - Daniel Karten
In this episode, Daniel Karten and I discuss whether plant-based meats or clean meats are more likely to become widely adopted by society. Get help building habits with everyday. Sign-up here to join me for an episode! I'd also love feedback for improving future episodes. Thanks for listening!
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What laws or regulations should be introduced, changed, or removed in order to make the world better? - Charlotte Davie
In this episode, Charlotte Davie shares her thoughts on laws she’d like to see introduced, changed, and removed. The start of the conversation centred around conservatorships, and later touched on recycling, universal basic income, and other interesting topics. Charlotte and I work together at...
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Causing vs. allowing harm - how are they the same, how are they different? - Daniel Maman
In this episode, Daniel (Doonie) Maman shares his thoughts on the similarities and differences between causing harm (i.e. hurting someone) vs. allowing harm (i.e. letting someone get hurt). Doonie and I previously worked together on a podcast called The Avocado Advocates, aimed at helping vegans...
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What should be considered 'crossing the line' in comedy? - David Heller
In this episode, David Heller shares her thoughts on what should be considered crossing the line in comedy. David and I work together at TELUS, and his father used to do stand-up comedy. Sign-up here to join me for an episode! I'd also love feedback for improving future episodes. Thanks for...
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Why do we have less close friends today than in the past? - Catherine Tu
In this episode, Catherine Tu shares her thoughts on why people today might have less close friends than in the past. Catherine and I work together at TELUS. Sign-up here to join me for an episode! I'd also love feedback for improving future episodes. Thanks for listening!
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Has technology made our relationships with others better or worse? - Likky Lavji
In this episode, Likky Lavji shares his thoughts on whether technology has made our relationships with others better or worse. Likky Lavji is a certified coach, keynote speaker and the founder of Dante Group. Sign-up link to participate in an episode: https://forms.gle/sqCznHZMVxyt96x7A Sign-up...
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Which inventions have had a net negative impact on the world? - Daniel Gordon
In this episode, Daniel Gordon shares his thoughts on which inventions have had a net negative impact on the world. Daniel is a good friend of mine. We studied together at Queen’s University, and worked together at KPMG. Sign-up link to participate in an episode…
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What life lesson took you a while to learn? - Buster Benson
In this episode, Buster Benson shares his thoughts on a life lesson that took him a while to learn. Buster is a writer and builder of things. Buster co-founded 750words.com, and was previously a product manager at Amazon, Twitter, Slack and Patreon. Most recently, he wrote “Why Are We Yelling?…
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