Thinking 2 Think
How to support what we are doing: https://maaponte.substack.com/ This is Thinking 2 Think the Critical Thinking podcast where we analyze topics such as Civics, History, Culture, Philosophy, Politics, business, and current events through a critical thinkers lens. I am your host, the social studies educator Michael Antonio Aponte also known as Mr. A. About the host: A successful author, motivational speaker, and educator, Michael Antonio Aponte (M.A. Aponte) empowers individuals via critical thinking. He has had a major impact in several industries due to his wide background and experience. He started his work as a Merrill Lynch wealth manager, learning about finance and its effects on us. After his personal and professional success, he became a motivational speaker, encouraging and mentoring individuals from various backgrounds. Aponte works to teach others how to think critically and thoughtfully about life's issues. M.A. Aponte's informative essays on current events, finance, history, and philosophy draw on his expertise and experience. His writings show his intellectual curiosity and passion to exploring world-changing concepts. He writes and teaches to empower people by sharing his knowledge, experiences, and viewpoints. His comments will motivate you to examine, analyze, and accept reasoning, obtaining new insights that can improve the future. Please, subscribe, share, listen, and let's build a critical thinking society together.
Episodes
A split-second police simulation shows how fast the brain can be wrong, then we map the same mechanics onto work, parenting, and leadership. We break down cognitive budgets, working memory limits, mental models, load types, and four practical strategies to decide better under pressure.
Your brain has 4-7 slots of working memory. That's it. And every decision you make, every problem you solve, every conve...
We unpack how a teacher-led school vision collapsed not because the idea was bad but because the room wasn’t ready for clear thinking. We map three forces that sabotage judgment and lay out practical steps to create conditions where logic can land.
• staff meeting case study showing emotional threat responses
• attention fragmentation and working memory limits
• emotional hijacking and system one vers...
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Artificial intelligence didn’t break education, work, or leadership.
It revealed a gap we avoided teaching.
We map the shift from answer-getting to judgment-making and name the unease many students and leaders feel when certainty disappears. We explain how AI exposed the gap, why identity gets shaken, and how to practice critical thinking as a teachable discipline....
A missed title at a conference shouldn’t spark a crisis of identity—yet for Elena, a decorated senior research fellow, it did. We follow that sharp sting and instant correction to uncover a deeper pattern: when confidence depends on credentials, minor slights can feel like existential threats. Using a vivid case from Aponte’s “The Mask of Credentials,” we explore how ego maintenance becomes brittle, how vulnerable nar...
We dive deep into how digital algorithms shape our thinking and behavior through subtle reward systems rather than direct commands, exploring Michael Aponte's concept of "digitally optimized obedience" and its far-reaching implications for individual autonomy and society. Drawing from Aponte's research, the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, and Harvard Medical School findings, we examine how ...
The Stanford Prison Experiment reveals how ordinary people transform under situational power, challenging our understanding of good versus evil.
• Philip Zimbardo's childhood in the South Bronx shaped his interest in how good people do bad things
• 24 normal college students were randomly assigned as guards or prisoners in a basement "prison" at Stanford
• Guards quickly embraced author...
We dive deep into the psychology of collective obedience during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining how fear, authority, and group dynamics influenced behavior on a massive scale. Michael Aponsis' paper "Six Feet of Separation from Reality" serves as our guide for understanding how societies fell in line with unprecedented uniformity.
• The COVID-19 response characterized as a "global obedien...
The profound psychological mechanisms that make cults effective operate invisibly throughout our society, from social media platforms to political movements, creating powerful pressures that silence independent thought.
• Cult psychology extends far beyond stereotypical fringe groups, operating in corporate boardrooms, political rallies, and even school classrooms
• Robert Lifton's eight characterist...
Series: Obedient Nation
Episode 1 of 5: The Psychology of Obedience
Hosts: Dr. Elias Quinn and Lyra Morgan
We explore the startling capacity of ordinary people to obey authority figures, even when directed to perform acts that violate their personal conscience and moral codes.
• Drawing from Michael Aponte's "The Shock Heard Around the World," we examine Milgram's famous obedience experimen...
We dig into the psychology of blind obedience, exploring how the findings from Milgram's famous shock experiment continue to echo powerfully in today's world from cults to pandemic responses and political tribalism.
• The Milgram experiment revealed 65% of participants would deliver maximum "shocks" when instructed by an authority figure
• Three key conditions facilitate obedience: leg...
Welcome to Thinking 2 Think, the podcast where we deconstruct debates, dissect biases, and empower you to sharpen your critical thinking skills. In this episode, we explore:
- The psychology behind the Dunning-Kruger Effect and its influence on debates.
- Highlights from the viral Tim Pool debate and debate pitfalls.
- How cognitive biases, logical fallacies, and disinformation shape public opinion.
Host M.A. Aponte di...
In this episode of "Thinking 2 Think," we explore war and the devastating conflicts that have torn apart South Sudan and Uganda. From the brutal civil wars in South Sudan to the terror inflicted by the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda, we examine how political and ideological battles turn deeply personal and dehumanize entire populations. Our special guest, Mansuke, a refugee who survived these horrors...
In this urgent and insightful episode of "Thinking 2 Think," we delve into the shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. We explore how the intense demonizing rhetoric and legal battles have fueled a dangerous emotional and mental state among the population. We'll analyze the role of political figures in creating an environment ripe for such ...
Lawfare or Justice? Election interference or simply a coincidence? In this special episode of "Thinking 2 Think," we delve into the monumental verdict in New York where former President Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 counts. Join us as we analyze the implications of this historic ruling, the legal intricacies involved, and what it means for the future of American politics.
Joi...
Welcome to a special episode of "Thinking 2 Think" with your host, M.A. Aponte. In this thought-provoking installment, we embark on a journey to unravel the complexities of selective outrage and its intertwining with the power of social media.
Throughout this episode, we delve deep into the phenomenon of selective outrage, exploring how individuals and societies often express moral indignation selectively, fo...
Dads and Moms, this episode is for you! Join M.A. Aponte on Thinking2Think as we delve into the wonderful world of Parenthood, fatherhood, and motherhood. We explore two foundational theories in psychology: Jean Piaget's stages of cognitive development and Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Join us as we delve into Piaget's groundbreaking research on how children learn and grow, from sensorimotor expl...
Join us on the Thinking2Think podcast as we delve into the world of health and wellness! Discover the nutritional benefits of the Keto, carnivore diet, actionable fitness tips, and insightful strategies for mental well-being. From exploring the carnivore diet to discussing physical fitness and mental health, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your overall wellness.
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Join us on Thinking2Think as we delve into career development and job search strategies. In this episode, host M.A Aponte offers invaluable guidance on setting career goals, building meaningful relationships, and navigating the competitive job market effectively. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this podcast provides actionable tips to help you chart your path to success.
Discover the keys to building unbreakable bonds with your partners, friends, and colleagues. Explore insightful strategies and practical tips for effective communication, fostering trust, and nurturing meaningful connections. Whether you're navigating personal or professional relationships, this podcast is your ultimate guide to cultivating lasting harmony and understanding. Tune in and unlock the secrets to mast...
Join us on Thinking 2 Think, where we unravel the mysteries of leadership and personal development. In this episode, we embark on a transformative journey to unleash your inner leader. From cultivating confidence to reaching your full potential, we explore actionable strategies and insightful tips to empower you on your leadership quest. Tune in and discover the keys to becoming the leader you were always meant to be.
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