Preconceived

This episode is about why fantasy football is so addictive and why so many people love it. Adam Aizer from CBS Sports joins the podcast to talk about the fantasy football industry, what makes a good manager, and the balance between skill and luck. We also get into what fantasy football reveals about how people think, compete, and make decisions under uncertainty.

CBS Fantasy Football Today Podcast - https://www.cbssports.com/pod...

In the wake of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, there has been enormous interest in Homer’s ancient Greek epic—and in Odysseus, the hero at its center.

Who was Odysseus, why has The Odyssey remained relevant for nearly 3,000 years, and what does this story have to say about human nature today?

We also explore what Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is trying to tell us, how it compares with Homer’s original...

In this episode, Zale discusses with Dr. Barry Schwartz, a renowned psychologist and author, how modern society's abundance of choices impacts our happiness, decision-making, and regret. They explore how too many options can lead to paralysis, the role of social comparison, and the importance of setting "good enough" standards for a more satisfying life.

Main Topics:

• The concept of counterfactual thinking and its influence on...

What really separates elite performers from everyone else? In this episode of Preconceived, Zale sits down with former Navy SEAL officer Rich Diviney to challenge the myth of the "superhuman" SEAL and explore what truly drives performance under pressure. Rich explains the difference between skills and attributes, why SEAL training is designed to push candidates to their limits, and how qualities like resilience, adaptability, situa...

Most of us think we know cocaine — a glamorous party drug with a dark side, a scourge of the 80s, a straightforward villain in the story of addiction. But what happens behind the scenes - in the months of work and miles of travel that take the coca leaf of Central and South America to the consumers all around the world?

Emilia Ziosi is a researcher and science communicator whose work has focused largely on the cocaine tra...

What does it actually mean to thrive—not emotionally, but biologically? In this episode, neuroscientist Paul Zak breaks down the brain science behind emotional fitness, social connection, and the kinds of experiences that make life feel deeply engaging rather than merely comfortable. We explore whether thriving is a measurable state of the nervous system, why modern life may be quietly working against it, and how factors like...

In recent years, conversations around sex have become far more attentive to women’s experiences, desires, and frustrations — and for good reason. But in the process, have we stopped talking honestly about male sexuality? In this episode, Zale sits down with sex therapist and author Chris Donaghue to explore the psychology of male sexual performance, insecurity, validation, and desire. From penis size and performance anx...

What if our sense of right and wrong isn’t just philosophical, but biological? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Paul Zak reveals that a single molecule—oxytocin—could hold the key to understanding trust, empathy, and virtue itself. Imagine being able to measure compassion in a blood sample or enhance generosity with a nasal spray. Is morality purely a matter of choice, or are we wired for virtue? Join Zale as he l...

In this episode, Zale is joined by Mark McNeilly to explore the transformative power of AI, its implications for the future of work, society, and creativity, and how individuals and organizations can adapt. Which jobs are most at risk with the advent of AI? Has society at large been downplaying the real concerns of of AI replacing our roles?

Zale and Mark discuss the nuances of AI development, adoption barriers, ethical consideratio...

We learn from an early age that it’s not acceptable to harm others. Many would say it’s something we don’t even need to really learn – that it’s a natural human instinct to not want to cause harm. With that perspective, it’s natural that it would be extremely challenging for people to understand why someone would harm themselves. Why would some voluntarily elect to hurt themselves? Non-suicidal s...

Is it possible to love an AI? In this episode, we delve into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and romantic relationships. Dr. Marnie Feuerman joins us to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and ethical considerations of AI in our intimate lives. Discover how AI might fulfill our deepest needs for love and connection, and where it falls short.

Learn more about Dr. Marnie Feuerman at https://www.drmarnion...

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the often misunderstood topic of infidelity, revealing why cheating is more common and psychologically complex than it appears on the surface. Joined by Dr. Dylan Selterman, a Johns Hopkins psychology professor, this discussion uncovers the motivations, psychological factors, and societal influences around cheating in relationships. Notably, the episode delves into the surprising ...