Talks at Google

Psychologist, author and mindfulness performance expert George Mumford visits Google to discuss his book "Unlocked: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover Success". We all strive to find flow, when our skills, expertise, and mindset are aligned and we can perform at the highest level. George Mumford calls this being "unlocked"—a state anyone can achieve at any time. As a psychologist trained in the field of mindfulness and personal development expert, Mumford has decades of experience helping a wide range of individuals contend with the challenges and opportunities inherent in life, including CEOs and NBA superstars as well as those experiencing homelessness and fighting addiction. Now, in this life-changing guide, he shares his wisdom with all of us, no matter our background or socioeconomic status, guiding us on a path to discovering and harnessing our own individual potential. Filled with tangible insights, unexpected ancient wisdom, and inspiring stories from his clients and his own life—from his darkest moments of addiction and inner turmoil to training some of the best athletes in the world—"Unlocked" is the culmination of Mumford's life's work. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Author Sam Gosling visits Google to discuss his book "Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You". Does what's on your desk reveal what's on your mind? Do those pictures on your walls tell true tales about you? And is your favorite outfit about to give you away? For the last ten years, psychologist Sam Gosling has been studying how people project (and protect) their inner selves. By exploring our private worlds, such as desks, bedrooms, even our clothes and our cars, he shows not only how we showcase our personalities in unexpected-and unplanned-ways, but also how we create personality in the first place, communicate it to others, and interpret the world around us. Gosling, one of the field's most innovative researchers, dispatches teams of scientific snoops to poke around dorm rooms and offices, to see what can be learned about people simply from looking at their stuff. Sam Gosling is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He has spent the last decade conducting research on how personality is expressed and perceived in everyday contexts. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Astrophysicist Sarafina El-Badry Nance visits Google to discuss her book "Starstruck: A Memoir of Astrophysics and Finding Light in the Dark." The book is an inspirational and science-packed memoir that details how she carved out a place in the field of astrophysics, grounding herself in her passion and a lifelong love of the stars. As a child, Sarafina spent nearly every evening with her father gazing up at the flickering stars and pondering what secrets the night sky held. The daughter of an American father and Egyptian mother who both pushed her toward academic excellence, Sarafina dreamed of becoming an astronomer and untangling the mysteries of the stars overhead. But it wasn't long before she was told, both explicitly and implicitly, that girls just weren't cut out for math and science. In "Starstruck", Sarafina invites us to consider the cosmos through fascinating science lessons to open each chapter. But she also traces more earthbound obstacles, such as misogyny and racism, abuse and intergenerational trauma, anxiety and self-doubt, and cancer diagnoses and recovery. As her career and passion for space brought her from UT Austin to UC Berkeley, and even to a Mars astronaut simulation in Hawai'i, Sarafina learned how to survive—and ultimately thrive—in a space that was seldom welcoming to women. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Russell Brand and Bob Roth visit Google to discuss transcendental meditation, commonly referred to as TM, and how it has greatly improved their lives. Comedian, actor, and best-selling author Russell Brand has been practicing Transcendental Meditation for nearly 10 years. He says the technique has been instrumental in fostering creativity, appreciating fatherhood, and maintaining his recovery from addiction. Bob Roth, a TM teacher, taught Russell to meditate and the two remain close friends. Bob and Russell will be discussing the benefits of practicing Transcendental Meditation, how TM has personally helped Russell, and how TM can help people suffering from stress and trauma. Originally published in May of 2017. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Songwriter and recording artist Jason Derulo visits Google to discuss his book "Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream." The book tells the remarkable story of Jason's come up, told through the fifteen rules he lives by—like working hardest at what comes easiest, taking calculated risks, sticking to a routine, and respecting the numbers—which he credits with turning his many far-fetched goals over the years into reality. In 2009, an 18-year-old son of Haitian immigrants burst onto Billboard music charts with the instant #1 song, "Whatcha Say," which opened with what would prove to be one of the catchiest lines in pop music history – the artist's own name, sung out loud. Defying every possible odd, Jason Derulo cemented himself again and again with hit after hit, as one of the hardest working singers, dancers, and performers in the world and a risk-taking force of nature. After becoming one of the most followed creators on TikTok, he realized that his personal rules for self-mastery and success are applicable anywhere, for anyone, under any circumstance. Derulo reflects on the defining moments of his career thus far, most notably the wins and losses that strengthened his signature style of creative pursuit and offers his fifteen rules for turning goals into reality – where obstacles are opportunities, closed doors are meant to be opened, failure is inevitable, and good lighting is non-negotiable. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Tim Urban has become one of the Internet's most popular writers. With wry stick-figure illustrations and occasionally epic prose on everything from procrastination to artificial intelligence, Urban's blog, "Wait But Why", has garnered millions of unique page views, thousands of patrons and famous fans like Elon Musk. Urban has previously written long form posts on "The Road to Superintelligence", and his recent TED talk has more than 6 million views. Tim speaks about his blog "Wait but Why" and his writing on the impact of artificial intelligence. This talk was presented for Google's Singularity Network and hosted by John Bracaglia. Originally published in August of 2016. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Dominique Roques visits Google to discuss his book "In Search of Perfumes: A Lifetime Journey to the Source of Nature's Scents." The book contains a mix of history, travelog, and memoir from one of the perfume industry's leading scouts of natural ingredients, as he tells the story of the precious plants needed to make our favorite fragrances. Do you know how many flowers it takes to produce a kilo of rose oil? One million roses, each handpicked. When it comes to nature, Dominique Roques is a unique authority. He has spent the last thirty years working closely with local communities across the globe to establish a sustainable supply of natural ingredients crucial to perfume making. From resin cultivated by traditional methods in El Salvador to rose oil distilleries in India as old as the Taj Mahal, his network reveals an elusive trade built on the fault lines of tradition and modernity. Roques tells the story of seventeen of the industry's most precious ingredients–where they come from, their cultural and historic significance, and why we love them—from Indonesian patchouli to the "Damask rose," interweaving his own recollections and reflections on his life and work. Entertaining and eye-opening, and decorated with beautiful black-and-white illustrations, "In Search of Perfumes" is an irresistible exploration of the smells that fuel our nostalgia and suffuse our fantasies. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Jia Jiang visits Google to discuss his book "Rejection Proof." Jia came to the United States with the dream of being the next Bill Gates. But despite early success in the corporate world, his first attempt to pursue his entrepreneurial dream ended in rejection. Jia was crushed, and spiraled into a period of deep self doubt. But he realized that his fear of rejection was a bigger obstacle than any single rejection would ever be, and he needed to find a way to cope with being told no without letting it destroy him. Thus was born his "100 days of rejection" experiment, during which he willfully sought rejection on a daily basis--from requesting a lesson in sales from a car salesman (no) to asking a flight attendant if he could make an announcement on the loudspeaker (yes) to his famous request to get Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the shape of Olympic rings (yes, with a viral video to prove it). Jia learned that even the most preposterous wish may be granted if you ask in the right way, and shares the secret of successful asking, how to pick targets, and how to tell when an initial no can be converted into something positive. But more importantly, he learned techniques for steeling himself against rejection and ways to develop his own confidence--a plan that can't be derailed by a single setback. Filled with great stories and valuable insight, "Rejection Proof" is a fun and thoughtful examination of how to overcome fear and dare to live more boldly. Originally published in November of 2013. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Award-winning structural engineer Roma Agrawal visits Google to discuss her book "Nuts and Bolts: Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World in a Big Way." The book takes readers on a deep dive into the seven most basic building blocks of engineering that have shaped the modern world. From the physics behind both Roman nails and modern skyscrapers, to rudimentary springs that inspired lithium batteries, Agrawal shows us how even the most sophisticated items are built on the foundations of these ancient and fundamental breakthroughs in engineering. She deconstructs our most complex feats of engineering into seven fundamental inventions: the nail, spring, wheel, lens, magnet, string and pump. Each of these objects is itself a wonder of design, the result of many iterations and refinements. Together, they have enabled humanity to see the invisible, build the spectacular, communicate across vast distances, and even escape our planet. She invites us to marvel at these small but perfectly formed inventions, sharing the stories of the remarkable, and often unknown, scientists and engineers who made them possible. The nuts and bolts that make up our world may be tiny, and are often hidden, but they've changed our lives in dramatic ways. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Vanessa Van Edwards visits Google to discuss her book "Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People." Do you feel awkward at networking events? Do you wonder what your date really thinks of you? Do you wish you could just decode people? To do this and more, you need to learn the science of people. As a human behavior hacker, Vanessa Van Edwards created a research lab to study the hidden forces that drive us. In her book "Captivate", she shares shortcuts, systems, and secrets for taking charge of your interactions at work, at home, and in any social situation. These aren't the people skills you learned in school. This is the first comprehensive, science-backed, real life manual on how to build connections. Just like knowing the formulas to use in a chemistry lab, or the right programming language to build an app, "Captivate" provides simple ways to solve people problems. You'll learn how to work a room, how to read faces, and how to talk to just about anyone. When you understand the laws of human behavior, your influence, impact, and income will increase significantly. What's more, you will improve your interpersonal intelligence, make killer first impressions, and build rapport quickly and authentically in any situation—negotiations, interviews, parties, and pitches. You'll never interact the same way again. Originally published in June of 2017. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Tim Spector visits Google to discuss his book "Food for Life: The New Science of Eating Well", an easy-to-follow guide on how to eat—for our health and the health of the planet. Tim's book reveals a new approach to nutrition, encouraging us to forget misleading calorie counts and nutritional breakdowns. In "Food for Life", he draws on over a decade of cutting-edge scientific research, along with his own personal insights, to deliver a new and comprehensive approach to what we should all know about food today. Investigating everything from environmental impact and food fraud to allergies and deceptive labeling, Spector also shows us the many wondrous and surprising properties of everyday foods, which scientists are only just beginning to understand. Tim Spector is a professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London. He is a multi-award-winning expert in personalized medicine and the gut microbiome, and the author of five books, including the bestsellers "Spoon-Fed" and "The Diet Myth". He appears regularly on TV, radio and podcasts around the world, and is one of the top 100 most cited scientists in the world. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Eric Ries visits Google to discuss his book ""The Lean Startup"", a guide to help both new and established entrepreneurs and managers do one important thing: make better, faster business decisions. Most startups fail. But many of those failures are preventable. "The Lean Startup" is a new approach being adopted across the globe, changing the way companies are built and new products are launched. Eric Ries defines a startup as an organization dedicated to creating something new under conditions of extreme uncertainty. This is just as true for one person in a garage or a group of seasoned professionals in a Fortune 500 boardroom. What they have in common is a mission to penetrate that fog of uncertainty to discover a successful path to a sustainable business. The Lean Startup approach fosters companies that are both more capital efficient and that leverage human creativity more effectively. Rather than wasting time creating elaborate business plans, The Lean Startup offers entrepreneurs a way to test their vision continuously, and to adapt and adjust before it's too late. Eric Ries provides a scientific approach to creating and managing successful startups in an age when companies need to innovate more than ever. Originally published in April of 2011. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Author Shelmina Babai Abji visits Google to discuss her book "Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work". The book provides readers with a toolbox designed to harness the power of intention and strategy to accelerate success—tailor-made for women who are underrepresented in their fields. If you're a woman, especially a woman of color, you know this already: You face unique challenges and obstacles as you work to scale the corporate ladder. From not seeing other faces in the room that look like you to dealing with the stereotypes and often unconscious biases in the workplace, you may know what to do to succeed, but not how to get it done in this environment. In pages that are both inspirational and practical, Shelmina Babai Abji speaks directly to professional women about how the power of being intentional and strategic can help transform the headwinds you face into much-needed tailwinds. Her book takes you on a deep dive into the 8 Intentional Strategies that will help you achieve success, including - success, attention, work/life balance, value creation, growth, relationships, leadership branding, and promotions. Through Abji's personal experiences and the inspiring stories of other successful women who have applied these strategies in their own lives, you will come to deeply understand just how important your voice is and know that your unique value makes you a force in any room. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Do you have a keen imagination, rich inner life, and vivid dreams? Is time alone each day as essential as air? Do others call you too shy or overly sensitive? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be a highly sensitive person, or HSP. In this Talk, marriage & family therapist Alane Freund, an expert consultant working with the trait of high sensitivity, discusses how to use your strengths as an HSP, coping mechanisms for dealing with overstimulation, ways to improve your relationships, and the latest developments in research about highly sensitive people (HSPs). For more information about Alane Freund's work and highly sensitive people, visit areyouhighlysensitive.com and hsperson.com. Originally published in November of 2019, here is Alane Freund - Understanding the Highly Sensitive Person. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Actors Jay Baruchel & Glenn Howerton join actor and filmmaker Matt Johnson to discuss their film "Blackberry," the story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world's first smartphone. The film tells the story of two mismatched entrepreneurs – egghead innovator Mike Lazaridis and cut-throat businessman Jim Balsillie – who join forces in an endeavor that was to become a worldwide hit in little more than a decade. The device that one invented and the other sold was the BlackBerry, an addictive mobile phone that changed the way the world worked, played and communicated. But just as BlackBerry was rising to new peaks, it also started losing its way through the fog of the Smartphone wars, management indecision and outside distractions, eventually leading to the breakdown of one of the most successful ventures in the history of the tech and business worlds. Jay Baruchel recently starred in the FOX series The Moodys, the critically acclaimed FXX comedy series Man Seeking Woman, and The Last Girlfriend On Earth. Glenn Howerton is best known for playing Dennis Reynolds on FX's wildly popular and long-running TV show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In addition to his starring role, Howerton serves as co-creator and writer on the series. Matt Johnson is an actor and filmmaker, and has directed movies such as The Dirties, Operation Avalanche, and BlackBerry. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Disability-rights advocate and popular YouTuber Chris Ulmer visits Google to discuss his nonprofit "Special Books by Special Kids." "Special Books by Special Kids" seeks to expand society's definition of normal by spreading empathy, understanding, and acceptance for neurodiverse and disabled individuals. What started as an idea for a book series became a multi-media movement when special education teacher Chris Ulmer began sharing stories from his classroom on social media. Ulmer began his online presence through Facebook in 2016, and a year later reached 1.2 million followers. In November of 2018, the Special Books by Special Kids YouTube channel reached 1 million subscribers. He has crisscrossed the country interviewing disabled children to give them an opportunity to be seen and accepted. In this Talk, Chris shares how it all started, a few of the touching stories behind his many interactions, and what each of us can do to celebrate the diverse abilities of all those around us. Originally published in December of 2016. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Physicist and author Michio Kaku visits Google to discuss his book "Quantum Supremacy: How the Quantum Computer Revolution Will Change Everything." The book takes us on an exhilarating tour of humanity's next great technological achievement—quantum computing. The runaway success of the microchip processor may be reaching its end. Running up against the physical constraints of smaller and smaller sizes, traditional silicon chips are not likely to prove useful in solving humanity's greatest challenges, from climate change to global starvation and incurable diseases. But the quantum computer, which harnesses the power and complexity of the atomic realm, already promises to be every bit as revolutionary as the transistor and microchip once were. Its unprecedented gains in computing power herald advancements that could change every aspect of our daily lives. Automotive companies, medical researchers, and consulting firms are betting on quantum computing, hoping to exploit its power to design more efficient vehicles, create life-saving new drugs, and streamline industries to revolutionize the economy. But this is only the beginning. Quantum computers could allow us to finally create nuclear fusion reactors that create clean, renewable energy without radioactive waste or threats of meltdown. They could help us crack the biological processes that generate natural, cheap fertilizer and enable us to feed the world's growing populations. And they could unravel the fiendishly difficult protein folding that lies at the heart of previously incurable diseases like Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's, helping us to live longer, healthier lives. Told with Michio Kaku's signature clarity and enthusiasm, "Quantum Supremacy" is the story of this exciting frontier and the race to claim humanity's future. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Sara Zaske visits Google to discuss her book "Achtung Baby: An American Mom on the German Art of Raising Self-Reliant Children." When Sara Zaske moved from Oregon to Berlin with her husband and toddler, she knew the transition would be challenging, especially when she became pregnant with her second child. She was surprised to discover that German parents give their children a great deal of freedom—much more than Americans. In Berlin, kids walk to school by themselves, ride the subway alone, cut food with sharp knives, and even play with fire. German parents did not share her fears, and their children were thriving. Was she doing the opposite of what she intended, which was to raise capable children? Why was parenting culture so different in the States? Through her own family's often funny experiences, as well as interviews with other parents, teachers, and experts, Zaske shares the many unexpected parenting lessons she learned from living in Germany. "Achtung Baby" reveals that today's Germans know something that American parents don't about raising kids with "selbstandigkeit", or self-reliance, and provides practical examples American parents can use to give their own children the freedom they need to grow into responsible, independent adults. Originally published in February of 2018. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Associate professor of philosophy Mariana Alessandri visits Google to discuss her book "Night Vision: Seeing Ourselves through Dark Moods," a philosopher's personal meditation on how painful emotions can reveal truths about what it means to be truly human. Under the light of ancient Western philosophies, our darker moods like grief, anguish, and depression can seem irrational. When viewed through the lens of modern psychology, they can even look like mental disorders. The self-help industry, determined to sell us the promise of a brighter future, can sometimes leave us feeling ashamed that we are not more grateful, happy, or optimistic. "Night Vision" invites us to consider a different approach to life, one in which we stop feeling bad about feeling bad. In this book, Existentialist philosopher Mariana Alessandri draws on the stories of a diverse group of nineteenth- and twentieth-century philosophers and writers to help us see that our suffering is a sign not that we are broken, but that we are tender, perceptive, and intelligent. Thinkers such as Audre Lorde, María Lugones, C. S. Lewis, and Søren Kierkegaard sat in their anger, sadness, and anxiety until their eyes adjusted to the dark. Alessandri explains how readers can cultivate "night vision" and discover new sides to their painful moods, such as wit and humor, closeness and warmth, and connection and clarity. "Night Vision" shows us that when we learn to embrace the dark, we begin to see these moods—and ourselves—as honorable, dignified, and unmistakably human. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Yanis Varoufakis visits Google to discuss his book "And the Weak Suffer What They Must?", a critique of the European Union's austerity policies during the Greek financial crisis of the early 2010's. In January 2015, Yanis Varoufakis, an economics professor teaching in Austin, Texas, was elected to the Greek parliament with more votes than any other member of parliament. He served as Greece's Minister of Finance for five months in 2015. In his book, Varoufakis delivers a fresh look at the history of Europe's debt crisis and America's central role in it. He presents his case against austerity, proposing concrete policies for Europe that he believes are necessary to address excessive sovereign debt and avert contagion to America, China, and the rest of the world. With passionate, informative, and at times humorous prose, he warns that the implosion of an admittedly imperfect European monetary union should, and can, be avoided at all cost. Varoufakis is the Finance Minister of Greece. A Professor of Economic Theory at the University of Athens and a visiting professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, he is the author of "The Global Minotaur: America", "The True Causes of the Financial Crisis" and "The Future of the World", among others. Originally published in April of 2016. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Author Monica Parker visits Google to discuss her book "The Power of Wonder: The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live, Learn, and Lead." The book takes readers on a multidisciplinary journey through psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, literature, and business to show us how to become more open to experiencing wonder and to reconnect with a reverence for the world and all the magic in it. A world-renowned speaker, writer, and authority on the future of work, Monica Parker has spent decades helping people discover how to lead and live wonderfully. The founder of global human analytics and change consultancy HATCH, whose clients include blue-chip companies such as LinkedIn, Google, Prudential, and LEGO, Parker challenges corporate systems to advocate for more meaningful work lives. In addition to her extensive advocacy work, she has been an opera singer, a museum exhibition designer, and a homicide investigator defending death-row inmates. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Dr. Judith Orloff visits Google to discuss her book, "The Empath's Survival Guide." The book teaches readers how sensitive people can thrive in an insensitive world. What is the difference between having empathy and being an empath? "Having empathy means our heart goes out to another person in joy or pain," says Dr. Judith Orloff, "but for empaths it goes much farther. We actually feel others' emotions, energy, and physical symptoms in our own bodies, without the usual defenses that most people have." With The Empath's Survival Guide, Dr. Orloff offers an invaluable resource to help sensitive people develop healthy coping mechanisms in our high-stimulus world—while fully embracing the empath's gifts of intuition, creativity, and spiritual connection. In this practical and empowering book for empaths and their loved ones, Dr. Orloff begins with self-assessment exercises to help you understand your empathic nature, then offers potent strategies for protecting yourself from feeling overwhelmed and replenishing your vital energy. For any sensitive person who's been told to "grow a thick skin," here is your lifelong guide for staying fully open while building resilience, exploring your gifts of deep perception, raising empathic children, and feeling welcomed and valued by a world that desperately needs what you have to offer. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Award-winning authors Hasan Kubba and Ash Ali visit Google to discuss their book "The Unfair Advantage: How You Already Have What It Takes to Succeed". This groundbreaking book shows how to identify your own Unfair Advantages and apply them to any project, offering a unique framework for assessing your external circumstances in addition to your internal strengths. What is the difference between a startup that makes it, and one that crashes and burns? Behind every story of success is an unfair advantage. But an Unfair Advantage is not just about your parents' wealth or who you know: anyone can have one. An Unfair Advantage is the element that gives you an edge over your competition. This book shows how to identify your own Unfair Advantages and apply them to any project. Hard work and grit aren't enough, so Hasan and Ash explore the importance of money, intelligence, location, education, expertise, status, and luck in the journey to success. From starting your company, to gaining traction, raising funds, and growth hacking, The Unfair Advantage helps you look at yourself and find the ingredients you didn't realize you already had, to succeed in the cut-throat world of business. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

What is consciousness? How do physical processes in the brain give rise to the self-aware mind and to feelings as profoundly varied as love or hate, aesthetic pleasure or spiritual yearning? These questions today are some of the most hotly debated issues among scientists and philosophers. Now, in his book "The Conscious Mind", philosopher David Chalmers offers an analysis of this heated debate as he unveils a major new theory of consciousness, one that rejects the prevailing reductionist trend of science, while offering provocative insights into the relationship between mind and brain. Taking us on a tour through the philosophical ramifications of consciousness, Chalmers reveals how contemporary cognitive science and neurobiology have failed to explain how and why mental events emerge from physiological occurrences in the brain. He proposes instead that conscious experience must be understood in an entirely new light--as an irreducible entity that exists at a fundamental level and cannot be understood as the sum of its parts. And after suggesting some intriguing possibilities about the structure and laws of conscious experience, he details how his unique reinterpretation of the mind could be the focus of a new science. Originally published in April of 2019. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Dr. Pooja Lakshmin visits Google to discuss her book "Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness". The book provides a step-by-step guide towards real, sustainable change, using case studies from Dr. Pooja's practice and clinical research. You may have noticed that it's nearly impossible to avoid the term "self-care". That phrase encompasses any number of lifestyle choices and products—from juice cleanses to yoga workshops to luxury bamboo sheets—self-care has exploded in our collective consciousness as a panacea for practically all of women's problems. Psychiatrist Dr. Pooja Lakshmin finds this cultural embrace of self-care incomplete at best and manipulative at worst. Fixing your troubles isn't as simple as buying a new day planner or signing up for a meditation class. These false self-care practices keep us looking outward, leading us to compare ourselves with others or striving for a certain type of perfection. Even worse, they exonerate an oppressive social system that has betrayed women and minorities. Real self-care, in contrast, is an internal, self-reflective process that involves making difficult decisions in line with our values - and when we practice it, we shift our relationships, our workplaces, and even our broken systems. In "Real Self-Care", Lakshmin helps readers understand what a real practice of caring for yourself could—and does—look like. Packed with actionable strategies to deal with common problems, "Real Self-Care" is a complete roadmap for women to set boundaries and move past guilt, treat themselves with compassion, get closer to themselves, and assert their power. The result—having ownership over one's own life— is nothing less than a personal and social revolution. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Guitarist Nita Strauss visits Google to discuss her life on the road as a touring musician. Los Angeles-born guitarist Nita Strauss has become a force to be reckoned with in the music world, dazzling audiences across the US, UK, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa, and sharing the stage with a diverse range of artists including legendary R&B star Jermaine Jackson, early MTV darlings Femme Fatale, shock rock pioneer Alice Cooper, and popular tribute band The Iron Maidens. Her skill, exuberant stage presence, and love for all things about her instrument have earned her a stellar reputation and endorsements from many top companies. When she isn't touring, Nita has been featured in many worldwide print ads and on dozens of albums, trailers, and soundtracks. Originally published in March of 2017. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Claire Hughes Johnson, former COO and current corporate officer and adviser at Stripe, visits Google to discuss her new book, "Scaling People: Tactics for Management and Company Building." A leader at both Google and Stripe from their early days, Claire Hughes Johnson has worked with founders and company builders to try to replicate their success. The most common questions she's asked are not about business strategy--they're about how to scale the operating structures and people systems of a rapidly growing startup. Scaling People is a practical and empathetic guide to being an effective leader and manager in a high-growth environment. The tactical information it puts forward--including guidance on crafting foundational documents, strategic and financial planning, hiring and team development, and feedback and performance mechanisms--can be applied to companies of any size, in any industry. Scaling People includes dozens of pages of worksheets, templates, exercises, and example documents to help founders, leaders, and company builders create scalable operating systems and lightweight processes that really work. Implementing effective leadership and management practices takes effort and discipline, but the reward is a sustainable, scalable company that's set up for long-term success. Scaling People is a detailed roadmap for company builders to put the right operating systems and structures in place to scale the most important resource a company has: its people. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Robert Reich visits Google to discuss the impact of automation & artificial intelligence on our economy. He also provides a recommendation on how we can ensure future technologies benefit the entire economy, not just those at the top. Robert Reich is the Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley and Senior Fellow at the Blum Center for Developing Economies. He served as Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration, for which Time Magazine named him one of the ten most effective cabinet secretaries of the twentieth century. He is also a founding editor of the American Prospect magazine, chairman of Common Cause, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, co-founder of the nonprofit Inequality Media, and co-creator of the award-winning documentary, Inequality for All. Originally published in February of 2017. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Author and researcher Karen Bakker visits Google to discuss her new book "The Sounds of Life: How Digital Technology Is Bringing Us Closer to the Worlds of Animals and Plants". The natural world teems with remarkable conversations, many beyond human hearing range. Scientists are using groundbreaking digital technologies to uncover these astonishing sounds, revealing vibrant communication among our fellow creatures across the Tree of Life. At once meditative and scientific, The Sounds of Life shares fascinating and surprising stories of nonhuman sound, interweaving insights from technological innovation and traditional knowledge. We meet scientists using sound to protect and regenerate endangered species from the Great Barrier Reef to the Arctic and the Amazon. We discover the shocking impacts of noise pollution on both animals and plants. We learn how artificial intelligence can decode nonhuman sounds, and meet the researchers building dictionaries in East African Elephant and "Sperm Whalish". At the frontiers of innovation, we explore digitally mediated dialogues with bats and honeybees. Technology often distracts us from nature, but what if it could reconnect us instead? The Sounds of Life offers hope for environmental conservation and affirms humanity's relationship with nature in the digital age. After learning about the unsuspected wonders of nature's sounds, we will never see walks outdoors in the same way again. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Author Quentin Skinner visits Google to discuss his book "Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction." Niccolo Machiavelli taught that political leaders must be prepared to do evil so that good may come of it, and his name has been a byword ever since for duplicity and immorality. Is his sinister reputation deserved? In answering this question, Quentin Skinner focuses on three of Machiavelli's major works, The Prince, the Discourses, and The History of Florence, and distills from them an exceptionally clear introduction to Machiavelli's doctrines. He discusses the influence of Roman moral thought on Machiavelli, concentrating on the extent to which Machiavelli's teachings represent a reaction against this tradition. Placing Machiavelli in the proper social and intellectual context, Skinner reveals the extraordinary originality of his attack on the prevailing moral and political assumptions of his age. Originally published in February of 2020. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Author, executive consultant, speaker, and investor Ann Hiatt visits Google to discuss her book "Bet on Yourself: Recognize, Own, and Implement Breakthrough Opportunities", a how-to guide on taking charge of your career and creating a life full of learning, adventure, and success. Whether you're stuck in your current job, starting your first job, or are mid-career and wanting to finally be recognized for promotion or a leadership role, this book is for you. Through clear guidance and incredible stories, Ann will teach you: -How to define your abilities and speak up so that you can be recognized for the unique capabilities you bring to the table -How to create opportunities for yourself when options appear limited and build a purposeful career -What it takes to build the confidence you need to build your dream career - How to create an empowered, actionable plan for taking control of your professional identity and get promoted. These tried-and-true methods to take ordinary opportunities and create something extraordinary, and the leadership principles that guide the work of today's CEOs, are directly applicable to your goals. With a few consistent, daily habits, you can build a future that exceeds your wildest expectations. No matter the opportunities available to you in your particular community or career stage, there is a path for you. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Marc Brackett visits Google to kick off Google Empathy Lab's Series on Designing for Feelings. Emotions Matter. They inform our thinking and decisions, the quality of our relationships, our physical and mental health, and everyday performance. What we "do" with our emotions is especially important. In Marc's talk, you'll learn Yale's "hard science" approach to what has often been referred to as "soft skills" from the lab that founded this groundbreaking field, the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Specifically, you'll leave the talk with a deeper understanding of The Science of Emotions and the Five Key Skills of Emotional Intelligence, including practical strategies and tools. Marc Brackett, Ph.D., is Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and Professor in the Child Study Center at Yale University. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Michael Fox and Jim Fuller visit Google to discuss mushrooms, making a case for why everyone should switch from eating meat to this delicious plant-based superfood. Aside from the number of health benefits associated with eating mushrooms, they're arguably one of the most delicious foods when prepared properly. Their cellular structure and fibers resemble those of meat fibers, containing many of the same glutamates and flavor compounds as meat. This is why according to Fox and Fuller, everyone should cut out meat and consider eating mushrooms instead. Making the switch from eating beef to mushrooms would enable the current 38.5% of the world's habitable land mass that is devoted to animal agriculture to be returned to nature and ultimately help reverse climate change. Michael Fox is the Co-founder and CEO of Fable Food Co. He combined his veganism, passion for healthy food and startup experience to co-found Fable which develops and produces delicious meat alternatives based on mushrooms. Jim Fuller is the Co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Fable Food Co. He is a fine dining chef, chemical engineer and mycologist. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Author Angela Duckworth visits Google to discuss her book, "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance." In the book, Angela explores the science of why some people succeed and others fail, and why talent alone doesn't guarantee success. Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently criticized her supposed lack of "genius," Duckworth describes her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience, which led to the hypothesis that what really drives success is not "genius" but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance. In "Grit", she takes readers into the field to visit cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, teachers working in some of the toughest schools, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. Finally, she shares what she's learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers—from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff to Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll. "Grit" is a book about what goes through your head when you fall down, and how that—not talent or luck—makes all the difference. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Emmy award-winning actress, singer/songwriter, host, producer, and author Keke Palmer visits Google to talk about her journey and the importance of building belonging through community. Keke Palmer is a passionate voice of the millennial generation. She was honored with a 2021 Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of the five Taylor family members in her own series, "Turnt Up with the Taylors," based on the original characters who rose to popularity on her social media. Keke rose to prominence through her breakout role in "Akeelah and the Bee" at age 12, starring opposite Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne, and has gone on to star in over 25 films and 30 TV shows. Most recently, she launched her own digital network, KeyTV, dedicated to spotlighting a new generation of diverse creators and democratizing the entertainment industry. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Deepica Mutyala visits Google to discuss her journey as a South-Asian American beauty entrepreneur who is changing beauty standards and revolutionizing the beauty industry. Deepica's mission is to champion multicultural beauty through products, community, conversation, and awareness. She is also working to dismantle colorism with the power and voice of both her personal and Live Tinted platforms. She rose to the forefront of the beauty industry in 2015 when her YouTube video, featuring a beauty hack to cover dark undereye circles using red lipstick, went viral – it now boasts over 10 million views. Since then, Deepica has been recognized by some of today's most prestigious publications for her achievements in the beauty space, including her 2022 dedicated feature as a Time Magazine Next Generation Leader. As Live Tinted expands nationwide under Deepica's helm, the brand also continues to engage with iconic national partners, such as Barbie, Netflix's Never Have I Ever, and Phenomenal. The brand has also received notable industry accolades including WWD Best Product Innovation, ELLE Future of Beauty, and Allure Best of Beauty. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Daniel Pink visits Google to discuss his book "The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward." The book demonstrates the transforming power of our most misunderstood yet potentially most valuable emotion: regret. Everybody has regrets. They're a universal and healthy part of being human. Understanding how regret works can help us make smarter decisions, perform better at work and school, and bring greater meaning to our lives. Drawing on research in social psychology, neuroscience, and biology, Daniel debunks the myth of the "no regrets" philosophy of life. Using the largest sampling of American attitudes about regret ever conducted and his own World Regret Survey, he lays out the four core categories of regrets that each of us has - foundational, boldness, moral, and connection regrets. Packed with true stories of people's regrets and practical takeaways for reimagining regret as a positive force, The Power of Regret shows how we can live richer, more engaged lives. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Some of the greatest thinkers and innovators in history have been diagnosed with autism. With more employers encouraging, and even mandating, neurodiverse workplaces, children with autism will have even more opportunities to become the innovators of tomorrow. Even so, facing an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming. We do know that early intervention improves outcomes for autistic children, especially as it relates to their social and emotional skills. This Talk explores the signs and symptoms of autism and the benefits of neurodiversity; strategies for the autistic child's success; how the family and siblings can best support an autistic child; and local resources, promising innovations, apps, programs such as Early Support Program for Autism, and assistive technologies for kids with autism. Originally published in January of 2018. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Restaurant founder and CEO Pinky Cole visits Google to discuss her signature 100% vegan comfort food cookbook "Eat Plants: 91 Vegan Recipes That Will Blow Your Meat-Loving Mind." Featuring 91 easy vegan recipes, it includes breakfast creations, dinner items like Jamaican dishes from Pinky's childhood, and southern favorites, plus a selection of tips and tricks for vegan cooking, plant-based substitutes and complementary dips, jams, jellies and gravy. Reinventing vegan food culture, her restaurants' crave-worthy, indulgent menus and joyful customer interactions draw locals and visitors to eagerly wait in now-famous lines down the block for vegan burgers, sandwiches and more. Pinky Cole's restaurant empire includes locations in Atlanta and New York City, plus The Pinky Cole Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower generations of color to win financially in life and in the pursuit of their entrepreneurial dreams. Pinky has been recognized by prestigious organizations across the U.S., including being named to Restaurant Hospitality's 2021 Power List, Forbes' Next 1000, Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 100 Powerful Women in Business List and LA Wire's Influential Women of 2020. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Vinod Khosla provides an insightful look at renewable energy - where we are today and where we need to be tomorrow, as well as the key criteria necessary to differentiate real solutions from niche opportunities. His focus is on solutions for China and India - how to identify them, the importance of cost, scaling, and carbon trajectory, and the policy prescriptions that can help drive innovation. Vinod Khosla was a co-founder of Daisy Systems and founding Chief Executive Officer of Sun Microsystems. In 2004, driven by the need for flexibility and a desire to take on both "for profit" and for "social impact" ventures, he formed Khosla Ventures. Khosla Ventures focuses on both traditional venture capital technology investments and clean technology ventures. Originally published in May of 2009. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Anupam Kher visits Google to discuss his journey, his career, and how he continues to give back. Best known for his prolific career in Indian and International cinema, Anupam Kher has appeared in over 500 films and 100 plays. He is a recipient of the IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema, was nominated for the prestigious British Academy Film Awards, and received a record breaking eight consecutive Filmfare Awards. In 2004, Anupam was bestowed the Padma Shri Award, followed by the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India for his distinguished service of higher order in art. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

David Moser is a man of many talents. Not only is he a linguist and sinologist, an author and commentator for BBC and CCTV, and the Associate Dean of Peking University, but he has also been active in the Beijing music scene for more than 20 years and performs in various groups such as "Rhythm Dogs," "the Du Yinjiao Quarters", "Zang Tianshuo's Group" and "Ah-Q Jazz Group". In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, press play on this week's Talks at Google podcast to hear more about David's amazing stories around the evolution of jazz in China and how music can help bridge cultures. Originally published in September of 2019. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Dr. Temple Grandin visits Google to discuss her book "Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions" - this landmark book reveals, celebrates, and advocates for the special minds and contributions of visual thinkers. A quarter of a century after her memoir, "Thinking in Pictures", forever changed how the world understood autism, Temple Grandin transforms our awareness of the different ways our brains are wired. Do you have a keen sense of direction, a love of puzzles, or the ability to assemble furniture without crying? You are likely a visual thinker. With her genius for demystifying science, Dr. Grandin draws on cutting-edge research to take us inside visual thinking. Visual thinkers constitute a far greater proportion of the population than previously believed, and a more varied one, from the photo-realistic object visualizers like Grandin herself, to the abstract, mathematically inclined "visual spatial" thinkers who excel in pattern recognition and systemic thinking. She also makes us understand how a world increasingly geared to the verbal tends to sideline visual thinkers, screening them out at school and passing them over in the workplace. Rather than continuing to waste their singular gifts, driving a collective loss in productivity and innovation, Dr. Grandin proposes new approaches to educating, parenting, employing, and collaborating with visual thinkers. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

It may "take a village to raise a child," but most American families are struggling to do the job on their own. While parents work longer hours for less money and the costs of childcare, healthcare, and college skyrocket, the share of the U.S. budget spent on kids has fallen 22 percent since 1960. More and more children may well not make it to a healthy, productive adulthood. That's terrible for them--and for us as well. But it doesn't have to be this way. In this book, renowned expert David Kirp clarifies the importance of investing wisely in children. He outlines a visionary "Kids First" policy agenda that's guided by a "golden rule" principle: Every child deserves what's good enough for a child you love. And he offers lively and inspiring, on-the-ground accounts of five big cradle-to-college initiatives that can change the arc of all children's lives: strong support for parents; high-quality early education; linking schools and communities to improve what both offer children; giving all youngsters access to a caring and stable adult mentor; and providing kids a nest egg to help pay for college or kick-start a career. Originally published in November of 2011, here is David Kirp - Five Big Ideas for Transforming Children's Lives. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Renowned astrophysicist and professor Vinod Krishan visits Google to discuss the phenomenal diversity of plasmas in the cosmos and in our day-to-day lives. Describing multi-level techniques used to study plasma configuration and stability, with emphasis on its relevance to the global challenges we face today like clean energy, Professor Krishan takes us on a journey to better understand plasma, the most prevalent state of matter in the universe. Dr. Krishan received her Ph.D. in 1971 in Solid State Physics from the University of Tennessee. She joined the department of Physics at the Indian Institute of Science in 1973, and after 4 years she joined the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, from where she retired as senior Professor and Dean of Sciences in 2008. Krishan has published over 150 research papers on Space and Astrophysical Plasmas in peer reviewed journals and has published 3 books: "Astrophysical Plasmas and Fluids", "Plasma: The First State of Matter", and "Physics of Partially Ionized Plasmas". Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Maureen Chiquet visits Google to discuss her book "Beyond the Label: Women, Leadership & Success in Our Own Terms". The book charts her unlikely path from literature major to global chief executive, guiding readers to move beyond the confines of staid expectations and discover their own true paths, strengths, and leadership values. Driven. Shy. Leader. Wife. Mother. We live in a world of categories — labels designed to tell the world, and ourselves, who we are and ought to be. Some we may covet, others we may fear or disdain; but creating a life that's truly your own, means learning to define yourself on your own terms. Through vivid storytelling and provocative insights, Maureen's book guides readers to consider the pressing questions and inherent paradoxes of creating a successful, fulfilling life in today's increasingly complex and competitive world. Originally published in August of 2017. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

American Paralympic medalist Colleen Young visits Google to discuss her career journey as a Paralympian and World Champion, and how she is driving awareness for the visually impaired community. Colleen Young is a three-time Paralympic medalist, two-time bronze medalist in the 100m breaststroke, and a silver medalist in the 200m Individual Medley for Team USA. Having been born legally blind and with albinism, Colleen began swimming in 2005 at age seven after realizing she could focus on herself instead of a ball, unlike when she played soccer and softball. In 2012, she became the youngest member to compete in the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Team in London at age 14. For more information on Colleen, please visit www.colleenroseyoung.com. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Emily Fletcher, one of the world's leading experts on meditation, visits Google to explain the differences between two popular styles of meditation, how they affect the brain differently, and the impact of stress on performance. Emily also leads the audience through a simple breathing technique and guided visualization that helps balance the right and left sides of the brain. This talk also covers how the fight or flight reaction can work for you or against you, why emotional intelligence is so important for not only personal happiness, but professional success, and how to not let goals get in the way of success. Emily Fletcher is the founder of Ziva Meditation and the creator of zivaMIND, the first online meditation training program. She began her meditation training in Rishikesh, India and was inspired to become a meditation teacher after experiencing the profound physical and mental benefits it provided her during her 10-year career on Broadway, which included roles in Chicago, The Producers, A Chorus Line and many others. Originally published in July of 2014. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities and in partnership with #IamRemarkable, Dame Evelyn Glennie visits Google to discuss her career as the world's premier solo percussionist and how she has learned to listen differently since losing her hearing from childhood. As a profoundly deaf musician, Evelyn's significance transcends the discipline of music; her unique skills as expert listener and sound creator have driven progress and innovation in a wide array of contexts on a global scale. She is the first person in history to create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist, performing worldwide with the greatest orchestras and artists. Evelyn has commissioned over 200 new works for solo percussion and has recorded over 40 albums. She regularly provides masterclasses and consultations to inspire the next generation of musicians. Leading 1000 drummers, Evelyn had a prominent role in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games which also featured a new instrument, the Glennie Concert Aluphone. She was awarded an OBE in 1993 and has over 100 international awards to date, including 2 Grammy's, the Polar Music Prize and the Companion of Honour. She was appointed as the first female President of Help Musicians, and since 2021 she has been Chancellor of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.

Susan MacKenty Brady, Janet Foutty & Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten visit Google to discuss their book "Arrive and Thrive: 7 Impactful Practices for Women Navigating Leadership." Three of today's top women leaders in business and academia, the authors hail from very different worlds―each brings a different career path, focus of experience, and personal point of view. In this book, you'll learn to make the best choices for yourself, your team, your industry, and your community. This timely guide reveals seven practices you can use to thrive as you rise to positions of greater responsibility, risk, and reward―and empower others along the way. Powered by the latest research, boots-on-the-ground experience, and advice from 24 of the world's most successful leaders, the book captures ways to help you understand and leverage your unique personal powers so you can thrive in leadership. Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.