Show Notes
This week, author and journalist Malcolm Gladwell joins Trevor and Eugene for a conversation that starts with big social theory and then delves into whether Disney movies have been quietly gaslighting our childhoods. From the idea that your parents are basically just middle managers for your grandparents’ personalities to the invisible shortcuts and assumptions that shape how we see the world, Gladwell does what he does best, spotting hidden patterns in the ordinary. And Trevor does what he does best, poking holes, grounding theory in real life, and refusing to let a big idea off the hook too easily.
Part pop culture autopsy and part intellectual rabbit hole, this episode makes us overthink the things we love and love the things we overthink.
More from What Now? with Trevor Noah
Is it possible Thanos was actually the good guy? Trevor, Eugene, and Devin sit down for a hilarious and unpredictable conversation that tackles everything from the physics of Elon Musk’s flying cars to the true meaning of the Avengers franchise. Trevor pitches his most controversial idea yet: legally mandating robust storylines in all adult films to save humanity's attention spans.
Are you expecting too much from the wrong people? Organizational psychologist Adam Grant joins Trevor and Eugene to explore why making real friends can be so difficult, how power dynamics shape our relationships at work, and why even our closest connections can leave us disappointed. Adam breaks down the three kinds of relationships we all need and explains why confusing them can create unnecessary tension in our lives. It's a funny, thought-provoking conversation about friendship, expectations, and why building stronger relationships might start with understanding what we actually need from one another.
Comedian Gary Gulman joins Stephen Dubner in this preview of an episode from the Freakonomics Radio creator's new show, Better in Person. Watch Better in Person on the Freakonomics Radio Network YouTube channel.
What happens when one of the biggest stars in wrestling history decides to completely start over?
What does it actually take to stay relevant for four decades without losing your soul?