Steven Pinker is a cognitive scientist, bestselling author, and one of the most influential thinkers of our time. His latest book unpacks the concept of 'common knowledge', and how it impacts our social, political, and economic lives.

Steven argues that this invisible layer of shared understanding holds societies together. But it can also work in reverse by reinforcing inherent biases as more people silo themselves inside echo chambers. This is a fascinating conversation with a brilliant man, and you can see Steven live in Australia in February. 

LINKS
Grab tickets to see Steven Pinker live in Australia
Where to find Steven's latest book 'When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows ... Common Knowledge and the Science of Harmony, Hypocrisy and Outrage'
Follow Steven on Instagram
Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
Get tickets for our next Story Club show 
Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
Get Osher's new book "So What? Now What?" here
Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com

<a href="https://stevenpinker.com/">Steven Pinker</a> is a cognitive scientist, bestselling author, and one of the most influential thinkers of our time. His latest book unpacks the concept of 'common knowledge', and how it impacts our social, political, and economic lives.
Steven argues that this invisible layer of shared understanding holds societies together. But it can also work in reverse by reinforcing inherent biases as more people silo themselves inside echo chambers. This is a fascinating conversation with a brilliant man, and you can see Steven live in Australia in February.&nbsp;
LINKS
<ul>
<li><a href="https://au.thinkable.events/steven-pinker-tour/#ticketsales">Grab tickets to see Steven Pinker</a> live in Australia</li>
<li>Where to find Steven's latest book <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/when-everyone-knows-that-everyone-knows-9780241618837">'When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows ... Common Knowledge and the Science of Harmony, Hypocrisy and Outrage'</a></li>
<li>Follow Steven on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sapinker">Instagram</a></li>
<li>Watch full stories recorded live at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="1147ba31-bde9-4505-b7f3-b596db84cd60">Story Club</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive"> on YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="ede9d2a8-42f8-4c38-b72a-14160d47aa02">Get tickets </a>for our next Story Club show&nbsp;</li>
<li>Watch episodes of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa-1kXDagJXvgJa9MNymv4jnKkfdtCqBd">Better Than Yesterday on YouTube</a></li>
<li>Get Osher's new book "So What? Now What?"&nbsp;<a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="47a2bed3-8ea9-412e-9a5f-cbb289cc1676">here</a></li>
<li>Send a pic of what you're looking at to <a href="mailto:sendosheremail@gmail.com" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="7f769cfa-f666-46dc-a40d-ff76481375b9">sendosheremail@gmail.com</a></li>
</ul>

With every new day comes the opportunity to grow. Hosted by Osher Günsberg - a best-selling author, podcaster, TV host, husband, dad, stepdad, electric mobility enthusiast and part-time climate worrier. This podcast is here to help make today better than yesterday. Since 2013, the show has set out to improve life for you and the people you love. Sometimes it’s authentic conversations. Sometimes we’ll unpack the news or hear how Osher deals with life as a sober person with a different brain. But you’ll always hear something you need to hear (and laugh while you do). Listen to feel less alone, build better habits and discover some solution-based approaches for when life gets tricky.

With every new day comes the opportunity to grow. Hosted by Osher G&uuml;nsberg - a best-selling author, podcaster, TV host, husband, dad, stepdad, electric mobility enthusiast and part-time climate worrier. This podcast is here to help make today better than yesterday. Since 2013, the show has set out to improve life for you and the people you love. Sometimes it&rsquo;s authentic conversations. Sometimes we&rsquo;ll unpack the news or hear how Osher deals with life as a sober person with a different brain. But you&rsquo;ll always hear something you need to hear (and laugh while you do). Listen to feel less alone, build better habits and discover some solution-based approaches for when life gets tricky.

Helping you make today better than yesterday since 2013.

Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg

Better Than Yesterday with Osher Gunsberg

The Concept Of Common Knowledge with Steven Pinker

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/4589fc8c-5782-4049-b390-b3d7005bda81/transcript

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental health and suicide which some listeners may find distressing. Resources can be found below.

In this raw and real conversation, Harrison James joins Osher Gunsberg to tell his remarkable story of surviving years of child sexual abuse at the hands of his stepmother, overcoming unimaginable trauma, and transforming that pain into a mission that's creating lasting change within the justice system.

Harrison speaks candidly about the grooming and abuse he endured as a teenager, including fathering a child at just 15, only to have that same child ripped from his life, the devastating impact it had on his mental health, and the long road to healing. Together, they explore the many myths surrounding child sexual abuse continue that persist, particularly for male survivors, and why these conversations are essential if we are to better protect children and support victim survivors.

The discussion also shines a light on hope as Harrison shares how therapy, community, and practical tools such as writing unsent letters helped him reclaim his life. His advocacy has led to legislative reform across Australia, abolishing the use of good character references during sentencing for convicted offenders in multiple jurisdictions. It's an honest, confronting and deeply moving episode about resilience, recovery and purpose. 

SUPPORT:
If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:
1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 or https://1800respect.org.au
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 

LINKS 
Find out more about Jon here
Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
Get tickets for our next Story Club show
Get Osher's latest books here
Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...
'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams
How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose

 

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental health and suicide which some listeners may find distressing. Resources can be found below.
In this raw and real conversation, Harrison James joins Osher Gunsberg to tell his remarkable story of surviving years of child sexual abuse at the hands of his stepmother, overcoming unimaginable trauma, and transforming that pain into a mission that's creating lasting change within the justice system.
Harrison speaks candidly about the grooming and abuse he endured as a teenager, including fathering a child at just 15, only to have that same child ripped from his life, the devastating impact it had on his mental health, and the long road to healing. Together, they explore the many myths surrounding child sexual abuse continue that persist, particularly for male survivors, and why these conversations are essential if we are to better protect children and support victim survivors.
The discussion also shines a light on hope as Harrison shares how therapy, community, and practical tools such as writing unsent letters helped him reclaim his life. His advocacy has led to legislative reform across Australia, abolishing the use of good character references during sentencing for convicted offenders in multiple jurisdictions. It's an honest, confronting and deeply moving episode about resilience, recovery and purpose.&nbsp;
SUPPORT: If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:
<ul>
<li>1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 or <a href="https://1800respect.org.au">https://1800respect.org.au</a></li>
<li>Lifeline - 13 11 14 or <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au">https://www.lifeline.org.au</a></li>
<li>Beyond Blue - <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au">https://www.beyondblue.org.au</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
LINKS&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Find out more about Jon <a href="https://jonronson.com/">here</a></li>
<li>Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday <a href="https://makeitbetterthanyesterday.kit.com/7d9d18dcee">newsletter</a></li>
<li>Watch episodes of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa-1kXDagJXvgJa9MNymv4jnKkfdtCqBd">Better Than Yesterday on YouTube</a></li>
<li>Watch full stories recorded live at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive">Story Club</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive"> on YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg">Get tickets </a>for our next Story Club show</li>
<li>Get Osher's latest books <a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg">here</a></li>
<li>Send a pic of what you're looking at to <a href="mailto:sendosheremail@gmail.com">sendosheremail@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/comfort-is-holding-you-back-secrets-to-growth-and-confidence-with-ant-williams">'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/how-to-communicate-better-in-every-conversation-with-jefferson-fisher">How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/the-reality-of-living-in-the-outback-brendan-cullens-journey-from-pain-to-purpose">The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Turning Pain Into Purpose: Harrison James on Surviving Child Sexual Abuse and Making A Difference

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/1a72b885-b9dc-452f-889f-b4950016241a/transcript

Why are we so fascinated by the people on the absolute fringes of society?


When someone adopts a worldview that seems completely detached from consensus reality, what is the sequence of thoughts and experiences that led them there?

In this episode, I’m joined by the legendary journalist, author, and documentary maker Jon Ronson. For twenty-five years, Jon has been doing the hard work of looking directly at human behaviour that most of us would prefer to avoid.  Jon’s career has been defined by his ability to humanise the people we’ve been taught to fear or dismiss.

Taken from the full-length episode, here’s a few tasty morsels to chew on today including: 
Why we often reward psychopathic traits by making those people our CEOs and political leaders.
What happens when extreme personalities feed off each other, and how do they pull us into their orbit.
How ordinary people drift into ideological bubbles, and what it takes to understand the urge to belong to a tribe.

This is a fascinating, thoughtful, and very funny chat with one of the greats.

LINKS 
Harrison's book 'Transform Your Pain into Purpose' is out now
Follow Harrison on Instagram
Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
Watch full stories recorded live at  Story Club on YouTube
Get tickets for our next Story Club show
Get Osher's latest books  here
Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...
'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams
How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose

Why are we so fascinated by the people on the absolute fringes of society?
 When someone adopts a worldview that seems completely detached from consensus reality, what is the sequence of thoughts and experiences that led them there?
In this episode, I&rsquo;m joined by the legendary journalist, author, and documentary maker Jon Ronson. For twenty-five years, Jon has been doing the hard work of looking directly at human behaviour that most of us would prefer to avoid.&nbsp; Jon&rsquo;s career has been defined by his ability to humanise the people we&rsquo;ve been taught to fear or dismiss.
Taken from the full-length episode, here&rsquo;s a few tasty morsels to chew on today including:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Why we often reward psychopathic traits by making those people our CEOs and political leaders.</li>
<li>What happens when extreme personalities feed off each other, and how do they pull us into their orbit.</li>
<li>How ordinary people drift into ideological bubbles, and what it takes to understand the urge to belong to a tribe.</li>
</ul>
This is a fascinating, thoughtful, and very funny chat with one of the greats.
<ul></ul>
LINKS&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Harrison's book '<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Transform-Your-Pain-into-Purpose/Harrison-James/9781923293892">Transform Your Pain into Purpose</a>' is out now</li>
<li>Follow Harrison on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsharrijames">Instagram</a></li>
<li>Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday <a href="https://makeitbetterthanyesterday.kit.com/7d9d18dcee">newsletter</a></li>
<li>Watch episodes of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa-1kXDagJXvgJa9MNymv4jnKkfdtCqBd">Better Than Yesterday on YouTube</a></li>
<li>Watch full stories recorded live at &nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive">Story Club</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive"> on YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg">Get tickets </a>for our next Story Club show</li>
<li>Get Osher's latest books  <a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg">here</a></li>
<li>Send a pic of what you're looking at to <a href="mailto:sendosheremail@gmail.com">sendosheremail@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/comfort-is-holding-you-back-secrets-to-growth-and-confidence-with-ant-williams">'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/how-to-communicate-better-in-every-conversation-with-jefferson-fisher">How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/the-reality-of-living-in-the-outback-brendan-cullens-journey-from-pain-to-purpose">The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose</a></li>
</ul>

What we get  wrong about conspiracy theorists and narcissists (with Jon Ronson)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/cd938a88-6e14-4247-9188-b49300b4cea7/transcript

Sam Hughes isn't a name most people are familiar with. Some may know him better by the pseudonym QNTM - a software engineer turned acclaimed science fiction author known for groundbreaking novels including There Is No Antimemetics Division and Ra.

In this fascinating conversation, Osher Günsberg sits down with Sam/qntmto explore the intersection of imagination, mathematics, technology, and what it means to be human. Sam reveals how he transforms complex scientific concepts into gripping stories that challenge the way we think about memory, reality, time, and the future. From his early fascination with mathematics to his career in software development, he explains how curiosity, logical thinking, and a relentless habit of asking "what if?" have shaped his creative process.

The conversation ranges from the surprising lessons hidden inside game design to the promises and dangers of artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, and the responsibilities that come with creating powerful technology. Sam also shares why science fiction isn't about predicting the future, it's about exploring possibilities, exposing human nature, and helping us imagine better outcomes.

Along the way, Osher and Sam discuss the craft of writing unforgettable stories, the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world, and why hope may be just as important as dystopia when imagining humanity's future.

Whether you're a fan of science-fiction, fascinated by AI, or simply curious about how extraordinary ideas are born, this is a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you looking at the world, and the future, a little differently. It may also inspire you to look for ideas and creativity in places you had never thought of before.

LINKS 
QNTM's book There Is No Antimemetics Division is out now (AUS | worldwide)
Check out more of QNTM's work here
Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
Get tickets for our next Story Club show
Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here
Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...
'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams
How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose

Sam Hughes isn't a name most people are familiar with. Some may know him better by the pseudonym QNTM - a software engineer turned acclaimed science fiction author known for groundbreaking novels including There Is No Antimemetics Division and Ra.
In this fascinating conversation, Osher G&uuml;nsberg sits down with&nbsp;Sam/qntm to explore the intersection of imagination, mathematics, technology, and what it means to be human.&nbsp;Sam reveals how he transforms complex scientific concepts into gripping stories that challenge the way we think about memory, reality, time, and the future. From his early fascination with mathematics to his career in software development, he explains how curiosity, logical thinking, and a relentless habit of asking "what if?" have shaped his creative process.
The conversation ranges from the surprising lessons hidden inside game design to the promises and dangers of artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, and the responsibilities that come with creating powerful technology. Sam also shares why science fiction isn't about predicting the future, it's about exploring possibilities, exposing human nature, and helping us imagine better outcomes.
Along the way, Osher and Sam discuss the craft of writing unforgettable stories, the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world, and why hope may be just as important as dystopia when imagining humanity's future.
Whether you're a fan of science-fiction, fascinated by AI, or simply curious about how extraordinary ideas are born, this is a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you looking at the world, and the future, a little differently. It may also inspire you to look for ideas and creativity in places you had never thought of before.
LINKS&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>QNTM's book There Is No Antimemetics Division is out now (<a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/there-is-no-antimemetics-division-9781529979244">AUS</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/There-No-Antimemetics-Division-Qntm/dp/0593983750">worldwide</a>)</li>
<li>Check out more of QNTM's work <a href="https://qntm.org/fiction">here</a></li>
<li>Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday <a href="https://makeitbetterthanyesterday.kit.com/7d9d18dcee">newsletter</a></li>
<li>Watch episodes of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa-1kXDagJXvgJa9MNymv4jnKkfdtCqBd">Better Than Yesterday on YouTube</a></li>
<li>Watch full stories recorded live at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive">Story Club</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive"> on YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg">Get tickets </a>for our next Story Club show</li>
<li>Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" <a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg">here</a></li>
<li>Send a pic of what you're looking at to <a href="mailto:sendosheremail@gmail.com">sendosheremail@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/comfort-is-holding-you-back-secrets-to-growth-and-confidence-with-ant-williams">'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/how-to-communicate-better-in-every-conversation-with-jefferson-fisher">How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/the-reality-of-living-in-the-outback-brendan-cullens-journey-from-pain-to-purpose">The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose</a></li>
</ul>

How QNTM (aka Sam Hughes) Creates Mind-Bending Science Fiction Stories

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/e2a6623d-7b8c-4b60-b6eb-b48d006d1508/transcript

The Concept Of Common Knowledge with Steven Pinker

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