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 
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

 

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>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;

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

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

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg revisits one of his most memorable conversations with YouTuber, author and cook Nat's What I Reckon. Beyond the humour, viral videos and online success, Nat shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his life, including his ongoing mental health battles.

Together, Osher and Nat explore the quiet moments that spark lasting change, discussing how small daily decisions, rather than dramatic rock-bottom moments, can transform your life. They also unpack practical strategies for managing anxiety, the importance of asking for help, building supportive relationships, and developing simple routines that create resilience over time.

LINKS 
Listen to the full chat with Nat here
Watch the full chat on YouTube
More info on Nat's live shows and books
Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
Get tickets for our next Story Club show
Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
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...
The Mindset Behind Daniel MacPherson's Transformation for latest film 'Beast'
'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams
Why Sometimes Being Miserable Is Actually A Good Thing (with Eamon Evans)

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg revisits one of his most memorable conversations with YouTuber, author and cook Nat's What I Reckon. Beyond the humour, viral videos and online success, Nat shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his life, including his ongoing mental health battles.
Together, Osher and Nat explore the quiet moments that spark lasting change, discussing how small daily decisions, rather than dramatic rock-bottom moments, can transform your life. They also unpack practical strategies for managing anxiety, the importance of asking for help, building supportive relationships, and developing simple routines that create resilience over time.
LINKS&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Listen to the full chat with Nat <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/420-how-facing-death-shaped-nats-what-i-reckon-and-his-rise-to-glory">here</a></li>
<li>Watch the full chat on <a href="https://youtu.be/BpUVl6APzBk">YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href="https://natswhatireckon.com/">More info</a> on Nat's live shows and books</li>
<li>Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday <a href="https://makeitbetterthanyesterday.kit.com/7d9d18dcee">newsletter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg">Get tickets </a>for our next Story Club show</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>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/the-mindset-behind-daniel-macphersons-transformation-for-latest-film-beast">The Mindset Behind Daniel MacPherson's Transformation for latest film 'Beast'</a></li>
<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/why-sometimes-being-miserable-is-actually-a-good-thing-with-eamon-evans">Why Sometimes Being Miserable Is Actually A Good Thing (with Eamon Evans)</a></li>
</ul>

Nat's What I Reckon on Panic Attacks, Purpose, and the Tram With No Stops

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/d3e764bf-4ddd-49b2-9f97-b48000666d32/transcript

Katie Noonan is one of Australia's most acclaimed and celebrated musicians, but behind the awards, sold-out performances and extraordinary vocal talent is a story of resilience, reinvention and unwavering passion for the arts.

Having known each other for some 40 years, Katie sits down for this deeply personal conversation with Osher Günsberg, and opens up about navigating some of the hardest years of her life, including her recent and unexpected divorce. She speaks candidly about her journey with sobriety, her painful journey to an endometriosis diagnosis, navigating motherhood, and the mental and emotional challenges that come with a life spent in the spotlight.

They also explore Katie's lifelong love of music, from her earliest days growing up in Brisbane to building an internationally acclaimed career spanning jazz, opera, classical and contemporary music. Together, Katie and Osher discuss the transformative power of music education, why authentic voices matter in an age of autotune and AI, and the vital role Australian storytelling plays in shaping our national identity.

They also tackle the challenges facing Australia's creative industries, including the lasting impact of COVID-19, the decline of live music venues, arts funding, gambling sponsorships, and why supporting local artists has never been more important.

It's an honest, insightful and often hilarious conversation, and a powerful reminder that music is about far more than entertainment - it's about connection, healing, community and telling the stories that define who we are.

LINKS 
Katie Noonan's powerful 30th album Alone but all one is out now
Katie is always on the road performing live, be sure to check her out
Follow Katie (@katie_noonan_music) 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 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...
The Mindset Behind Daniel MacPherson's Transformation for latest film 'Beast'
Natalie Bassingthwaighte Lifts the Curtain on Her Career & Personal Struggles
The business end of show business with the unstoppable Dannii Minogue

Katie Noonan is one of Australia's most acclaimed and celebrated musicians, but behind the awards, sold-out performances and extraordinary vocal talent is a story of resilience, reinvention and unwavering passion for the arts.
Having known each other for some 40 years, Katie sits down for this deeply personal conversation with Osher G&uuml;nsberg, and opens up about navigating some of the hardest years of her life, including her recent and unexpected divorce. She speaks candidly about her journey with sobriety, her painful journey to an endometriosis diagnosis, navigating motherhood, and the mental and emotional challenges that come with a life spent in the spotlight.
They also explore Katie's lifelong love of music, from her earliest days growing up in Brisbane to building an internationally acclaimed career spanning jazz, opera, classical and contemporary music. Together, Katie and Osher discuss the transformative power of music education, why authentic voices matter in an age of autotune and AI, and the vital role Australian storytelling plays in shaping our national identity.
They also tackle the challenges facing Australia's creative industries, including the lasting impact of COVID-19, the decline of live music venues, arts funding, gambling sponsorships, and why supporting local artists has never been more important.
It's an honest, insightful and often hilarious conversation, and a powerful reminder that music is about far more than entertainment - it's about connection, healing, community and telling the stories that define who we are.
LINKS&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Katie Noonan's powerful 30th album <a href="https://gyro.to/AlonebutalloneAlbum">Alone but all one</a> is out now</li>
<li>Katie is always on the road performing live, be sure to <a href="https://www.katienoonan.com.au/shows">check her out</a></li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Follow Katie (@katie_noonan_music) on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katie_noonan_music/">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 <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/the-mindset-behind-daniel-macphersons-transformation-for-latest-film-beast">The Mindset Behind Daniel MacPherson's Transformation for latest film 'Beast'</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/natalie-bassingthwaighte-lifts-the-curtain-on-her-career-personal-struggles">Natalie Bassingthwaighte Lifts the Curtain on Her Career &amp; Personal Struggles</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/the-business-end-of-show-business-with-the-unstoppable-dannii-minogue">The business end of show business with the unstoppable Dannii Minogue</a></li>
</ul>

Katie Noonan Opens Up About Divorce, Endometriosis and How Music Can Heal Us

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/44a8810c-3504-47a4-be48-b486002472bc/transcript

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

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