Charles Duhigg is a journalist who is interested in what makes for a good conversation. He talks to Maya about some science-backed techniques we can try to improve our conversational skills, including the art of asking deep questions.

To learn more, check out Charles' book, “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection.”

If you enjoyed this episode, you might like our episode with champion debater Bo Seo, "Let's Agree to Disagree More."

Connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer Safiya Sinclair grew up on the north coast of Jamaica in a Rastafari family. Her father was the head of the household and he made Safiya and her siblings follow a strict interpretation of Rastafari, a religious and social movement. But as Safiya grew older, living under her father’s rules became suffocating. She talks to Maya about how she broke free from her father's influence and charted her own path.

Connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a lot of misconceptions about young people and their developing brains, says psychologist David Yeager. It’s true that young people’s brains are underdeveloped, but that’s not the only factor behind their decision making. It’s also because they have different goals than adults. David argues that if we can better understand these goals, we can bridge the gap between young people and older people.

For more on David, check out his latest book, "10 to 25: the Science of Motivating Young People."

Connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.