The Free-dumb Sessions

08/01/2022

Happy New Year, Happy 2022!
It has been a while, but Episode 12 is now up.
This is really episode 1 of season 2, because having spent the first 11 episodes loosely discussing critical thinking, this season is going to be (mainly) devoted to decision-making.

Many believe that you can judge the quality of a decision by the success of the outcome…………’
But can you really?’
What if the person making the decision was reckless or had a high propensity for risk-taking, or was a gambler?
And what if the reason there was a successful outcome was mere luck?
What we need to think about is the role the decision or decisions that were made played in the outcome.
What do we know about the biases that may have come into play when a particular decision is being made?
Have a listen.

Many believe that you can judge the quality of a decision by the success of the outcome…………’ But can you really?’ What if the person making the decision …

05/09/2021

Episode 11 is out now.
Episode 10's interview with Carl Davidson felt like a terrific place to move on from the subject of critical thinking - almost like the end of a season.
So what comes after thinking?
Decision-making.
This episode begins by providing some practical steps for using critical thinking, and then previews what to expect in Season 2 of The Free-dumb Sessions: Decision-making.

Think of this episode as the end of the first season, and the beginning of the second season. We took a winding journey through critical thinking for the…

27/07/2021

The New Zealand Podcast Awards 2021 have been established to 'celebrate the best in Kiwi Podcasting'.
The Free Dumb Sessions (https://www.thefree-dumbsessions.com/) has been nominated in the the Best New Podcast category.
If you've listened to it and like it, then please vote. Here's's the link to make it easier for you: https://www.nzpodcastawards.com/contact . Where the form asks for 'category', type in Best New Podcast.
Thanks in advance!

27/06/2021

Episode 10 is out now. Thinking for ourselves and why it matters. Carl Davidson and I have a chat about critical thinking and why it's never been more important.
Carl's background is in psychology and sociology and anthropology. An academic, a researcher, a policymaker, and - most recently - in the insights industry, he is founder and director at Research First Ltd as well as an adjunct fellow at the University of Canterbury. Carl has written some nine books about research and thinking.
We also talk about books, serendipity, and Carl's favorite music track for working out to - and it's a banger!

I've always been clear that the Free-dumb Sessions' role is to provoke debate, awaken critical thinking, and help people ' break Free of Dumb’, in all it…

29/05/2021

Episode 9 is out now.
Truth, lies, and questionable facts.

Most of us pride ourselves on our honesty and integrity.
But do we really tell ‘the truth’, and what does that even mean?
Sadly, the truth is subjective, and what is true for one, may be different for another.
And if that is the case, does the truth even matter, and are we all liars?
Available below or on all major podcast platforms.

Most of us pride ourselves on our honesty. Our businesses love to talk about honesty and integrity It is important to us. But are we really that honest? …

08/05/2021

Episode 8 is out now. In this, I'm talking with my friend Nick Leach about purpose, leadership, and dubious music tastes amongst other things. Nick is a Kiwi currently living in Sydney, Australia, and is the author of 'Leading on Purpose - the guide to creating a purpose-driven culture'.

This episode is a discussion with my guest and friend Nick Leach. There’s so much talk about ‘Purpose’, but what is it exactly? Is it just a new-age way …

04/05/2021

Episode 8 will be out on Saturday 8th May. In this, I'll be talking with my friend Nick Leach about purpose, leadership, and dubious music tastes amongst other things. Nick is a Kiwi currently living in Sydney, Australia, and is the author of 'Leading on Purpose - the guide to creating a purpose driven culture'.

Leading on Purpose: The Guide to Creating a Purpose Driven Culture

03/04/2021

Now up. Episode 7. Part 2 of 'Sticks and stones' - responding to listener feedback.

In this short episode, I respond to a few listeners because they didn't believe that most people are 'that dumb' to be deeply influenced by the media.

I also talk about some upcoming themes and content.

While we seem to agree that words matter, are people really getting taken in by the media? Are we really that dumb? The power of 'framing'. Can the mere …

14/03/2021

Out now. Episode 6
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never break me

Really?
A discussion about the power of words - for good and bad.

" Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never break me" Really? A discussion about young people and resilience, the power of words - for g…

21/02/2021

For those who have contacted me re episode Five (Charisma), wondering whether they should have listened to episode 4 (Empathy) first.
It doesn't really matter - each episode should be able to stand up on its own, although it is true that from episode One, I have been trying to take people on a journey.
If you are a new listener and have just listened to episode 5 and you have got something from it, then perhaps try the other episodes in order - and thanks for listening!

17/02/2021

Out now
Episode 5. Does 'Charisma and Charm' make the world go round?

We are all drawn to people with ‘natural charisma’, but what is it exactly?
The Oxford English Dictionary tells us that charisma is a ‘compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others’.
Is it a natural personality trait or can it be ‘taught’ like a set of skills or techniques?
And even if it can - should it be?
Does charisma have a dark side?
https://www.thefree-dumbsessions.com/5-does-charisma-and-charm-make-the-world-go-round/

Once you've listened, find out how naturally charismatic you are. Take this easy self-evaluation test here: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/charisma.html

Learn about charisma, the ability to attract and charm those around you, and discover how to make yourself more charismatic.

09/02/2021

We'll be talking about charisma in an upcoming episode. What it is (and isn't), why all that glitters isn't always gold - and some watch-outs.
What does charisma mean to you?
A gift or a curse? Good, or bad?
Can genuine charisma be taught, or is it just something you're born with?
Reply, or not.