Back on Topic with Micaiah Bell

Micaiah Bell
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"Making Elite Academic Knowledge Applicable to Everyday Life" This podcast is hosted by Micaiah Bell, a Harvard (BA Psychology, '24) and Oxford (MSc Sociology, '25) graduate. Micaiah is a proven leader, global public speaker, and former elite athlete who has won numerous championships, leadership awards, and has found immense success in academia. His academic background consists of research at the Business Schools of Harvard, Stanford, UPenn and UChicago. He has a passion for sharing knowledge and seeing people's lives transform.

  1. 01/18/2025

    The Origin of Moral Reasoning

    What is the true origin of human morality? Is it divinely ordained, biologically hardwired, or something we've collectively constructed over centuries of trial and error? In this episode, I tackle the deep philosophical question of where our moral beliefs and behaviors come from - and why we often can't fully explain the reasoning behind them. Through psychological studies and analysis, I dives into the paradoxical relationship between our moral preferences and actions. I explores how our brains may have evolved to develop moral reasoning, and why we tend to judge "good" and "bad" people so differently, even when their actions don't align with those perceptions. Whether you're religious or secular, this episode will challenge you to re-examine the foundations of your own moral framework. I encourage listeners to explore philosophical texts, psychological research, and diverse religious perspectives to uncover the origins of this most fundamental aspect of the human experience. Prepare to have your assumptions questioned and your mind expanded. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the deep roots of morality - and what that means for how we live our lives. Hit play and get ready for a thought-provoking journey into the very essence of what makes us human.

    11 min

  2. 07/28/2024

    How to Change Your Mindset

    Find out the key steps to changing your mindset, and overcome any obstacle in life. This episode dives into how to change your mindset, the simple steps involved, and everything involved to make your life the best it can be!

    11 min

  3. 07/13/2024

    Morality and Punishment: Why do we punish people?

    Why do we punish people? In this episode we're going to dive into this deep question together from a psychological approach. The answers aren't always clear, but they may help us get an inch closer towards wisdom!

    14 min

  4. 07/05/2024

    Episode 2: Harvard Astro Professor Karin Öberg

    This episode is dense and covers many topics in astro ranging from astrochemistry and planet formation to life in the universe. Karin is a phenomenal professor in the astro department at Harvard and joined Back on Topic to discuss the topics she is most passionate about. Check out more episodes and head to my website to find out more!

    54 min

  5. 06/15/2024

    Episode 1: Harvard Professor Isabel Jijon

    Isabel is a Sociology Professor at Harvard University. Her research focuses on cultural translation. In this episode, we discuss cultural translation, sports in culture, and societal stigma. Check out the website, instagram and tiktok!

    54 min

  6. 02/02/2024

    How to Stop Caring What Other People Think

    In this episode I'll share some tips on how to stop caring about the opinion of others. This is a follow up to a previous episode titled "Is Comparison Really the Thief of Joy?" so be sure to give that a listen too!

    11 min

  7. 07/15/2023

    Is Comparison Really the Thief of Joy?

    We hear it all the time: "comparison is the thief of joy." But is it really true? There are many forms of comparison, and it's time to learn which ones are stealing your joy.

    12 min

  8. 06/25/2023

    The Consequences of the Grind Mentality

    We often talk about "the grind" and "grinding" to get to the top. But what does that mean? What sacrifices really have to be made? And most importantly, how do those sacrifices really affect us? In this episode, I discuss the consequences of the grind and the toll it can take on ones life. As someone who fully embraces the grind, it is interesting to reflect on how it impacts us.

    12 min
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About

"Making Elite Academic Knowledge Applicable to Everyday Life" This podcast is hosted by Micaiah Bell, a Harvard (BA Psychology, '24) and Oxford (MSc Sociology, '25) graduate. Micaiah is a proven leader, global public speaker, and former elite athlete who has won numerous championships, leadership awards, and has found immense success in academia. His academic background consists of research at the Business Schools of Harvard, Stanford, UPenn and UChicago. He has a passion for sharing knowledge and seeing people's lives transform.

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