#69. How Creativity Really Works - Dr. Keith Sawyer
What is creativity, really? In this episode of the Smooth Brain Society, we dive deep with Dr. Keith Sawyer—MIT-trained computer scientist, jazz pianist, and leading creativity researcher and Professor in Educational Innovations at the University of North Carolina—to unravel the psychology of creative thinking. From the neuroscience of flow states to the myth of the lone genius, Dr. Sawyer breaks down how creativity happens in the mind, in collaboration, and in the classroom. We explore his many books on creativity including his 2024 book Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation, known as "the creativity bible," and his latest publication, Learning to See: Inside the World's Leading Art and Design Schools, a groundbreaking account of how nationally known artists and designers teach. Join us as we learn why stepping away from work might be the most productive thing you do.
Oh! and that apple story about Newton? Not quite what you think.
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Smooth Brain Society
In an attempt to change the way information is presented, we’ll be speaking to researchers, experts, and all round wrinkly brained individuals, making them simplify what they have to say and in turn, hopefully, improving our understanding of a broad range of topics rooted in psychology. Join us as we try to develop ourselves, one brain fold at a time.
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- No. of episodes: 75
- Latest episode: 2025-07-24
- Society & Culture Science
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