Stories of Impact
Stories of Impact Podcast
Launched in 2020, the Stories of Impact podcast features weekly stories of new scientific research on human flourishing that translate these basic discoveries into practical tools. With a mix of curiosity, compassion, and creativity that will appeal to all ages, host Richard Sergay and producer Tavia Gilbert shine a spotlight on the human impact of a cutting-edge social and scientific research project.
Listen to the episodes below or subscribe on the Stories of Impact Libsyn page.
Stories of Impact Video Series
Since 2016, Richard Sergay has interviewed researchers around the world for the captivating Stories of Impact documentary series. The series has earned three Telly Awards, two Jackson Wild Media Awards, and a Sharecare Award in Health/Science, among other honors.
For more on the series, subscribe to the Templeton World Charity Foundation YouTube channel and follow Stories of Impact on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The Foundations of Cultural Intelligence
Are humans unique among primates and other animals? Cristine Legare examines the building blocks of culture and cultural learning from developmental and evolutionary perspectives.
Examining the Foundations of Cultural Intelligence through Behavioral Flexibility
Accelerating Research on Consciousness
Consciousness is one of the least understood aspects of human nature. Lucia Melloni’s groundbreaking project will test prominent theories of consciousness against each other.
Searching for Language in Dolphins
Do other species besides humans have language? Dr. Denise Herzing's research—which explores linguistic richness in the vocalizations of dolphins—seeks to shift our understanding of diverse intelligences.
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
What does it mean to be human? How can we promote human flourishing in a digital world? Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft’s research tackles artificial intelligence, technology, and ethics.
Research, Engagement and Parliamentary Assistant to the Bishop of Oxford
Understanding Everyday Love
Barbara Lee Fredrickson’s research on positivity resonance seeks to understand how day-to-day connections with people can affect virtues in everyday life.
Understanding Everyday Love: Do Increases in Positivity Resonance Increase Virtuous Behavior?
Building Forgiveness Around the World
Forgiveness can transform your life. Everett Worthington’s pioneering REACH method has helped thousands of people—including himself—reap the mental and physical benefits of forgiveness.
The Chestnut Tree: Bringing Back an American Icon
In this groundbreaking project, William Powell aims to restore the iconic American chestnut tree to its former glory by engineering a blight-resistant chestnut.
Restoration of the American Chestnut Tree
Understanding Social Cognition in Autism
Sue Fletcher-Watson’s inspiring project aims to challenge how we think about autism, reframing it not as a disability but a difference.
The Honeybee Brain
Andrew Barron, a leading expert on animal cognition, discusses how the brains of honeybees can provide a model for studying diverse intelligence
An analysis of the distribution of degrees of intelligence across animal groups
Citizenship in a Networked Age
Featuring Dr. Vint Cerf, Michael Wear, and Nuala O'Connor, this video explores what “good” citizenship means in the twenty-first century.
Humpback Whale Songs & the Search for Alien Intelligence
By studying the songs of humpback whales, Laurance Doyle (SETI Institute) aims to uncover the vast wellsprings of communications that exist throughout Planet Earth—and beyond
Humpback Whales: Quantifying and Interacting With Their Global Intelligence
How Does Altruism Develop?
Where does altruism come from? Andrew Meltzoff, an expert on child development at the University of Washington, investigates how childhood experiences shape human values
Can Artificial Intelligence Help Us Be More Moral?
By pairing the power of AI systems and human wisdom, scientists at Duke University hope to offer a tool for strengthening our moral capacities.
How to Use Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Human Moral Intelligence
Putting Our Heads Together | A Global Community to Study Animal Cognition
A game-changing tool developed by evolutionary anthropologist Brian Hare lets scientists collaborate on questions of animal cognition not possible in the past.
Creating an Online Tool for Large-Scale Comparative Cognition Collaborations
Program on Human Flourishing
Arthur C. Brooks discusses AEI’s Program on Human Flourishing, an effort to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural underpinnings of free enterprise and entrepreneurship.
The Search for Mathematical Genius: The Spirit of Ramanujan
The Spirit of Ramanujan STEM Talent Initiative finds and fosters the mathematical talents of promising young geniuses who, like Srinivasa Ramanujan, lack traditional resources.
Spirit of Ramanujan Math Talent Initiative
Youth Radio Dialogues on Ubuntu in South Africa
Based in Cape Town, the Youth Radio Dialogues on Ubuntu program trained a new generation of radio reporters.
Managing Extreme Technological Risk
Could AI and biotechnology wipe out humanity? At the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Existential Risk, scientists are exploring ways to manage such threats.
Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans 15 Years On
This video explores the relationship between Hurricane Katrina survivors and their faith. Their determination enabled them to rebuild their community in the wake of devastation.
The Science of Human Flourishing
Being Human: How Do Students View Science and Religion?
Berry Billingsley’s project at Canterbury Christ Church University explores the intersection of science and religion, and how students tackle the big questions in both fields.
and follow on project
The Epistemic Insight Initiative
Human Flourishing: Religion & Scientists
Elaine Ecklund (Rice University) explores how scientists in eight countries view the relationship between science and religion.
Religion Among Scientists in International Context
Philanthropy’s Impact | Templeton World Charity Foundation
Andrew Serazin, the president of Templeton World Charity Foundation, discusses how philanthropy can inspire a new generation of innovators and impact lives around the globe