John MacGaffey
Not the Answer You Were Hoping For
Setting clear boundaries without compromising on empathy.
John MacGaffey
Opportunity Costs
When we see a really big number, it's hard to understand just how big it is without putting it into context.
Your Full Self
One of the joys of getting older is finding more places where you can be your full self. You discover that you no longer have to conform to separate versions of yourself depending on who you're with.
Shark-Infested Waters
By the time you’re in a situation that involves “shark-infested waters,” the water is actually people-infested. It’s the shark’s home, and you’re intruding.
Relationship Stories
A useful communication tool for navigating challenging conversations: “When you do X, I tell myself a story that Y.”
Turtle Speed
In the 19th century, having leisure time was a status symbol. What better way to show that off than walking a turtle around with a leash?
Caring for Your Audience
“Will I feel taken care of?” That question is on my mind every time I sit down in a theater.
The Cost of Luxury
The conveniences we have today were unimaginable for the vast majority of human history, even to the richest members of society.
Theatre Synchronizes Audiences Heartbeats
A study showed that when a group of strangers watched a show together, their heart rates began responding in unison.
Paint Tubes: A Technological Innovation
Until the mid-19th century, the best containers artists had for holding paint were pigs' bladders.