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Make Me Smart Question
What’s something you thought you knew, but later found out you were wrong about?
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From This Collection
Norman Lear was wrong about what humans are capable of
Oct 10, 2022
The legendary TV producer shares what serving in World War II taught him about human behavior.
LeVar Burton was wrong about America
Aug 24, 2022
The actor, director and TV host who taught millions about the love of books and reading reflects on what he’s learned about his country.
Alyssa Gaines was wrong about planning for the future
Jul 26, 2022
National Youth Poet Laureate Alyssa Gaines reflects on how you don't always need a plan.
Dessa was wrong about what musical collaboration looks like
Feb 9, 2021
Dessa shares why she never viewed teamwork as one of her strengths and why that changed.
What Tami Stronach got wrong about the power of optimism
Nov 24, 2020
The actress who played a childlike empress in "The NeverEnding Story" explains what she learned from her father's ability to celebrate despite difficulty.
Alexis Coe didn't realize all of the opportunities a history major brings
by
Tony Wagner
Feb 12, 2020
Like our own Kai Ryssdal, Alexis Coe is a history-student-turned-podcaster, but when she was in grad school, her path wasn't always so clear.
How "The Nutcracker" became a holiday classic
by
Tony Wagner
Dec 13, 2019
Tchaikovsky's ballet is a holiday institution and a big cash cow for dance companies. But it wasn't always that way.
For public good, not for profit.
Alison Roman gives some food for thought on writing a cookbook
by
Shara Morris
Oct 28, 2019
Alison Roman is a food columnist for the New York Times and Bon Appétit.
How Frederick Douglass taught Amanda Gorman how tech can be a tool for social justice
by
Shara Morris
Oct 25, 2019
The National Youth Poet Laureate answered the Make Me Smart question.
How Elizabeth Warren learned personal bankruptcy isn't a rich people problem
Apr 10, 2018
Personal bankruptcy is a middle-class problem, says Sen. Elizabeth Warren.