About this episode

This episode explores the nature of charisma in leadership and its societal implications, featuring insights from historian Molly Worthen and listener questions answered by Antonio Pascual-Leone.

Charismatic leaders can inspire devotion and give people a powerful sense of meaning. They can also make us vulnerable. This week, we explore how figures across history have gained followers by offering clarity in moments of uncertainty — and why that clarity can come at a cost. Historian Molly Worthen explains how to recognize the spell of charisma, and why questioning it is essential to a healthy society. Then, on Your Questions Answered, Antonio Pascual-Leone returns to respond to listeners' thoughts and questions about moving on after a breakup.

People in this episode

Host: Shankar Vedantam

Guests: Molly Worthen, Antonio Pascual-Leone

Topics covered

• charisma
• leadership
• historical figures
• social influence
• breakup advice

Keywords

• charisma
• leadership
• Molly Worthen
• Antonio Pascual-Leone
• breakup
• social influence
• historical figures

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