The Aspen Institute Courses

Can Religion and Politics Be Separated in the Age of Trump?

Explore how religious leaders navigate divisive political issues within their congregations, examining the intersection of faith and politics in contemporary America.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Whale and the Wind Turbine - Innovation Inspired by Animals

Explore biomimicry with biologist Janine Benyus as she reveals how nature's 3.8 billion years of sustainable innovation can inspire revolutionary designs in engineering, business, and everyday life.

• YouTube
• 57 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Reddit: The Most Human Place on the Internet?

Explore Reddit's unique approach to fostering human connection online, its content policies, and privacy protection measures with CEO Steve Huffman in this insightful discussion.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Women Becoming Leaders - Why This Matters

Explore gender biases, strategies for equality, and the advantages of women's leadership in business, science, government, and academia with experts Rhode and Blumenstein.

• YouTube
• 49 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Free Radical - Journey Into and Out of America's Most Violent Hate Movement

Intimate conversation exploring modern racism, hate, and alt-right movements with a former neo-Nazi leader. Discusses origins of white nationalism, de-radicalization efforts, and strategies to counter extremism.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Mystery of Mastery - Exploring Skill Acquisition and Expertise

Exploring the nature of skill acquisition and mastery through various activities, examining the difference between superficial skill and confident expertise.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Man Who Saw Inside Himself - Pioneering Self-Quantification in Medicine

Pioneering self-tracking approach to health management, featuring Larry Smarr's journey using data and imaging to revolutionize his Crohn's disease treatment and surgical outcomes.

• YouTube
• 42 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Creating Space for Music - A Conversation with Frank Gehry

Explore how architectural design enhances musical experiences with Frank Gehry, focusing on acoustics, intimacy, and the symbiotic relationship between performers and audience in concert spaces.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Facebook and the Future - Navigating Truth, AI, and Social Connection in the Digital Age

Explore Facebook's impact on truth, AI, and society with Chris Cox and Nicholas Thompson, discussing technology's role in shaping our interconnected world.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

North Korea - Beyond Brinkmanship: Challenges and Future Prospects

Explore North Korea's complex challenges, nuclear program, and future prospects through expert analysis of its leadership, economy, and international relations.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Beyond Words - What Animals Think and Feel

Explore animal cognition, emotions, and self-awareness through scientific studies and anecdotes. Discover similarities between humans and animals in empathy, communication, and intelligence.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Age of Euroscepticism - Challenges to European Unity

Exploring challenges to European unity, including Brexit, terrorism, and rising nationalism, while examining the future of the EU and its relevance in maintaining peace and stability.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Artificial Intimacy - Solving Loneliness in a Data-Driven World

Explore the impact of AI companions on human connection and loneliness. Interactive discussion on outsourcing emotional needs to technology and its implications for society.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 7 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Bias in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence - Protecting Against Algorithmic Discrimination

Explore the impact of algorithmic bias in AI and big data on marginalized communities, discussing ethical standards, regulation, and strategies for protecting against discrimination.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 5 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The (Un)Making of an Extremist - Rebuilding Lives After Extremism

Former extremists discuss their journeys out of radicalization, offering insights on rebuilding lives and strategies for reintegrating individuals into society after involvement in extremist movements.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video