Now I Get It, with Dr. Andy

Welcome back to Now I Get It. In this episode, I break down a term we hear all the time in national security conversations but rarely slow down to understand: harm’s way. I explore how this concept is traditionally defined in U.S. military policy, why it matters, and how it’s being challenged by the current use of remote warfare. Using the recent drone-led attacks in the Caribbean as a backdrop, I look at what happens when technology distances human operators from physical danger—yet still places the country itself in profound geopolitical risk.

I also...

In this episode, I break down what really happened during the recent government shutdown—and why it matters far beyond the headlines. I walk you through how the standoff between Republicans and Democrats over healthcare funding put millions at risk, and how the political maneuvering behind closed doors quietly determined the fate of those lives. From the targeted removal of Obamacare subsidies to deep cuts in Medicaid, I unpack how these policy choices translate into real-world consequences, including tens of thousands of preventable deaths.

I also shed light on the lesser-known tactics lawmakers use to avoid ac...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I take you into the subtle—but dangerous—world of paltry: the art of lying by telling nothing but the truth. Through stories pulled from literature, current events, and political reporting, I show how selective truth-telling can create powerful false impressions without ever crossing the line into an outright lie. It’s a communication tactic hiding in plain sight, and once you see it, you start noticing it everywhere.

I share examples from Pride and Prejudice, the Ghislaine Maxwell/Jeffrey Epstein media coverage, and recent reporting on healthcare legisl...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I explore the fascinating intersection of language, culture, and gender identity—and how our words shape the way we perceive human difference. I dive into how languages like Chinese, English, and German handle gender differently, showing that grammatical gender often has nothing to do with biological sex. What started as simple sound harmonies and linguistic structures in ancient languages evolved into the gender categories we use today, even though the roots were never about “male” or “female” at all.

From there, I take a closer look at the biological...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive deep into how cultural differences shape the United States—past and present. Drawing from Geert Hofstede’s groundbreaking IBM studies, I explore how nations differ across dimensions like inequality, gender roles, religion, and individuality. Through that lens, I connect these global cultural frameworks to America’s own fragmented identity—how early immigrant roots, regional histories, and moral certainties have divided and defined the country’s political landscape.

I also unpack how gender distinctions, religion, and attitudes toward uncertainty influence everything from politics to personality. From Appalachian independen...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive into the hidden logic behind borders—why they exist where they do, and how geography quietly shapes the course of world history. From the frozen plains of Russia to the mountains of Ukraine, I explore how natural barriers like rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges determine a nation’s defensibility—and how the absence of these barriers has fueled centuries of conquest, paranoia, and power struggles.

We’ll unpack how historical trauma and geography combine to drive geopolitical decisions, often leading nations to create the very dangers they fea...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I explore why simply memorizing formulas in math—or blindly trusting any model—can lead to catastrophic outcomes. I take a hard look back at the financial meltdown and show how a lack of deep understanding, not just fraud, helped steer us into crisis. It wasn’t that the models themselves were flawed; it was that people used them without grasping their limits, breaking the very assumptions they were built on.

From there, I connect the dots to today’s frontier: artificial intelligence. We dive into how AI has evol...

Have you ever felt unloved—even when surrounded by people who care for you? In this episode of Now I Get It, I unpack the paradox of “dying of thirst in an ocean of love.” Just like seawater can’t quench your thirst, love that isn’t recognized or understood can leave us feeling empty, no matter how much is actually there.

Through a metaphor-rich exploration, I walk you through four key questions we unconsciously ask when processing love—Is it? What is it? What is it worth? What does it mean? By looking at these questions an...

When it comes to business, measurement is everything—or at least, that’s what we like to believe. In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive into the hidden traps of relying on metrics as tools for rewards or punishments and how doing so destroys their actual value. I also unpack how numbers get gamed, why this leaves businesses flying blind, and what the latest economic data reveals about our collective blind spots.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. We explore the Heisenberg effect and how the very act of measurement changes the thing...

When people say, “That’s not what I voted for,” it reveals a common misunderstanding about how representative democracy actually functions. In this episode of Now I Get It, I share personal stories—from my early attempts to call my representative, to watching my own business collapse under the weight of trade games—that reveal just how little control voters truly have once the ballots are cast. Campaign promises may sound like contracts, but legally, politically, and practically, they aren’t.

I also explore fascinating historical examples, including the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, to show how ins...

This week on Now I Get It, I dive into the real reason conspiracy theories—like those around Jeffrey Epstein—are taking hold of the public imagination. Spoiler: It’s not just wild speculation. I walk you through how trust in our legal, political, and economic systems has eroded, why this distrust is historically grounded, and how the foundations of American democracy are being tested in real time.

We’ll explore how two competing visions of democracy—Greek versus Roman, Boston versus Charleston—have shaped the U.S., how corporate consolidation and “friction by design” have fueled economic...

I'm Andrew Winkler, and in this episode of Now I Get It, I dive into one of the most overlooked causes of low literacy: the surprising complexity behind how we learn to read. We explore why simply recognizing words isn't enough—and why relying on context clues or outdated teaching strategies can leave learners guessing. I also explain how our brains process sounds and why phonemic awareness (though often misunderstood) is key to unlocking fluent reading.

We unpack the real science behind reading—what happens when we go from sounds to syllables, and syllables to meaning—and ho...

I'm Andrew Winkler, and in this episode of Now I Get It, I dive into one of the most overlooked causes of low literacy: the surprising complexity behind how we learn to read. We explore why simply recognizing words isn't enough—and why relying on context clues or outdated teaching strategies can leave learners guessing. I also explain how our brains process sounds and why phonemic awareness (though often misunderstood) is key to unlocking fluent reading.

We unpack the real science behind reading—what happens when we go from sounds to syllables, and syllables to meaning—and ho...

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Andrew Winkler explores the psychology behind decision-making and how personality type influences whether we act quickly or hesitate. Drawing from John Cleese’s idea of the “last responsible moment,” Dr. Andy explains how people fall into two camps: those who feel pressure to decide quickly, and those who grow anxious if forced to decide too soon.

By breaking down cognitive functions—like thinking, feeling, sensing, and intuition—Dr. Andy shows how each of us has unique strengths we either turn outward or inward. These preferences not only impact how we process decisions...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I break down the real story behind tariffs—who actually pays them, how they affect the prices you see on store shelves, and why politicians might not be telling the full truth. Using real-world examples from manufacturing and retail, I explain the flow of goods and costs from producer to consumer, revealing why a 130% tariff isn’t just a number—it’s a seismic shift in how global trade plays out.

We also dive into the often-ignored parts of international trade: services and investment. While the media obsesses over the...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I explore what I call a "war on reality"—a conflict playing out across education, economics, and politics. Using a personal family story, I trace the long-reaching impact of the GI Bill on class structure and opportunity in America. From there, we dive into comparative advantage, the dangers of global trade dependency, and how geopolitical hotspots like Taiwan reveal hidden risks in our modern economy.

But this isn't just about history or theory. I connect the dots between economic inequality, natural selection, and the rise of right-wing authoritarianism. Yo...

In this episode of Now I Get It, Dr. Andy unpacks the often misunderstood world of tariffs—what they are, how they function, and why they matter far beyond simple price tags. He shares a real-world story about selling bomber jackets for dogs to explain how tariffs work at the ground level and discusses who ultimately bears the cost: the importer, the customer, or even the manufacturer. Through the lens of elasticity and economic incidence, Dr. Andy offers clear insights into how small changes ripple through global supply chains and everyday wallets.

But the conversation doesn’t st...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive into the powerful role of introverted intuition—what I like to call “the seer”—and how it silently shapes our ability to love, hope, and connect. We’ll explore how this cognitive function helps us interpret symbolism, predict the future, and make meaning out of our experiences—all key ingredients in thriving relationships. Whether it’s the symbolic weight of a well-chosen gift or the subtle inclusion of someone in your imagined future, I break down how small signals can speak volumes in emotional connection.

We also look at h...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I explore one of the most dynamic and misunderstood cognitive functions: intuition—specifically, its outward-facing form, known as extroverted intuition or “the brainstormer.” We dive into how this function generates creative options, seeks out new possibilities, and thrives on surprise and novelty. I unpack how this cognitive tool fuels innovation, shapes our personal identities, and even transforms our relationships when it’s nurtured and understood.

I also share personal stories, including how my late wife’s creativity and love for surprise reflected her intuitive strength. We’ll look at how you c...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive deep into the world of introverted feeling—our internal compass that helps us navigate relationships, values, and the concept of right and wrong. We explore how this function influences our interactions, the way we express love, and the distinct gestures and movement styles that reveal how deeply we engage with our inner truths. Understanding introverted feeling isn't just about self-awareness; it's about recognizing how it shapes the way we connect with others and the decisions we make in our social circles.

I also discuss the power of...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive deep into the cognitive function of extroverted feeling—also known as "the connector." I explore how this function influences the way we navigate social interactions, express emotions, and build relationships. I break down the different personality types that rely on extroverted feeling as their primary way of perceiving and interacting with the world. Also shed light on how understanding this function can help us recognize how our loved ones experience and interpret love.

Beyond the theory, I discuss practical ways to nurture and enhance this function, in...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I explore the cognitive function known as the Sequencer and its role in love and relationships. The sequencer helps individuals organize tasks, plan efficiently, and structure their interactions with others.I explain how those who rely on this function express love primarily through acts of service, ensuring that tasks are completed in a timely and thoughtful manner. However, there is s a crucial distinction: acts of service must be personal and intentional, not just outsourced or mechanically performed, in order to convey genuine care and appreciation.

There are...

In this episode, I dive deep into the intricate relationship between cognitive functions and love—focusing specifically on the analyst function. I share how our unique ways of processing the world can lead us to express and perceive love in vastly different manners. By understanding these distinct cognitive wavelengths, I explain how we can bridge the gap between our own expressions of love and what our partners truly need to feel connected.

I also explore the specific needs of analysts in relationships. I reveal that for those who lean on their analytic capacities, quality time isn’t ju...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive deep into the cognitive function I call the Guardian. I explain how this function goes beyond simple memory recall—it’s a dynamic process that compares our present experiences with past memories to generate vital insights. I share how the Guardian ensures that things go right by noticing deviations from our established routines, whether it’s adjusting a recipe or navigating the complexities of personal relationships. This function, much like a trusted keeper of our memories, is essential for maintaining balance and security in our lives.

I also...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive deep into the concept of the "Scout" cognitive function. The Scout function focuses on sensory awareness, helping us tune into the world around us in exquisite detail. Whether through sight, sound, smell, or touch, this function helps us process what is real and exists in our environment. I explain how the Scout operates in a person's life and how this heightened sensitivity can be a powerful tool in decision-making and personal growth.

I also discuss how we can develop and fine-tune the Scout function in ourselves...

In this episode of Now I Get It, I dive into the fascinating topic of complimentary neuroses in relationships. I explain how we tend to be drawn to people whose unresolved patterns and neuroses compliment our own, creating a sense of wholeness. While this dynamic can feel comforting at first, over time, it often leads to conflict and challenges that provide an opportunity for growth and transformation.

I also walk you through the key developmental stages—like attachment, exploration, and identity—and how experiences during these phases shape our behaviors and attachment styles as adults. By unde...

Today, we dive into the fascinating concept of complimentary neuroses in relationships and explore how our individual developmental stages and attachment styles, shaped by early childhood experiences, influence the partners we are drawn to and the dynamics that ensue. I explain that our attractions and tolerances often align with our own neuroses, creating complementary relationships that are both enriching and challenging.

You’ll be able to gain insights into the attachment styles—secure, avoidant, and anxious—and how these early patterns manifest in adult relationships and how the phases of development, from attachment and exploration to identi...

Today, we return to the concept of interaction style to cover a facet to it that I haven't addressed previously, but that turns out to be a bit more significant and well worth focusing on.

Welcome to episode nine of Now I Get It with Dr. Andy. I’m talking about the concept of the four interaction styles and the core values that are associated with them.

Tune in and listen as I explore how these styles can be mathematically partitioned, how they manifest in gestures and behaviors, and the distinctions between sensing and...

In many countries, there is a significant difference in the perception of the culture between males and females. This is just one of the reasons why authoritarian movements have a very strong opposition to any sort of differences in sexuality, sexual identity, and sexual orientation—because many of those ideas fly in the face of a cultural value that says that these are very fundamental differences between people. 

Welcome to episode eight of Now I Get It with Dr. Andy. Today, I’m talking about the intersection of authoritarianism and the scientific understanding of time, space, and g...

A lot of people are confused when they think about life, how life happens and how it's possible, but if you take a look at that bright yellow thing in the sky, there's a lot of energy coming from it. If you let it soak into your skin, you'll notice that there's real energy there. If you put solar cells on your house, you can see a very significant, measurable amount of energy captured. 

Welcome to episode seven of Now I Get It with Dr. Andy. Today, I’m talking about the fundamental principles of life, ene...

It's easy to condemn the horrific actions of Nazis, fascists, and various other authoritarian movements. On both the left and the right, there are been groups that are murderous and highly abusive of human rights. Nevertheless, I find myself compelled to argue that we should be compassionate towards those people, even as we obviously condemn the damaging and horrific actions they perform.

Welcome to episode six of Now I Get It with Dr. Andy. Today, I’m talking about the complexities of authoritarianism and libertarianism and discussing the psychological and societal factors that contribute to these id...

AI is undoubtedly one of humanity's greatest inventions, transforming industries and simplifying millions of lives. But as we see it evolve at lightning speed, inevitable questions arise: is this technology sustainable? Can we trust it to remain harmless? Let's find out, shall we?  

Welcome to episode five of Now I Get It with Dr. Andy. Today, we explore the evolution and development of Artificial Intelligence. From Alan Turing's foundational ideas on computing to making computers behave like neural networks, we dive deep into the world of this fascinating technology created to mimic human intelligence.  

Tu...

Among the many critical formative inventions in human history, perhaps one of the most important is the concept of bartering and currency. With this system, humans have enabled themselves to spend more time doing things within their skill set while others do the same, creating a net surplus for everyone. 

Welcome to episode four of Now I Get It with Dr. Andy. Today, I’m changing the pace a bit and turning our attention in a different direction. We’ll return to relationship talk soon enough, but for this episode, I want to explore the concepts aroun...

Often, we treat others with a great deal more kindness and care than we treat ourselves—but this is a mistake. By putting our own needs last, we hinder our ability to actually be helpful and supportive to our loved ones. 

Welcome to episode three of Now I Get It with Dr. Andy. Today, I’m talking about nurturing yourself and others. By simply treating ourselves the way we would someone else, we’re able to garner more empathy for others and less prone to burn out.

Tune in and listen as I explain...

If you're with someone who isn’t the same psychological type as you, chances are that many of the ways you express love go unfelt—and you may even be oblivious to the ways that love is shown to you, too. 

Welcome to episode two of Now I Get It with Dr. Andy. Today, I’m talking about how to be mindful of the love that you’re giving and receiving. Even more than that, I want you to understand the way your loved ones’ minds work and proactively find ways of showing and sharing love.

Bu...

Do you feel so loved that you can't possibly imagine feeling more loved? And what about your loved ones, do they feel the same? In this thread on relationships, we'll explore together what you need to know to be able to reach that kind of place in your life and to achieve that kind of feeling.

Welcome to episode one of Now I Get It with Dr. Andy. I’m Dr. Andrew Winkler, former math professor at both Stanford and Columbia Universities. On this podcast, we’ll explore the most interesting insights I’ve come across throug...

The Now I Get It, with Dr. Andy Podcast. Coming June 13th!

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