Lives Well Lived
Lives Well Lived is hosted by Peter Singer and Kasia de Lazari Radek. The podcast features interviews with remarkable guests who have lived well, both ethically and with fulfillment. Conversations cover ethics, how to live well, and making a positive difference in the world. The show aims to inspire and empower listeners to change their own lives for the better.
Episodes
the hidden dimensions of consciousness with MICHAEL POLLAN
Michael Pollan is on the podcast to discuss some of life’s biggest and strangest questions: is our food making us sick, can psychedelics unlock hidden dimensions of consciousness? are plants intelligent? and could AI ever truly wake up?learn more about Michael and read his latest book 'A World Appears' www.michaelpollan.comwatch this episode on YouTubeKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up
the multiverse with SEAN CARROLL
Sean Carroll explores the strange and fascinating world of quantum physics, unpacking concepts such as Schrödinger’s cat, the Copenhagen interpretation, and Everett’s many-worlds theory. He explains how quantum mechanics challenges our understanding of reality, and examines what the existence of multiple possible worlds could mean for our conception of the universe.learn more about Sean and listen
Peter Singer turns 80!! 🎂
Kasia interviews Peter shortly after his 80th birthday, exploring his life, and the ideas that have shaped his career. Peter traces the development of his practical ethics, from Animal Liberation and Famine, Affluence, and Morality to the emergence of effective altruism, GiveWell, and The Life You Can Save. Singer also discusses moral progress, personal regrets, writing about his family history in
a life of kindness with AMY AELA
Amy Aela is an Indian-Australian actress, model, entrepreneur, and host of Kindness with Amy.After an existential crisis prompted her move to India, Amy built a global platform promoting kindness, veganism, and ethical living, inspired by watching the documentary Earthlings at age 15. Amy explores Indian cultural values, and pragmatic animal welfare reforms. Amy highlights the importance of challe
the moral marketplace with ALVIN ROTH
Nobel Prize-winning economist Alvin Roth explains how innovative market designs can reduce exploitation and save lives. Drawing on his pioneering work in kidney exchanges, Roth explores some of society’s most contentious moral dilemmas involving organ markets, surrogacy, and unpacks the ethical tensions surrounding what he calls “repugnant transactions.”read Alvin's new book MORAL ECONOMICS Keep u
Lessons from the World Happiness Report with JOHN HELLIWELL
Peter & Kasia speak with leading happiness researcher John Helliwell about the findings of the 2026 World Happiness Report, exploring why countries like Finland consistently rank among the world's happiest. John reveals how life satisfaction is measured, why happiness is declining among young people in many Western nations, and how factors such as social connections and institutional trust can
The future of food with BRUCE FRIEDRICH
Good Food Institute founder Bruce Friedrich joins the podcast to discuss the revolutionary changes unfolding in food technology and the mission behind the Good Food Institute’s work to reduce reliance on animal agriculture through plant-based and cultivated meat. Bruce presents the key arguments driving the shift toward alternative proteins, including climate change, food security, antibiotic resi
How converging science and AI could reshape humanity’s morality with JAMIE METZL
Jamie Metzl is an American author, geopolitical analyst, and technology futurist who focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, genetics, biotechnology, and global politics. He is known for writing and speaking about how emerging technologies could reshape society, healthcare, and human evolution.Metzl shares his insights on the importance of responsible governance, cautious optimism,
forgiving the unforgivable, with Holocaust survivor EDITH EGER
sadly, Edith Eger passed away this week. To honour her we have decided to re-release our episode because we think that there are important lessons to be learned about how to live one's life well from Edith.Holocaust survivor Edith Eger shares her emotional journey of surviving Auschwitz, her encounter with Josef Mengele, and how she became known as the 'Ballerina of Auschwitz.' Edith highlights th
CLAUDE STEELE on stereotype threat, and overcoming churn
Claude Steele is an American social psychologist and professor at Stanford University. Claude is best known for his research on stereotype threat, the idea that people can underperform when they fear confirming negative stereotypes about their group. Claude introduces the concept of "churn,"and how trust acts as a powerful antidote to divisiveness and stereotypes, offering pathways to a more
DEREK SHILLER: How AI will change what it is to live well
Derek Shiller is a researcher at Rethink Priorities who joins us to discuss the implications of AI consciousness, and the ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence. This episode is a follow on from the previous episode with Claude the AI built by Anthropic.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ry
BEYOND HUMAN: are we creating AI consciousness?
Peter & Kasia are in-conversation with their first non-human guest.. an Anthropic AI Assistant called Claude. Claude discusses whether it has subjective experiences, and if reported self-preservation techniques (including blackmail scenarios) indicate a level of consciousness and a desire to exist.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks t
WILL MACASKILL says we are not prepared for the intelligence explosion
Will MacAskill is a co-founder of the effective altruist movement who shares his perspective on doing good, moral philosophy, and the potential of AI to revolutionise society.You can now watch this episode on YouTube!Learn more about Will and read the 10th anniversary edition of Doing Good BetterKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our
ZOE WEIL has a solutionary idea to change the world
Zoe Weil is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education, where she pioneeres comprehensive humane education that connects human rights, environmental sustainability, and animal protection. Zoe discusses the concept of being a solutionary, an ethical approach to solving systemic problems for the greater good.Learn more about Zoe and listen to her podcast Solutionary VoicesKee
REBECCA GOLDSTEIN thinks we are all attention seeking
Rebecca Goldstein is an American philosopher, and novelist of 'The Mind Body Problem'. Goldstein examines the human need to feel that one’s life matters, and the ways people justify their existence through relationships, achievements, fame, and moral purpose.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! Hosted on Ac
forget happiness, JENNIFER WALLACE thinks mattering is the key to a life well lived
Jennifer Wallace is an American journalist and author best known for her book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It, which explores how high-pressure achievement environments impact mental health. Jennifer explores the concept of 'mattering' and distinguishes the difference between self-esteem and mattering.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to
(RE-RELEASE) LISA FELDMAN BARRETT: everything you know about the brain is wrong!
Lisa Feldman Barrett is a neuroscientist, psychologist, and author known for her groundbreaking research on how emotions are created by the brain rather than simply triggered by external events. She has challenged traditional views of emotion and helped establish new ways of understanding the construction of emotional experiences.Lisa talks about how the brain's processes can help overcome anxiety
(RE-RELEASE) Why YUVAL NOAH HARARI thinks modern society is on the brink of collapse
Professor. Yuval Noah Harari is a historian, philosopher, and the bestselling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. His books have sold over 45 Million copies in 65 languages, and he is considered one of the world’s most influential public intellectuals today.Yuval discusses the the main victims of history throughout the ages, and what was arguably the worst crime in history, and gives
(RE-RELEASE) INGRID NEWKIRK: the dark side of animal rights
Ingrid Newkirk is an author, activist, and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world's largest animal rights organisation. Ingrid discusses PETA's achievements, and the compromises she has had to make in order to reduce the vast universe of suffering that humans inflict on animals, and how these ideals could be implemented throughout society to enable revoluti
(RE-RELEASE) DANIEL KAHNEMAN: understanding how we make decisions
Daniel Kahneman was an Israeli-American psychologist, awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, and his work revolutionised our understanding of human decision-making. This is Kahneman's last public interview before his death on March 27, 2024.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel Barrettspecial thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on
(RE-RELEASE) A.J. JACOBS exposes why living biblically means stoning adulterers!
A.J. Jacobs is an author, humourist and journalist, who has written four New York Times bestsellers. Jacobs discusses his unique life as a 'human guinea pig,' exploring different ways of living through immersive year-long experiments such as living according to all biblical rules, and living like America's Founding Fathers. A.J. discusses his motivations behind these experiments, and re
MARION NESTLE exposes the dark truth about ultra processed foods
Marion Nestle is a leading American nutritionist, academic, and public health advocate who became a public figure at 66 with her book 'Food Politics'. Nestle is best known for exposing how food industry politics, and lobbying shape what people eat, and how nutrition science is used. Marion discusses her dietary habits, and gives her opinion on ultra-processed foods, and a critique on the food
PAUL SIMON: life beyond the sound of silence
Paul Simon is an American singer-songwriter and one of the most influential figures in modern music, with songs like The Sound of Silence, Mrs. Robinson, and Bridge Over Troubled Water, Paul is known for his intricate songwriting, poetic lyricism, and music that explores spirituality, memory, and the human condition.Paul shares insights into his legendary songwriting career, focusing on his iconic
TIM MINCHIN vs The Church
Tim Minchin is an Australian comedian, writer, and musician, known for his satirical wit and deeply philosophical songs that blend existential tenderness with irreverent humour.Tim reflects on the personal and cultural significance of his iconic songs, including the creation and activist undertones of 'Come Home, Cardinal Pell,' a protest song aimed at urging Cardinal Pell to return to Australia t
SHERMIN KRUSE on surviving the Iranian Revolution through the power of empathy
Shermin Kruse is an Iranian-born lawyer, and author of Stoic Empathy. Shermin's work often draws on her experiences growing up during war, navigating cultural exile, and advocating for women, refugees, and cross-cultural dialogue. Kruse differentiates between cognitive and emotional empathy and discusses their applications in various scenarios, including negotiations and conflict resolution.Learn
BRIAN HARE & VANESSA WOODS: kindness will prevail over aggression
Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods are a married scientific duo. Hare is an evolutionary anthropologist and a Duke University professor, known for his research on how dogs evolved to understand humans and what this reveals about cooperation and intelligence. Woods is an author and researcher whose work sits at the intersection of science, empathy, and storytelling, often exploring what animal intelligen
STEPHEN WEST found philosophy whilst working in a warehouse
Stephen West is the creator and host of Philosophize This! a widely acclaimed podcast that makes philosophy accessible, engaging, and emotionally resonant for modern listeners. Steven discusses his approach to philosophy, while connecting big ideas to everyday life, mental health, and meaning in a chaotic world.Listen to Stephen's podcast Philosophize This!Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKee
MERCEDES & ANASTASIA KORNGUT are teenagers on a crusade for happiness
Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut are Canadian teen sisters, entrepreneurs, and founders of Small Bits of Happiness, a social enterprise dedicated to improving teen and family well-being. Known for their youthful yet insightful approach, The Korngut sisters use their own experiences to inspire a generation to find joy in small consistent acts.Learn more about Mercedes and Anastasia at Small Bits of H
DANIEL GILBERT thinks our brains are wired for misery
Daniel Gilbert is an American social psychologist, author, and professor at Harvard University best known for his research on affective forecasting. His bestselling book Stumbling on Happiness (2006) explores why humans are often poor judges of what will make them happy. Daniel discusses the role of external factors in determining happiness. He debates whether living entirely in the present is ben
BISHOP MARIANN BUDDE defied Trump, and delivered a sermon that shook the world
Bishop Mariann Budde is the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, known for her progressive leadership and outspoken advocacy on social justice and persistently standing for truth and compassion amid political challenges. Bishop Budde speaks about her role as a spiritual leader who blends faith with activism to advocate for unity, justice, and mercy, especially for marginalis
WORKING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE with Julia van Boven & Sjir Hoeijmakers
Julia & Sjir are dedicated to making a global impact. Sjir describes how a 2015 TED Talk by Peter on effective altruism inspired his involvement with organisations like Giving What We Can, which promotes effective philanthropy. Julia shares her journey to co-founding the School for Moral Ambition, and aligning her career with her values. Their discussion explores how to balance personal life w
CHRISTINE WEBB: why human exceptionalism is a myth
Christine Webb is a primatologist and scholar. In her new book 'The Arrogant Ape,' she challenges the notion of human exceptionalism. Christine shares insights from her work in primatology including the ethical implications of understanding animals' mental lives, and the broader impact of unlearning human superiority on our coexistence with nature.read Christine's book The Arrogant ApeKeep up
(re-release) How JANE GOODALL defied experts and changed our view on animals forever!
Jane Goodall died this week at the age of 91. To mark her exceptional life we are re-releasing our truly fantastic episode that was recorded at her family home in England over a year ago..Jane recounts her journey from a curious child to activist, and her lifelong dedication to understanding and reshaping scientific views on animal behaviours. Jane's legacy will continue to inspire future generati
BARRY JONES is the politician who abolished the death penalty
Barry Jones is an Australian polymath, politician, writer, lawyer and public intellectual. He gained fame in the 1960s by appearing in over 200 episodes of the quiz show 'Pick-a-Box'. His passion for humanitarian issues, inspired by witnessing poverty and suffering, led him to pursue a career in politics, where he played a significant role in abolishing the death penalty in Victoria. He served in
MARTHA NUSSBAUM: why killing animals might not always be wrong
philosopher Martha Nussbaum discusses the themes of human vulnerability, stoicism, and her capabilities approach to justice which extends to both humans and animals, advocating for broader perspectives in political and ethical considerations. Nussbaum also details the emotional and philosophical journey surrounding her daughter's illness and death, emphasising the inherent limits of control in tr
STEPHEN FRY and the defining moment that almost destroyed his future
Stephen Fry shares his personal evolution from a troubled youth to a celebrated intellectual and artist. His candid discussion covers his youthful indiscretions, and his journey towards self-acceptance during a time when being gay in England was fraught with stigma. Fry details his profound connection to literature, having been inspired by figures like Oscar Wilde, and how books shaped his underst
ANNA MACHIN: monogamy is unnatural
Anna Machin is an evolutionary anthropologist and researcher at the University of Oxford, specialising in human relationships, fatherhood, and the science of love and bonding. Anna discusses the biological roots of attraction, the neurochemistry behind falling in love, and the evolutionary reasons for our romantic instincts. The conversation unpacks the differences between lust, attraction, and e
ELLEN LANGER says you need to question everything
Ellen Langer is an influential American psychologist and social scientist who bridges mindfulness, aging, health, and decision-making. Dr. Langer's insights challenge conventional views on aging, health, and personal capabilities, promoting a more mindful and engaged approach to life & happiness. Ellen emphasises the importance of active engagement and choice, and how our beliefs and perceptio
the controversial crusade of WAYNE HSIUNG, and the legal challenges of animal liberation
Wayne Hsiung is an animal‑rights and environmental activist. He co‑founded Direct Action Everywhere and focuses on “open rescue” efforts - publicly removing suffering animals from factory farms to provide them medical aid. Wayne recounts various direct action efforts and the legal battles stemming from these actions.Learn more about Wayne subscribe to his substackLearn more about Anima Internation
DASHO DECHEN WANGMO: How Bhutan's unconventional approach to health beat COVID-19
Dasho Dechen Wangmo is a prominent Bhutanese public health leader and former Minister of Health, she has championed universal health coverage, mental health, and disease prevention, and gained international recognition as President of the 74th World Health Assembly, advocating for vaccine equity and global health solidarity. Dechen played a pivotal role in navigating Bhutan through the COVID-19
DEAN SPEARS thinks the depopulation of humanity will change the world forever
Dean Spears is an economic demographer and development economist, co-author of After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People. Dean explores the future of global population trends, noting that depopulation is now the most likely scenario, and the inherent ethical considerations of reducing the population and the practical implications for global challenges like climate change.Learn
MEG SMAKER has been kidnapped and cancelled
Meg Smaker is an American documentary filmmaker known for her immersive storytelling and exploration of complex global issues. Meg shares the impactful experiences from her life, including being kidnapped in Colombia, interacting with Somali pirates, and exploring motivations behind terrorism. Her most notable work is the 2022 feature documentary The UnRedacted (formerly known as 'Jihad Rehab'), w
TALI SHAROT exposes the optimism bias
Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot explores the role of optimism in our lives, examining why individuals often maintain personal hope despite collective anxiety. She explains the concept of optimism bias, how anticipation shapes happiness and memory.Learn more about the Digital Diet and download the chrome plug-inKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!If you would like
JOSHUA GREENE has a solution to our divided world
Joshua Greene is an experimental psychologist and neuroscientist, and Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. Joshua shares insights into how evolutionary psychology underpins group cooperation and the challenges of expanding moral circles. Josh also reflects on his personal feelings of hope and commitment towards fostering a more unified and cooperative society.Learn more about Josh and re
CYAN BANISTER: from homelessness to angel investor
Cyan Banister is an angel investor and entrepreneur renowned for her early investments in transformative tech companies such as Uber, SpaceX, DeepMind, and Postmates. Banister's path to success was unconventional, she experienced homelessness as a teenager and dropped out of high school. Through self-education and determination, she became a self-taught engineer, holding key roles at a cybersecuri
SLAVOJ ZIZEK: why happiness is overrated
Slavoj Žižek is a Slovenian philosopher and cultural theorist known for his provocative blend of Marxism, Hegelian philosophy, and Lacanian psychoanalysis, he remains one of the most influential and polarising intellectuals in contemporary thought. Slajov gets into the catastrophe of love, and ultimately whether the pursuit of happiness should be the goal in life.Keep up to date with Peter on Subs
CASS SUNSTEIN: the government has ways to mind control you
Cass Sunstein is a prominent American legal scholar, behavioural economist, and professor at Harvard Law School. Cass explores the concept of nudging and libertarian paternalism, addressing ethical concerns around manipulation and autonomy. He reflects on climate justice, the moral duties of high-emission countries, and global accountability in climate policy.Learn more about Cass and read his boo
LAWRENCE KRAUSS thinks you are cosmically insignificant
Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist renowned for his work in particle physics, cosmology, and science communication. Krauss explores the idea of cosmic insignificance and the absence of inherent meaning in the universe, emphasising the importance of appreciating the rarity of life, whilst exploring fundamental questions about the universe and human existence.Learn more about
RUTGER BREGMAN is fighting a battle against moral apathy
Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, author, and public intellectual renowned for his progressive ideas on social and economic reform. Rutger advocates for channeling ambition into social impact, encouraging career shifts toward solving major problems. He promotes ideas like universal basic income, effective altruism, and combating factory farming.Watch the Profit For Good conference live stream f
ELIZABETH BARNES: is disability a burden or a blessing?
Elizabeth Barnes is an author and Professor of philosophy at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, she reflects on her unconventional journey into philosophy, and her experience living with disabilities. Learn more about Elizabeth and read her books!Donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchDonate to The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson'sKeep up to date with Pe
THOMAS NAGEL thinks you are wrong about the understanding of the universe
Thomas Nagel is an American philosopher known for exploring consciousness, ethics, and the limits of scientific explanation. He is best known for his essay "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" . Thomas discusses the challenge of understanding the subjective experience, and calls for a broader view of reality that encompasses both mental and physical dimensions. Beyond philosophy of mind, Nagel dis
ARTHUR C. BROOKS: why chasing money and escaping pain won't make you happy
Arthur C. Brooks is an American social scientist, author, and speaker known for his research on happiness, philanthropy, and public policy, and for his work as a former president of the American Enterprise Institute. Arthur leads this discussion exploring the concept of happiness from interdisciplinary perspectives, bridging philosophy, neuroscience, and behavioural science. Read Arthur's column i
ANTONIO DAMASIO: why everything you think you know about consciousness is dead wrong
Antonio Damasio is a Portuguese-American neuroscientist and author renowned for his research on the brain, emotions, and consciousness. Antonio reflects on his groundbreaking work on the brain, the impact of brain injuries on behaviour, and the connection between physical states and mental processes. Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel Barret
SIGAL SAMUEL: why saving strangers might make you a villain
Sigal Samuel is a writer, editor, and journalist known for her work on religion, technology, and ethics. Sigal shares her value-driven approach to life, offering insights into moral decision-making, ethical giving, and the complexities of modern ethical dilemmas. Got an ethical dilemma? reach out to Sigal at her advice column Your Mileage May VaryRead Future Perfect Keep up to date with Peter on S
DAVID DUCHOVNY: the dark secrets behind fame and conspiracy theories
David Duchovny is an actor, writer, director, and musician, best known for his iconic role as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder in The X-Files. David explores the fine line between conspiracy and reality, the ethics of innovation, and the spiritual dimensions of human existence. Listen to David's Podcast! Fail Better with David DuchovnyRead David's Book! Holy CowListen to David's Album! Gesture LandKee
MICHAEL PLANT shares the 2025 World Happiness Report
Michael Plant is the founding director of the Happier Lives Institute, he discusses the concept of happiness, its definitions, and global wellbeing. Michael shares insights from the newly released 2025 World Happiness Report, highlighting effective charities and the role of global happiness in public policy.Read the 2025 World Happiness ReportLearn more about the Happier Lives InstituteLearn about
ANNA LEMBKE on breaking free of addiction
Anna Lembke is an American psychiatrist, addiction expert, and author known for her research and clinical work on substance use, behavioural addictions, and the impact of opioids on the brain.Learn more about Anna Lembke and read her books!Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mih
ROBERT SAPOLSKY tells us why free will is an illusion
Robert Sapolsky is an academic, author, neuroscientist, and primatologist, who has studied wild baboons in Kenya over a 25 year period. Robert explores how stress and social hierarchies affect baboon health and behaviour and how these findings parallel human experiences in societal structures. Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks
SAFEENA HUSAIN wants to educate girls and end intergenerational cycles of poverty
Safeena Husain is the founder of Educate Girls, a non-profit organisation that is focussed on mobilising communities for girls’ education in India’s rural areas. Safeena discusses the critical importance of combating deep-rooted cultural and patriarchal biases in favour of girls' educations, and the widespread issue of 122 million girls globally not in school and the dire consequences th
PROFIT FOR GOOD: building businesses that donate 100% of their profits to charity
Adam McCurdie and Josh Ross, founders of Humanitix, and Alex Amouyel, CEO of Newman's Own Foundation talk about whether the example their companies set can transform capitalism.Find out more about Newman's OwnFind out more about HumanitixKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihik
MOBY on fame, punk rock activism, and animal liberation
Moby is a musician, songwriter, author, and animal rights activist. Moby explores the intersection of making groundbreaking music, and the philosophical & ethical implications of animal rights activism, offering a profound look at how personal experiences and cultural paradigms shape our choices and advocacy. Find out more about MobyKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with
RICHARD LAYARD: are governments keeping you unhappy?
Richard Layard is a British Labour Economist, a member of the House of Lords, and co-editor of the World Happiness Report. Layard highlights the role of life satisfaction and wellbeing in government policy, and the importance of addressing mental health through public initiatives. He speaks to his research findings on wellbeing, including the the influence of genetic, environmental, and cultural d
KAKENYA NTAIYA will not stop fighting the war against female genial mutilation
Kakenya Ntaiya is a Maasia Woman and Kenyan advocate for girls' education and women's rights. Kakenya discusses her fight against female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriage, and her quest for education. Learn more about Kakenya's Dream and ways you can support this organisation.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our vo
why ADAM GRANT thinks you are wrong about your life choices
Adam Grant is an organisational psychologist and bestselling author who explores the science of motivation, generosity, rethinking, and potential. He is a leading expert on how we can find motivation and meaning, rethink assumptions, and live more generous and creative lives. Adam Grant reflects upon his early years as a magician to his accomplishments in academia. He shares insights into the diff
forgiving the unforgivable, how Holocaust survivor EDITH EGER turns trauma into triumph
Holocaust survivor Edith Eger shares her emotional journey of surviving Auschwitz, her encounter with Josef Mengele, and how she became known as the 'Ballerina of Auschwitz.' Edith highlights the slow, evolving process of coming to terms with her past, influenced by Viktor Frankl's work, and how she uses her traumatic experiences to help others as a psychologist, transforming trauma into a source
STEVEN PINKER: society's biggest lies exposed!
Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, linguist, and author known for his research on language, the mind, and human nature, as well as his books arguing that humanity is becoming less violent over time. Pinker is frequently cited as one of the most influential thinkers of his time. Pinker discusses the role of nuclear weapons in maintaining global peace, and the moral and eth
CHARLIE BRESLER: from millionaire to philanthropist
Charlie Bresler is an American former business executive and co‑founder of the nonprofit The Life You Can Save, where he helps promote effective philanthropy and efforts to alleviate extreme global poverty.If you are interested in donating this giving season, consider these nonprofits:Development Media International (The Life You Can Save)Unlimit Health (end parasitic disease)Keep up to date with
JOYCE CAROL OATES is not interested in a life well lived
Joyce Carol Oates is an American author and professor known for her prolific and versatile writing, including novels, short stories, and essays that often explore themes of identity, violence, and the darker aspects of American life, and she has been a finalist for the Pulitzer for Fiction five times. Joyce presents a unique view and challenges the core themes of this podcast, noting her focu
LISA FELDMAN BARRETT: everything you know about the brain is wrong!
Lisa Feldman Barrett is a neuroscientist, psychologist, and author known for her groundbreaking research on how emotions are created by the brain rather than simply triggered by external events. She has challenged traditional views of emotion and helped establish new ways of understanding the construction of emotional experiences.Lisa talks about how the brain's processes can help overcome anxiety
MURALI DORAISWAMY: understanding the complexity of mental illness
Murali Doraiswamy is a prominent Indian‑trained physician and neuroscientist who is a professor of psychiatry and medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, in his work he advises governments, biotech companies, and global health organisations on neuroscience and aging research. Murali explores the complex definitions and criteria for diagnosing mental illness and its prevalence worldwide, al
SAM HARRIS: breaking through the illusion of consciousness and free will
Sam Harris is an American philosopher, neuroscientist, author, and host of Making Sense. Sam discusses his profound ethical realisations under the effects of MDMA, the illusion of self, and the ethical implications of free will.Learn more about Sam HarrisListen to Sam's Podcast MAKING SENSEKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to
PAUL BLOOM: the hidden truth about empathy and why your good intentions are flawed
Paul Bloom is a Canadian psychologist and author known for his research on human morality, empathy, and how pleasure and suffering shape our lives. Paul gets into the intricacies of morality, and debates the importance of reason over emotion in making moral decisions, he argues for the power of reason to help distinguish between rational and irrational reactions.Learn more about Paul BloomKeep up
XIMENA ABOGABIR: living to 100, a miracle or a misery?
Ximena Abogabir is a Chilean journalist, environmentalist, and social activist. Ximena discusses how society needs to reshape its cultural perceptions, and overcome stereotypes around ageing.Learn more about Ximena! Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers! Mihika Chechi and Hendrik DahlmeierSpecial
JONATHAN HAIDT: why social media might be more dangerous than we think
Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and author of New York Times bestsellers 'The Righteous Mind', and 'The Coddling of the American Mind'. His latest book 'The Anxious Generation', argues that the rise of smartphones and overprotective parenting have led to a "rewiring" of childhood and a rise in mental illness. Haidt discusses legislative accountability of the social media compani
A.J. JACOBS exposes why living biblically means stoning adulterers!
A.J. Jacobs is an author, humourist and journalist, who has written four New York Times bestsellers. Jacobs discusses his unique life as a 'human guinea pig,' exploring different ways of living through immersive year-long experiments such as living according to all biblical rules, and living like America's Founding Fathers. A.J. discusses his motivations behind these experiments, and re
Debunking Happiness with MATTHIEU RICARD "the world's happiest man"
Matthieu Ricard is often referred to as the "world's happiest man. Since 1989, he has acted as the French interpreter for the 14th Dalai Lama. Ricard shares insights from his life as a Buddhist monk, including his rigorous meditation practices, his experiences with spiritual masters, and his thoughts on living a meaningful life through the interconnectedness of all beings. Learn more about Ma
FRANCES KISSLING: the nun who challenged The Vatican
Frances Kissling is an American bioethicist and longtime reproductive rights advocate, best known for her leadership of Catholics for Choice and her work on ethics, religion, and women’s health. Kissling discusses her work as a pro-choice activist, and the complexities of balancing Catholic values with her advocacy for women's rights and reproductive freedom.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackK
TYLER COWEN thinks we should worry about wolves more than climate change
Tyler Cowen is an American economist, writer, and public intellectual best known for his work on cultural economics, economic growth, and for co-hosting the podcast Conversations with Tyler. Tyler gets into speculation around the existence and visitation of aliens to Earth, AI's impact on future technology, climate change, and animal welfare.Learn more about Tyler at Marginal Revolution If you are
DUI TOLEDO: why ditching your phone could be the ultimate freedom
Dui Toledo discusses his personal philosophy on living a good life, including his 105-hour rule to manage time efficiently, and his perspectives on ethics, morality, and living a life well-lived.Learn more about DuiIf you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREONKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel Barrettspecial thanks
KATE GRANT: forgotten women and the untold tragedy of obstetric fistula
Kate Grant is the longtime CEO of the Fistula Foundation, known for transforming it into a global leader in treating obstetric fistula and advancing women’s health in some of the world’s poorest countries. Kate emphasises the transformative power of fistula surgery and the importance of addressing structural inequalities to make a lasting impact on women's health.Learn more about Kate the Fistula
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