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PODCAST

Life Examined

Life Examined is a one-hour weekly podcast exploring psychology, philosophy, spirituality — and finding meaning in the modern world. The show is hosted by Jonathan Bastian.

society & culture

All Episodes

00:51:58

Raising minors: Prioritizing our children’s future...

Life Examined ·

2023/04/01

Legal scholar Adam Benforado explains how prioritizing our children’s future is the least costly and most effective way to address the major problems we face, whether that's poverty, or health or crime. Later, education reform specialist John Rogers says an increase in violent and hostile rhetoric within the public school system damages democracy and psychologist Erika Felix discusses the impact of gun violence, stress and trauma has on kids.

en-us

00:43:58

Nature’s gifts: The hidden life of trees and the joy...

Life Examined ·

2023/03/25

German forester and author Peter Wohlleben explains how trees have a sophisticated method of communication and the ability to feel and heal. Author Susan Orlean talks about our love and relationship with animals, and what our fascination with them tells us about ourselves.

en-us

00:51:59

Understanding success — and why talent and ability...

Life Examined ·

2023/03/18

Hungarian-born network scientist and author of “The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success,” Albert-László Barabási, explains the disconnect between performance and success, and provides a better understanding of what success really is.

en-us

00:52:58

Defining life and personhood: What science,...

Life Examined ·

2023/03/11

Geneticist Amander Clark and religion, culture, and gender studies professor Samira Mehta discuss how science and religion define when human life begins. Later, bioethicist and philosopher Nancy Jecker reflects on the moral, ethical, and practical challenges of defining personhood.

en-us

00:52:29

Wintering and enchantment: A pathway to healing and...

Life Examined ·

2023/03/04

British author Katherine May offers some (heart)warming advice on winter and explores simple ways to rediscover the joy of enchantment.

en-us

00:52:00

The beauty of games and the dark side of gamification

Life Examined ·

2023/02/25

Win or lose — the art and nature of games have a deeper impact on our lives than we might imagine. What’s the appeal, and what do we learn about ourselves?

en-us

00:52:27

Black poetry and the unearthing of forgotten histories

Life Examined ·

2023/02/18

Black writers and poets Quraysh Ali Lansana and Ishion Hutchinson share how their poetry is shaped by history, tradition, and the unearthing of forgotten histories.

en-us

00:52:28

Author Brad Stulberg on peak performance strategies...

Life Examined ·

2023/02/11

Coach and author Brad Stulberg examines the science behind reaching our full potential, whether it be at work or in our personal lives. And shares his very personal story about getting diagnosed with OCD later in life.

en-us

00:52:58

The miracle and mystery of awe: Why it’s good for...

Life Examined ·

2023/02/04

Psychologist and author Dacher Keltner shares the science and mysteries surrounding awe, and suggests we make finding awe part of our daily lives.

en-us

00:51:29

In search of happiness: The secrets and science...

Life Examined ·

2023/01/28

Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, unlocks some of the secrets discovered via 80 years of research on happiness. Later, UCLA Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making Cassie Holmes reflects on how those who make the most of their time can be happie

en-us

00:52:28

In search of paradise—and why travel writer Pico Iyer...

Life Examined ·

2023/01/21

Renowned travel writer and author Pico Iyer reflects on how different cultures and peoples see life and death and find their own versions of happiness and paradise.

en-us

00:52:59

The art of travel: A vagabond’s joys, essence, and...

Life Examined ·

2023/01/14

Traveler and author Rolf Potts shares his philosophy on meaningful travel and how embracing the unexpected can change us for the better.

en-us

00:52:29

Why humans are kinder than at you think: The...

Life Examined ·

2023/01/07

Historian and author Rutger Bregman examines the science and the history behind human nature and argues that the human mind is wired to be good.

en-us

00:51:26

Poet David Whyte; on writing the unspeakable

Life Examined ·

2022/12/24

Host Jonathan Bastian talks with David Whyte about the power of the written and spoken word. Whyte, a poet, philosopher, and speaker, discusses his latest collection of poems, “Still Possible,” in which he continues to explore vulnerability, relationships, and “the conversational nature of reality.”

en-us

00:51:59

Playing the status game, and why we can’t hide from it

Life Examined ·

2022/12/17

Journalist and author Will Storr explains how status influences everything we do. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we all seek to be of value and feel accepted. Author Chuck Thompson says today’s status ideals have shifted; status is not reflected in the clothes you wear, but more about what you do for society.

en-us

00:44:14

The science of friendship and the value of listening

Life Examined ·

2022/12/10

Science journalist and author Lydia Denworth explains the value of friendship and what we can learn from primates about the value of social bonds. Author, public speaker, and podcast host Oscar Trimboli explains the science behind listening and provides tips on how we learn to listen well and pay attention.

en-us

00:51:46

‘It’s just part of my identity’: Narratives and...

Life Examined ·

2022/12/03

Philosopher and writer Chloé Jones explains how recognizing and appreciating moments of beauty in the world around her helped her come to terms with her own body and self-perception. Professor Shailen M. Singh says society needs to embrace a more equitable, inclusive, and humanizing approach, especially towards children with disabilities.

en-us

00:51:45

What’s meditation really about? Specialist Sharon...

Life Examined ·

2022/11/26

Jonathan Bastian talks with Sharon Salzberg educator, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, and author of several best selling books including “Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom,” about her early life traveling to India and discovering meditation, and the “unparalleled” sense of learning she discovered while studying under S.N. Goenka and others. “I think back to some of those conversations, because the retreats were not completely silent in those days,” Salzberg

en-us

00:52:29

The art of quitting: Is there wisdom in walking away?

Life Examined ·

2022/11/19

Jonathan Bastian talks with Annie Duke, corporate speaker, former poker player, and author of “Quit: The Power Of Knowing When To Walk Away” about how poker informed her decision making. Duke sees quitting a vital skill and shares some of her tools and strategies. Whether you're an athlete, partner, or employee, Duke provides a better understanding when to quit and when to show grit. “There's no doubt that my previous life as a professional poker player, which went from 1994 to 2012, definitely

en-us

00:51:47

Autism “it's not a disease, it's a different way of...

Life Examined ·

2022/11/12

Psychologist and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at King's College in London Francesca Happe talks about the progress in autism diagnosis especially in women and dispels some of the myths. Podcaster and writer Lauren Ober shares the story of her own later-in-life autism diagnosis.

en-us

335 results

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