Lives 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 Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 related to public speaking, and the construction of social reality. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 his views on the importance of love and intellect. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 revolutionary change. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 recounts his experiences with radical honesty, and biblical literalism. This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout! Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 industry's marketing strategies. learn more about Marion and read her blog Food Politics This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout! Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 song 'The Sound of Silence,' written at age 21. Simon reflects on his creative process, the evolution of his music over decades, his 33-minute piece 'Seven Psalms,' and the nature of musical inspiration. He contemplates his legacy, personal happiness, and the influence of other musicians on his life. This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout! Listen to NPR Saving Lives with Fewer Dollars and learn more about GiveWell Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 to face the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Abuse. Minchin also shares his deterministic worldview, and views on happiness and purpose. Learn more about Tim and read his books and listen to his music This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout! Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 more about Shermin and read her books! Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 intelligence reveals about human behaviour, relationships, and society. Vanessa and Brian discuss their book 'Survival of the Friendliest,' which posits that friendliness, rather than aggression or intelligence, has been key to human success. Learn more about Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods and read their books! Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Happiness Listen to their podcast Hack Your Happiness Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 beneficial and the pitfalls of having too many choices in life. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 marginalised communities. Read Mariann Budde's book How We Learn To Be Brave Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 with meaningful work and how to inspire others toward effective giving. 10% Pledge: https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/pledge Trial Pledge: https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/get-involved/trial-pledge Comparing charities (100x multiplier): https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/charity-comparisons The School for Moral Ambition:  https://www.moralambition.org/ Moral Ambition Community: https://www.moralambition.org/community Profit for Good: https://www.moralambition.org/profit-for-good  Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Ape Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 generations to make a positive impact on the world. Keep up to date with Peter! Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the Australian Parliament for 22 years, focusing on issues such as science, climate change, and public infrastructure. Now in his nineties, he remains an active voice in national debates on science, education, democracy and climate change. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 tragic circumstances. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.