Philosophy

German forester and author Peter Wohlleben explains how trees have a sophisticated method of communication and the ability to feel and heal.

from Life Examined

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…

from Life Examined

Exploring how science and religion define when human life begins, and the moral, ethical, and practical challenges of defining personhood.

Defining life and personhood: What science, philosophy, and religion have to say

Exploring how science and religion define when human life begins, and the moral, ethical, and practical challenges of defining personhood.

from Life Examined

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

Wintering and enchantment: A pathway to healing and happiness

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

from Life Examined

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

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

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

from Life Examined

Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, unlocks some of the secrets discovered via 80 years of research on happiness.

In search of happiness: The secrets and science behind leading a good life

Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, unlocks some of the secrets discovered via 80 years of research on happiness.

from Life Examined

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.

In search of paradise—and why travel writer Pico Iyer says it may be within

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.

from Life Examined

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

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

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

from Life Examined

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.

Why humans are kinder than at you think: The philosophy of Rutger Bregman

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.

from Life Examined

Host Jonathan Bastian talks with David Whyte about the power of the written and spoken word.

Poet David Whyte; on writing the unspeakable

Host Jonathan Bastian talks with David Whyte about the power of the written and spoken word.

from Life Examined

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.

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

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.

from Life Examined

Life Examined shares the best reads of 2022. From books about joy, heartbreak, and the superpowers of animals, this list has something for everyone.

Life Examined’s Best Reads of 2022

Life Examined shares the best reads of 2022. From books about joy, heartbreak, and the superpowers of animals, this list has something for everyone.

from KCRW's Best of 2022

Educator, meditation specialist, and author Sharon Salzberg shares her personal journey to meditation and how it fundamentally changed her life.

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

Educator, meditation specialist, and author Sharon Salzberg shares her personal journey to meditation and how it fundamentally changed her life.

from Life Examined

Author and former professional poker player Annie Duke explores why quitting should be viewed more favorably and shares some strategies on knowing when to walk away.

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

Author and former professional poker player Annie Duke explores why quitting should be viewed more favorably and shares some strategies on knowing when to walk away.

from Life Examined

Poet and essayist Ross Gay shares stories of joy and theorizes that the experience of joy might possibly be the best tool for uniting and depolarizing us as a people.

Inciting joy: Poet Ross Gay on gardening, grief, and basketball

Poet and essayist Ross Gay shares stories of joy and theorizes that the experience of joy might possibly be the best tool for uniting and depolarizing us as a people.

from Life Examined

Writer, author, and stoic expert Ryan Holiday draws on stories from the ancient stoics and more modern historical figures, like Toni Morrison and Queen Elizabeth II, to make the case…

A stoics guide to discipline and self control

Writer, author, and stoic expert Ryan Holiday draws on stories from the ancient stoics and more modern historical figures, like Toni Morrison and Queen Elizabeth II, to make the case…

from Life Examined

Philosopher Kieran Setiya offers a guide to navigating life’s hardships and living well.

Kieran Setiya: A philosopher’s guide to life’s hardships

Philosopher Kieran Setiya offers a guide to navigating life’s hardships and living well.

from Life Examined

Philosopher and writer Alain de Botton explains the complexities of love and relationships, and what dating apps get wrong in finding the ideal partner.

Recipes for love and happy relationships with philosopher Alain de Botton

Philosopher and writer Alain de Botton explains the complexities of love and relationships, and what dating apps get wrong in finding the ideal partner.

from Life Examined

Psychologist Tracy Dennis Tiwary says anxiety is on the rise, but avoiding emotional distress only makes us weaker, more fragile, and increases anxiety levels.

The surprising upside to confronting your anxiety

Psychologist Tracy Dennis Tiwary says anxiety is on the rise, but avoiding emotional distress only makes us weaker, more fragile, and increases anxiety levels.

from Life Examined

Professor of Philanthropic Studies Tyrone McKinley Freeman tells the story of the life and philanthropic work of Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made Black millionaire.

The gospel of giving and the history of African American philanthropy

Professor of Philanthropic Studies Tyrone McKinley Freeman tells the story of the life and philanthropic work of Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made Black millionaire.

from Life Examined