Philosophy

Writer and lecturer Susan Cain explores the evolutionary reasons behind sadness in our lives and how accepting sorrow can lead to greater emotional resilience and creativity.

from Life Examined

Scientist Sandra Langeslag explains strategies for overcoming heartbreak. Writer Aimee Lutkin explores singledom and why her identity is so tied to her relationship status.

from Life Examined

Science writer Florence Williams provides a personal and scientific perspective on heartbreak. She says “it’s like a death, but without the body.”

The anatomy of heartbreak

Science writer Florence Williams provides a personal and scientific perspective on heartbreak. She says “it’s like a death, but without the body.”

from Life Examined

Psychiatrist and psychologist Mark Epstein talks about how Buddhist practices and teachings have shaped and influenced him as a practitioner of modern psychotherapy.

Bringing Buddhism to the therapist’s couch

Psychiatrist and psychologist Mark Epstein talks about how Buddhist practices and teachings have shaped and influenced him as a practitioner of modern psychotherapy.

from Life Examined

Minimalism is the hot trend these days.

The history and practice of minimalism

Minimalism is the hot trend these days.

from Life Examined

Minimalists were all about perception — seeing something that was beautiful in a different way.

How space, place, and clutter impact our mood

Minimalists were all about perception — seeing something that was beautiful in a different way.

from Life Examined

Philosopher and writer Alain de Botton shares his thoughts on the complexities of love and relationships and the acceptance of imperfection.

Alain de Botton and the complexity of modern day love

Philosopher and writer Alain de Botton shares his thoughts on the complexities of love and relationships and the acceptance of imperfection.

from Life Examined

Turning the page on a new year, Pico Iyer and Vrajaprana share insights on human frailty and spirituality from authors Graham Greene and Swami Vivekananda.

Prospects for optimism, with Pico Iyer and Vrajaprana

Turning the page on a new year, Pico Iyer and Vrajaprana share insights on human frailty and spirituality from authors Graham Greene and Swami Vivekananda.

from Life Examined

Jonathan Bastian talks with psychologist Paul Bloom about the role that hardship and pain play in living a good life.

Can pain and suffering sweeten our lives?

Jonathan Bastian talks with psychologist Paul Bloom about the role that hardship and pain play in living a good life.

from Life Examined

In her new book, “ Machiavelli for Women: Defend Your Worth, Grow Your Ambition and Win the Workplace ,” NPR host and reporter Stacey Vanek Smith suggests a more realistic and…

Lessons from Machiavelli

In her new book, “ Machiavelli for Women: Defend Your Worth, Grow Your Ambition and Win the Workplace ,” NPR host and reporter Stacey Vanek Smith suggests a more realistic and…

from Life Examined

The power of communication isn’t as simple as saying what you mean.

The power of style: How speech and fashion impact gender equality

The power of communication isn’t as simple as saying what you mean.

from Life Examined

Jonathan Bastian talks with Susan Orlean about our love and relationship with animals.

Why humans love, use, and abuse animals

Jonathan Bastian talks with Susan Orlean about our love and relationship with animals.

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

Advances in machine learning A.I. have brought vast changes to our society. Smart tech can help scientists and engineers sift through vast amounts of data.

Can Alexa tackle the meaning of life?

Advances in machine learning A.I. have brought vast changes to our society. Smart tech can help scientists and engineers sift through vast amounts of data.

from Life Examined

Most of us live busy lives. Between emails, texts, work, family, and friends, it’s easy to get bombarded by obligations and invitations.

How and why it’s time to start saying ‘no’

Most of us live busy lives. Between emails, texts, work, family, and friends, it’s easy to get bombarded by obligations and invitations.

from Life Examined

When we buy a new phone, bike, or car, we instinctively want all the bells and whistles.

How to solve problems and create balance by subtraction

When we buy a new phone, bike, or car, we instinctively want all the bells and whistles.

from Life Examined

For Indigenous cultures around the globe, the sense of belonging to something vast and beyond comprehension is deeply woven into their heritage. Dr.

How awe cultivates community in Indigenous cultures

For Indigenous cultures around the globe, the sense of belonging to something vast and beyond comprehension is deeply woven into their heritage. Dr.

from Life Examined

Awe or wonderment is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.

The science of wonder — and why it’s good for us

Awe or wonderment is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.

from Life Examined

Despite increasing longevity, old age can present overwhelming challenges; the loss of mobility, cognitive decline, hearing and sight loss and increased dependence on others can result…

Is wisdom the key to successful old age?

Despite increasing longevity, old age can present overwhelming challenges; the loss of mobility, cognitive decline, hearing and sight loss and increased dependence on others can result…

from Life Examined

KCRW’s Jonathan Bastian talks with renowned Buddhist teacher and psychologist Tara Brach about meditation, mindfulness, and trusting our “inner gold.”

Renowned psychologist Tara Brach on the power of Buddhism in modern therapy

KCRW’s Jonathan Bastian talks with renowned Buddhist teacher and psychologist Tara Brach about meditation, mindfulness, and trusting our “inner gold.”

from Life Examined