KCRW's Life Examined is a one-hour weekly show exploring science, philosophy, faith — and finding meaning in the modern world. The show is hosted by Jonathan Bastian. Please tune in Saturdays at 9 a.m., or find it as a podcast.
This week, Brad Stulberg writer and author of “The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success that Feeds – Not Crushes – Your Soul” on behavioral action and why the…
UC Berkeley professor Jennifer Chatman and clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula explain what narcissism is and looks like and the perceived propensity for it within leadership and…
This week, clinical psychologist and Buddhist teacher Tara Brach on activism and how easy it is to unintentionally absorb the hate and anger leveled at others.
Paul Bloom, psychologist and author of “Psyche: The Story of the Human Mind” and “The Sweet Spot,” reflects on the relevance and controversy surrounding Sigmund Freud.
This week, Denis McManus, professor of philosophy at the University of Southampton reflects on authenticity and the allure of being true to ourselves and suggests that while…
Kenneth Miller, writer and author of Mapping the Darkness; The Visionary Scientists Who Unlocked The Mysteries of Sleep, looks at the history and mysteries surrounding sleep and why it…
This week, corporate speaker, former professional poker player and author of “Quit: The Power Of Knowing When To Walk Away, ” Annie Duke says knowing when to quit can be helpful when…
Splintering: When a divorce and first child arrive together
Leslie Jamison, writer and author of “Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story,” reflects on the end of her marriage months after the birth of her daughter.
Casper ter Kuile, author and co-founder of Nearness, discusses the meaning and value of building community, coming together, and practical tips for forging meaningful connections.
This week, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Indigenous ecologist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass speaks about the virtues of moss and how one of the smallest and humblest plants on the planet…
‘Re-sparkling’: The science behind embracing variety and rejecting habituation
MIT cognitive scientist and author Tali Sharot delves into the science behind habituation and how breaking up habits and routines can help reset our brains.
This week, Anna Lembke, addiction specialist at Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic , and author of “ Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence ,”…
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.
Heartbreak and divorce: reflections on endings, healing, and self-discovery
Los Angeles Times columnist Todd Martens and author Matthew Fray open up about their painful journeys through heartbreak and divorce and offer insights into personal growth and what it…
This week, philosopher and writer Alain de Botton says, simple as it sounds, there's nothing more enduring and attractive in a partner than being fully and completely heard and…
Addicted to distraction: How our world is robbing our ability to pay attention
Data scientist and psychologist Gloria Mark shares the latest research on our diminishing attention spans and explains why our increasingly distracted lives can impact our health and…
This week, clinical psychologist and Buddhist teacher Tara Brach on suffering, the negativity bias and why it’s a good idea not to overly fixate on the negative in our lives.
Facing death without God: Spiritual care in the final hours of a death row inmate
Humanist Chaplain Devin Moss describes his year-long journey providing spiritual care for an atheist death row inmate, leading up to and during his execution carried out by the State…
