Life Examined

Life Examined

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.

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…

Understanding success — and why talent and ability are not always key

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…

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.

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.

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.

Black poetry and the unearthing of forgotten histories

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.

Coach and author Brad Stulberg examines the science behind reaching our full potential, whether it be at work or in our personal lives.

Author Brad Stulberg on peak performance strategies and overcoming OCD

Coach and author Brad Stulberg examines the science behind reaching our full potential, whether it be at work or in our personal lives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Science journalist and author Lydia Denworth explains the value of friendship and what we can learn from primates about the value of social bonds.

The science of friendship and the value of listening

Science journalist and author Lydia Denworth explains the value of friendship and what we can learn from primates about the value of social bonds.

Philosopher and author of “Easy Beauty” Chloé Jones talks about how natural beauty helped her come to terms with her own body and how she is viewed by others.

‘Disability is an identity’: One woman comes to terms with her own physical shortcomings

Philosopher and author of “Easy Beauty” Chloé Jones talks about how natural beauty helped her come to terms with her own body and how she is viewed by others.

Professor in the Department of Occupational, Workforce, & Leadership Studies at Texas State University, Professor Shailen M.

Disability: A father’s desire to define kids for who they are instead of who they’re not

Professor in the Department of Occupational, Workforce, & Leadership Studies at Texas State University, Professor Shailen M.

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.

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.

Podcast host and executive producer of The Loudest Girl In The World Lauren Ober chronicles her later-in-life autism diagnosis and how it changed her life.

Discovering your autistism later in life

Podcast host and executive producer of The Loudest Girl In The World Lauren Ober chronicles her later-in-life autism diagnosis and how it changed her life.

Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience Francesca Happe talks about what she has learned over the course of 30 years researching and working with autism.

Autism is a different way of being, not a disease

Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience Francesca Happe talks about what she has learned over the course of 30 years researching and working with autism.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Moss describes how food companies manufacture cheap processed products designed to get us “hooked” and keep us coming back for more.

How food companies keep us hooked

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Moss describes how food companies manufacture cheap processed products designed to get us “hooked” and keep us coming back for more.