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 Sundays at 9 a.m., or find it as a podcast.

This week, Brad Stulberg writer and author of “Master Of Change: How To Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You,” shares hopeful observations from the aftermath of Hurricane…

Midweek Reset: On Trauma and Resiliency

This week, Brad Stulberg writer and author of “Master Of Change: How To Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You,” shares hopeful observations from the aftermath of Hurricane…

Author and palliative care doctor Sunita Puri reflects on the hope that sustains life; endurance athlete and author Alex Hutchinson explores human endurance.

The edge of death: Unraveling the mysteries of human resilience

Author and palliative care doctor Sunita Puri reflects on the hope that sustains life; endurance athlete and author Alex Hutchinson explores human endurance.

This week MIT cognitive scientist and author Tali Sharot reflects on how variety and breaking up routines and habits can help foster a reset and restore joy in our lives.

Midweek Reset: On Variety

This week MIT cognitive scientist and author Tali Sharot reflects on how variety and breaking up routines and habits can help foster a reset and restore joy in our lives.

Astronomer and author Kelsey Johnson delves into the significance of exploring existential questions and nurturing curiosity to cultivate a deeper connection with the cosmos.

Exploring the cosmos: Astronomer Kelsey Johnson helps unravel the mysteries of the universe

Astronomer and author Kelsey Johnson delves into the significance of exploring existential questions and nurturing curiosity to cultivate a deeper connection with the cosmos.

Traveler and author Pico Iyer explains what makes Japan so unique and why he’s made it his home.

The Japanese art of happiness: From ikigai, to ritual, to embracing old age

Traveler and author Pico Iyer explains what makes Japan so unique and why he’s made it his home.

Writer and author Katherine May shares her love for winter, and explains why it is time for both joy and sadness.

Winter wisdom: Katherine May on grief, loss, and the power of celebration

Writer and author Katherine May shares her love for winter, and explains why it is time for both joy and sadness.

Author Brad Stulberg shares hopeful observations from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, while also reflecting on the growing masculinity crisis.

Tragic optimism and the male identity crisis with Brad Stulberg

Author Brad Stulberg shares hopeful observations from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, while also reflecting on the growing masculinity crisis.

Writer and psychologist Andrew Solomon shares his research about the impact of social media on the escalating youth suicide crisis.

Is digital addiction fuelling a teen suicide crisis?

Writer and psychologist Andrew Solomon shares his research about the impact of social media on the escalating youth suicide crisis.

This week British author Raynor Winn reflects on healing, hope and resilience.

Midweek Reset: Finding a way (or path)

This week British author Raynor Winn reflects on healing, hope and resilience.

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.”

This week Rabbi Steve Leder on why we should consider what we leave those closest to us when we die to include a legacy letter or ‘ethical will.’

Midweek Reset: On legacy letters

This week Rabbi Steve Leder on why we should consider what we leave those closest to us when we die to include a legacy letter or ‘ethical will.’

Botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses her new book “The Serviceberry,” explaining how this plant serves as a metaphor for living in a “gift economy.”

The Serviceberry’: Robin Wall Kimmerer’s guide to the gift economy

Botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses her new book “The Serviceberry,” explaining how this plant serves as a metaphor for living in a “gift economy.”

This week clinical psychologist and author Dacher Keltner delves into the science and mysteries surrounding awe and shares that awe is not just found in nature or music but most often…

Midweek Reset: On Awe

This week clinical psychologist and author Dacher Keltner delves into the science and mysteries surrounding awe and shares that awe is not just found in nature or music but most often…

Leah Penniman and Reverend Lennox Yearwood share their passion for farming and explore the shifting landscape in the fight for environmental and racial justice.

Leah Penniman and Reverend Lennox Yearwood on food, farming, faith, and hip-hop

Leah Penniman and Reverend Lennox Yearwood share their passion for farming and explore the shifting landscape in the fight for environmental and racial justice.

This week clinical psychologist George Bonanno at Columbia University explores resilience and challenges some traditional notions about trauma and says that humans are far better at…

Midweek Reset: On Resilience

This week clinical psychologist George Bonanno at Columbia University explores resilience and challenges some traditional notions about trauma and says that humans are far better at…

Author Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtues of doing good, emphasizing that acting with integrity and making the right choices are always within our control.

Ryan Holiday: A Stoics guide to doing the right thing

Author Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtues of doing good, emphasizing that acting with integrity and making the right choices are always within our control.

Sharon McMahon and Michael Morris delve into the importance of history and elections, tribalism, and hope — addressing why they are often misunderstood.

Breaking beyond tribalism and apathy: The brighter side of politics

Sharon McMahon and Michael Morris delve into the importance of history and elections, tribalism, and hope — addressing why they are often misunderstood.

This week Oliver Burkeman journalist and author of “Meditations for Mortals” discusses the complexities of trying to be perfect in an imperfect world.

Midweek Reset: The Art of the Imperfect

This week Oliver Burkeman journalist and author of “Meditations for Mortals” discusses the complexities of trying to be perfect in an imperfect world.

“Meditations for Mortals” author Oliver Burkeman discusses the complexities of happiness, well-being, and productivity.

Oliver Burkeman and the art of imperfectionism

“Meditations for Mortals” author Oliver Burkeman discusses the complexities of happiness, well-being, and productivity.

This week Kate Murphy, journalist and author of “ You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters,” sheds some light on the value of true friendships, why quality is often…

Midweek Reset: On Friendship

This week Kate Murphy, journalist and author of “ You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters,” sheds some light on the value of true friendships, why quality is often…