Jonathan Bastian

Jonathan Bastian

Host, Life Examined

Jonathan Bastian is the creator and host of Life Examined on KCRW. He's an award-winning public radio host, whose work has been recognized by the Associated Press, and Los Angeles Press Club, and others. He has interviewed many leading thinkers, writers and artists, including Jared Diamond, Jack Kornfield, Deepak Chopra, Barbara Kingsolver, Gary Snyder, Ann Patchett, and Oliver Sacks. His work has aired nationally on NPR's All Things Considered and Marketplace. Prior to KCRW, Bastian worked for the NPR affiliate in Louisville, KY, and hosted a public television program that aired across the American Southeast. Aside from his work in media, Bastian holds a masters in counseling psychology, is a licensed therapist (AMFT), and competes in long-distance triathlons across the country.

Jonathan Bastian on KCRW

Philosopher Will MacAskill argues that protecting the future of humanity is the moral priority of our time.

Effective altruism and our collective human heritage

Philosopher Will MacAskill argues that protecting the future of humanity is the moral priority of our time.

from Life Examined

A story of madness, murder, and the tragedy of good intentions.

A perfect childhood, an elite education, and the horror of schizophrenia

A story of madness, murder, and the tragedy of good intentions.

from Life Examined

Pain specialist Mark Sullivan explains the science and history behind physical pain and how the opioid crisis impacted the right to pain relief.

The science, language, and many dimensions of pain

Pain specialist Mark Sullivan explains the science and history behind physical pain and how the opioid crisis impacted the right to pain relief.

from Life Examined

More from KCRW

LA’s annual homeless count determines how resources get distributed to the region’s unhoused residents.

from Greater LA

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.

from Life Examined

LA County, the epicenter of the state’s mental health crisis, is rushing to be one of the first with a CARE Court that could require treatment for mental illness.

from Greater LA

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

from Life Examined

Dr. Gabor Maté’s new book strips back the realities of the neoliberal system that has been plaguing the health of US and the world citizens.

from Scheer Intelligence

Amid the drama in the Kevin McCarthy speakership fight, Rep. Katie Porter sat cooly reading Mark Manson’s “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.” KCRW speaks to the book’s author.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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

from Life Examined

Dementia and Alzheimer’s advocate Teepa Snow discusses best practices and skills for effective care.

from Life Examined

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

from Life Examined