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    Back to Life Examined

    Life Examined

    Less is more: The science and skills behind saying ‘no’

    KCRW’s Jonathan Bastian talks with behavioral scientist Leidy Klotz about his new book ‘ Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less .’

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    By Jonathan Bastian • Aug 28, 2021 • 52m Listen

    KCRW’s Jonathan Bastian talks with behavioral scientist Leidy Klotz about his new book ‘Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less.’ Klotz explains why we need to re-examine our human desire for more, more, more, and why it often prevents us from seeing the easier and more effective solutions. We also hear from Vanessa Patrick, professor of marketing at the University of Houston, on the art and language of saying “No.” Writer Simon Usborne reflects on how gymnast Simon Biles’ and tennis player Naomi Osaka’s decisions to say “No” impact the world of sports and elite athletes, and ultimately, on ourselves.

    In this episode

    2 stories
    1. 0:00

      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. By nature, humans are driven to improve our lives and make things better by adding bigger, better, faster, and all the latest features.

      Read the story
      26 min
    2. 25:57

      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. It’s also easy to have the tendency to say “yes,” even when we can’t or shouldn’t.

      Read the story
      27 min
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Jonathan Bastian

      Host, Life Examined

    • KCRW placeholder

      Andrea Brody

      Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

      CulturePhilosophyScienceMental HealthHealth & Wellness

    In this episode

    2 stories
    1. 0:0026 min

      How to solve problems and create balance by subtraction

    2. 25:5727 min

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

    Back to Life Examined