Lisa Feldman Barrett is a neuroscientist, psychologist, and author known for her groundbreaking research on how emotions are created by the brain rather than simply triggered by external events. She has challenged traditional views of emotion and helped establish new ways of understanding the construction of emotional experiences.

Lisa talks about how the brain's processes can help overcome anxiety related to public speaking, and the construction of social reality.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Professor. Yuval Noah Harari is a historian, philosopher, and the bestselling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. His books have sold over 45 Million copies in 65 languages, and he is considered one of the world’s most influential public intellectuals today.

Yuval discusses the the main victims of history throughout the ages, and what was arguably the worst crime in history, and gives his views on the importance of love and intellect.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Ingrid Newkirk is an author, activist, and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world's largest animal rights organisation. Ingrid discusses PETA's achievements, and the compromises she has had to make in order to reduce the vast universe of suffering that humans inflict on animals, and how these ideals could be implemented throughout society to enable revolutionary change.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Daniel Kahneman was an Israeli-American psychologist, awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, and his work revolutionised our understanding of human decision-making.

This is Kahneman's last public interview before his death on March 27, 2024.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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A.J. Jacobs is an author, humourist and journalist, who has written four New York Times bestsellers. Jacobs discusses his unique life as a 'human guinea pig,' exploring different ways of living through immersive year-long experiments such as living according to all biblical rules, and living like America's Founding Fathers. A.J. discusses his motivations behind these experiments, and recounts his experiences with radical honesty, and biblical literalism.

This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Marion Nestle is a leading American nutritionist, academic, and public health advocate who became a public figure at 66 with her book 'Food Politics'. Nestle is best known for exposing how food industry politics, and lobbying shape what people eat, and how nutrition science is used. Marion discusses her dietary habits, and gives her opinion on ultra-processed foods, and a critique on the food industry's marketing strategies.

learn more about Marion and read her blog Food Politics

This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Paul Simon is an American singer-songwriter and one of the most influential figures in modern music, with songs like The Sound of Silence, Mrs. Robinson, and Bridge Over Troubled Water, Paul is known for his intricate songwriting, poetic lyricism, and music that explores spirituality, memory, and the human condition.

Paul shares insights into his legendary songwriting career, focusing on his iconic song 'The Sound of Silence,' written at age 21. Simon reflects on his creative process, the evolution of his music over decades, his 33-minute piece 'Seven Psalms,' and the nature of musical inspiration. He contemplates his legacy, personal happiness, and the influence of other musicians on his life.

This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout!

Listen to NPR Saving Lives with Fewer Dollars and learn more about GiveWell

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Tim Minchin is an Australian comedian, writer, and musician, known for his satirical wit and deeply philosophical songs that blend existential tenderness with irreverent humour.

Tim reflects on the personal and cultural significance of his iconic songs, including the creation and activist undertones of 'Come Home, Cardinal Pell,' a protest song aimed at urging Cardinal Pell to return to Australia to face the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Abuse. Minchin also shares his deterministic worldview, and views on happiness and purpose.

Learn more about Tim and read his books and listen to his music

This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shermin Kruse is an Iranian-born lawyer, and author of Stoic Empathy. Shermin's work often draws on her experiences growing up during war, navigating cultural exile, and advocating for women, refugees, and cross-cultural dialogue. Kruse differentiates between cognitive and emotional empathy and discusses their applications in various scenarios, including negotiations and conflict resolution.

Learn more about Shermin and read her books!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods are a married scientific duo. Hare is an evolutionary anthropologist and a Duke University professor, known for his research on how dogs evolved to understand humans and what this reveals about cooperation and intelligence. Woods is an author and researcher whose work sits at the intersection of science, empathy, and storytelling, often exploring what animal intelligence reveals about human behaviour, relationships, and society.

Vanessa and Brian discuss their book 'Survival of the Friendliest,' which posits that friendliness, rather than aggression or intelligence, has been key to human success.

Learn more about Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods and read their books!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Stephen West is the creator and host of Philosophize This! a widely acclaimed podcast that makes philosophy accessible, engaging, and emotionally resonant for modern listeners. Steven discusses his approach to philosophy, while connecting big ideas to everyday life, mental health, and meaning in a chaotic world.

Listen to Stephen's podcast Philosophize This!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.