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!

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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!

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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!

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Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut are Canadian teen sisters, entrepreneurs, and founders of Small Bits of Happiness, a social enterprise dedicated to improving teen and family well-being. Known for their youthful yet insightful approach, The Korngut sisters use their own experiences to inspire a generation to find joy in small consistent acts.

Learn more about Mercedes and Anastasia at Small Bits of Happiness

Listen to their podcast Hack Your Happiness

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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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Daniel Gilbert is an American social psychologist, author, and professor at Harvard University best known for his research on affective forecasting. His bestselling book Stumbling on Happiness (2006) explores why humans are often poor judges of what will make them happy. Daniel discusses the role of external factors in determining happiness. He debates whether living entirely in the present is beneficial and the pitfalls of having too many choices in life.

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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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Bishop Mariann Budde is the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, known for her progressive leadership and outspoken advocacy on social justice and persistently standing for truth and compassion amid political challenges. Bishop Budde speaks about her role as a spiritual leader who blends faith with activism to advocate for unity, justice, and mercy, especially for marginalised communities.

Read Mariann Budde's book How We Learn To Be Brave

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

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Julia & Sjir are dedicated to making a global impact. Sjir describes how a 2015 TED Talk by Peter on effective altruism inspired his involvement with organisations like Giving What We Can, which promotes effective philanthropy. Julia shares her journey to co-founding the School for Moral Ambition, and aligning her career with her values. Their discussion explores how to balance personal life with meaningful work and how to inspire others toward effective giving.

• 10% Pledge: https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/pledge
• Trial Pledge: https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/get-involved/trial-pledge
• Comparing charities (100x multiplier): https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/charity-comparisons
• The School for Moral Ambition:  https://www.moralambition.org/
• Moral Ambition Community: https://www.moralambition.org/community
• Profit for Good: https://www.moralambition.org/profit-for-good 

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Christine Webb is a primatologist and scholar. In her new book 'The Arrogant Ape,' she challenges the notion of human exceptionalism. Christine shares insights from her work in primatology including the ethical implications of understanding animals' mental lives, and the broader impact of unlearning human superiority on our coexistence with nature.

read Christine's book The Arrogant Ape

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

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Jane Goodall died this week at the age of 91. To mark her exceptional life we are re-releasing our truly fantastic episode that was recorded at her family home in England over a year ago..

Jane recounts her journey from a curious child to activist, and her lifelong dedication to understanding and reshaping scientific views on animal behaviours.

Jane's legacy will continue to inspire future generations to make a positive impact on the world.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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