Sigal Samuel

Journalist Sigal Samuel and Father Greg Boyle join the conversation on balancing contemplation and action in spiritual life. Samuel outlines the historical tension between active and contemplative spirituality, while discussing how meditation can enhance altruism. Father Boyle shares his transformative work with Homeboy Industries, emphasizing the importance of compassion over empty piety. Both guests advocate for integrating mindfulness into everyday actions, illustrating how presence can improve our capacity to help others in meaningful ways.

In this discussion, Sigal Samuel, a senior reporter at Vox and ethics advisor, navigates a parent's complex question about embryo genetic testing. She dives into the science behind PGTA and polygenic tests that assess embryos. Samuel raises concerns about the societal implications of genetic selection, emphasizing the risk of reducing human diversity. She advocates for a balanced approach, suggesting parents should focus on preventing severe diseases rather than optimizing traits, and encourages case-by-case decision-making free from profit pressures.

In this engaging conversation, Sigal Samuel, a writer and journalist known for her insights on religion and ethics, shares her approach to navigating moral complexities. She discusses the limitations of optimizing morality within a utilitarian framework and advocates for a balance between moral values and personal fulfillment. Sigal also reflects on her evolution from a scarcity mindset to embracing philanthropy, emphasizing the joy of self-care and the importance of community connections in ethical decision-making.

Umair Irfan, a science reporter for Vox, and Sigal Samuel, a senior reporter for Vox's Future Perfect, dive into the implications of the Omicron variant. They discuss how its high transmissibility could actually make COVID-19 less severe. The hosts explore the ongoing transition from pandemic to endemic, highlighting advancements in treatments and testing. They also address public attitudes toward safety measures and examine the importance of continued vigilance, even amidst hopes for normalcy.

In this insightful conversation, Vox reporter Sigal Samuel dives into COVID-19 anxiety and its lingering effects. She shares the common feelings of trepidation many face as they navigate returning to social activities. The discussion touches on the complex emotions tied to reintegrating into society, concerns about mental health, and the challenges of adapting to new social norms. Sigal also highlights the impact of inconsistent public health messaging on trust and addresses the evolving landscape of social connections in a post-pandemic world.