The Good Life: Andrew Leigh in Conversation

Mark Fabian is associate professor of public policy at the University of Warwick, UK. He is also an affiliate researcher at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at Cambridge University, and an associate at the Institute for Social Change at the University of Tasmania. In his latest book he challenges our ideas of happiness. From the hedonic treadmill to self-actualisation, he explains why frustration can be part of a meaningful life, why integrity matters more than productivity, and how to align who you are with who you want to be. A thoughtful guide to living with pleasure, fulfillment, and purpose.

On 11 June 2025, I joined UNSW Professor Toby Walsh on stage in Canberra at an ANU-Canberra Times Meet the Author event, to discuss Toby’s new book “The Shortest History of AI”.

This week New York Times-bestselling author Alex Hutchinson returns to the podcast to talk about his latest book ‘The Explorer's Gene’. 

On 12 March 2025, at an ANU-Canberra Times Meet the Author event, I interviewed Robert Dessaix about his new book ‘Chameleon’. This is a record fourth appearance for Robert on the Good Life podcast (his past fascinating chats are episodes 27, 136 and 172).

Matthew Halteman, a philosophy professor at Calvin University and animal ethics fellow, shares insights from his book 'Hungry Beautiful Animals'. He reflects on a transformative moment with his bulldog, Gus, that shifted his views on food ethics and animal welfare. The conversation dives into the ethical implications of veganism, critiques industrial farming, and emphasizes emotional connections in dietary choices. Halteman also discusses the importance of mental well-being and unconditional love in fostering an ethical life, inspiring listeners to embrace compassionate living.

Shaun Micallef on Laughter, Stepping Up and Stepping Back

Dave Eccles and Tadgh Kennelly on Blokes Bonding on Beaches.   To find out more about WNOW visit https://www.wnow.com.au/ 

Nina Jankowicz and Van Badham on Online Misogyny Nina Jankowicz, American disinformation expert and author of How to Lose the Information War and How to Be a Woman Online, and Van Badham, activist, playwright, and author of QAnon and On discuss disinformation, online harms, and their effect on elections in 2024 and beyond.

Lucas Patchett on front loaders, friends & founding Orange Sky - To volunteer with Orange Sky, go to orangesky.org.au

185. Sean Turnell on Finding Hope in Myanmar's Most Notorious Jail