Lives Well Lived
Peter Singer & Kasia de Lazari Radek
Lives Well Lived is hosted by Peter Singer & Kasia de Lazari Radek. Episodes consist of interviews with remarkable guests who have lived well, both in the sense of living an ethical life, but also in that they are fulfilled and happy with what they have achieved in their lives. Some of these guests will be well-known figures, but others who are doing extraordinary things will be unfamiliar to almost all of our listeners. The conversations will often cover ground that involves ethics, how to live well, and how to make a positive difference in the world. It will inspire and empower its audience to change their own lives for the better.Executive Producer - Rachel Barrett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 6min
DANIEL GILBERT: predicting happiness
Daniel Gilbert, a Harvard social psychologist and bestselling author of 'Stumbling on Happiness,' delves into the complexities of predicting happiness. He shares insights on the impact of external factors and whether living in the moment is truly beneficial. Gilbert discusses the phenomenon of surrogation—using others’ experiences to gauge one's potential happiness—and the paradox of too many choices leading to unhappiness. He also reflects on life planning and highlights the importance of social relationships and the surprising joy children bring.
14 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 54min
BISHOP MARIANN BUDDE: we can be brave
Bishop Mariann Budde, the first female leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, combines faith and activism in her progressive ministry. She discusses the importance of courage aligned with love, sharing moving stories of everyday bravery from her life. Budde explores how relationships can reshape views and emphasizes the moral duty of leaders to advocate for marginalized communities. She also reflects on navigating personal doubts while maintaining faith, and the shared responsibility for social justice and climate action.
17 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 53min
WORKING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE with Julia van Boven & Sjir Hoeijmakers
Join Sjir Hoeijmakers, CEO of Giving What We Can, and Julia van Boven, co-founder of the School for Moral Ambition, as they explore how to make a global impact through effective giving. Sjir shares how a TED Talk ignited his passion for charity evaluation and the powerful 10% pledge. Julia discusses her transition from banking to influence ethics in businesses. They examine the role of community, moral ambition, and how individuals can spark meaningful change, all while balancing personal lives with high-impact work.
Oct 9, 2025 • 57min
CHRISTINE WEBB: challenging human exceptionalism
Christine Webb, a primatologist and author of 'The Arrogant Ape,' dives into the complexity of primate cognition and the implications for human exceptionalism. She shares a transformative encounter with a baboon that shifted her perspective on animal minds. The conversation explores how empathy develops in children, critiques lab research ethics, and challenges the categorization of human intellect. Webb emphasizes the importance of connecting with animals and unlearning narratives of superiority to foster a deeper relationship with nature.
Oct 2, 2025 • 57min
(re-release) JANE GOODALL: recognising the animal as an individual
Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and conservationist, discusses her transformative journey from a curious child to a leading figure in animal behavior studies. She shares insights on the maternal bonds of chimpanzees and their striking similarities to humans. Goodall reflects on her shift towards activism after a pivotal conference, highlighting the importance of ethical treatment of animals. She emphasizes the role of youth in conservation through her Roots & Shoots initiative, urging listeners to embrace activism for personal fulfillment and global change.
18 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 49min
BARRY JONES: champion of humanity
Barry Jones, an Australian polymath and former politician, shares his remarkable journey from quiz show celebrity to humanitarian advocate. He passionately discusses his lifelong opposition to the death penalty and his pivotal role in its abolition in Victoria. Barry reflects on his extensive career in science and politics, emphasizing the importance of integrity and individual conscience. He also highlights the urgent need for climate action and urges political adaptation to technological shifts, drawing from his extensive insights as a public intellectual.
29 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
MARTHA NUSSBAUM: the intersection of philosophy & justice
Martha Nussbaum, a renowned philosopher and advocate for the capabilities approach to justice, dives deep into the themes of human vulnerability and stoicism. She shares her emotional journey surrounding her daughter Rachel's illness, revealing how grief shaped her perspective on control and resilience. Nussbaum also explores the moral power of literature, the intersection of capabilities and democracy, and extends her justice philosophy to animals, challenging listeners to consider ethical eating practices and the treatment of non-human lives.
18 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
STEPHEN FRY: from rebellion to reverence
In this insightful discussion, Stephen Fry, acclaimed actor and advocate for mental health, reflects on his tumultuous youth and journey of self-acceptance as a gay man in England. He shares how literature, particularly the works of Oscar Wilde, shaped his identity, interweaving personal anecdotes with themes of morality, suffering, and the power of language. Fry also humorously explores his childhood fascination with anagrams and engages in thought-provoking dialogue about AI’s ethical complexities and the nature of happiness, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and insights.
30 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 7min
ANNA MACHIN: the evolution of love
In this engaging discussion, Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist from the University of Oxford, dives into the science of love and bonding. She elucidates the biological roots of attraction and the neurochemistry behind falling in love. Listeners discover the distinctions between lust, attraction, and the complexities of jealousy within monogamy and polyamory. Machin also shares insights on how cultural norms shape our understanding of relationships and the essential role of paternal figures in fostering emotional bonds and resilience in children.
16 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 20min
ELLEN LANGER: question everything
Join Ellen Langer, an influential psychologist known for her groundbreaking work on mindfulness and aging. She discusses how challenging societal norms can lead to a more engaged life. Ellen emphasizes the power of choice and belief in health, revealing how perceptions can significantly affect well-being. The conversation also touches on her famous counter-clockwise study that showcased the mind-body connection in the elderly. Langer advocates for embracing individuality and creativity to redefine aging and promote personal happiness.
