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
12 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.
29 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.
21 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 26min
WAYNE HSIUNG: the legal challenges of animal liberation
Wayne Hsiung, an animal rights advocate and co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere, shares insights from his journey of activism. He discusses the bold act of open rescue, openly rescuing suffering animals from factory farms, and the legal battles that arise from such actions. Wayne recounts courageous personal stories of activism under pressure, including exposure to factory farming's grim realities. He reflects on the emotional toll of activism, the evolution of public attitudes toward animal welfare, and the resilience required to face ongoing challenges.
Jul 17, 2025 • 50min
DASHO DECHEN WANGMO: pandemics & politics
Dasho Dechen Wangmo, a prominent Bhutanese public health leader and former Minister of Health, shares her incredible journey navigating Bhutan through the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses achieving a remarkable 94% vaccination rate in just four days and the vital role of community trust in public health. Dechen also touches on Bhutan's unique Gross National Happiness approach, the significance of women in politics, and lessons learned during global health crises, all interspersed with cultural insights and reflections on the philosophical underpinnings of Bhutanese society.
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
DEAN SPEARS: the depopulation of humanity
Dean Spears, an economic demographer and co-author of 'After the Spike,' delves into the future of global population trends. He discusses the likelihood of depopulation, challenging fears of overpopulation. Spears highlights the ethical implications of reducing population and advocates for technology as a solution to environmental issues. He also examines the dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa, immigration's role in population changes, and the philosophical 'repugnant conclusion' regarding quality versus quantity of life, making a compelling case for reevaluating societal choices.
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 15min
MEG SMAKER: artistic integrity & cancellation
Meg Smaker, a documentary filmmaker renowned for her immersive storytelling, shares gripping tales from her life, including a harrowing kidnapping in Colombia and encounters with Somali pirates. She delves into her controversial film, 'The UnRedacted', which explores rehabilitation for former Guantánamo Bay detainees and the complexities of de-radicalization. Meg discusses the backlash she faced amid cancel culture, her empathy-driven transition from firefighting to filmmaking, and how understanding motivations is key to addressing extremism.
30 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
TALI SHAROT: the optimism bias
Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot, director of the Affective Brain Lab at University College London and author of The Optimism Bias, dives into the intricate psychology of optimism. She discusses the optimism bias—why people remain hopeful despite societal challenges like climate change. The conversation highlights how anticipation can boost happiness and examines the balance between optimism and caution. Tali also explores the upsides of embracing change and the impact of online content on our mental well-being, advocating for healthier media consumption.
58 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
JOSHUA GREENE: uniting moral tribes
Joshua Greene, a Harvard psychology professor and expert in moral decision-making, delves into the nuances of expanding our moral circles. He discusses the interplay of tribalism and cooperation, advocating for a compassionate approach to utilitarianism. Greene unveils the innovative Giving Multiplier, transforming how we view charitable giving. He emphasizes the power of collaborative games to bridge political divides and shares insights from his research on fostering understanding and engagement across differing viewpoints.
