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
33 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 56min
(RE-RELEASE) YUVAL NOAH HARARI: knowing the truth about yourself
Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned historian and author of Sapiens, dives into profound topics like the essence of happiness through self-awareness and meditation. He critiques traditional philosophical views, emphasizing the primacy of sensation over thought. Harari also discusses the plight of domesticated animals in history, societal shifts away from warfare toward healthcare, and the need for balanced ethics. He champions love as a cornerstone of well-being and warns against extremist ideologies that can distort moral perspectives. His insights challenge us to reflect deeply on modern life.
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 21min
(RE-RELEASE) INGRID NEWKIRK: the end of suffering
Ingrid Newkirk, author and cofounder of PETA, shares her insights into animal rights activism. She discusses high-profile campaigns, such as the provocative Smithfield Meat Market protest, and addresses the nuances of nudity in advocacy. Ingrid also reflects on the moral considerations of suffering across species, the strategic focus of PETA's campaigns, and the importance of engaging children's empathy toward animals. With candid stories, she highlights significant victories and ongoing challenges in the pursuit of animal welfare.
13 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 4min
(RE-RELEASE) DANIEL KAHNEMAN: evaluating the human condition
Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences and pioneer in decision-making psychology, shares profound insights from his life. He reflects on his Parisian childhood during wartime, contemplating the balance between optimism and pessimism shaped by genetics. Kahneman discusses how institutions can be improved, the challenges posed by noise in decision-making, and how AI might help mitigate these issues. He emphasizes the importance of relationships over success for well-being and concludes with thoughts on collaboration as a cornerstone of a fulfilling life.
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 12min
(RE-RELEASE) A.J. JACOBS: experimenting with life
A.J. Jacobs, an author and humorist, shares his journey as a 'human guinea pig' experimenting with life in immersive, year-long projects. He discusses radical honesty and its social repercussions, his critiques of biblical literalism through a year of living by 700 rules, and the practice of gratitude that transformed his outlook. A.J. also explores creativity rituals, moral obligations in philanthropy, and the challenges of navigating modern democracy, all while revealing the joys and absurdities of his unique life experiments.
14 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 2min
MARION NESTLE: the politics of food
Marion Nestle, a prominent nutritionist and public health advocate, dives into the complexities of food politics and health. She critiques ultra-processed foods and discusses their harmful effects on health and calorie intake. Marion shares her personal dietary habits and the importance of avoiding artificial foods. She highlights the challenges of plant-based meat adoption and the influence of lobbying on U.S. dietary guidelines. With insights into corporate influence on eating habits, she emphasizes the need for cooking skills and the joy of growing your own food.
Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 15min
PAUL SIMON: beyond the sound of silence
In this insightful discussion, legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon reflects on his iconic career, sharing the story behind 'The Sound of Silence' and its evolving meanings. He explores the creative journey of his 33-minute piece 'Seven Psalms' and the impact of collaboration, particularly with South African musicians on 'Graceland.' Paul addresses the nuances of cultural appropriation, his coping mechanisms for criticism, and the personal significance of his lesser-known works. He concludes with musings on happiness, love, and the essence of music in our lives.
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 13min
TIM MINCHIN: moral melodies
Tim Minchin, an Australian comedian and musician, discusses the heart and humor behind his iconic songs. He reflects on fatherhood's impact on his identity and addresses the social implications of his protest song 'Come Home, Cardinal Pell.' Minchin dives into the ethics of public shaming and criticizes church privilege, while sharing his views on happiness as a byproduct of meaningful work. With a unique blend of scientific realism and romantic perspective, he offers insights on living purposefully and the dangers of automation on meaningful labor.
10 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 13min
SHERMIN KRUSE: the art of stoic empathy
Shermin Kruse, an Iranian-born lawyer and author of *Stoic Empathy*, shares her impactful journey from navigating cultural exile to advocating for empathy in conflict resolution. She discusses her mother’s negotiation with morality police in Tehran, contrasting cognitive and emotional empathy’s roles in understanding emotions and preventing wrongdoing. Shermin connects Stoicism with personal resilience, suggesting practical exercises like ice plunges and meditation to enhance emotional strength. Her insights on migration and cultural dialogue illuminate the path to living well.
31 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 1min
BRIAN HARE & VANESSA WOODS: the evolution of friendliness
Brian Hare, an evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University, and Vanessa Woods, a researcher on animal behavior, share insights from their book, 'Survival of the Friendliest.' They discuss how friendliness, rather than aggression, has driven human success and cooperation. The duo contrasts the social structures of bonobos and chimpanzees, emphasizing empathy's dark side and how dehumanization emerges from it. They also explore the fascinating links between dog behavior and human emotions, revealing how friendliness can be a powerful life strategy in both animal and human societies.
22 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
STEPHEN WEST: transformation through philosophy
Stephen West, creator and host of the renowned podcast Philosophize This!, shares his transformative journey from foster care to philosophy. He dives into how teenage anger led him to seek wisdom and the pivotal role Plato played in reshaping his outlook on life. The conversation touches on the value of lived experience over theory, the balance between philosophy and action, and the impact of AI on consciousness. West also reveals plans for his upcoming book, exploring themes of love and technology while pondering the sacrifices necessary for global good.
