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
34 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 4min
ROBERT SAPOLSKY: biological determinism
Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky, known for his groundbreaking work on stress and social hierarchies in baboons, dives deep into the mind's intricacies. He explores how stress affects behavior and challenges the concept of free will. Sapolsky's insights reveal striking parallels between baboon social dynamics and human mental health. He discusses addiction's genetic and environmental factors and emphasizes the importance of compassion in understanding human behavior. The conversation highlights ethical dilemmas in animal research while advocating for personal agency in navigating life's complexities.
Feb 27, 2025 • 51min
SAFEENA HUSAIN: the movement to educate girls
Safeena Husain, the founder of Educate Girls, shares her journey in mobilizing communities for girls' education in rural India. She addresses the staggering issue of 122 million girls out of school, often due to deep-seated cultural biases. Safeena highlights the transformative power of education in breaking poverty cycles and discusses the need for systemic change. Through grassroots efforts, she emphasizes the importance of empowering local champions and advocating for at least twelve years of education to ensure girls' futures are protected and their voices heard.
5 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 13min
PROFIT FOR GOOD: building businesses that donate 100% of their profits to charity
Join Alex Amouyel, CEO of Newman's Own Foundation, alongside Humanitix co-founders Josh Ross and Adam McCurdie, as they discuss a bold approach to capitalism. They explore how businesses can thrive while donating 100% of profits to charity. Insights include the innovative ticketing model of Humanitix that disrupts traditional norms, the transformative legacy of Newman's Own, and the shift towards valuing societal impact over mere financial profit. Together, they inspire listeners to rethink business success through a philanthropic lens.
7 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 5min
MOBY: the path to punk rock activism
Moby, the iconic musician and animal rights activist known for his album "Play," dives deep into the intersection of music and activism. He shares personal stories about transforming artistic collaborations with legends like David Lynch. The conversation explores the ethical complexities of animal rights, societal norms, and the role music plays in social change. Moby also reflects on spirituality, addiction, and finding joy in service, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from simplicity and compassion.
6 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 5min
RICHARD LAYARD: the science of wellbeing
Richard Layard, a prominent British economist and member of the House of Lords, champions the integration of happiness into government policies. He discusses the surprising factors influencing well-being, emphasizing that money alone doesn’t equate to happiness. Mental health initiatives, childhood emotional well-being, and community connections play pivotal roles. Layard also explores utilitarianism’s ethical dilemmas and reflects on the societal importance of interpersonal relationships and contributing to a meaningful life.
Jan 30, 2025 • 51min
KAKENYA NTAIYA: the fight against FGM
Kakenya Ntaiya, a Maasai woman and advocate for girls' education, dedicates her life to combatting female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage in Kenya. She shares her journey from challenging harmful cultural practices to founding Kakenya's Dream, transforming her community. Kakenya highlights the significance of education in empowering girls and reshaping futures. She also discusses the importance of community collaboration and the ongoing fight against FGM, inspiring listeners to engage in this vital cause.
64 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 7min
ADAM GRANT: the magic of learning
In this engaging discussion, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, shares his journey from magician to academic. He highlights the difference between happiness and meaning, suggesting that true joy involves meaningful contributions. Adam emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility, navigating errors, and the ethical considerations of consumer choices. His insights also explore the complexities of public speaking, the balance between praise and critique, and the essence of self-care for personal growth.
7 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 45min
EDITH EGER: from trauma to triumph
In this insightful conversation, Edith Eger, a Holocaust survivor and psychologist, recounts her harrowing experiences in Auschwitz and her transformative journey toward healing through forgiveness. Joined by her grandson, Jordan Ingle, they discuss how Viktor Frankl's philosophies influenced Eger's approach to trauma. They explore the therapeutic power of connection, the importance of purpose in life, and the deep emotional insights gained from adversity. Their heartwarming exchange also touches on family bonds and the cultural significance of their Hungarian roots.
42 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 16min
STEVEN PINKER: rational optimism in a complex world
In this insightful conversation, cognitive psychologist and author Steven Pinker discusses humanity's current state of peace and progress. He argues that we live in the most peaceful era in history, despite common narratives of decline. Pinker delves into the impact of nuclear weapons on global stability and the ethical implications of advances in AI technology. He also touches on issues of mental health among teenagers and the quest for meaning in modern life, highlighting the importance of rational thinking in addressing societal challenges.
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 5min
CHARLIE BRESLER: the road to effective altruism
Charlie Bresler, co-founder of The Life You Can Save, shares his transformative journey into effective altruism. He discusses the importance of maximizing charitable contributions to fight extreme poverty. Bresler reflects on his early challenges and political activism, which drove him toward altruistic pursuits. He emphasizes the emotional fulfillment that comes from giving, while questioning the motivations behind altruism. The conversation also highlights impactful nonprofits and encourages thoughtful philanthropy in addressing global issues.
