Lives Well Lived

A.J. Jacobs, an author and humorist known for his immersive year-long experiments, shares the quirks of his unique lifestyle as a 'human guinea pig.' He dives into the wild ride of living by biblical rules and channeling the Founding Fathers. With a comedic twist, he reflects on radical honesty, the transformative power of gratitude, and the delicate balance between personal morality and societal duties. Jacobs also discusses insights gained from his health experiments and the implications of democracy, making for an enlightening and entertaining conversation.

Matthieu Ricard, often called the 'world's happiest man,' is a French-Nepalese author, photographer, and Buddhist monk. He shares profound insights on the difference between true happiness and fleeting pleasure, emphasizing that genuine joy comes from altruism and compassion. Ricard discusses his life in Nepal, rigorous meditation, and the interconnectedness of all beings. He explores the significance of self-acceptance, moments of beauty in daily life, and the role of compassion in enhancing our collective well-being, advocating for a shift towards a more caring society.

Frances Kissling, a leading advocate in religion and reproductive health, shares her compelling journey from convent life to activism. She discusses the challenges of promoting progressive reproductive rights within the Catholic community, reflecting on her Polish heritage and the influences that shaped her views. The conversation navigates the complexities of moral beliefs and women’s rights, critiques coercive reproductive policies, and emphasizes the need for compassion in advocacy. Through personal anecdotes, Kissling inspires joy and growth in activism.

Economist Tyler Cowen dives into the possibilities of alien visits, AI's impact on society, climate change, and animal welfare. He shares his daily routine, thoughts on utilitarianism, religion, and the importance of seeking knowledge for a better world.

Dui Toledo is in conversation with Peter & Kasia to discuss his personal philosophy on living a good life, which includes balancing health, skill development, meaningful relationships, and service to others. Dui highlights his 105-hour rule to manage time efficiently, the importance of deliberate learning, and his perspectives on ethics, morality, and living a life well-lived.Learn more about DuiIf you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREONKeep up to date with Peter!Website: www.petersinger.infoSubstack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singerKeep up to date with Kasia!https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettSpecial Thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Grant, CEO of the Fistula Foundation, discusses the impact of obstetric fistula in low-resource settings, challenges in aid effectiveness, and the transformative power of fistula surgery. She shares insights on transitioning from advertising to charity work, empowering women through surgery, and balancing emotions with data in philanthropy.

Author and journalist Robert Wright joins Peter & Kasia to discuss evolutionary explanations for altruism, societal norms influenced by sexual psychology, ethical challenges of AI, and the concept of moral realism. They explore the role of technology in history and non-zero-sum interactions. Delving into the idea of being judged by a higher power, they touch on living a fulfilling life and meditation retreats.

Jane Goodall DBE is an ethologist and conservationist, the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and a UN Messenger of Peace.Peter and Kasia have joined Jane in her family home to record this conversation. In this dialogue, Jane Goodall reflects on the powerful influence of her mother, her passion for animals that began in childhood, and her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees.Jane recounts her journey from a curious child to an eminent ethologist and activist, reshaping scientific views on animal behaviour and emotions. Goodall discusses the significance of animal welfare, the crisis of factory farming, and the importance of fostering hope through her Roots & Shoots program for young people.This conversation emphasises Jane's lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting animals, while inspiring future generations to make a positive impact on the world.If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREONKeep up to date with Peter!Website: www.petersinger.infoSubstack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singerKeep up to date with Kasia!https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettAdditional Audio Producer (London): Giles Bidder for Darkside Media Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter & Kasia are joined by astrophysicist, author, and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson.They discuss Tyson's journey in becoming an astrophysicist and the public's fascination with space, and explore the impact of seeing the night sky and how it inspired Neil's life and career. The power of images like the Voyager 1 photo of Earth and the Pale Blue Dot photo in shaping the perspective of ourselves in the universe are considered. The conversation explores the limitations of human perception and the role of science in enhancing our understanding of reality.Appearance by Producer Rach who has a burning question for Neil and The Golden Record...If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREONKeep up to date with Peter!Website: www.petersinger.infoSubstack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singerKeep up to date with Kasia!https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettSpecial Thanks to Suzi Jamil‘Come Sail Away’ performed by Styx, written by Dennis DeYoung Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judy Collins is a singer-songwriter with a musical career spanning seven decades. Judy is known for the outstanding clarity and beauty of her voice. Judy is a Grammy Award winning artist, whose musical catalogue of work includes 36 studio albums.Judy joins Peter & Kasia to discuss her singing career, activism, and the importance of music and art. She reflects on the 1960s, the current political climate and the need for change. Collins shares her approach to performing and the impact it has on her audience, providing them with a space for reflection and inspiration. The importance of self-care & sobriety is discussed, along with Judy's experience with suicide, and the role that spirituality and love plays in her life.If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREONKeep up to date with Peter!Website: www.petersinger.infoSubstack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singerKeep up to date with Kasia!https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettAudio Producer: Stuart BucklandIn My Life written by Paul McCartney & John Lennon, performed by Judy Collins"But of all these friends and loversThere is no one compares with you.And these memories lose their meaningWhen I think of love as something new.Tho' I know I'll never lose affectionFor people and things that went before,I know I'll often stop and think about them,In my life I love you more." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.