PODCAST · health
Life Lab
by David Ponder and Zach Schaefer
Experiment With Life. That is the essence of Life Lab, a weekly podcast that discusses life lessons in a very conversational way. We give listeners simple ways to make positive change in their lives, and most of our shows are organized around principles to live “the good life.” We end each episode with Change Challenges that come from the “teach a person to fish” philosophy. Each episode also weaves together a patchwork of knowledge and stories from diverse sources and topics. You might learn what rapper 50 Cent has in common with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, how Pink Floyd can improve your time management, and how Charlie Sheen can teach you to be a better negotiator. We use history, current events, and futuristic visions to understand who we are as humans and how we live. The goal of Life Lab is growth, so sit down, plug in, and spark your development.
Episodes
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Episode 123: Final Episode
Nearly a decade ago, we started Life Lab as a passion project. 123 episodes later, it’s time to close the chapter. In our final episode, we look back at what Life Lab became, what we learned, what we would do differently, and why ending something doesn’t mean it failed. Sometimes a project simply...
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Episode 122: Legacy
What will people remember about you when you’re gone? In this episode of Life Lab, we explore legacy, not just the public kind built through accomplishments, wealth, awards, or recognition, but the private legacy created through relationships, shared experiences, values, and the small things we…
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Episode 121: Devil's Advocate
Why is it so uncomfortable when someone challenges what we believe? In this episode of Life Lab, we explore the value of playing devil’s advocate and why disagreement, when handled well, can sharpen our thinking instead of just raising our blood pressure. We dig into groupthink, identity,...
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Episode 120: Games
Games aren’t just for kids—they shape how we think, connect, and compete. In this episode, we explore the hidden psychology of play and how game dynamics show up in everyday life. From strategy to status, games reveal what really drives us.
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Episode 119: Momentum
Momentum isn't magic—it's motion with purpose. From personal habits to business breakthroughs, we break down how momentum fuels progress—and what stops it cold. In this episode, we explore how tiny steps create massive shifts in life, work, and mindset. Keep moving forward. Please join us as we...
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Episode 118: Before and After
Life is a series of before-and-afters—moments that define our growth, shift our perspectives, and shape our future. From childhood milestones to career changes, from personal growth to societal transformations, we are constantly evolving. But how do we recognize these pivotal shifts? And how do...
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Episode 117: Self-Regulation
Mastering the balance between emotions, impulses, and behaviors requires more than simple self-control—it’s about finding ways to stay intentional while navigating life’s complexities. In this episode, Zach and David discuss how to maintain individuality, avoid over-correction, and embrace…
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Episode 116: Competition
Competition drives progress and innovation, pushing individuals and organizations to strive for excellence. But where does healthy rivalry end and unnecessary conflict begin? How does competition shape our personal and professional lives? Join us as we explore the dynamics of competition and its...
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Episode 115: Government
Government influences almost every aspect of our lives, from the laws we follow to the institutions that shape our society. Some government is a necessity, but what is its ideal role? Where's the line between the government promoting safety vs giving powerful interests control? What's to be said…
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Episode 114: Excellence
Striving for excellence means pushing beyond the ordinary to achieve something remarkable. Whether in academics, sports, art, or personal growth, the pursuit of excellence drives us to improve, innovate, and surpass our limits. What motivates individuals to seek excellence? How do different...
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Episode 113: Entertainment
Stories, plays, books, movies, games, sports, toys, hobbies... the list goes on. There are many things we seek provide us amusement. Is there a difference between passive and interactive forms? Are we seeking escape, inspiration, or something else? Join us as we discuss entertainment.
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Episode 112: Luxury
In this episode, we take a journey takes us through the “finer things” and their historical evolution and its varied meanings across cultures. We probe the allure of luxury, examining how it can symbolize success and artistry, but it can also aggrandize consumption. Join us as we dissect the…
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Episode 111: Kids
What does it feel like to see the world through the eyes of a child? To have a sense of wonder, and pure joy in newly experiencing the simplest of things? In this episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to our own childhoods, exploring the memories and experiences that shaped us. We reflect on...
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Episode 110: Intimacy
What does it mean to truly connect with another person on a deeper level? How does deep connection manifest in our relationships, and how can it lead us towards a path of self-discovery and mutual understanding? In what ways does exploring this connection enrich our lives and the bonds we share...
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Episode 109: Extraterrestrial Life
Is there life beyond our planet? When we gaze up at the vast expanse of the universe, the question lingers in our minds: Are we alone? The concept of extraterrestrial life has fascinated humans for centuries, igniting our imaginations and driving scientific inquiries. It's like a cosmic puzzle,...
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Episode 108: Presence
Right now as you sit reading this, are you fully giving your attention to reading it? Where are you? Who are you with? Is there something else taking part of your attention? Another task? Something else you’re watching or listening to? A thought about something you did, or something you have yet…
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Episode 107: News
It's everywhere. Coming at you from your computer. From TVs everywhere. The radio. Have you heard about it? Do you believe it? I can't believe what they said about it. What is your opinion of it? Join us as we discuss the news.
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Episode 106: Resistance Revisited
Why do we procrastinate? If we know we should do something, why not just do it? Sometimes it’s because there’s a feeling. A negative feeling when we think of the thing that needs doing. It works like the force between two magnets with the same pole facing each other to push us away. Where does…
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Episode 105: History
Many consider history to bee unimportant. Maybe it would be if it were just memorization of dates and events. But humans love stories and story-telling, and the best stories are at least rooted in the truth. “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana...
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Episode 104: Tribalism
We believe humans long ago lived in groups, or tribes. Tribes still exist, but today they’re much different. They’re groups where you get your identities, beliefs, and emotions. You have loyalty to your groups, and hold them higher than the others you’re not a part of. Today we can be part of…
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Episode 103: Danger
When you have anxiety your heart rate will increase, tension builds in your muscles, and you may even hold your breath. Mainstream sociologists have said we live in one of the safest times in known history, so why are anti-anxiety medication sales at all time highs? Join us as we discuss Danger.
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Episode 102: Personal Responsibility
One of the great lessons of life as told by Spider Man is that with great power comes great responsibility. If that’s true, then how does it apply to all of our lives and the power we hold over ourselves? Join us as we discuss personal responsibility.
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Episode 101: Narrative
Stories are a powerful, uniquely human way of communicating. They bring order and meaning to our chaotic and nonsensical world. We're always looking for patterns and relationships to compare what we've experienced to what we have not, and stories give us that for new events and situations. It's...
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Episode 100: Freedom
We all want freedom for ourselves and others, right? Perhaps not unbounded freedom. If not unbounded then with what constraints? Who chooses those constraints? How are they enforced? Do you want everyone to have more or less ability to act, speak, or think without constraint? Join us as we…
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Episode 99: Wisdom
Aware of it or not, we all benefit when we can find "a moderate course between extremes, a dynamic between knowledge and doubt, a sufficient detachment from the problem at hand". How can we find those things when our emotions and thoughts are anything but? Join us as we discuss wisdom.
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Episode 98: Vitality
Do you know anyone who seems to always be full of energy? Full of physical strength and mental vigor? Are you envious of them, or do you have it too? What feeds that drive? Join us as we discuss Vitality.
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Episode 97: Hope
Do you have optimistic or pessimistic expectations? Do you have expectations and desires for a good future, or not? Do your expectations serve as a fuel for action or an excuse for inaction? Join us as we discuss hope.
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Episode 96: Fairness
"The world isn't fair.", said just about every parent ever, including ours to us. Why do unfair outcomes so seldom favor us? Certainly our viewpoint and biases don't impinge on our judgement of what's fair? Join us as we discuss fairness.
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Episode 95: Altruism
Are people are inherently good or bad? Even when doing good, are people selfish, and only doing it to make themselves feel good? Or, is that a feature of humanity (Feeling good helping others) and proof that people are good? Join us as we discuss Altruism.
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Episode 94: Awe
When was the last time you were struck with a feeling of wonder? When did you last experience something that left you feeling blown away? How great was it? How indescribable? Join us as we discuss awe.
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Episode 93: Integrity
Perhaps one of the most important questions someone should ask themselves regularly is: How well are you living according to your principles and values? Regardless of your words, your choices, big and small, tell both the world and yourself what you actually value. Join us as we discuss Integrity.
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Episode 92: Leadership
Garnering cooperation and support from those around you is critical in achieving your goals. Are your goals shared by those around you? What is behind the charisma that makes some people actually enjoy following another whether those values are shared or not? Join us as we discuss Leadership.
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Episode 91: Authenticity
It's important to align your actions with your core values. But do you even know what your core values are? When was the last time you scrutinized those values and where they came from? Are you acting as your true self? Join us as we discuss Authenticity.
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Episode 90: Authority
The Tears For Fears song says everybody wants to rule the world. If not the world, we all want control over something, right? Who should have control, and what should their circle of control encompass? Join us as we discuss Authority.
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Episode 89: Music
What is is about vibrations that travel through the air that make us feel something? They can make us remember, make us happy, and make us dance. We aren't the only ones, as you can tell hearing the songs of other species as you walk through nature. Join us as we discuss music.
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Episode 88: Abnormal Psychology
If something is unusual, does that make it bad? What if it's describing the way you think? Have we piqued your interest, yet? Join us as we discuss abnormal psychology.
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Episode 87: Expectations
How do you envision things in the future? What do you desire your life to look like? What if it ends up even better than that? What is if ends up worse? Better or worse, how does what you imagine impact how you feel in the future? Join us as we discuss expectations.
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Episode 86: Truth
Is that a fact? According to who? Did they experience it first hand, or hear about it from someone they trust? Was it measured? If so, what was the scale and how was it sampled? There's one thing we can all agree about - a lot of people disagree about the truth.
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Episode 85: Family and Friends
While Maslow's hierarchy of needs is useful... it's wrong - for humans, at least. We all sat as a human newborn, and our number one need as such a helpless being is social support. This support system is critical in developing your view of the world and learning about yourself. Join us as we talk...
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Episode 84: Economy
Do you ever stop to think about the transactions you make on a daily basis and their broader impact on the world? What are the consequences - intended or unintended - of your choices around production (work) and consumption? Is wealth all about money? What about goods and services? What about...
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Episode 83: Cults
Of course, it's enticing to be someone who's in the know. It's seductive to think that you might know a truth or truths that the majority do not. Those in the minority group that share those truths have a tight bond as they work together to turn those beliefs into action, often under a strong...
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Episode 82: Patience
It's not easy when you want something badly, and you want it now. Conversely, you can suffer enduring something that you wish was over as quickly as possible. Stoicism stresses aligning to our inner flow to the external flow of life. They say that this ability is a virtue. Join us as we discuss...
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Episode 81: Consumption and Production
Do you produce more or consume more? Does it matter? The supply chain links manufacturers and producers with consumers who use their products, and "Supply chain disruptions" are a hot (and controversial) topic right now. Have you thought about your role on both sides of this equation? Join us as…
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Episode 80: Education Part 2
What makes a subject interesting to you? Do you like to share knowledge? What's the relationship between schooling and education to learning? Do you remember when you learned how to learn? Just us as we discuss education... again.
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Episode 79: Spirituality
Do you think this is it, or do you think there's something more? Do you look to others for guidance or do you find your own way? How often do you think about the metaphysical (outside of material reality)? Join us as we discuss Spirituality.
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Episode 78: Confrontation
It can be internal (with yourself) or external (with others), and it often comes down to either dealing with a situation or letting it pass you by. Do you engage or not? If so, how do you approach it? If not, why? Join us as we discuss confrontation.
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Episode 77: Conflict
Many people are afraid of it, but it's unavoidable. Embracing it and learning how to navigate it effectively can be a superpower. As The Rolling Stones said, "You can't always get what you want, but..." join us as we discuss conflict.
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Episode 76: Uncertainty
The unknown brings fear, so, wouldn't it be great to have perfect knowledge of the future? Just think about it. You would know everything that's going to happen. But what does that mean for your reality? What does that mean for your free will? Maybe that wouldn't be so great. Join us as we…
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Episode 75: Dignity
Honor and respect are things that just about everyone would say they want. Should everyone get those things? What would make someone worthy, or not worthy of them? Are they earned or are they a right? Join us as we discuss dignity.
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Episode 74: Art
When you hear the word art, it's easy to think of paintings, statues, music, and dance. What about the way that a sunset reflects off of a pond? What is it to you? Join us as we discuss art.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Experiment With Life. That is the essence of Life Lab, a weekly podcast that discusses life lessons in a very conversational way. We give listeners simple ways to make positive change in their lives, and most of our shows are organized around principles to live “the good life.” We end each episode with Change Challenges that come from the “teach a person to fish” philosophy. Each episode also weaves together a patchwork of knowledge and stories from diverse sources and topics. You might learn what rapper 50 Cent has in common with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, how Pink Floyd can improve your time management, and how Charlie Sheen can teach you to be a better negotiator. We use history, current events, and futuristic visions to understand who we are as humans and how we live. The goal of Life Lab is growth, so sit down, plug in, and spark your development.
HOSTED BY
David Ponder and Zach Schaefer
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Life Lab have?
Life Lab currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Life Lab about?
Experiment With Life. That is the essence of Life Lab, a weekly podcast that discusses life lessons in a very conversational way. We give listeners simple ways to make positive change in their lives, and most of our shows are organized around principles to live “the good life.” We end each episode...
How often does Life Lab release new episodes?
Life Lab has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Life Lab?
You can listen to Life Lab on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Life Lab?
Life Lab is created and hosted by David Ponder and Zach Schaefer.
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