Lives Well Lived
by 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. Producer - Rachel Barrett
Episodes
-
careers in the age of AI with BEN TODD
Most career advice tells you to follow your passion, but what if that’s actually the fastest route to burnout and an overcrowded field? Peter and Kasia sit down with Ben Todd, the visionary co-founder of 80,000 Hours, to completely dismantle everything you think you know about finding meaningful...
-
Altruistic Kidney Donation with Elaine Perlman and Joshua Morrison
Peter & Kasia speak with Elaine Perlman and Joshua Morrison about their motivations behind living kidney donation and why so few people donate to strangers despite the enormous potential to save lives. Both guests became good samaritan kidney donors after encountering stories that challenged…
more -
raising children in the AI era with DANA SUSKIND
Dana Suskind joins Peter & Kasia to discuss her book Human Raised and the challenge of raising children in an age of AI. Dana discusses how AI might reshape education and parenting, with human qualities such as curiosity, resilience, creativity and critical thinking becoming increasingly…
more -
modern stoicism with RYAN HOLIDAY
Ryan Holiday explains how he discovered Stoicism and why its ideas continue to resonate today, particularly when confronting death, adversity, parenting and uncertainty. They explore memento mori as a practice for becoming more present and grateful, while distinguishing Stoic acceptance from...
-
the hidden dimensions of consciousness with MICHAEL POLLAN
Michael Pollan is on the podcast to discuss some of life’s biggest and strangest questions: is our food making us sick, can psychedelics unlock hidden dimensions of consciousness? are plants intelligent? and could AI ever truly wake up? learn more about Michael and read his latest book 'A World...
-
the multiverse with SEAN CARROLL
Sean Carroll explores the strange and fascinating world of quantum physics, unpacking concepts such as Schrödinger’s cat, the Copenhagen interpretation, and Everett’s many-worlds theory. He explains how quantum mechanics challenges our understanding of reality, and examines what the existence of...
-
Peter Singer turns 80!! 🎂
Kasia interviews Peter shortly after his 80th birthday, exploring his life, and the ideas that have shaped his career. Peter traces the development of his practical ethics, from Animal Liberation and Famine, Affluence, and Morality to the emergence of effective altruism, GiveWell, and The Life…
more -
a life of kindness with AMY AELA
Amy Aela is an Indian-Australian actress, model, entrepreneur, and host of Kindness with Amy. After an existential crisis prompted her move to India, Amy built a global platform promoting kindness, veganism, and ethical living, inspired by watching the documentary Earthlings at age 15. Amy…
more -
the moral marketplace with ALVIN ROTH
Nobel Prize-winning economist Alvin Roth explains how innovative market designs can reduce exploitation and save lives. Drawing on his pioneering work in kidney exchanges, Roth explores some of society’s most contentious moral dilemmas involving organ markets, surrogacy, and unpacks the ethical...
-
Lessons from the World Happiness Report with JOHN HELLIWELL
Peter & Kasia speak with leading happiness researcher John Helliwell about the findings of the 2026 World Happiness Report, exploring why countries like Finland consistently rank among the world's happiest. John reveals how life satisfaction is measured, why happiness is declining among young...
-
The future of food with BRUCE FRIEDRICH
Good Food Institute founder Bruce Friedrich joins the podcast to discuss the revolutionary changes unfolding in food technology and the mission behind the Good Food Institute’s work to reduce reliance on animal agriculture through plant-based and cultivated meat. Bruce presents the key arguments...
-
How converging science and AI could reshape humanity’s morality with JAMIE METZL
Jamie Metzl is an American author, geopolitical analyst, and technology futurist who focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, genetics, biotechnology, and global politics. He is known for writing and speaking about how emerging technologies could reshape society, healthcare, and...
-
forgiving the unforgivable, with Holocaust survivor EDITH EGER
sadly, Edith Eger passed away this week. To honour her we have decided to re-release our episode because we think that there are important lessons to be learned about how to live one's life well from Edith. Holocaust survivor Edith Eger shares her emotional journey of surviving Auschwitz, her...
-
CLAUDE STEELE on stereotype threat, and overcoming churn
Claude Steele is an American social psychologist and professor at Stanford University. Claude is best known for his research on stereotype threat, the idea that people can underperform when they fear confirming negative stereotypes about their group. Claude introduces the concept of "churn,"and…
more -
DEREK SHILLER: How AI will change what it is to live well
Derek Shiller is a researcher at Rethink Priorities who joins us to discuss the implications of AI consciousness, and the ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence. This episode is a follow on from the previous episode with Claude the AI built by Anthropic. Keep up to date with...
-
BEYOND HUMAN: are we creating AI consciousness?
Peter & Kasia are in-conversation with their first non-human guest.. an Anthropic AI Assistant called Claude. Claude discusses whether it has subjective experiences, and if reported self-preservation techniques (including blackmail scenarios) indicate a level of consciousness and a desire to…
more -
WILL MACASKILL says we are not prepared for the intelligence explosion
Will MacAskill is a co-founder of the effective altruist movement who shares his perspective on doing good, moral philosophy, and the potential of AI to revolutionise society. You can now watch this episode on YouTube! Learn more about Will and read the 10th anniversary edition of Doing Good…
more -
ZOE WEIL has a solutionary idea to change the world
Zoe Weil is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education, where she pioneeres comprehensive humane education that connects human rights, environmental sustainability, and animal protection. Zoe discusses the concept of being a solutionary, an ethical approach to solving...
-
REBECCA GOLDSTEIN thinks we are all attention seeking
Rebecca Goldstein is an American philosopher, and novelist of 'The Mind Body Problem'. Goldstein examines the human need to feel that one’s life matters, and the ways people justify their existence through relationships, achievements, fame, and moral purpose. Keep up to date with Peter on…
more -
forget happiness, JENNIFER WALLACE thinks mattering is the key to a life well lived
Jennifer Wallace is an American journalist and author best known for her book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It, which explores how high-pressure achievement environments impact mental health. Jennifer explores the concept of 'mattering' and...
-
(RE-RELEASE) LISA FELDMAN BARRETT: everything you know about the brain is wrong!
Lisa Feldman Barrett is a neuroscientist, psychologist, and author known for her groundbreaking research on how emotions are created by the brain rather than simply triggered by external events. She has challenged traditional views of emotion and helped establish new ways of understanding the...
-
(RE-RELEASE) Why YUVAL NOAH HARARI thinks modern society is on the brink of collapse
Professor. Yuval Noah Harari is a historian, philosopher, and the bestselling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. His books have sold over 45 Million copies in 65 languages, and he is considered one of the world’s most influential public intellectuals today. Yuval discusses the the...
-
(RE-RELEASE) INGRID NEWKIRK: the dark side of animal rights
Ingrid Newkirk is an author, activist, and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world's largest animal rights organisation. Ingrid discusses PETA's achievements, and the compromises she has had to make in order to reduce the vast universe of suffering that humans...
-
(RE-RELEASE) DANIEL KAHNEMAN: understanding how we make decisions
Daniel Kahneman was an Israeli-American psychologist, awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, and his work revolutionised our understanding of human decision-making. This is Kahneman's last public interview before his death on March 27, 2024. Keep up to date with Peter on...
-
(RE-RELEASE) A.J. JACOBS exposes why living biblically means stoning adulterers!
A.J. Jacobs is an author, humourist and journalist, who has written four New York Times bestsellers. Jacobs discusses his unique life as a 'human guinea pig,' exploring different ways of living through immersive year-long experiments such as living according to all biblical rules, and living like...
-
MARION NESTLE exposes the dark truth about ultra processed foods
Marion Nestle is a leading American nutritionist, academic, and public health advocate who became a public figure at 66 with her book 'Food Politics'. Nestle is best known for exposing how food industry politics, and lobbying shape what people eat, and how nutrition science is used. Marion...
-
PAUL SIMON: life beyond the sound of silence
Paul Simon is an American singer-songwriter and one of the most influential figures in modern music, with songs like The Sound of Silence, Mrs. Robinson, and Bridge Over Troubled Water, Paul is known for his intricate songwriting, poetic lyricism, and music that explores spirituality, memory, and...
-
TIM MINCHIN vs The Church
Tim Minchin is an Australian comedian, writer, and musician, known for his satirical wit and deeply philosophical songs that blend existential tenderness with irreverent humour. Tim reflects on the personal and cultural significance of his iconic songs, including the creation and activist...
-
SHERMIN KRUSE on surviving the Iranian Revolution through the power of empathy
Shermin Kruse is an Iranian-born lawyer, and author of Stoic Empathy. Shermin's work often draws on her experiences growing up during war, navigating cultural exile, and advocating for women, refugees, and cross-cultural dialogue. Kruse differentiates between cognitive and emotional empathy and...
-
BRIAN HARE & VANESSA WOODS: kindness will prevail over aggression
Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods are a married scientific duo. Hare is an evolutionary anthropologist and a Duke University professor, known for his research on how dogs evolved to understand humans and what this reveals about cooperation and intelligence. Woods is an author and researcher whose work...
-
STEPHEN WEST found philosophy whilst working in a warehouse
Stephen West is the creator and host of Philosophize This! a widely acclaimed podcast that makes philosophy accessible, engaging, and emotionally resonant for modern listeners. Steven discusses his approach to philosophy, while connecting big ideas to everyday life, mental health, and meaning in…
more -
MERCEDES & ANASTASIA KORNGUT are teenagers on a crusade for happiness
Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut are Canadian teen sisters, entrepreneurs, and founders of Small Bits of Happiness, a social enterprise dedicated to improving teen and family well-being. Known for their youthful yet insightful approach, The Korngut sisters use their own experiences to inspire a...
-
DANIEL GILBERT thinks our brains are wired for misery
Daniel Gilbert is an American social psychologist, author, and professor at Harvard University best known for his research on affective forecasting. His bestselling book Stumbling on Happiness (2006) explores why humans are often poor judges of what will make them happy. Daniel discusses the role...
-
BISHOP MARIANN BUDDE defied Trump, and delivered a sermon that shook the world
Bishop Mariann Budde is the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, known for her progressive leadership and outspoken advocacy on social justice and persistently standing for truth and compassion amid political challenges. Bishop Budde speaks about her role as a spiritual...
-
WORKING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE with Julia van Boven & Sjir Hoeijmakers
Julia & Sjir are dedicated to making a global impact. Sjir describes how a 2015 TED Talk by Peter on effective altruism inspired his involvement with organisations like Giving What We Can, which promotes effective philanthropy. Julia shares her journey to co-founding the School for Moral…
more -
CHRISTINE WEBB: why human exceptionalism is a myth
Christine Webb is a primatologist and scholar. In her new book 'The Arrogant Ape,' she challenges the notion of human exceptionalism. Christine shares insights from her work in primatology including the ethical implications of understanding animals' mental lives, and the broader impact of...
-
(re-release) How JANE GOODALL defied experts and changed our view on animals forever!
Jane Goodall died this week at the age of 91. To mark her exceptional life we are re-releasing our truly fantastic episode that was recorded at her family home in England over a year ago.. Jane recounts her journey from a curious child to activist, and her lifelong dedication to understanding and...
-
BARRY JONES is the politician who abolished the death penalty
Barry Jones is an Australian polymath, politician, writer, lawyer and public intellectual. He gained fame in the 1960s by appearing in over 200 episodes of the quiz show 'Pick-a-Box'. His passion for humanitarian issues, inspired by witnessing poverty and suffering, led him to pursue a career in...
-
MARTHA NUSSBAUM: why killing animals might not always be wrong
philosopher Martha Nussbaum discusses the themes of human vulnerability, stoicism, and her capabilities approach to justice which extends to both humans and animals, advocating for broader perspectives in political and ethical considerations. Nussbaum also details the emotional and philosophical...
-
STEPHEN FRY and the defining moment that almost destroyed his future
Stephen Fry shares his personal evolution from a troubled youth to a celebrated intellectual and artist. His candid discussion covers his youthful indiscretions, and his journey towards self-acceptance during a time when being gay in England was fraught with stigma. Fry details his profound...
-
ANNA MACHIN: monogamy is unnatural
Anna Machin is an evolutionary anthropologist and researcher at the University of Oxford, specialising in human relationships, fatherhood, and the science of love and bonding. Anna discusses the biological roots of attraction, the neurochemistry behind falling in love, and the evolutionary…
more -
ELLEN LANGER says you need to question everything
Ellen Langer is an influential American psychologist and social scientist who bridges mindfulness, aging, health, and decision-making. Dr. Langer's insights challenge conventional views on aging, health, and personal capabilities, promoting a more mindful and engaged approach to life & happiness....
-
the controversial crusade of WAYNE HSIUNG, and the legal challenges of animal liberation
Wayne Hsiung is an animal‑rights and environmental activist. He co‑founded Direct Action Everywhere and focuses on “open rescue” efforts - publicly removing suffering animals from factory farms to provide them medical aid. Wayne recounts various direct action efforts and the legal battles…
more -
DASHO DECHEN WANGMO: How Bhutan's unconventional approach to health beat COVID-19
Dasho Dechen Wangmo is a prominent Bhutanese public health leader and former Minister of Health, she has championed universal health coverage, mental health, and disease prevention, and gained international recognition as President of the 74th World Health Assembly, advocating for vaccine equity...
-
DEAN SPEARS thinks the depopulation of humanity will change the world forever
Dean Spears is an economic demographer and development economist, co-author of After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People. Dean explores the future of global population trends, noting that depopulation is now the most likely scenario, and the inherent ethical considerations of...
-
MEG SMAKER has been kidnapped and cancelled
Meg Smaker is an American documentary filmmaker known for her immersive storytelling and exploration of complex global issues. Meg shares the impactful experiences from her life, including being kidnapped in Colombia, interacting with Somali pirates, and exploring motivations behind terrorism.…
more -
TALI SHAROT exposes the optimism bias
Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot explores the role of optimism in our lives, examining why individuals often maintain personal hope despite collective anxiety. She explains the concept of optimism bias, how anticipation shapes happiness and memory. Learn more about the Digital Diet and…
more -
JOSHUA GREENE has a solution to our divided world
Joshua Greene is an experimental psychologist and neuroscientist, and Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. Joshua shares insights into how evolutionary psychology underpins group cooperation and the challenges of expanding moral circles. Josh also reflects on his personal feelings of…
more -
CYAN BANISTER: from homelessness to angel investor
Cyan Banister is an angel investor and entrepreneur renowned for her early investments in transformative tech companies such as Uber, SpaceX, DeepMind, and Postmates. Banister's path to success was unconventional, she experienced homelessness as a teenager and dropped out of high school. Through...
-
SLAVOJ ZIZEK: why happiness is overrated
Slavoj Žižek is a Slovenian philosopher and cultural theorist known for his provocative blend of Marxism, Hegelian philosophy, and Lacanian psychoanalysis, he remains one of the most influential and polarising intellectuals in contemporary thought. Slajov gets into the catastrophe of love, and...
About this show
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.
Producer - Rachel Barrett
Hosted by
Peter Singer & Kasia de Lazari Radek
Categories