Lives Well Lived

Episoder

• The future of food with BRUCE FRIEDRICH 28.05.2026 51min

  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 driving the shift toward alternative proteins, including climate change, food security, antibiotic resistance, and pandemic prevention.Read Bruce's book 'Meat: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity's Favorite Food, and Our Future'Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!watch this episode on YouTube! Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! And thanks to Maia Iva! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• How converging science and AI could reshape humanity’s morality with JAMIE METZL 14.05.2026 1t 6min

  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 human evolution.Metzl shares his insights on the importance of responsible governance, cautious optimism, and global cooperation in the face of rapid technological advancement. As we move forward, it will be crucial to balance innovation with ethical considerations to ensure a positive impact on humanity.Learn more about Jamie Metzl and read his new book The AI Ten Commandments Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!watch this episode on YouTube! Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! And thanks to Maia Iva! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• forgiving the unforgivable, with Holocaust survivor EDITH EGER 01.05.2026 41min

  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 encounter with Josef Mengele, and how she became known as the 'Ballerina of Auschwitz.' Edith highlights the slow, evolving process of coming to terms with her past, influenced by Viktor Frankl's work, and how she uses her traumatic experiences to help others as a psychologist, transforming trauma into a source of strength, healing, and forgiveness.Learn more about Edith Eger!Read Edith's books! The Choice (Memoir) The Gift  The Ballerina of Auschwitz Make Edith's Hungarian Szekely Goulash!Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel Barrett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• CLAUDE STEELE on stereotype threat, and overcoming churn 30.04.2026 50min

  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 how trust acts as a powerful antidote to divisiveness and stereotypes, offering pathways to a more integrated society.read Claude's new book Churn: The Tension That Divides Us and How to Overcome ItKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! And thanks to Maia Iva! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• DEREK SHILLER: How AI will change what it is to live well 16.04.2026 43min

  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 Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! And thanks to Maia Iva! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• BEYOND HUMAN: are we creating AI consciousness? 02.04.2026 40min

  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 exist.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Maia Iva! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• WILL MACASKILL says we are not prepared for the intelligence explosion 19.03.2026 42min

  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 BetterKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• ZOE WEIL has a solutionary idea to change the world 05.03.2026 52min

  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 systemic problems for the greater good.Learn more about Zoe and listen to her podcast Solutionary VoicesKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• REBECCA GOLDSTEIN thinks we are all attention seeking 19.02.2026 1t 2min

  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 SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• forget happiness, JENNIFER WALLACE thinks mattering is the key to a life well lived 05.02.2026 51min

  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 distinguishes the difference between self-esteem and mattering.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• (RE-RELEASE) LISA FELDMAN BARRETT: everything you know about the brain is wrong! 22.01.2026 1t 14min

  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 construction of emotional experiences.Lisa talks about how the brain's processes can help overcome anxiety related to public speaking, and the construction of social reality.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel Barrettspecial thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• (RE-RELEASE) Why YUVAL NOAH HARARI thinks modern society is on the brink of collapse 15.01.2026 56min

  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 main victims of history throughout the ages, and what was arguably the worst crime in history, and gives his views on the importance of love and intellect.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel Barrettspecial thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• (RE-RELEASE) INGRID NEWKIRK: the dark side of animal rights 08.01.2026 1t 20min

  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 inflict on animals, and how these ideals could be implemented throughout society to enable revolutionary change.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel Barrettspecial thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• (RE-RELEASE) DANIEL KAHNEMAN: understanding how we make decisions 01.01.2026 1t 3min

  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 SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel Barrettspecial thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• (RE-RELEASE) A.J. JACOBS exposes why living biblically means stoning adulterers! 25.12.2025 1t 12min

  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 America's Founding Fathers. A.J. discusses his motivations behind these experiments, and recounts his experiences with radical honesty, and biblical literalism.This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout!Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel Barrettspecial thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• MARION NESTLE exposes the dark truth about ultra processed foods 18.12.2025 1t 2min

  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 discusses her dietary habits, and gives her opinion on ultra-processed foods, and a critique on the food industry's marketing strategies.learn more about Marion and read her blog Food PoliticsThis episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout!Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our researcher Chris van Ryn! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• PAUL SIMON: life beyond the sound of silence 11.12.2025 1t 15min

  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 the human condition.Paul shares insights into his legendary songwriting career, focusing on his iconic song 'The Sound of Silence,' written at age 21. Simon reflects on his creative process, the evolution of his music over decades, his 33-minute piece 'Seven Psalms,' and the nature of musical inspiration. He contemplates his legacy, personal happiness, and the influence of other musicians on his life.This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout!Listen to NPR Saving Lives with Fewer Dollars and learn more about GiveWellKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• TIM MINCHIN vs The Church 04.12.2025 1t 12min

  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 undertones of 'Come Home, Cardinal Pell,' a protest song aimed at urging Cardinal Pell to return to Australia to face the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Abuse. Minchin also shares his deterministic worldview, and views on happiness and purpose.Learn more about Tim and read his books and listen to his music This episode is sponsored by GiveWell. You can have your donation matched up to $100 before the end of the year! (or as long as matching funds last) go to givewell.org to donate or find out more. Enter LIVES WELL LIVED at the checkout!Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• SHERMIN KRUSE on surviving the Iranian Revolution through the power of empathy 27.11.2025 1t 12min

  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 discusses their applications in various scenarios, including negotiations and conflict resolution.Learn more about Shermin and read her books!Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• BRIAN HARE & VANESSA WOODS: kindness will prevail over aggression 20.11.2025 1t

  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 sits at the intersection of science, empathy, and storytelling, often exploring what animal intelligence reveals about human behaviour, relationships, and society.Vanessa and Brian discuss their book 'Survival of the Friendliest,' which posits that friendliness, rather than aggression or intelligence, has been key to human success.Learn more about Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods and read their books!Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.