

Life Examined
Jonathan Bastian
A weekly exploration of psychology, philosophy, endurance sports, and finding meaning in the modern world. lifeexamined.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 25, 2023 • 52min
The beauty of games and the dark side of gamification
Win or lose — the art and nature of games have a deeper impact on our lives than we might imagine. What’s the appeal, and what do we learn about ourselves? Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 18, 2023 • 52min
Black poetry and the unearthing of forgotten histories
Black writers and poets Quraysh Ali Lansana and Ishion Hutchinson share how their poetry is shaped by history, tradition, and the unearthing of forgotten histories. Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe

5 snips
Feb 11, 2023 • 52min
Author Brad Stulberg on peak performance strategies and overcoming OCD
Coach and author Brad Stulberg examines the science behind reaching our full potential, whether it be at work or in our personal lives. And shares his very personal story about getting diagnosed with OCD later in life. Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 4, 2023 • 53min
The miracle and mystery of awe: Why it’s good for mind and body
Psychologist and author Dacher Keltner shares the science and mysteries surrounding awe, and suggests we make finding awe part of our daily lives. Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 28, 2023 • 52min
In search of happiness: The secrets and science behind leading a good life
Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, unlocks some of the secrets discovered via 80 years of research on happiness. Later, UCLA Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making Cassie Holmes reflects on how those who make the most of their time can be happie Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 21, 2023 • 52min
In search of paradise—and why travel writer Pico Iyer says it may be within
Renowned travel writer and author Pico Iyer reflects on how different cultures and peoples see life and death and find their own versions of happiness and paradise. Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 14, 2023 • 53min
The art of travel: A vagabond’s joys, essence, and philosophy
Traveler and author Rolf Potts shares his philosophy on meaningful travel and how embracing the unexpected can change us for the better. Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 7, 2023 • 52min
Why humans are kinder than at you think: The philosophy of Rutger Bregman
Historian and author Rutger Bregman examines the science and the history behind human nature and argues that the human mind is wired to be good. Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe

17 snips
Dec 24, 2022 • 51min
Poet David Whyte; on writing the unspeakable
Host Jonathan Bastian talks with David Whyte about the power of the written and spoken word. Whyte, a poet, philosopher, and speaker, discusses his latest collection of poems, “Still Possible,” in which he continues to explore vulnerability, relationships, and “the conversational nature of reality.” Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 17, 2022 • 52min
Playing the status game, and why we can’t hide from it
Journalist and author Will Storr explains how status influences everything we do. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we all seek to be of value and feel accepted. Author Chuck Thompson says today’s status ideals have shifted; status is not reflected in the clothes you wear, but more about what you do for society. Get full access to Life Examined at lifeexamined.substack.com/subscribe


