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. Ellen emphasises the importance of active engagement and choice, and how our beliefs and perceptions can significantly affect physical health.

Learn more about Ellen and read her books!

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 stemming from these actions.

Learn more about Wayne subscribe to his substack

Learn more about Anima International as mentioned in this episode

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 and global health solidarity. Dechen played a pivotal role in navigating Bhutan through the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, Bhutan achieved a 94% vaccination rate within four days and maintained one of the world's lowest death rates.

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 reducing the population and the practical implications for global challenges like climate change.

Learn more about Dean and read his books!

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Her most notable work is the 2022 feature documentary The UnRedacted (formerly known as 'Jihad Rehab'), which examines the lives of former Guantánamo Bay detainees undergoing rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia, and the complexities of de-radicalisation programs. Despite facing severe backlash, censorship, and cancellation attempts, Meg remains committed to bringing these human stories to light while upholding her integrity and commitment to the truth.

Read the New York Times cover story on Jihad Rehab & The Shameful Cancellation of Jihad Rehab

Listen to Meg on the Sam Harris Podcast

Support Meg's Film https://jihadrehab.com & GoFundMe

Get in touch with Meg The UnRedacted Facebook Group

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 download the chrome plug-in

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 hope and commitment towards fostering a more unified and cooperative society.

Learn more about Josh and read his books!

Learn more about Giving Multiplier (code LIVESWELLLIVED)

Learn more about Tango & sign up for The Game

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 self-education and determination, she became a self-taught engineer, holding key roles at a cybersecurity startup acquired by Cisco for $850 million.

Cyan emphasises themes of empathy, love, and personal growth, and the healing power of philosophy in overcoming adversity and trauma.

Learn more about Cyan

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 several complex and thought-provoking topics including but not limited to; the catastrophe of love, political philosophy, critiques of both historical and contemporary interpretations of communism, and ultimately whether the pursuit of happiness should be the goal in life.

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cass Sunstein is a prominent American legal scholar, behavioural economist, and professor at Harvard Law School. Cass explores the concept of nudging and libertarian paternalism, addressing ethical concerns around manipulation and autonomy. He reflects on climate justice, the moral duties of high-emission countries, and global accountability in climate policy.

Learn more about Cass and read his books!

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist renowned for his work in particle physics, cosmology, and science communication. Krauss explores the idea of cosmic insignificance and the absence of inherent meaning in the universe, emphasising the importance of appreciating the rarity of life, whilst exploring fundamental questions about the universe and human existence.

Learn more about Lawrence and listen to The Origins Podcast

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, author, and public intellectual renowned for his progressive ideas on social and economic reform.

Rutger emphasises that living well means taking meaningful, practical action to address global issues—not just raising awareness. Drawing from his books Humankind and his initiative The School for Moral Ambition, he advocates for channeling ambition into social impact, encouraging career shifts toward solving major problems. He promotes ideas like universal basic income, effective altruism, and combating factory farming, while exploring how power dynamics influence moral choices.

Watch the Profit For Good conference live stream from Amsterdam on June 11

Learn more about Rutger and read his books!

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elizabeth Barnes is an author and Professor of philosophy at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, she reflects on her unconventional journey into philosophy, and her experience living with disabilities. Elizabeth questions conventional views on disability, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of wellbeing, and shares how philosophy helps her find comfort and meaning in life’s challenges.

Learn more about Elizabeth and read her books!

Donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Donate to The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Nagel is an American philosopher known for exploring consciousness, ethics, and the limits of scientific explanation. He is best known for his essay "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" and his critique of materialism in Mind and Cosmos.

Thomas discusses how he was drawn to philosophy, he elaborates on the major themes of his work, especially the challenge of understanding the subjective experience, and calls for a broader view of reality that encompasses both mental and physical dimensions. 

Beyond philosophy of mind, Nagel discusses ethical issues, such as the difficulty of comparing the suffering of different species and the tensions between impartial moral theories and personal loyalties.

Read: What Is It Like to Be a Bat?

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arthur C. Brooks is an author and academic, he has written 13 books and is a columnist for the Atlantic with 'How to Build a Life'

Arthur leads this discussion exploring the concept of happiness from interdisciplinary perspectives, bridging philosophy, neuroscience, and behavioural science. Happiness is defined through the components of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. Arthur address the dilemma of constantly chasing goals and the paradox of the hedonic treadmill.

Read Arthur's column in the Atlantic: How to Build a Life

Read 'There's a Lesson to Learn from Daniel Kahneman's Death' in the New York Times

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Antonio Damasio is a neuroscientist renowned for his extensive research into the neural underpinnings of emotions, decision-making, and consciousness

Antonio reflects on his groundbreaking work on the brain, the impact of brain injuries on behaviour, and the connection between physical states and mental processes. Antonio speaks on the ethical implications of neuroscience, the future of artificial intelligence, and the importance of art, music, and relationships in leading a meaningful life.

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sigal Samuel is a writer, editor, and journalist known for her work on religion, technology, and ethics. Sigal shares her value-driven approach to life, offering insights into moral decision-making, ethical giving, and the complexities of modern ethical dilemmas. Through her work in philosophical ethics and her advice column at Vox 'Your Mileage May Vary' Sigal offers a thoughtful perspective on navigating life’s biggest questions while staying true to oneself.

Got an ethical dilemma? reach out to Sigal at her advice column Your Mileage May Vary

Read Future Perfect

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Duchovny is an actor, writer, director, and musician, best known for his iconic role as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder in The X-Files, a sci-fi series that became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s.

David explores the fine line between conspiracy and reality, the ethics of innovation, and the spiritual dimensions of human existence. How do we balance pleasure and meaning in a fulfilled life? What role do failure, empathy, and compassion play in shaping who we become? From personal philosophies to the influence of family heritage and the deeper meaning behind success, this episode is a thought-provoking journey through art, intellect, and the mysteries of being human.

Listen to David's Podcast! Fail Better with David Duchovny

Read David's Book! Holy Cow

Listen to David's Album! Gesture Land

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Audio Producer: Stuart Buckland

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Plant is the founding director of the Happier Lives Institute, he discusses the concept of happiness, its definitions, and global wellbeing. Michael shares insights from the newly released 2025 World Happiness Report, highlighting effective charities and the role of global happiness in public policy.

Read the 2025 World Happiness Report

Learn more about the Happier Lives Institute

Learn about Action for Happiness

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Anna Lembke is professor of psychiatry at Stanford University and author of Dopamine Nation.

Anna explores the intricacies of addiction, compulsive overconsumption, the role of dopamine in pleasure and motivation, and the ethical considerations surrounding free will and responsibility in addiction.

Learn more about Anna Lembke and read her books!

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.