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12. DAVID DUCHOVNY: the mystery of life
58:49||Season 2, Ep. 12David 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 DuchovnyRead David's Book! Holy CowListen to David's Album! Gesture LandKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettAudio Producer: Stuart BucklandThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika ChechiAnd special thanks to Suzi Jamil
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11. MICHAEL PLANT: insights on happiness
51:05||Season 2, Ep. 11Michael 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 ReportLearn more about the Happier Lives InstituteLearn about Action for HappinessKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi
10. ANNA LEMBKE: the dopamine dilemma
01:01:14||Season 2, Ep. 10Dr. 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 SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi
9. ROBERT SAPOLSKY: biological determinism
01:04:05||Season 2, Ep. 9Robert Sapolsky is an academic, author, neuroscientist, and primatologist, who has studied wild baboons in Kenya over a 25 year period. Robert explores how stress and social hierarchies affect baboon health and behaviour and how these findings parallel human experiences in societal structures. Sapolsky discusses the philosophical implications of biological determinism, free will, and moral responsibility.Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi
8. SAFEENA HUSAIN: the movement to educate girls
50:48||Season 2, Ep. 8Safeena Husain is the founder of Educate Girls – a non-profit organisation that is focussed on mobilising communities for girls’ education in India’s rural areas.Safeena discusses the critical importance of combating deep-rooted cultural and patriarchal biases in favour of girls' educations, and the widespread issue of 122 million girls globally not in school and the dire consequences this has, including early marriage, increased maternal mortality, and intergenerational cycles of poverty.Find out more at The Life You Can Save & support Educate Girls Keep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi
7. PROFIT FOR GOOD: building businesses that donate 100% of their profits to charity
01:12:55||Season 2, Ep. 7Adam McCurdie and Josh Ross, founders of Humanitix, and Alex Amouyel, CEO of Newman's Own Foundation talk about whether the example their companies set can transform capitalism.Find out more about Newman's OwnFind out more about HumanitixKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi
6. MOBY: the path to punk rock activism
01:04:46||Season 2, Ep. 6Moby is a musician, songwriter, author, and animal rights activist. Moby explores the intersection of making groundbreaking music, and the philosophical & ethical implications of animal rights activism, offering a profound look at how personal experiences and cultural paradigms shape our choices and advocacy. Find out more about MobyKeep up to date with Peter on SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika ChechiSpecial Thanks to Suzi Jamil!