Lives Well Lived

Antonio Damasio is a neuroscientist renowned for his extensive research into the neural underpinnings of emotions, decision-making, and consciousnessAntonio 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 SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika ChechiAnd special thanks to Suzi Jamil

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 VaryRead Future Perfect 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 ChechiAnd special thanks to Suzi Jamil

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 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

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 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

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 SubstackKeep up to date with Kasia!Executive Producer: Rachel BarrettThanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

Robert 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

Safeena 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

Adam 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

Moby 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!