In this final episode of the first season of Lives Well Lived, Peter & Kasia interview acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates about her prolific career and perspectives on writing and life.

Joyce Carol Oates was born during the Depression in Lockport, New York. Oates published her first book in 1963 as a teen, and has since published 58 novels, many of them portraying the darkness of American society. Her writing has earned her virtually every major American literary prize, and she has been a finalist for the Pulitzer for Fiction five times.

Joyce, a longtime Princeton professor and writer, discusses the complexity of self-identity, and the nature of a well-lived life. She presents a unique view and challenges the core themes of this podcast, noting her focus on literary output over emotional introspection. Joyce expresses her belief in prioritising the work over personal fame and outlines her perspective on philosophical questions about the self.

In the second half of this episode, Peter & Kasia reflect on the recurrent themes that have arisen from our guests over this first season. We thank for you listening, and hope you join us for Season Two when we are back later in the year. If you have guest suggestions pls leave us a review and who you would like to see on an upcoming episode of Lives Well Lived.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Audio Producer: Stuart Buckland

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

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Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, is among the top 0.1% most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behaviour. In addition to academic work, Barrett has written two science books for the public, How Emotions are Made and Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain.

This episode begins with Lisa talking about how the brain's processes can help overcome anxiety related to public speaking, and how sensations interpreted as anxiety can be redefined as determination or arousal through cognitive reframing.

Peter and Kasia explore the philosophical implications of neuroscience concepts such as free will and the self, the construction of social reality, and environmental influences on leading a meaningful life.

Learn more about Lisa Feldman Barrett and read her books!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett (sadly no relation to Lisa Feldman Barrett)

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREON

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Murali Doraiswamy is Professor of Psychiatry and Professor in Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine where he is a physician scientist at the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences.

This conversation explores the complex definitions and criteria for diagnosing mental illness and its prevalence worldwide. Prof Doraiswamy discusses contributing factors such as economic instability, cultural differences, and the impact of social media on mental health. Peter & Kasia discuss the role of psychiatry and the integration of positive psychology in improving individual well-being, alongside the ethics and challenges of treating terminal illnesses and the quality of life in dementia patients. Prof Doraiswamy talks about blending Eastern and Western approaches to understanding happiness and mental health, and the evolving perspectives on happiness through different stages of life.

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Keep up to date with Peter!

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Keep up to date with Kasia!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Audio Producer: Stuart Buckland

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil

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

Sam Harris is an American philosopher, neuroscientist, author, and host of Making Sense.

Peter and Kasia are in-conversation with Sam on spirituality, consciousness, ethical living, and the fear of death.

Sam begins by examining his profound ethical realisations under the effects of MDMA, leading to a pursuit of understanding consciousness via meditation and philosophy. The dialogue covers the contrasts between psychedelic experiences and meditation, the illusion of self, and the ethical implications of free will.

Sam touches on modern ethical issues like lying, vegetarianism, and effective altruism. Ultimately this episode emphasises appreciating the present and making thoughtful philosophical adjustments to lead a fulfilling life.

Learn more about Sam Harris

Listen to Sam's Podcast MAKING SENSE

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Keep up to date with Peter!

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Keep up to date with Kasia!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Hendrik Dahlmeier

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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

Paul Bloom is Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, and Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University. Paul Bloom studies how children and adults make sense of the world.

Paul Bloom delves into the intricacies of morality, debates the importance of reason over emotion in making moral decisions, and argues for the power of reason to help distinguish between rational and irrational reactions. Along with Peter and Kasia, Paul explores the significance of pleasure, distinguishing between short-term pleasures and long-term happiness, and the psychological aspects underpinning our attachment to objects with historical value.

Learn more about Paul Bloom

If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREON

Keep up to date with Peter!

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Keep up to date with Kasia!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers!

Mihika Chechi

Hendrik Dahlmeier

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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

Ximena Abogabir is a Chilean journalist, environmentalist, and social activist who co-founded the organisation Casa de la Paz (House of Peace) in 1983. Ximena is known for her work in sustainable development and environmental awareness in Chile, and has become a prominent figure in environmental activism, advocating for policies that address climate change and promote sustainability throughout the world.

Ximena discusses the importance of living well into old age, and how society needs to reshape its cultural perceptions, and overcome stereotypes around ageing. These ideas are explored with Peter & Kasia through the concepts of finding purpose and maintaining robust health in life, so that longevity can be celebrated instead of feared.

Learn more about Ximena!

If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREON

Keep up to date with Peter!

Website: www.petersinger.info

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Keep up to date with Kasia!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers!

Mihika Chechi

Hendrik Dahlmeier

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and author of New York Times bestsellers 'The Righteous Mind', and 'The Coddling of the American Mind'. His latest book 'The Anxious Generation', argues that the rise of smartphones and overprotective parenting have led to a "rewiring" of childhood and a rise in mental illness.

Jon discusses the intricate dynamics of political behaviour in America, highlighting the psychological differences, and intensified political extremes between liberals and conservatives as well as the societal shifts driven by technology and social media. Haidt discusses legislative accountability of the social media companies, and proposes social norms that are needed to overcome the mental health challenges of the younger generation.

Learn more about Jonathan and read THE ANXIOUS GENERATION

If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREON

Keep up to date with Peter!

Website: www.petersinger.info

Substack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singer

Keep up to date with Kasia!

https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers!

Mihika Chechi

Hendrik Dahlmeier

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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

A.J. Jacobs is an author, humourist and journalist, who has written four New York Times bestsellers, including 'The Year of Living Biblically' , 'The Know-It-All: One Man’s Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World, and 'Drop Dead Healthy'.

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, striving for physical perfection, and living like America's Founding Fathers for his latest book, 'The Year of Living Constitutionally.'

A.J. discusses his motivations behind these experiments, and recounts his experiences with radical honesty, health regimens, and biblical literalism.

Learn more about A.J Jacobs and read his latest book The Year of Living Constitutionally

If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREON

Keep up to date with Peter!

Website: www.petersinger.info

Substack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singer

Keep up to date with Kasia!

https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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