Life Examined

Life Examined

KCRW's Life Examined is a one-hour weekly show exploring science, philosophy, faith — and finding meaning in the modern world. The show is hosted by Jonathan Bastian. Please tune in Sundays at 9 a.m., or find it as a podcast.

Scott Galloway discusses his book "The Algebra of Wealth" and the growing disconnect between young people and their economic futures.

Scott Galloway: Can the youth still make it in America?

Scott Galloway discusses his book "The Algebra of Wealth" and the growing disconnect between young people and their economic futures.

This week, Kieran Setyia, professor of philosophy at MIT and author of “ Life Is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way ” reflects on failure and suggests we push back on how we…

Midweek Reset: Kieran Setiya on failure + process

This week, Kieran Setyia, professor of philosophy at MIT and author of “ Life Is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way ” reflects on failure and suggests we push back on how we…

Journalist Abraham Lustgarten and scientist-turned-activist Rose Abramoff discuss the impacts of climate research on human migratory patterns and activism.

Uprooted: Climate migration and scientist activism

Journalist Abraham Lustgarten and scientist-turned-activist Rose Abramoff discuss the impacts of climate research on human migratory patterns and activism.

KCRW Life Examined host Jonathan Bastian makes a guest appearance on KCRW’s How’s Your Sex Life, and talks about his insights on relationships, divorce and heartbreak.

KCRW’s “How’s Your Sex Life” discusses falling in love and falling apart with Jonathan Bastian

KCRW Life Examined host Jonathan Bastian makes a guest appearance on KCRW’s How’s Your Sex Life, and talks about his insights on relationships, divorce and heartbreak.

This week, Scott Galloway NYU professor, podcaster and author of “ The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security,” reflects on life’s blessings.

Midweek Reset: Scott Galloway on Blessings

This week, Scott Galloway NYU professor, podcaster and author of “ The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security,” reflects on life’s blessings.

Authors Lauren Markham and Alexjandra Oliva share their own experiences with immigration and the history, ethics, and moral complexities of border crossings.

Border Crossings: Navigating identity, language, and belonging

Authors Lauren Markham and Alexjandra Oliva share their own experiences with immigration and the history, ethics, and moral complexities of border crossings.

This week, renowned writer and author Michael Pollan on the new science of psychedelics.

Midweek Reset: Michael Pollan on psychedelics

This week, renowned writer and author Michael Pollan on the new science of psychedelics.

Michael Pollan, investigative journalist, writer, and author of numerous books including “This is Your Mind on Plants” talks about his trip into the world of food and the new science…

Michael Pollan’s long and strange trip: shifting perspectives on food and psychedelics

Michael Pollan, investigative journalist, writer, and author of numerous books including “This is Your Mind on Plants” talks about his trip into the world of food and the new science…

This week, psychology and education professor at Columbia University, Peter Coleman explains why in turbulent times at home and across the globe, Costa Rica remains peaceful and…

Midweek Reset: The lesson of Costa Rica

This week, psychology and education professor at Columbia University, Peter Coleman explains why in turbulent times at home and across the globe, Costa Rica remains peaceful and…

Neil Mullarkey is a comedian, actor, and author of In the Moment: Build your confidence, creativity, and communication at work.

Laughter, leadership, and Improv: navigating the unscripted parts of your life

Neil Mullarkey is a comedian, actor, and author of In the Moment: Build your confidence, creativity, and communication at work.

This week, Brad Stulberg writer and author of “The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success that Feeds – Not Crushes – Your Soul” on behavioral action and why the…

Midweek Reset: Mood follows action

This week, Brad Stulberg writer and author of “The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success that Feeds – Not Crushes – Your Soul” on behavioral action and why the…

UC Berkeley professor Jennifer Chatman and clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula explain what narcissism is and looks like and the perceived propensity for it within leadership and…

Are you in a relationship with a narcissist?

UC Berkeley professor Jennifer Chatman and clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula explain what narcissism is and looks like and the perceived propensity for it within leadership and…

This week, clinical psychologist and Buddhist teacher Tara Brach on activism and how easy it is to unintentionally absorb the hate and anger leveled at others.

Midweek Reset: Peaceful protest

This week, clinical psychologist and Buddhist teacher Tara Brach on activism and how easy it is to unintentionally absorb the hate and anger leveled at others.

Paul Bloom, psychologist and author of “Psyche: The Story of the Human Mind” and “The Sweet Spot,” reflects on the relevance and controversy surrounding Sigmund Freud.

Freud: What he said, why he matters

Paul Bloom, psychologist and author of “Psyche: The Story of the Human Mind” and “The Sweet Spot,” reflects on the relevance and controversy surrounding Sigmund Freud.

This week, Denis McManus, professor of philosophy at the University of Southampton reflects on authenticity and the allure of being true to ourselves and suggests that while…

Midweek Reset: Authenticity trap

This week, Denis McManus, professor of philosophy at the University of Southampton reflects on authenticity and the allure of being true to ourselves and suggests that while…

Kenneth Miller, writer and author of Mapping the Darkness; The Visionary Scientists Who Unlocked The Mysteries of Sleep, looks at the history and mysteries surrounding sleep and why it…

Mapping the darkness; the science behind sleep

Kenneth Miller, writer and author of Mapping the Darkness; The Visionary Scientists Who Unlocked The Mysteries of Sleep, looks at the history and mysteries surrounding sleep and why it…

This week, corporate speaker, former professional poker player and author of “Quit: The Power Of Knowing When To Walk Away, ” Annie Duke says knowing when to quit can be helpful when…

Midweek Reset: When to Quit

This week, corporate speaker, former professional poker player and author of “Quit: The Power Of Knowing When To Walk Away, ” Annie Duke says knowing when to quit can be helpful when…

Leslie Jamison, writer and author of  “Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story,” reflects on the end of her marriage months after the birth of her daughter.

Splintering: When a divorce and first child arrive together

Leslie Jamison, writer and author of “Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story,” reflects on the end of her marriage months after the birth of her daughter.

This week, Yale professor of psychology Paul Bloom offers another perspective on retirement.

Midweek Reset: The Retirement Myth

This week, Yale professor of psychology Paul Bloom offers another perspective on retirement.

Casper ter Kuile, author and co-founder of Nearness, discusses the meaning and value of building community, coming together, and practical tips for forging meaningful connections.

How to build community in an age of isolation

Casper ter Kuile, author and co-founder of Nearness, discusses the meaning and value of building community, coming together, and practical tips for forging meaningful connections.