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.
The Serviceberry’: Robin Wall Kimmerer’s guide to the gift economy
Botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses her new book “The Serviceberry,” explaining how this plant serves as a metaphor for living in a “gift economy.”
This week clinical psychologist and author Dacher Keltner delves into the science and mysteries surrounding awe and shares that awe is not just found in nature or music but most often…
Leah Penniman and Reverend Lennox Yearwood on food, farming, faith, and hip-hop
Leah Penniman and Reverend Lennox Yearwood share their passion for farming and explore the shifting landscape in the fight for environmental and racial justice.
This week clinical psychologist George Bonanno at Columbia University explores resilience and challenges some traditional notions about trauma and says that humans are far better at…
Ryan Holiday: A Stoics guide to doing the right thing
Author Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtues of doing good, emphasizing that acting with integrity and making the right choices are always within our control.
Breaking beyond tribalism and apathy: The brighter side of politics
Sharon McMahon and Michael Morris delve into the importance of history and elections, tribalism, and hope — addressing why they are often misunderstood.
This week Kate Murphy, journalist and author of “ You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters,” sheds some light on the value of true friendships, why quality is often…
This week Judson Brewer psychiatrist, neuroscientist at Brown University and author of “Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your…
Here’s what ‘Wild Rituals’ author Caitlin O’Connell learned from the elephants
Cailtin O’Connell, author of “Wild Rituals: 10 Lessons Animals Can Teach Us About Connection, Community, and Ourselves,” shares insights into the ways in which elephants relate.
This week Peter Wohlleben , renowned German forester and author of “The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate,” talks about the age-old connection between humans…
James Danckert, psychologist and author of “Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom,” explains the meaning of boredom and why being bored can be beneficial.
This week Jamil Zaki, professor of Psychology at Stanford University and author of “Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness,” talks about our need to rebrand hope as…
Podcast host and executive producer of The Loudest Girl In The World Lauren Ober chronicles her later-in-life autism diagnosis and how it changed her life.
Positivity and hope: How to navigate society away from cynicism
Jamil Zaki, Stanford professor of psychology/author, explains the science and appeal of cynicism while Tania Israel, professor of counseling psychology/author, talks about how to build…
