Arthur C. Brooks is an American social scientist, author, and speaker known for his research on happiness, philanthropy, and public policy, and for his work as a former president of the American Enterprise Institute. Arthur leads this discussion exploring the concept of happiness from interdisciplinary perspectives, bridging philosophy, neuroscience, and behavioural science.

Read Arthur's column in the Atlantic: How to Build a Life

Read 'There's a Lesson to Learn from Daniel Kahneman's Death' in the New York Times

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil

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

Antonio Damasio is a Portuguese-American neuroscientist and author renowned for his research on the brain, emotions, and consciousness. Antonio reflects on his groundbreaking work on the brain, the impact of brain injuries on behaviour, and the connection between physical states and mental processes.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil

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

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.

Got an ethical dilemma? reach out to Sigal at her advice column Your Mileage May Vary

Read Future Perfect

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil

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

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. David explores the fine line between conspiracy and reality, the ethics of innovation, and the spiritual dimensions of human existence.

Listen to David's Podcast! Fail Better with David Duchovny

Read David's Book! Holy Cow

Listen to David's Album! Gesture Land

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Audio Producer: Stuart Buckland

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil

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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 Report

Learn more about the Happier Lives Institute

Learn about Action for Happiness

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

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Anna Lembke is an American psychiatrist, addiction expert, and author known for her research and clinical work on substance use, behavioural addictions, and the impact of opioids on the brain.

Learn more about Anna Lembke and read her books!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

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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.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

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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

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

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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 Own

Find out more about Humanitix

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

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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 Moby

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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