This episode is sponsored by Suffrago, a polling platform where people can make their voices heard by those in power and where politicians go to listen.Find out more here:https://www.suffrago.orgIn this episode of The Conversation Cabinet, we sit down with writer Johnny Thomson (Philosophy Minis) to explore some of life’s biggest questions: What actually makes us happy? Are humans just driven by pleasure and pain? And why are so many people feeling disconnected despite living in an age of unprecedented comfort?Johnny discusses the ancient philosophical traditions of Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Daoism and explains how these ideas can still guide the way we live today. From the nature of happiness and friendship to the dangers of chasing status, power, and wealth, we unpack how philosophical thinking can help us live more meaningful and contented lives.We also dive into: • Why Johnny believes everything humans do is ultimately driven by pleasure or the avoidance of pain • The difference between hedonic happiness and the deeper idea of eudaimonia • Why friendships may be the most important ingredient for a good life • The rise of Stoicism in modern culture • How social media and status comparison are reshaping our understanding of success • What ancient philosophers can teach us about living well in the modern worldThroughout the conversation, Johnny draws on thinkers from Epicurus and Aristotle to modern psychology, showing how philosophy is a practical toolkit for navigating life.🎙 About Johnny ThomsonJohnny Thomson is a philosopher, writer, and educator best known for the hugely popular Philosophy Minis platform. He writes for Big Think and previously taught philosophy at Oxford, sharing philosophical ideas with millions of people across social media.