Life Examined
KCRW
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.
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Top 10 Life Examined Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Life Examined episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Life Examined for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Life Examined episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Unlocking the mysteries of the brain
Life Examined
09/05/20 • 53 min
The most advanced technology ever discovered is the three pound organ encased inside our skulls. In his latest book, “Livewired” neuroscientist David Eagleman describes why our brains are constantly changing: the more the brain absorbs the more it adjusts. How has the pandemic impacted this amazing brain circuitry? And what are the impacts on children's brains, stuck at home with extended hours of screen time?
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02/18/23 • 53 min
Black writers and poets Quraysh Ali Lansana and Ishion Hutchinson share how their poetry is shaped by history, tradition, and the unearthing of forgotten histories.
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02/04/23 • 54 min
Psychologist and author Dacher Keltner shares the science and mysteries surrounding awe, and suggests we make finding awe part of our daily lives.
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02/11/23 • 53 min
Coach and author Brad Stulberg examines the science behind reaching our full potential, whether it be at work or in our personal lives. And shares his very personal story about getting diagnosed with OCD later in life.
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The science of friendship and the value of listening
Life Examined
12/10/22 • 45 min
Science journalist and author Lydia Denworth explains the value of friendship and what we can learn from primates about the value of social bonds. Author, public speaker, and podcast host Oscar Trimboli explains the science behind listening and provides tips on how we learn to listen well and pay attention.
03/11/23 • 54 min
Geneticist Amander Clark and religion, culture, and gender studies professor Samira Mehta discuss how science and religion define when human life begins. Later, bioethicist and philosopher Nancy Jecker reflects on the moral, ethical, and practical challenges of defining personhood.
Poet David Whyte; on writing the unspeakable
Life Examined
11/12/21 • 52 min
Host Jonathan Bastian talks with David Whyte about the power of the written and spoken word. Whyte, a poet, philosopher, and speaker, discusses his latest collection of poems, “Still Possible,” in which he continues to explore vulnerability, relationships, and “the conversational nature of reality.”
Midweek Reset: Toxic positivity
Life Examined
11/29/23 • 4 min
This week, cognitive scientist and professor of psychology at Yale University Lori Santos explains that negative emotions are very much part of the human experience and essential to leading a happy life. Leaning into these emotions and accepting them is better for us than trying to dismiss or suppress them.
Is there a way to prepare for a good death?
Life Examined
08/01/20 • 53 min
The pandemic has placed death and the acknowledgement of our mortality front and center in our consciousness and yet when it comes to dying, we understand little and do even less to prepare for it. Is there a good way to die? How do the funeral rights and bereavement rituals in other cultures provide solace and comfort?
03/25/23 • 44 min
German forester and author Peter Wohlleben explains how trees have a sophisticated method of communication and the ability to feel and heal. Author Susan Orlean talks about our love and relationship with animals, and what our fascination with them tells us about ourselves.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Life Examined have?
Life Examined currently has 284 episodes available.
What topics does Life Examined cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture and Podcasts.
What is the most popular episode on Life Examined?
The episode title 'Unlocking the mysteries of the brain' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Life Examined?
The average episode length on Life Examined is 44 minutes.
How often are episodes of Life Examined released?
Episodes of Life Examined are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Life Examined?
The first episode of Life Examined was released on Apr 25, 2020.
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Comments
@hmingst
Jan 27
This was and continues to be, by far, my favorite podcast of 2020/21. Jonathan Bastian is an incredibly thoughtful and introspective journalist who interviews exceptional people like Rabbi Steve Leder and Deepak Chopra on existential issues, particularly focusing on how we find meaning and connection in our increasingly secularized culture. Highly recommend!
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