Cass Sunstein is a prominent American legal scholar, behavioural economist, and professor at Harvard Law School. Cass explores the concept of nudging and libertarian paternalism, addressing ethical concerns around manipulation and autonomy. He reflects on climate justice, the moral duties of high-emission countries, and global accountability in climate policy.

Learn more about Cass and read his books!

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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

Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist renowned for his work in particle physics, cosmology, and science communication. Krauss explores the idea of cosmic insignificance and the absence of inherent meaning in the universe, emphasising the importance of appreciating the rarity of life, whilst exploring fundamental questions about the universe and human existence.

Learn more about Lawrence and listen to The Origins Podcast

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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

Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, author, and public intellectual renowned for his progressive ideas on social and economic reform.

Rutger emphasises that living well means taking meaningful, practical action to address global issues—not just raising awareness. Drawing from his books Humankind and his initiative The School for Moral Ambition, he advocates for channeling ambition into social impact, encouraging career shifts toward solving major problems. He promotes ideas like universal basic income, effective altruism, and combating factory farming, while exploring how power dynamics influence moral choices.

Watch the Profit For Good conference live stream from Amsterdam on June 11

Learn more about Rutger and read his books!

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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

Elizabeth Barnes is an author and Professor of philosophy at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, she reflects on her unconventional journey into philosophy, and her experience living with disabilities. Elizabeth questions conventional views on disability, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of wellbeing, and shares how philosophy helps her find comfort and meaning in life’s challenges.

Learn more about Elizabeth and read her books!

Donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Donate to The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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

Thomas Nagel is an American philosopher known for exploring consciousness, ethics, and the limits of scientific explanation. He is best known for his essay "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" and his critique of materialism in Mind and Cosmos.

Thomas discusses how he was drawn to philosophy, he elaborates on the major themes of his work, especially the challenge of understanding the subjective experience, and calls for a broader view of reality that encompasses both mental and physical dimensions.

Beyond philosophy of mind, Nagel discusses ethical issues, such as the difficulty of comparing the suffering of different species and the tensions between impartial moral theories and personal loyalties.

Read: What Is It Like to Be a Bat?

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

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.

Arthur C. Brooks is an author and academic, he has written 13 books and is a columnist for the Atlantic with 'How to Build a Life'

Arthur leads this discussion exploring the concept of happiness from interdisciplinary perspectives, bridging philosophy, neuroscience, and behavioural science. Happiness is defined through the components of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. Arthur address the dilemma of constantly chasing goals and the paradox of the hedonic treadmill.

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

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

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 neuroscientist renowned for his extensive research into the neural underpinnings of emotions, decision-making, 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. Antonio speaks on the ethical implications of neuroscience, the future of artificial intelligence, and the importance of art, music, and relationships in leading a meaningful life.

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

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. Through her work in philosophical ethics and her advice column at Vox 'Your Mileage May Vary' Sigal offers a thoughtful perspective on navigating life’s biggest questions while staying true to oneself.

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

Read Future Perfect

Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

Keep up to date with Kasia!

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.