In this final episode of the first season of Lives Well Lived, Peter & Kasia interview acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates about her prolific career and perspectives on writing and life.

Joyce Carol Oates was born during the Depression in Lockport, New York. Oates published her first book in 1963 as a teen, and has since published 58 novels, many of them portraying the darkness of American society. Her writing has earned her virtually every major American literary prize, and she has been a finalist for the Pulitzer for Fiction five times.

Joyce, a longtime Princeton professor and writer, discusses the complexity of self-identity, and the nature of a well-lived life. She presents a unique view and challenges the core themes of this podcast, noting her focus on literary output over emotional introspection. Joyce expresses her belief in prioritising the work over personal fame and outlines her perspective on philosophical questions about the self.

In the second half of this episode, Peter & Kasia reflect on the recurrent themes that have arisen from our guests over this first season. We thank for you listening, and hope you join us for Season Two when we are back later in the year. If you have guest suggestions pls leave us a review and who you would like to see on an upcoming episode of Lives Well Lived.

Keep up to date with Peter!

Website: www.petersinger.info

Substack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singer

Keep up to date with Kasia!

https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Audio Producer: Stuart Buckland

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREON

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

Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, is among the top 0.1% most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behaviour. In addition to academic work, Barrett has written two science books for the public, How Emotions are Made and Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain.

This episode begins with Lisa talking about how the brain's processes can help overcome anxiety related to public speaking, and how sensations interpreted as anxiety can be redefined as determination or arousal through cognitive reframing.

Peter and Kasia explore the philosophical implications of neuroscience concepts such as free will and the self, the construction of social reality, and environmental influences on leading a meaningful life.

Learn more about Lisa Feldman Barrett and read her books!

Keep up to date with Peter!

Website: www.petersinger.info

Substack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singer

Keep up to date with Kasia!

https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett (sadly no relation to Lisa Feldman Barrett)

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREON

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

Murali Doraiswamy is Professor of Psychiatry and Professor in Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine where he is a physician scientist at the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences.

This conversation explores the complex definitions and criteria for diagnosing mental illness and its prevalence worldwide. Prof Doraiswamy discusses contributing factors such as economic instability, cultural differences, and the impact of social media on mental health. Peter & Kasia discuss the role of psychiatry and the integration of positive psychology in improving individual well-being, alongside the ethics and challenges of treating terminal illnesses and the quality of life in dementia patients. Prof Doraiswamy talks about blending Eastern and Western approaches to understanding happiness and mental health, and the evolving perspectives on happiness through different stages of life.

If you are enjoying this podcast, consider supporting us over at PATREON

Keep up to date with Peter!

Website: www.petersinger.info

Substack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singer

Keep up to date with Kasia!

https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil

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